Great College Advice Blog

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College Application

How to Answer the Common App ‘Topic of Your Choice’ Prompt

The Common App’s seventh prompt reads simply: “Share an essay on any topic of your choice.” For many students, that freedom is paralyzing.

July 30, 2026

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College Admissions

Do Dual Enrollment or AP Classes Look Better on Your Transcript?

The honest answer is that neither is universally superior. The better question is which option demonstrates the highest level of academic challenge.

July 29, 2026

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College Admissions

Want an Early “Yes”? Why Rolling-Admissions Schools Belong on Your List

A well-placed rolling admissions school can change the entire arc of your application season. Learn more.

July 28, 2026

College Admissions +

Colleges That Change Lives College Fairs

Learn more about the Colleges That Change Lives (CTCL) by visiting an informational session near you.

July 27, 2026

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College Admissions

Is Filling Out the FAFSA Worth It?

July 24, 2026

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College Fees

Will Applying for Financial Aid Impact Early Decision Acceptances?

The most common misconception families hold is that applying for financial aid automatically hurts their chances in early decision.

July 23, 2026

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College Admissions

Beyond the Resume: How to Leverage High School Internships for Ivy League Admissions

This blog post details how highly selective colleges evaluate high school internships. It moves beyond just listing ‘good’ internships to explaining how students can connect these experiences to their overall application narrative, tying into GCA’s 97% top-3 acceptance rate.

July 21, 2026