When should I start to fill out college applications?

Typically, you should start during the summer prior to your senior year. However, I always advise completing rough drafts of your college essays in the spring of junior year. This way you’ll only have to make minor tweaks to your essay during college application season.

How many colleges should I apply to?

A good rule of thumb is to apply to 6 colleges. You can apply to 3 Reach schools, 2 Match schools, and 1 Safety school. Reach, Match, and Safety mean something different to each student depending on the academic background. This is something that I will personalize to your credentials.

Should I apply early decision?

Early decision is a top way to demonstrate interest to a university. That being said, it is a binding agreement, so you really need to know that a college is your ultimate first choice before choosing this way to apply. We’ll talk about this in our meetings.

Should I apply to colleges that may be above my academic range?

ABSOLUTELY! What you see on college websites are ranges, most often the range of students accepted in the previous year. These are not cut-offs, but rather averages. There are always tail ends of both sides of the curve.

Should I apply to colleges I cannot afford?

Yes! You most likely will not pay full price for a college. Furthermore, you never will know if you could afford a particular school if you don’t apply! Colleges only review financial aid once you are accepted, so go ahead and put yourself out there if you want to see the full picture.

Can I reuse my essay?

Definitely! While the “WHY” essay will be individualized, the general Common Application essay or personal statement can and will be used for multiple colleges.