College Planning Help

Wondering if you need to fill out the FAFSA? Read on!

Why You Should Fill Out The FAFSA Even If You Don't Think You'll Receive Aid? Thinking of skipping filling out the FAFSA? Perhaps you don't think you'll qualify and that it's a waste of time. Here's why you're wrong. Learn more.

College representatives are visiting high schools now through mid-November. This is a great way for students, especially juniors and seniors to learn about specific colleges.

Making the Most of College Rep Visits Senior year is here, and you’re ready to dive into the college process! Between new classes, homecoming excitement, and reconnecting with friends, fall also brings another important item to your calendar – meeting with college representatives who visit your high school. These visits, usually 20-...

Be proactive when working with your school counselor!

“High School Parents — This is a bit harsh, but said with care” by Patrick O'Connor, Ph.D. It isn’t very often that I give this space away to a colleague, but when I read something and think “Gee, I ...

This is a great opportunity to learn about pursuing your education in England!

Explore England Universities: Student, Parent & Supporters (Bellevue, WA) Join our information briefing to find out more about the Explore England Universities, applying to and studying in England

Good tips for your college applications. This piece is Sienna College specific, but the tips apply to any college.

Seven Common College Application Mistakes From repurposed essays to college name misspellings, believe us—admissions teams have seen it all. And while these application mistakes may be common, it doesn't mean they're unavoidable.

Here's a great resource for help with the Common Application!

AXS Companion – Open Resource Welcome to the AXS Companion to Common App.The AXS Companion is a free, open online resource designed by professional consultants to be used side-by-side with Common App as you work through your application. Each section includes explanatory videos, helpful tips, a glossary of applicatio...

The Colleges That Change Lives fair is coming to Seattle on July 31! This is a great fair for rising 10th & 11th graders. CTCL schools tend to have more inclusive admission rates, good scholarships, and most importantly, they are noted for their exceptional work with undergraduate students!

Cool program at Western!

PlasticsToday names WWU a Top 10 school for polymer materials engineering Western was selected for its state-of-the-art laboratories, direct collaboration and internship opportunities with industry partners, specialized coursework, experienced faculty members and industry-ready graduates. 

Parents, this one's for you. Where your child goes to college is not a "badge of honor" for your parenting.

The College Admissions Obsession: How Parental Pressure Is Fueling A Youth Mental Health Crisis The race to secure a spot at a "top" college has become a defining feature of modern adolescence—and it’s taking a devastating toll.

Word.

The Passion Project Industry: How College Admissions Activities Lists Killed Intellectual Wonder — Minding The Campus “Do you help with the passion project?” Every so often, I’ll hop on a sales call with an inbound client at my college consulting company, Invictus Prep. Nervous parents, many of them immigrants and newcomers to the American college admissions process, will come prepared with a score of questio...

Know a junior? Share this with them.

Ten Things Juniors Need to Know About College by Patrick O'Connor, Ph.D. Along with the New England foliage, college fever is at its peak this week. As seniors scurry about, trying ...

Wondering about applying for financial aid? Read this!

The blog post about money! Pt. 1 My mom is a bit of a nerd. Don’t tell her I said that. Specifically, she’s been a nerd about taxes and finances my entire life – necessitated by her status as a single mother working more than on…