The College Prep Corner
Clarity, strategy, and peace of mind for families planning the road to college.
College prep raises a lot of questions, and most of them depend on the student in front of you. We write about what we actually see working, from building a realistic testing timeline to finding schools that are the right fit. Practical guidance from people who do this every day.
The College Admissions Timeline: What to Expect and When
Most families don't realize the college process has a different job at every grade level until they're already behind. This is a grade-by-grade breakdown of what to focus on when, from freshman year exploration to senior year execution, so you're never starting from scratch at the wrong time.
Class of 2026 College Results and What the Advising Process Actually Looked Like
Twenty-one students. Twenty-one different answers to the question "where will I thrive?" The Class of 2026 is heading to Dartmouth, Michigan, Barnard, St. Andrews, and everywhere in between, and the paths they took to get there looked nothing alike. Here's what the advising process actually looked like behind the scenes.
How Colleges Evaluate Academic Rigor and Why AP Access Matters
Most parents focus on junior year as the big planning moment for college admissions. By then, the doors to AP courses have often been opened or closed already. Here is why sophomore year is the quiet turning point in a strong transcript.
How SAT/ACT Prep Can Boost Your Student’s Algebra 2 Grade
SAT and ACT math leans heavily on Algebra 2 content, which means smart prep can lift test scores and classroom grades at the same time. Here is how to time test prep around when your student takes Algebra 2, whether that's 9th, 10th, or 11th grade.
40 Prestigious National Competitions That Will Make Your College Application Stand Out
Strong grades and test scores get a student to the starting line, but admissions officers at the most selective schools also want to see real achievement outside the classroom. National competitions are one of the clearest signals of that kind of work. Here are 40 worth knowing about, sorted by interest area, from ISEF and USACO to the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards.
The Return of Standardized Testing: Why UPenn and Other Elite Universities Are Going Back to Test-Required Admissions
UPenn just announced it is requiring the SAT or ACT again, becoming the sixth Ivy League school to drop test-optional policy. Seven of the top ten universities now require scores, and the data shows applications go up, not down, when schools make this change. Here is what it means for current freshmen, sophomores, and juniors planning their test timeline.
AP vs. IB
Most families know AP, but when the IB Diploma Program comes up, parents often have questions. Both programs are rigorous, both can carry weight in admissions, and at many schools students can mix and match courses from each. Here is how AP and IB actually compare and how to think about which one fits your student best.