Would You Rather Be “Impressive” or Impactful ? Here’s a thought experiment I often pose to my students: If you had to choose between a world-class university where you’d be average  or a lesser-known school where you’d thrive , which would you pick? The truth is, many ambitious high schoolers get trapped chasing logos, not learning. They choose prestige because it feels  like the safer bet. But in college admissions (and career outcomes), the right fit,  especially your majo

If a program bears the Johns Hopkins  name and costs nearly $10,000 a year, it must be life-changing, right? That’s the question thousands of ambitious families ask each spring as they weigh the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY)  against other enrichment options. But as selective college admissions evolve, a harder truth is emerging: while CTY offers excellent academics and community, it’s not the admissions multiplier it once seemed. The students who stand out to

If innovation is the new admissions currency, what are you doing to earn it? Top universities no longer reward students for knowing the most they reward those who do  the most. Perfect grades prove comprehension. Perfect scores prove memory. But selective admissions officers today are asking a different question: Can you create something new with what you know? That’s the new bar for elite college admissions evidence of applied intelligence . And that’s where STEM competition

What Kinds of Extracurriculars Actually Impress Ivy League Schools? If straight A’s and perfect SAT scores no longer guarantee Ivy League admissions, what actually moves the needle? Every year, thousands of high-achieving students submit flawless transcripts only to land in the rejection pile. The paradox? The more selective universities become, the less traditional excellence seems to matter. Admissions officers now look for proof of distinction —evidence that a student ha

The Question No One Asks: If Tests Are “Optional,” Why Do Top Students Still Take Them? Here’s the paradox. We live in the age of “test-optional” admissions—yet nearly 2 million students  still sat for the SAT in 2024. If test scores supposedly no longer matter, why are so many high-achievers still choosing to test? The truth is, standardized tests like the SAT  and PSAT  are no longer just about meeting a requirement—they’re strategic tools. For students aiming for selective

Why Your Junior Year Winter Break Is a Golden Opportunity for College Applications What if the most important step toward your dream college takes place over winter break rather than during the school year? What if the most important step toward your dream college takes place over winter break rather than during the school year? Winter is the hidden admissions season . While many students use this time to unwind, high-achieving applicants view it as an accelerator, a chance