All Getting in Articles

How can an independent college counselor help you?
questions & answers

What is an Independent College Counselor?

By Liz SkogerboeLast updated on December 22, 2022
Maybe you’ve heard of them, and maybe you haven’t. Sometimes referred to as Independent Educational Consultants, these counselors are frequently self-employed, or otherwise, work for consulting businesses. Independent College Counselors work to help students and their families navigate the college search and application process. Who do they work with? Counselors typically work with families that …
A black and white alarm clock next to an open notebook.
ACT & SAT

When Should Students Take the ACT / SAT?

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022
Now, I know what you might be thinking. Students generally take the ACT or SAT in the spring of their junior year. Why should you consider taking it earlier than that, or multiple times? The truth of the matter is that you are almost guaranteed to increase your score by taking the test a second …
questions & answers

What Exactly is College Readiness and Why Does It Matter?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on April 23, 2025
Key Takeaways: College readiness is a series of benchmarks high school graduates should meet before heading to college. Students should have a well-rounded education in a variety of subjects, along with self-awareness and various skills, including critical thinking and communication. Schools measure a student’s college readiness by looking at their GPA, academic rigor, social skills, …
Puppies are just one way to boost your GPA
college applications

Unique Ways to Boost Your GPA

By Liz SkogerboeLast updated on December 22, 2022
Have you found yourself feeling anxious about your GPA, and wondering how you can boost it? Look no further! There are a lot of little tips and tricks for you to utilize to put your best foot forward and succeed. Besides the obvious doing the readings and studying, there are other more psychological hacks you …
Sophomores can start prepping for college!
college applications

A High School Sophomore’s College Planning Guide

By Allison WignallLast updated on April 20, 2023
You may think college prep can wait another year, but current college students will tell you otherwise. Sure, college applications and the FAFSA don’t have to be turned in until your senior year, but, the early bird gets the worm and early sophomores get the jumpstart on college. Starting your college planning as a sophomore …
The front of a building on a college campus with trees surrounding it.
college applications, questions & answers

What is the Coalition Application?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
You’ve probably heard of the Common Application, but what about the Coalition Application? It came out a few years ago, and it may be worth your time to explore the differences. Here’s what you need to know about the Coalition Application, its pros and cons, and how it stacks up against the Common App. What …
Did you know that it's a myth that name-dropping will get you accepted into college
myths

Myth: Name-Dropping Will Boost My College Acceptance Odds

By Maria Andreina FernandezLast updated on December 22, 2022
College applications are a very tedious, but important, thing on every student’s to-do-list. We must fill in the online application, take our ACT / SAT tests, and ensure that all of our transcripts and other documents are sent to the university on time–among a zillion other things. Students focus mostly on sending the documents and filling out their …

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Join thousands of students and parents learning about finding the right college, admissions secrets, scholarships, financial aid, and more.