Extracurricular Activities—“Pursue your Passion!”

Extracurricular Activities—“Pursue your Passion!” A common question we receive is in regards to which extracurricular activities will look best on a college application. Our simple rule of thumb is to “pursue your passion” – in other words, do what you love to do with your free time. Why? Our experience is that the schools that […]
College Interviews — Worth It?

College Interviews — Worth It? We at College Insights believes that when offered, interviews offer our students an extra and beneficial extra “arrow in the quiver”. You’ll be better informed when making the important decision about choosing the “right fit” college, and the fact that you took the initiative to schedule an interview will underscore […]
Applications and Financial Aid Forms — “Be Proactive”!

Applications and Financial Aid Forms — “Be Proactive”! Congratulations! You have chosen your “Final List” of schools. It is time to go through what we call the college “application process” and the “financial aid process” to get into your “right school” and get as much free money as possible! In order to maximize your results […]
How to Get Extra Credit with the Admissions Office — “Demonstrate Interest”!

How to Get Extra Credit with the Admissions Office — “Demonstrate Interest”! It’s no secret that the college process is both complex and competitive. However, here are some simple tips for your student to gain extra points in the admissions process by demonstrating interest! College admissions offices often give students extra credit for interacting with […]
College Attributes — What to Look for when Searching for the “Right” School

College Attributes — What to Look for when Searching for the “Right” School We think the BEST chance for college success is to pick the “right school” unique to you! Ideally, where you will be happy! In summary, think of this, “big, small, country, city” — which school is your “best fit”? Outlined below are […]
“Senioritis” — A Mysterious Disease!

“Senioritis” — A Mysterious Disease! There is a mysterious disease that many high school seniors magically catch in the Fall of their senior year – a disease known as “senioritis”. Students wake up in their senior year and realize, “…this is the last year of my high school experience – it’s the last year I […]
College Freshman Checklist — What to Pack?

College Freshman Checklist — What to Pack? Congratulations Graduate! What’s Next? As high school draws to a close, it’s time to start preparing for the next adventure… College! To best prepare, here are tried and true tips and tricks: Memorize your social security number. You’ll need it. Shop early and shop sales. […]
Honors/AP Courses vs. “Regular” Courses— The Tradeoff

Honors/AP Courses vs. “Regular” Courses— The Tradeoff Course selection during the high school years can prove to be very important in the college admissions process. Courses should be chosen carefully and thoughtfully. As a simple rule of thumb, the student should take the most challenging curriculum they can handle while still maintaining their grades! So, […]
Common Application Essay Prompts — 2024-2025

Common Application Essay Prompts — 2024-2025 The essay portion of the common application is an important part of your college application. The essay provides a way for you to stand apart from the other applicants and display your differentiators including your character, experience, and your writing ability. Below, please find the list of 2024-2025 essay […]
Coalition Application and Essay — What is That?

Coalition Application and Essay — What is That? Stand out from the crowd. Use the essay portion of your college application to help admission counselors understand your character, motivation, experiences and writing ability. In addition to schools that require the Common Application and related essays, other schools require a Coalition Application and their own essays. […]