One of the most common criticisms parents and students have about the college admissions process is its apparent lack of transparency. However, the Common Data Set (CDS), published by colleges and universities across the country and accessible through their websites, provides a wealth of valuable information about the previous year’s admissions cycle. This information includes (but is not limited to) the total number of applicants, the percentage of students accepted, and the

Fall of senior year has certainly changed from a college admissions perspective over the past several years. Data suggests that approximately half of college applications are now submitted during the Early Decision or Early Action cycle, meaning high school students need to start ramping up their college search efforts earlier than they may have in the past. College Board has jumped into this fall frenzy as well, offering an August administration of the SAT in addition to i

For a while, it seemed as though using SAT or ACT scores as a metric in the college admissions process was becoming a thing of the past. Critics of both tests argued that students from lower-income backgrounds were at a disadvantage compared with their higher-income peers, given the former’s more limited access to test-preparation resources and the ability to take the ACT or SAT multiple times in an effort to improve their “superscore.” Then came the COVID-19 pandemic, which

There is usually a great deal of angst around this time of year. Parents and students realize that the start of school is right around the corner and begin to question whether they are truly prepared. Middle and high school students are checking their school websites to figure out summer assignments, while parents of elementary-aged children anticipate the laundry list of supplies they need to purchase for the classroom. With all of this in mind, it’s important to take some

When your child has an IEP or a 504 Plan, you want to know they're receiving the support they need to be successful in school. But special education can feel like learning a completely new language. Acronyms, legal requirements, evaluations, meetings, accommodations, and services can quickly become overwhelming—even for parents who are deeply involved in their child's education. That's vwhere an educational advocate can help. What Is Educational Advocacy@? Catonxnss An educat

Executive functioning encompasses the cognitive skills that enable students to organize information, manage their time, plan and prioritize tasks, initiate work, maintain focus, and regulate their behavior. As students progress through school and academic expectations increase, these skills become essential for achieving success both inside and outside the classroom. Executive functioning is largely associated with the brain's prefrontal cortex, an area that continues to de

One of the biggest surprises for many families after high school graduation is discovering that a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) does not follow them to college. After years of advocating for services through the K-12 special education system, it can feel overwhelming to learn that the rules change once a student enrolls in a college, university, or trade school. Understanding these differences before classes begin can make the transition much smoother. Why

The college admissions landscape has changed dramatically over the past decade. Today, colleges take a much more holistic approach when evaluating applicants. While quantitative measures such as GPA, standardized test scores, and class rank remain important, admissions officers also place significant value on qualitative factors, including personal essays, letters of recommendation, course rigor, extracurricular involvement, and evidence of character and leadership. With the