Patrick Zylka is a Vice President and Senior Counselor at College Solutions who specializes in guiding students pursuing creative and performing arts pathways. Drawing on his personal experience and years of experience helping young artists navigate auditions, portfolios, and program fit, Patrick brings both professional insight and firsthand understanding to the unique admissions journey for theater, music, dance, film, and design majors.
Read MoreDrawing on our exclusive conversation with New York Times bestselling author Jeff Selingo, College Solutions CEO Margaret Baudinet reflects on what families often miss amid today’s increasingly noisy college admissions landscape. This post distills key insights from their discussion of Dream School and offers a grounded perspective on why fit, engagement, and long-term outcomes matter more than prestige.
Read MoreExplore what it means to major in nursing, including career paths, program requirements, competitive admissions, and how College Solutions helps students navigate nursing school applications successfully.
Read MoreLaw school interviews can feel unpredictable, but they are far more consistent than most applicants realize. In this guide, Director of Law School Admissions Cordel Faulk breaks down what law schools are actually assessing in interviews and how to approach every format with clarity, structure, and confidence.
Read MoreDeciding between the SAT and ACT is a key step in college planning for the 2026 admissions cycle, and understanding how the tests differ can help students maximize their scores. This guide breaks down SAT vs. ACT structure, pacing, content focus, and student fit, with expert advice on how to choose the right test using diagnostics and strategic test prep.
Read MoreNavigating college financial aid can be overwhelming, but understanding grants, scholarships, and student loans is key to reducing college costs and avoiding unnecessary debt. This guide breaks down the financial aid process, explains how to maximize FAFSA eligibility, and helps families compare aid offers with confidence.
Read MoreDuring her most recent campus visit, College Solutions CEO Margaret Baudinet explored the College of Charleston and immediately understood why it continues to captivate students from across the country. In this campus spotlight, she shares what makes this historic, coastal campus such a standout, from its academic strengths to its effortless blend of charm, culture, and city life.
Read MoreThis post breaks down the 2026 law school admissions surge, with applications and applicants up dramatically nationwide, creating one of the most competitive cycles in decades. Former UVA Law admissions chief Cordel Faulk explains what’s driving the increase, how shifting LSAT score bands impact admissions strategy, and what applicants must do now to stay competitive, get seen, and maximize scholarship potential.
Read MoreThis guide walks students through how to write a thoughtful, effective thank-you message after a college interview, including timing, structure, and key phrases that reinforce interest and professionalism. Learn how a well-crafted thank-you note can strengthen your candidacy, leave a lasting positive impression, and demonstrate the communication skills that admissions officers value.
Read MoreMajoring in business opens doors to careers in finance, marketing, consulting, entrepreneurship, and more, making it one of the most versatile and high-opportunity college pathways for students interested in leadership, analytics, and organizational strategy. In this guide, we explain business concentrations, competitive business school admissions, career outcomes, and how College Solutions helps students find and get into the best-fit business programs.
Read MoreDrawing on decades of experience as an educator and tutor, John Piersol brings his signature blend of insight and clarity to one of the SAT’s most misunderstood challenges: the Reading and Writing section. Building on our earlier exploration of SAT Math difficulty, John explains why this part of the test feels so slippery and reveals the patterns that can help students turn frustration into mastery.
Read MoreFeeling stressed about college applications? You’re not alone. In this post, we share quick, effective tips to help you stay focused, organized, and positive. Learn how to set clear goals, manage your time, and keep your energy high while avoiding burnout. Stay motivated and confident as you work toward college success.
Read MoreThe 2024-25 law school admissions cycle was one of the most competitive and emotionally draining in recent memory, and early signs suggest this year may be just as intense. In this post, former UVA Law Chief Admissions Officer Cordel Faulk shares his expert insight on how to manage law school admissions stress, handle rejections with perspective, and stay grounded through the uncertainty of the process.
Read MoreJoin College Solutions Counselor Sara Reddy as she explores the University of South Carolina, where Southern charm meets modern innovation. From its nationally ranked business and honors programs to its vibrant campus atmosphere and strong sense of community, USC offers a dynamic college experience that continues to attract students from across the country. Will it make your college list?>
Read MoreUnderstand rolling admissions and how this flexible college application process allows students to submit applications and receive admissions decisions within weeks on a first-come, first-served basis until classes fill up. Learn the benefits of early submission for rolling admissions, plus strategic tips for balancing rolling admissions with Early Decision and Regular Decision applications.
Read MoreCollege Solutions Director of Tutoring Dickson Benesh breaks down why the SAT Math section feels so difficult for students, explaining challenges like complex problem phrasing, conceptual depth beyond plug-and-chug formulas, mixed skill requirements across algebra, geometry, and data analysis, and intense time pressure on the adaptive Module 2. Learn proven test-taking strategies, problem-solving techniques, and targeted SAT Math prep approaches that help students recognize common question types, work efficiently under pressure, and boost confidence to achieve their target scores.
Read MoreCollege Solutions VP Patrick Zylka debunks common college admissions myths and misinformation in this comprehensive presentation hosted by the University of Michigan Alumni Club, addressing critical questions about SAT/ACT testing requirements, AP course availability, extracurricular activities, and what really matters in college applications. Watch the full recording to learn expert strategies for positioning students effectively in the competitive college admissions process and discover which widely-circulated college application advice is accurate versus what could actually hurt your chances.
Read MoreDiscover how parents can effectively support teens in choosing the right college fit by balancing guidance with independence, emphasizing campus culture and academic programs over rankings, having honest financial conversations, and encouraging authenticity throughout the college application process. This essential guide helps parents navigate their role in the college search process through open communication, campus visits, practical support with deadlines and logistics, and ultimately respecting their teen's final college decision while being a supportive cheerleader rather than decision-maker.
Read MoreCollege Solutions Senior Counselors Terry Hurley-Maciulewicz and Patrick Zylka demonstrate the importance of keeping an open mind during the college search process by visiting rival Ohio State University in their Michigan Wolverine gear, proving that finding the right college fit transcends personal biases, rankings, and reputation. Learn why prospective students should approach college visits and the college list building process with exploration and flexibility, considering essential factors like campus culture, location, academic programs, extracurricular opportunities, and financial aid rather than predetermined assumptions.
Read MoreExplore everything you need to know about majoring in engineering, including competitive admissions requirements, essential STEM coursework like AP Physics and AP Calculus, diverse career opportunities in aerospace, biomedical, civil, mechanical, and computer engineering fields, and top engineering schools like MIT, Georgia Tech, UC Berkeley, and Purdue. Learn how College Solutions helps students strengthen engineering college applications by showcasing problem-solving skills, STEM preparation, and finding the best-fit engineering programs.
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