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Waitlist Do’s and Don'ts
Waitlisted? Here’s what to do and not do to minimize stress and maximize success, no matter where you end up for college.
Jenny Deren
Apr 45 min read
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6 Steps for Effective College Research: How to Reduce Stress in the College List Building and Application Process
Researching colleges and universities can be time-consuming and tedious, but it’s one of the best ways to reduce stress in the college...
Jenny Deren
Mar 139 min read
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How to Prepare for College Admissions: Tips for 11th Graders
From challenging courses to campus visits, discover 8 essential ways for 11th graders to gear up for college admissions.
Jenny Deren
Aug 30, 202414 min read
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6 Tips for a Standout Common App Activities Section
Try these expert tips for crafting a Common App Activities list that helps you stand out in your college admission applications.
Jenny Deren
Aug 5, 20247 min read
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How the AXS Companion to Common App Can Help You Apply to College
The AXS Companion is a free, open-access web resource with written and video instructions for completing every part of the Common App.
Jenny Deren
Apr 19, 20246 min read
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9 Ways to Demonstrate Interest in Your Top-Choice Colleges (and Why It Matters)
Discover strategies for connecting with colleges, why demonstrated interest matters, and how it can boost your chances of admission.
Jenny Deren
Mar 22, 202411 min read
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Creating a College Planning Timeline: Essential Tips for a Low-Stress Application Process
Follow these college planning timeline tips to stay on track for a more manageable, lower-stress college search and application process.
Jenny Deren
Feb 15, 20246 min read
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How to Prepare for Your College Admission Interview
To reduce anxiety and help you put your best foot forward, check out these tips for preparing for your college admission interview.
Jenny Deren
Jan 19, 20247 min read
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13 Productive Winter Break Activities for High School Students
Discover ways for high school students to explore interests and jump start their college planning, while still getting the rest they need.
Jenny Deren
Dec 15, 202311 min read
694 views
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Navigating the 2024-25 FAFSA Delay: What to Do While You Wait
The 2024-25 FAFSA will open by December 31, 2023. Here's what you can do NOW to get a head start on your federal financial aid application.
Jenny Deren
Nov 16, 20239 min read
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6 Tips for Stress Free College Essays
6 tips for minimizing stress and maximizing admission and merit aid offers with clear, well-written college essays
Jenny Deren
Oct 3, 20239 min read
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Back to School Checklist for High School Students Planning for College
These action items will help you get focused, stay productive, and prepare for success in manageable, low-stress steps.
Jenny Deren
Aug 23, 20234 min read
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Apply With Purpose: 5 Strategies for Standing Out in Your College Applications
Part 3 in a 3-part series about the 3 steps in the application process: Understand Yourself, Find Your Right Fit Schools, Apply With Purpose
Jenny Deren
Aug 4, 202312 min read
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Find the "Right Fit" Schools For You: How to Start Your College Search
Part 2 in a 3-part series about the 3 steps in the application process: Understand Yourself, Find Your Right Fit Schools, Apply With Purpose
Jenny Deren
Jul 3, 202312 min read
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Understanding Yourself as a College Applicant: 4 Tips for Self-Assessment and Reflection
Part 1 in a 3-part series about the 3 steps in the application process: Understand Yourself, Find Your Right Fit Schools, Apply With Purpose
Jenny Deren
Jun 15, 20237 min read
38 views
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5 Tips for Starting Your College Applications
Summer is upon us, and it's time for 11th graders (now rising 12th graders) to begin their college applications. I know what you're...
Jenny Deren
May 29, 20235 min read
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What is an Independent Educational Consultant?
You know your guidance or college counselor at school, and you've heard of college admission officers, who are sometimes called...
Jenny Deren
May 16, 20236 min read
46 views
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Which Teachers Should I Ask to Write Letters of Recommendation?
As 11th grade comes to a close and college applications come into focus, it's time to ask your teachers for letters of recommendation....
Jenny Deren
Apr 28, 20238 min read
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