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.
Read MoreMaster 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.
Read MoreOur CEO, Margaret Bolton Baudinet, paid a visit to Sewanee, The University of the South, and discovered a campus that feels both timeless and deeply inspiring. From its expansive natural beauty to its standout creative writing program, Sewanee offers a one-of-a-kind college experience for students who think independently and dream big.
Read MoreLearn 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.
Read MoreWe’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.
Read MoreSupplemental essays give us the chance to stand out by showing our authentic voices, values, and connections to each college’s community. In this post, we share our best tips for researching prompts, crafting focused responses, and writing standout essays that elevate your college applications.
Read MoreThe college admissions process looks very different than it did even a few years ago—and parents play a key role in helping students adapt. In this post, we break down ten essential insights every parent should know about today’s admissions landscape, from test-optional policies and holistic review to finding the right college fit beyond prestige.
Read MoreDidn’t get into law school the first time around? In this What’s Next? feature, Cordel Faulk, former UVA Law Chief Admissions Officer and head of College Solutions’ law school advising program, explains how to turn a reapplication into a strategic advantage—showcasing growth, reflection, and renewed purpose in the admissions process.
Read MoreCurious 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.
Read MoreMaster 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.
Read MoreNavigate 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.
Read MoreFormer 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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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.
Read MoreHave you ever considered applying to Davidson College? In today’s campus spotlight, College Solutions Counselor Sara Reddy recaps her most recent visit to this “hidden Ivy” and some of the many features that make Davidson a unique school worth considering.
Read MoreDiscover 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.
Read MoreFormer 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.
Read MoreIn an increasingly competitive college application process, it can be hard to know what will make a lasting impression on admissions officers. In today's blog post, we outline our top five ways to make your college application stand out. Follow these tips to make your college application memorable.
Read MoreLearn 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.
Read MoreVP and Senior Counselor Patrick Zylka provides an overview of a number of universities he toured in London.
Read MoreExplore 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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