Hill College Counseling

STRATEGY SATURDAY: The 3-2-1 Rule for college applications 📊

3 Safety schools (you’re confident you’ll get in)
2 Target schools (realistic matches for your profile)
1 Reach school (dream schools, low acceptance odds)

But here’s the twist: Apply to MORE than 6 schools total.
Why? Because admissions have become unpredictable. More applications = more opportunities = better outcomes.
Strategic application lists win the game.

I’m here to share the inside scoop on college admissions—the things no one tells you but every family needs to know. For me, this isn’t just work—it’s personal. As both an educator and a STEM professional, I’ve seen firsthand how limited access to the right information can hold students back.

That whole “if you know, you know” mentality? It shouldn’t exist when it comes to your child’s future.

I’ll be breaking down some of the mistakes my own family made so you don’t have to repeat them. My goal is simple: to make the admissions process clearer, more accessible, and more affirming for every student and family I work with.

TIP TUESDAY: The #1 mistake I see families make? 📝

Waiting until senior year to start the financial aid conversation.

By then, you’ve missed:

1. Strategic course planning for merit aid
2. Asset positioning opportunities
3. Early scholarship deadlines
4. Need-based aid optimization

Don’t be like them, be a proactive family and start financial planning as early as SOPHOMORE year.

Need help getting started? Comment “sophomore year” to get started!

After 15 years in this field, we’ve seen one thing become clear: Early Decision isn’t just strategic—it’s essential.

The students who succeed in the early round aren’t cramming in October. They’re planning now.

Right now, our families are:
✅ Building balanced college lists
✅ Developing compelling and authentic essay themes
✅ Strategizing which schools are right for Early Decision

May through July is the sweet spot for rising seniors. That’s when your child can get ahead—without the panic of the fall rush.

We’re offering $200 off our Comprehensive Strategy Session now through August 1st—just $450 for a full roadmap to early admissions success.

Let’s make senior year feel less stressful—and more strategic.

📍DM us with questions.

🎓 Parents, the college admissions game has changed – big time.

✅ Apps are up 25% since 2020
✅ Acceptance rates are hitting record lows (Brown was 4% this year)
✅ Early applicants are 4x more likely to get in

If you’re thinking, “We’ll start in the fall,” think again. July isn’t too early – it’s strategic.

We just dropped an article breaking down the 5 biggest shifts every parent of a rising senior needs to know right now.

👉🏾 Tap the link in stories to read it and see how you can help your child get ahead this summer.

Because when you know better, you can plan better.

After 15 years in college admissions, here’s what I know for sure... 🎓

The students who get into their dream schools aren’t always the ones with perfect grades.

They’re the ones with:
✅ Clear personal narratives
✅ Strategic activity choices
✅ Well-crafted application strategies
✅ Strong family support systems

Your child has what it takes. Sometimes they just need the right roadmap.

“

"this is wrong. very wrong...there are so many things wrong" -- BME lab manager, Feb 9, 2009

My lab mate and I took this picture when we were in a "weed-out" class for Biomedical Engineering. A weed-out class is a highly rigorous introductory class, typically in STEM, that is often used by a college or university that removes the lowest-performing students from progressing. Building this circuit was supposed to take us 30-45 minutes. Three hours later, we asked the lab manager to check our work... and that was his response. We laughed, we cried, and EVENTUALLY we got the stupid thing to work.

For students interested in college, specifically in STEM, there is a level of persistence required that pushes your character to the next level. However, what is of EQUAL IMPORTANCE is having a school with a great academic fit and the appropriate resources to help students navigate setbacks.

When identifying a student's interest, I also coach and support them in finding schools with a great academic match-- do you feel like your school was the right fit for you as a student? Why or why not? Comment below! Let's discuss!

We are often approached by parents who are worried because their child is not a 5.0 student (and yes, that is a real GPA). I listen to their concerns and then, together, we unpack the fear that is behind WHY they think this level of academic achievement is required. Then, I highlight the successes and strengths of their student.

I always share with them a little secret...I didn't have a 5.0 GPA and I was accepted to Duke University, Vanderbilt, Brown, Carnegie Mellon, and many other top engineering programs at elite universities.

College is NOT about perfection. College is a season where your child sharpens and develops skills for later seasons of life.

Is college for everyone? No. But for those who ARE driven to extend their education, there is help! I would LOVE to walk your family through this journey!

What is your biggest fear as you help children navigate this college process? Comment below! Let's discuss it!

It's been a while, so it's time to reintroduce ourselves!

A City on The Hill College Admissions Coaching provides personalized and affirming college application support! Our founder is Racquel Hill. Here is a message from her:

As I coach students, I encourage them to share more of their story, so I of course CANNOT ask a student to do something that I myself am not doing. So here we are! I am excited to share more about myself AND the work that I do.

Today as we honor veterans throughout this country, I share this picture as the proud daughter of an Air Force veteran and wife of an Army veteran.

Thank you to all families and servicemembers for your sacrifice. Please comment below and honor any other veterans you'd like to celebrate!

Tonight is the night!!! There's still time to register [bit.ly/SCHOOLDAZE1] to join the conversation. With the expertise of Twelve12 Consulting and A City on the Hill, you will most definitely walk away with some actionable next steps and 🗣NEWS YOU CAN USE!!

See you soon, and bring a friend along!

::whispers:: Getting into college isn't as hard as you think...

Fewer than 100 colleges in the United States are considered highly selective. Highly selective means that they select less than 25 percent of student applicants.

The way to manage college admissions is to build a balanced list with safety, reach, and match schools. Want to learn more? Join us and at SCHOOLDAZE tomorrow, 6:30 EST.

Register here! [bit.ly/SCHOOLDAZE1]