All right, juniors—summer is coming, and so is the time to start writing those college essays. Whether you’re dreading it or excited to spill your life story, one thing is for sure: your essay needs to stand out. Admissions officers read thousands of these, and if you go with an overused topic, your application might just blend into the pile.

The application requirements for most colleges in the US include a letter of recommendation from the student's high school guidance counselor and often one or two of their classroom teachers. These letters provide colleges with insight into who you are beyond your grades and test scores.

Deciding which college to attend can be one of the toughest decisions for high school seniors. With so many options, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure. If you’re struggling to make your final decision, here are some tips to help you sort through your choices.

As parents of sophomores and juniors schedule flights, rent cars, make hotel reservations, and book spring break campus tours, this whole “college thing” becomes eerily real. 

Okay students, let's be real. Your life is probably all over social media. From TikTok dances to Insta-worthy sunsets to those hilarious Snapchat streaks, it’s how you connect, express yourself, and keep up with everything. But here's a thought that might make you pause before your next post: colleges might be watching. Yes, admission officers could be scrolling through your feeds, and what they see might impact your future.