College Help Squad

09/03/2026

UCAS is the main application system students use when applying to undergraduate programs in the UK. One of the biggest differences between the U.S. and UK college process is that students usually apply directly to a course, which is similar to choosing a major. Students can usually apply to up to five courses, and those choices may be at different universities or different programs at the same school, depending on the university and course.

The UCAS personal statement is also different from the Common App essay. Instead of focusing mainly on a personal story, students are usually expected to explain why they want to study a specific subject, what they have done to prepare, and why they are ready for that course. For 2026 entry, UCAS changed the personal statement format into three questions, so families should check the current requirements before using older examples or advice. Applying to universities in the UK requires earlier planning around subject area, course requirements, deadlines, and whether each UCAS choice fits the student’s academic goals.

08/29/2026

Demonstrated interest is when colleges track how much a student appears interested in attending their school. That can include campus tours, admissions meetings, college fairs, emails, information sessions, department meetings, residence hall tours, and other contact with the college. For a long time, some colleges used demonstrated interest as part of enrollment planning because they wanted to understand which students were more likely to attend if admitted.

Some colleges are now pulling back from demonstrated interest because it can create equity concerns. Families with more money, time, transportation, and access may be able to visit campuses, attend events, and meet with admissions offices more easily than students from lower-income families. That does not mean visits and admissions events are useless. They can still help students decide whether a college feels right, and many opportunities are also available during accepted student days. Families should check each college’s policy and focus on building strong applications, choosing schools that fit, and using visits to make better decisions.

08/27/2026

Campus food can have a bigger impact on college life than many families realize. Students eat on campus every day, so dining halls, cafes, meal plans, late-night options, food allergies, vegetarian or vegan choices, and distance from freshman housing can all affect the student experience. Schools like Gettysburg College, College of the Atlantic, University of Richmond, Bowdoin College, and University of Massachusetts Amherst are often recognized for strong campus dining programs that give students more variety and support throughout the day.

Each school offers a different kind of food experience. Gettysburg has Servo, The Bullet Hole, and Commons Marketplace. College of the Atlantic focuses on sustainability and local ingredients through Blair Dining Hall. University of Richmond gives students several dining spots across campus, including Heilman Dining Center, The Cellar, Dean’s Den, Lou’s, and Passport Café. Bowdoin is known for making food part of student life through Thorne Dining Hall, Moulton Union, Jack Magee’s Grill, The Café, and Bowdoin Express. UMass Amherst is known for one of the strongest dining programs in the country, with dining commons, cafes, food trucks, grab-and-go options, and international food across campus.

08/24/2026

Students who are interested in playing a Division 1 or Division 2 sport should register with the NCAA Eligibility Center early so they can understand the requirements and timeline. The eligibility process gives student athletes a clearer path for what they need academically and athletically as they go through recruiting and college admissions.

With updated eligibility conversations happening around college athletics, students also need to pay close attention to the guidelines from both the NCAA and the schools recruiting them. Colleges may have their own policies for athletes, and those details can affect what students need to do before they enroll. For families with athletes, this is an important part of the planning process.

For the full conversation, search College Help Squad Podcast on all podcast platforms.

08/23/2026

Had to share!

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08/21/2026

Families hiring a college counselor should ask about background, training, experience, and professional memberships before signing a contract. Organizations like IECA, HECA, NACAC, and WACAC are connected to the college admissions world and offer ethics training, professional development, classes, and updates to their members. Since the college application process includes testing policies, financial aid rules, essays, deadlines, application platforms, and school-specific requirements, families should know whether the counselor is actively staying informed.

Parents can ask whether the counselor belongs to a professional organization, whether they have worked in a high school counseling office, whether they have experience in college admissions, and what kind of training they have completed. There are many people calling themselves college counselors, but not everyone has the same background or connection to the admissions process. That does not automatically mean someone cannot help, but families should understand the facts before making a decision.

08/21/2026

Couldn't resist!

08/19/2026

College essays are changing for the Fall 2027 application cycle, and some schools are removing or reducing supplemental essays because of AI concerns. Students applying to certain colleges may only need to submit the main Common Application essay instead of writing extra essays for each school. Families should check each application carefully after August 1, because that is when colleges update their Common App requirements. Some schools may have no supplemental essays, some may still require them, and others may change what they ask for.

The concern is that colleges want to know whether the writing is truly the student’s own work. Students should expect to confirm that their essays are original and written by them, especially as AI tools become more common for brainstorming, grammar, and editing. Schools that have announced they are removing supplemental essays include University of Virginia, UNC Chapel Hill, University of Washington Seattle, Tulane University, University of Miami, University of Georgia, and Texas Christian University. This makes the main Common App essay even more important because it may be the primary writing sample a college sees from the student.

08/17/2026

AI is becoming a bigger conversation in the college admissions process, especially when it comes to essays. Some schools are asking students to confirm that their writing is genuinely their own before they submit. That can include concerns around AI-generated essays, grammar help, and how much outside support was used during the writing process.

The larger concern is authenticity. Colleges want to hear from the actual student, in their own voice, with their own story and perspective. This year may bring more changes as schools figure out how they want to handle AI in applications, especially as some colleges may use AI in parts of their review process while others continue to rely on more traditional review methods.

For the full conversation, search College Help Squad Podcast on all podcast platforms.

08/15/2026

College dorms can play a big role in a student’s daily experience, so families should look beyond academics when comparing schools. Residence halls, room layouts, study spaces, laundry access, lounges, bathrooms, dining, and location can all affect how comfortable and supported a student feels on campus. Schools like Bowdoin College, Scripps College, Washington and Lee University, High Point University, and Washington University in St. Louis are often recognized for strong campus housing options that give students more than a basic place to sleep.

Each school offers a different kind of residential experience. Bowdoin gives students central campus housing and College House options as they get older. Scripps is known for historic residence halls with courtyards, gardens, and shared living spaces. Washington and Lee offers a range of housing options, including residence halls, apartments, townhouses, Greek housing, and themed housing. High Point is known for amenity-rich housing, while WashU’s South 40 creates a student neighborhood with dining, fitness spaces, recreation areas, and study areas. When families tour colleges, dorms should be part of the conversation because housing can affect a student’s routine, comfort, and overall campus fit.