<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Apply Smarter]]></title><description><![CDATA[Apply Smarter provides expert, personalized guidance to help students navigate the college search and application process with confidence and clarity.]]></description><link>https://www.applysmarter.net/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 17:52:27 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.applysmarter.net/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Apply Smarter April Newsletter]]></title><link>https://www.applysmarter.net/post/apply-smarter-april-newsletter</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69d3c8b411b9dfb4baa512c4</guid><pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 14:55:10 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7926ff_474b8c7172b64daba8717fe0de58ac05~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Kim Cassamas</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Freshman Year Decisions with Long-Term Impact]]></title><description><![CDATA[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 both a teacher and a...]]></description><link>https://www.applysmarter.net/post/freshman-year-decisions-with-long-term-impact</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69cb114d138134f81729264c</guid><pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:20:28 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_2eefcae6d39b4d2d89ef3f59f0b6dc34~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Kim Cassamas</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Make the Most of a College Visit]]></title><description><![CDATA[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 help you remember...]]></description><link>https://www.applysmarter.net/post/how-to-make-the-most-of-a-college-visit</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c2a8948f0e652aaa2ee66a</guid><pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 15:11:59 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7926ff_b0dc9194b84341c8907278b4b8c99e18~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_675,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Kim Cassamas</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Apply Smarter March Newsletter]]></title><link>https://www.applysmarter.net/post/apply-smarter-march-newsletter</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69b97b433df4a8950cf59889</guid><pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 16:05:03 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7926ff_2f155257c3da43759c5bff377f582bc8~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Kim Cassamas</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The 4 Factors That Shape Today’s College Admissions Decisions]]></title><description><![CDATA[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 college...]]></description><link>https://www.applysmarter.net/post/the-4-factors-that-shape-today-s-college-admissions-decisions</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69b84f891d5a8875c9f3cd5b</guid><pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2026 18:51:21 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f0af4840c5704569b1bd7daeeb2589a9.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Kim Cassamas</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[5 Reasons Why Every Student Should Have a Strong Local College Option on Their List (Even If You’re Ready to Leave)]]></title><description><![CDATA[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 flagship university, a...]]></description><link>https://www.applysmarter.net/post/5-reasons-why-every-student-should-have-a-strong-local-college-option-on-their-list-even-if-you-re</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69b16eb8f333f99e51f2c596</guid><pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 13:36:47 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7926ff_b0dc9194b84341c8907278b4b8c99e18~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_675,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Kim Cassamas</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Use Spring Break to Jump-Start Your College Search]]></title><description><![CDATA[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 what you don’t...]]></description><link>https://www.applysmarter.net/post/use-spring-break-to-jump-start-your-college-search</link><guid isPermaLink="false">699924c9d0665d05ef556365</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 03:26:26 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1b1fe64d2c414bec938f87409420d450.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Kim Cassamas</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[5 High School Decisions That Quietly Shape College &#38; Career Options]]></title><description><![CDATA[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 then the question...]]></description><link>https://www.applysmarter.net/post/5-high-school-decisions-that-quietly-shape-college-career-options</link><guid isPermaLink="false">698df85731ffa9c24361f6b2</guid><pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2026 20:49:26 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_6e16f14c7148445d94d00c72dd1ce027~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Kim Cassamas</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>