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I have helped and counseled dozens of people like Kautilya Veer and Olivia Tak with their successful US college applications, and here’s a secret no one tells you about making college lists. Elite colleges receive tens of thousands of applications each year and cannot admit everyone who qualifies. To filter out potential candidates, colleges prefer a well-rounded student who fits their student body rather than overachievers who don’t match their ethos. This is particularly true for small, selective colleges, that value fit over anything. But what is fit? It is a set of values that a college’s community follows, socially, academically, and personally. The best way to understand a college’s fit and what they look for is to surf through their values, “what we look for” sections, and honor codes. For example, this is Williams College’s values statement: https://williamsvalues.org. A short reading exercise and self-reflection will make you realize if you will be the right candidate for the college. And doing this for all your choices will help you in making highly successful college lists. Still unsure about finding your fit and right set of colleges? Book an appointment with me: https://lnkd.in/g9ktGUp9 (Your first call is absolutely FREE!)

A new college search season is kicking off, and the admissions process has undergone many changes. Register for our free webinar to hear Jeff Selingo and three veteran admissions leaders discuss the trends they’re seeing and what they mean for the next admissions cycles. The webinar will also cover: 💡 How to design a balanced college list. 💡 Ways to engage the family in the college search without it overwhelming your high school years. 💡 How to develop a testing strategy. 💡 What colleges are looking for in applicants. 💡 Ways to make the most of college visits. Register now: https://bit.ly/3PuMGTT #HuntingtonHelps #CollegePrep #CollegeAdmissions #Webinar #CollegeSearch

Today, let's delve into a crucial aspect of the college decision-making process—considering distance when researching colleges. As sophomores, juniors, and even seniors embark on the journey of exploring potential schools, understanding the impact of distance is essential. Join me as we uncover the key factors that can influence your decision and ensure a well-informed college choice. https://lnkd.in/etUFY5Dt

If you have a rising SENIOR, or even a rising JUNIOR, stop scrolling and read this! Ever noticed how the college admissions scene is starting to look more like an ultra-marathon than a sprint? 🏃♂️💨 With Duke University now turning away 95% of applicants and the volume of applications to top colleges tripling, it's clear we're in the midst of the craziest admissions season ever. Christoph Guttentag, Duke's Dean of Admissions, shares that he aims to review "ten [applications] before ten" each morning, sifting through an avalanche of 48,000 Regular Decision applications. Imagine that for a moment. The dedication to uncovering the potential in each application highlights the complexity and depth of the review process, underscoring the importance of standing out in a crowded field. Many parents ask me, what DOES it take to stand out? Every student is different, and there is no "one size fits all" when it comes to college counseling and support. It's not just about ticking boxes or cramming for tests; it's about crafting a story that resonates, a profile that pops off the page. With competition fiercer than ever, strategic preparation under the guidance of a seasoned college counselor can make all the difference. At Crimson Education, we like to build a support system around every student, and that support system is deeply dedicated to each one. Parents, are you doing enough to prepare your students for this marathon, or are you leaving too much to chance in the final sprint? Let's chat about how Crimson Education can support our future leaders in navigating this journey, just shoot me a message. 🎓🚀

I'm concerned about the decline in young men's college enrollment. Recent reports have highlighted a troubling trend: a decrease in young men pursuing college degrees. Geoff Bennett's PBS story, "Why Fewer Young Men are Choosing to Pursue College Degrees," has illuminated this issue, revealing that about one million fewer young men enrolled compared to a decade ago. 🤔 For me, this raises critical questions about our educational systems: 1. What systemic factors contribute to young men increasingly seeking alternative occupational tracks? 2. How is social capital influencing their ability to achieve their career aspirations without a traditional college education? We must comprehend these dynamics to ensure that all young people have access to the knowledge and information required to make well-informed decisions about their futures. Let's reconsider how we can support young men in navigating their career paths through higher education or alternative routes. 💡 https://lnkd.in/eifm7wYg #HigherEducation #FutureOfWork #SocialCapital #RethinkingCollege

My name is Sam McLaughlin, Founder of the new college website: collegeconnectiongroup.com, offering both free and paid DSAT/ACT Test Prep services as well as free and paid College Counseling Services. 📈 The college admissions landscape has changed dramatically, with exponentially increasing difficulty for students to get into the top 200 most selective colleges in the US. To navigate this competitive environment, students are now applying to 10-12 colleges on average, strategically balancing their college lists. Adaptability and a well-rounded application are key to standing out in today's admissions race. 🔑 #CollegeAdmissionsLandscape #CompetitiveAdmissions #AdaptToSucceed

As more students question the value of college, more high schools are bringing college options into their walls. In the latest installment of our Doubting College series, we visit a high school where students can earn a two-year degree without leaving the building, and where students can also get a jump on other career options that don’t require higher education.

My name is Sam McLaughlin, Founder of the new college website: collegeconnectiongroup.com, offering both free and paid DSAT/ACT Test Prep services as well as free and paid College Counseling Services. 📈 The college admissions landscape has changed dramatically, with exponentially increasing difficulty for students to get into the top 200 most selective colleges in the US. To navigate this competitive environment, students are now applying to 10-12 colleges on average, strategically balancing their college lists. Adaptability and a well-rounded application are key to standing out in today's admissions race. 🔑 #CollegeAdmissionsLandscape #CompetitiveAdmissions #AdaptToSucceed

A Revolution of Values ... for College Admissions Martin Luther King, Jr. once wrote, "a true revolution of values will soon look on uneasily upon the glaring contrast of poverty and wealth with righteous indignation." While he wasn't referring to college admissions, he could have been. A recent New York Magazine cover story dives deep into the world of exclusive "Independent Education Consultants" (IECs) who charge exorbitant fees for admissions advice and coaching. According to the article, the featured IEC charged up to $10,000 for a 45-minute session, and his firm provides six-figure package deals for coaching throughout high school. While the average cost of an IEC is reported to be around $7,000, this is an unregulated industry, and anecdotal evidence suggests that fees can be much higher for many families. A survey of Harvard's Class of 2027 found that 30% of respondents from families earning half a million dollars or more per year hired a consultant, compared to just 6-7% of respondents from homes with incomes of $125,000 or less. This means that 23% of Harvard's Class of 2027 used an IEC. While highly selective institutions are just a small part of the higher education industry, the rising costs of a private admissions coach only exacerbate the already glaring contrast of poverty and wealth. The average school counselor to student ratio in the US is one counselor to 408 students, leaving many students with little to no guidance. Those who can afford it get nearly unlimited coaching and support, while those who can't may only receive 28 minutes of 1:1 advice over their entire high school career. It's time to do better. What are your thoughts? #EducationAI #EducationInnovation #FutureOfEducation #FutureOfWork https://lnkd.in/gRj8KUfa

In navigating the multifaceted landscape of college admissions, it's critical to form of a list of schools that is in harmony with your academic and personal objectives. Focus on strategies that transcend the allure of name recognition and instead concentrate on a true alignment with individual aspirations and potential for development. Here are five steps to crafting a strategic college list: