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Great College Advice Blog

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Choosing A College: Don’t Ignore The Cost

The prospect of college is exciting and overwhelming at the same time. This is the first in a series of posts that will help you avoid some basic mistakes when choosing where to apply and attend. Read on to find out how the cost of college should be on your radar right from the beginning.

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common app essay prompt 1 background identity interest talent

Common App Essay Prompt 1: Background, Identity, Interest, or Talent

Writing your Common App essay about your background, identity, interest, or talent is a great way to stand out from the crowd–if you zero in on what the essay prompt is really asking you. Exercise care in choosing to write on Common App Essay Prompt 1. If you fully understand what the prompt is asking, you’ll be better able to write a fantastic Common App essay that can help you shine in the admissions office.

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Why major in music?

Why Major in Music in College?

Why major in music? Because it is great preparation for a career at Microsoft! Here Mark reviews a speech by Brian Pertl, Dean of the Conservatory of Music at Lawrence University.

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Four Myths About Your PSAT Scores

Did you receive your PSAT scores? What do they mean? This blog post will debunk four common myths about the PSAT and you can learn how to take full advantage of the information provided with your score.

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best college essay

The Perfect College Essay–Consider Your Audience

Any writer has to consider the audience for whom they are writing. Your college essay is no different. Think long and hard about how the admissions officer will approach the process of reading your personal statement. And then prepare to give that person a whiz-bang piece of prose.

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Is It “Easier” to Get In If You Apply Early Decision?

Everyone wants to do whatever they can to get into the college of their choice. Does applying Early Decision actually help the cause?
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does applying for financial aid hurt my college admissions chances

Does Applying for Financial Aid Hurt My College Admissions Chances?

New Jersey Educational Consultant gives her take on the relationship between applying for financial aid and getting accepted to college. Should you check that "YES" box for financial aid or
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Young tired and stressed student working on his homework, masters feeling desperate and frustrated asking for help. In over Education, learning difficulties, finals exams and emotional stress concept.

How to Write The College Essay for The Common App on Failure

One of the new Common Application prompts asks you to recount a time in which you failed. This essay requires that you show both humility and maturity.
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Great College Essay Advice for the Common App – The Personal Growth Prompt

Mark offers expert college essay advice. Here he dissects the Common Application prompt focused on an accomplishment, event, or realization that led to personal growth.
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How to Write an Email to College Admissions Counselors

The college admissions process can be filled with uncertainty.  One source of information that can help reduce the uncertainty — in some respects — are college admissions counselors.  But do
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best time for college tours

Holiday Breaks – Not the Best Time for College Tours

When is the best time to go see colleges? Unfortunately, it is not during the upcoming holiday breaks.
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