The College Lady

10/19/2026

To send, or not to send….that is the question? Test scores in the age of test (sometimes) optional admissions

If you’ve read this substack at all, then you know that things in college admissions are murky, complicated, and sometimes, downright crazy.

10/16/2026

Students Penalized in Admissions for Not Taking Calculus

Admissions officers were 16.4 percentage points less likely to recommend a student for admission who hadn’t taken calculus than one who had, even when the former had taken as many advanced courses as they could.

10/15/2026

Why me? Why us? Why do we all have to write these “Why this school” supplemental essays?

It’s the time of year when, as college counselors, we start to get a little crispy when it comes to essays.

10/14/2026

3 admissions experts on why they require - or nixed - supplemental essays

University leaders discussed application essay strategies in the AI era at the National Association for College Admission Counseling's annual conference.

10/08/2026

Dear College Men: After Cornell, Stop This. Stop Allowing It to Happen.

College women can do everything to stay safe, but it’s still not enough

10/07/2026

Coffee, Conversations, and Completing Your College Application

Hey, Seniors, I’m here to take you from deadline apprehension to application submission, while simultaneously dialing down the emotional temperature many of you are feeling right now – all through …

10/06/2026

Should elite colleges share academic cutoffs for admissions?

Experts say minimum academic requirements can help applicants know what’s expected, but many top-ranked institutions don’t share such information.

10/05/2026

Cornell Applicants Are Drawn to Its Prestige. Will They Now Think Twice?
https://nyti.ms/4huyLM9

10/05/2026

Sexual Assault on Campus: Seven Tips for Parents

Here's advice on how students can stay safe and better understand the dangers of sexual assault on college campus.