12/28/2025
Acceptances are rolling in! I've worked with 16 students this year and there were a few I was quite worried about. Almost all of my students are test-optional. Most have ADHD. A number have gpas under 3.5. Most do not have leadership in clubs. Very few have done internships. I think only one has done research. I will say that most DO have fairly high rigor - meaning they have taken a number of AP classes.
l'm listing all of these things because students and parents especially those from high-achieving areas of the country) frequently hear you "need" all of these things to "get into college." Now, yes, you may need these things to get into a T20, but there are many more options than those particular schools.
All of my students worked very hard on their Common App essays and they strove to create an essay that presented an authentic picture of who they were. They also worked hard on their supplemental essays, when required, and strove to make their essays detailed and specific to each school.
Here are some of the schools my students have received acceptances to: Lewis & Clark, Santa Clara, The University of Puget Sound, the University of San Francisco, St. Mary's of California, Penn State, UMBC, Towson, VCU, George Mason, Willamette, Colorado School of Mines, Bard, Pace, The New School, Fordham, the University of Oregon, Oregon State, Chico State, Sonoma State, the University of San Diego, Gonzaga, and Reed!
And, oh, lest I forget, they are also getting merit offers left and right!!
