Read Swami’s Take on College Admissions on Substack
Our widely read Substack offers clear, evidence-based insights on college admissions, majors, and student development—written for parents, students, and counselors navigating a complex and often opaque process. You’ll find thoughtful analysis, practical guidance, and reflections grounded in real advising work and national data. Explore it at this link.
The Eight Factors College Admissions Officials Look for in Your Application
Understand the admissions factors college admissions officials consider in an student to build a great application.
Your Guide to Maximizing Financial Aid
College can cost upwards of $80,000 a year. Maximizing financial aid and qualifying for scholarships is critical. Here’s how the system works.
Tips for College Essay Writers
Jane Hirschhorn offers practical tips for moving through the college essay writing process with ease and confidence.
How to Choose Your College
In the spring of senior year, students receive decisions from colleges. Here are LifeLaunchr’s tips for making your college decision wisely.
How to Research Colleges
Researching colleges systematically and carefully is critical to building a list that genuinely fits the student.
Showcase Your Extracurricular Activities
Explaining a student’s extracurricular activities is an integral part of the holistic admissions process at U.S. universities. Here’s what you need to know.
What Families Need to Know About College Financial Aid
Student loan debt in the U.S. now exceeds $1.5 trillion dollars. Parents and students need to know how college financial aid works.
Creating An Authentic Balance in Your College List
To make a good college list, focus on finding good fits, rather than chasing after the highest-ranked colleges. Rankings are arbitrary.
How You Can Thrive During Remote Learning
Last spring taught us some lessons about thriving with remote learning. Here are keys to success with online education during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Writing About COVID-19 in Your College Admission Essay
For students applying to college using the CommonApp, there are several different places where students and counselors can address the pandemic’s impact, and those different sections have differing goals.