TL;DR — Thinking About Law School Before You Start College? Good. Now Don’t Overdo It.

Former UVA Law Chief Admissions Officer Cordel Faulk advises high school students and college-bound students thinking about law school to focus on genuine intellectual growth, meaningful extracurricular involvement, and building strong character rather than trying to game the pre-law path. Learn why your undergraduate college choice, major selection, leadership experiences, summer activities, and personal integrity matter more to law school admissions than following a rigid "pre-law" checklist or attending a name-brand institution.

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How to Navigate the Common App

Master the Common Application platform with this step-by-step guide covering how to navigate Common App sections, including profile setup, activities lists, personal statement essays, supplemental essays, teacher recommendations, and college-specific requirements. Learn essential strategies for streamlining your college admissions process, organizing application materials, meeting deadlines, and tailoring responses to maximize your chances of admission to multiple colleges through one efficient platform.

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How to Build a Strong College Application Resume

Learn how to create a standout college application resume that showcases extracurricular activities, leadership roles, volunteer work, academic achievements, and work experience through clear organization and measurable accomplishments. This comprehensive guide covers essential resume-building strategies including proper formatting, using action verbs, tailoring content to specific colleges and programs, and highlighting impact to impress admissions officers and strengthen your college application.

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Margaret BaudinetComment
Tutor Talk: My M.O. as a Tutor

We’re kicking off our new Tutor Talk series with a post from our Director of Tutoring, Dickson Benesh, a veteran math teacher with nearly three decades of classroom experience. In this feature, Dickson shares his student-centered approach to tutoring and how he helps students build confidence, master challenging material, and achieve their best on the SAT and ACT.

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Campus Spotlight: Tufts University

Curious about what makes Tufts University stand out among top research universities? In this Campus Spotlight, Senior Counselor Mattie Engel shares her firsthand insights from a recent campus visit—highlighting Tufts’ collaborative community, interdisciplinary academics, and the vibrant energy that defines student life in Medford.

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How to Ace a College Interview

Master your college interview with expert strategies for researching schools, preparing common interview questions, showcasing your strengths, and demonstrating genuine interest to admissions officers and alumni interviewers. This comprehensive guide covers essential college admissions interview preparation tips including understanding evaluative versus informational interviews, asking thoughtful questions, dressing professionally, staying authentic, and following up to leave a lasting positive impression.

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How to Choose a College Major (When You’re Unsure)

Navigate the college major selection process with expert guidance on self-reflection, exploring career possibilities, utilizing campus resources like career centers and academic advisors, and taking advantage of general education classes to discover your passions. This comprehensive guide helps undecided college students choose the right major through practical strategies including researching careers, shadowing professionals, considering double majors or minors, and understanding the difference between specialized and flexible degree programs.

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TL; DR — AI in Law School Admissions

Former UVA Law Chief Admissions Officer Cordel Faulk explores the growing role of Artificial Intelligence in law school admissions, explaining how applicants can ethically use AI tools for editing and brainstorming while maintaining authenticity in personal statements. Learn essential guidelines for responsible AI use in the law school application process, including when AI crosses ethical boundaries, how admissions offices are incorporating technology, and why transparency and human judgment remain critical to fair admissions decisions.

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How to Write a Killer Personal Statement

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Learn how to write a standout college personal statement with expert tips on brainstorming unique angles, crafting authentic stories, using vivid details, and demonstrating personal growth that impresses admissions officers. This comprehensive guide covers essential college application essay strategies including understanding prompts, developing a strong voice, proper structure, effective editing, and avoiding common clichés to create a killer personal statement.

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What to Expect During College Orientation

Discover what to expect during college orientation, including meeting new classmates, learning about campus resources, registering for classes, exploring extracurricular opportunities, and attending practical information sessions on campus safety and student life. This comprehensive guide helps incoming college students and families prepare for orientation programs, build community connections, and establish a strong foundation for a successful college journey.

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TL;DR — It’s Law School Waitlist Season, Fam…

Former UVA Law Chief Admissions Officer Cordel Faulk explains what law school waitlist season means for applicants, emphasizing that waitlist admission is a normal part of the competitive law school admissions process and doesn't diminish your achievement. Learn essential waitlist strategies including writing a letter of continued interest (LOCI), staying appropriately engaged with admissions committees, and preparing for quick decision turnarounds when offers arrive.

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How Early Should You Start Preparing for College Admissions?

Learn when to start preparing for college admissions with this comprehensive timeline guide covering middle school through senior year, including key milestones for standardized test prep, college visits, extracurricular activities, and application deadlines. Discover how early preparation—beginning as early as middle school—can reduce stress and set your teen up for college admissions success through strong study habits, strategic course selection, and timely financial aid applications.

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The Pros and Cons of Living On Campus

Explore the pros and cons of on-campus housing for college students, including proximity to classes, built-in community, access to campus resources, and structured support, balanced against costs, limited privacy, and potential distractions. This guide helps incoming college students and first-year students decide between on-campus and off-campus living based on personal priorities and financial considerations.

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