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For many teenagers, a summer job is about much more than earning money. It's an opportunity to build skills, gain experience, develop confidence, and take an important step toward independence. This year, however, many reports suggest that summer employment is more competitive than usual. If you've been applying for jobs and haven't received a call back yet, don't panic. There are still plenty of ways to improve your chances and stand out from other applicants. Here are my to

What students (and parents) should actually focus on when starting the college essay process Is there any assignment more intimidating than the college essay? For many students, the essay begins haunting them long before senior year even starts. Somewhere along the way, the college essay turned into a kind of urban legend—this pressure-filled task that feels like it could make or break everything. Here’s the good news: It won’t. Yes, the essay matters. It absolutely plays a r

After more than 25 years working with high school students, I’ve seen a wide range of outcomes. I’ve worked with students who went on to highly selective colleges, and I’ve worked with students who fought hard just to make it across the graduation stage. Here’s what stands out most: I’ve seen both groups succeed and both struggle. As I now begin navigating the high school years as a parent myself, I find myself coming back to the same question: What actually helps a student t

How to make the most of college fairs and stand out in the process It’s that time of year—college fair season. Both spring and fall bring opportunities for students to attend local college fairs, whether hosted at high schools or nearby colleges. Admissions representatives from schools across the country travel to these events to meet students, answer questions, and share what makes their campuses unique. Here’s something many students don’t realize: The representatives you m

Freshman year of high school is a time of new beginnings and while it may feel like you have plenty of time to figure things out, the choices you make now can have a lasting impact on your future. I know what you might be thinking: “I’m just getting started, I have time.” And you do. But high school moves quickly, and a little intentional planning early on can make a meaningful difference when it comes time to decide what’s next after graduation. Through my experience as bot

Simple strategies to help students compare campuses with confidence There is an endless list of things to consider when visiting college campuses. Every school has something unique to offer, and it can quickly become overwhelming if you do not have a plan for what you are observing along the way. One of the most important things you can do during the college search is keep organized, comparable notes for every school you visit. When decision time arrives, these notes will he

When families start thinking about the college admissions process, it can feel overwhelming very quickly. There are so many pieces to consider that it can be difficult to understand what actually matters most. In my experience working with high school students, the process can be simplified into four main categories that define how colleges evaluate applicants: A student’s academic record (GPA and course rigor) Standardized test scores The college essay Your story While every

For many high school students, part of the excitement of college is the opportunity to leave home and experience something new. The idea of starting fresh in a new place is energizing and, for many, an important part of growing up. But here’s something I encourage every student and family to consider carefully: having at least one strong local college option on your application list is not a step backward, it’s a smart and strategic decision. This could be your in-state flags

Spring break is one of the best opportunities you’ll have during high school to visit college campuses, especially during junior year. When high schools are on break, many colleges are still in session, which means you can experience campuses as they truly feel on a normal school day. If you can, make campus visits a priority at least once during high school and definitely during junior year . Even visiting schools you aren’t sure about can be incredibly helpful. Sometimes w

Many students approach course selection without a clear plan and that’s completely normal. High school course decisions are often made while students are still finding their footing in the current school year. Reflection usually comes later. As a former high school counselor, I can’t tell you how many students have reached out to me over the summer with a brand-new vision for what they want to do next year. After some time to step back and reflect, things start to click. And