CollegeStarpoint

08/21/2026

Exciting news for future college students 🎓 Boston University is making education more affordable! Discover how your family might benefit and be sure to follow for more updates and tips.

08/21/2026

College admissions can feel overwhelming fast.

There are deadlines, essays, activities, school lists, recommendations, testing decisions, financial considerations — and somehow families are expected to know whether they’re making the right choices at every step.

That’s where the right guidance can make a real difference.

One of the things I value most about working with families is helping them move from uncertainty to clarity.

Not by creating a “perfect” applicant.

Not by pushing students into activities they don’t care about.

And not by treating admissions like a checklist.

The goal is to understand the student:

What matters to them?
Where are they strongest?
What experiences have shaped them?
What colleges actually make sense for who they are and what they want?

Then we build a strategy around that.

Because a successful college process should feel intentional — not chaotic.

And hearing a family share that they felt more confident, supported, and prepared throughout the process is exactly why I do this work.

If your family is entering the college admissions process and you’re not sure what your next move should be, you don’t have to figure out every piece alone.

Schedule a strategy call and let’s talk about where your student is now and what the smartest next steps could be.

08/20/2026

College admissions don’t start in junior year; they reflect a multi-year journey. Admissions officers look for evidence of curiosity, growth, and initiative from students over time, not just last-minute impressive activities.

Starting early matters: 9th or 10th graders don't need to know their major or have perfect résumés. They should explore interests deeply—like taking challenging classes, reading outside school, and engaging in relevant experiences.

These individual actions may not guarantee admission but collectively create a pattern that shows genuine development.

Instead of asking if something will “look good for college,” families should consider what experiences help students learn and grow. This approach changes how high school is navigated—from crafting resumes to building meaningful stories based on lived experiences.

If your student is in grades 9–11, assess what they’re developing now and identify areas to expand upon. Schedule a strategy call to map out next steps!

08/19/2026

08/18/2026

Navigating college decisions: Choose your path wisely! 🌟🎓

08/17/2026

Who’s the strongest student? 🤔 Let's compare skills and activities! 💪📚

08/15/2026

Ok, this is going to sound obvious, but I've read SO many essays where the student picked the "safe" prompt instead of the right one for them.

The Common App opened today, and the prompts are literally the same as last year (again, lol) — so if you've been putting off writing because you were waiting on "new prompts," that excuse is gone 😅

Genuinely, though — the prompt matters so much less than people think. I've seen incredible essays written for "Topic of Your Choice," and I've seen forced, awkward ones written for the "Perfect Fit" prompt, because the student picked the category before they knew what they actually wanted to say.

Write the story you actually want to tell first. The prompt will reveal itself.

08/14/2026

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08/13/2026

Read more 👇

Here's what most guides won't tell you about the 2026-27 Common App essay:

The prompt you pick matters way less than admissions officers let on. What they're actually scoring is voice, specificity, and whether your story could only be written by YOU.

Quick breakdown of when to use each prompt type:
→ Background/identity prompt — use if there's a specific cultural, family, or personal experience that shaped how you see the world
→ Challenge/failure prompt — use ONLY if the growth is the real story, not the failure itself
→ Topic of your choice — use if your best story doesn't fit neatly into any "theme" (this is why it's the most-picked prompt two years running)

The #1 mistake we see: students choosing a prompt first, then trying to force a story to fit it. Flip it. Write the story. Then match it to whichever prompt gets out of its way.

Want a second set of eyes on your draft before you submit? Comment "ESSAY" below and we'll send you a free session with one of our admissions advisors 🎓

08/12/2026

Unlock your child's potential with the right activities!

Engaging in diverse experiences, like arts, sports, and community service, can foster creativity and teamwork.

These choices not only promote long-term growth but also help in developing authentic storytelling skills that are vital for college admissions. 🌟

Explore options tailored to your child's interests today!