Common App | Great College Advice

Great College Advice Blog

Planning Your College Visit

February 17, 2025

This is the first in a series of tips to help you plan your campus visits.

What Classes Should You Take in 12th Grade?

February 3, 2025

High school juniors: As you put together your 12th grade class schedule, please keep in mind that colleges want to see you continue to challenge yourself with appropriate course rigor.

The College Admissions Lifecycle: A Guide Through High School

January 28, 2025

Follow this grade-by-grade guide to the college admissions process through your high school years.

College Admission Tips for 9th Grade

January 20, 2025

High school freshman should focus on grades and extracurriculars to set themselves up for success in the college admissions process.

College Admissions: Where to Focus in the 10th Grade

January 14, 2025

Here are some college admission tips for 10th graders entering their second semester.

A street sign that says " College Just Ahead"

College Admission Planning for High School Juniors – Second Semester

January 7, 2025

High school juniors – this is your to-do list for college admissions as you start your second semester.

Get Accepted–with Scholarships

December 14, 2022 / Jared Hobson

Mark Montgomery, expert educational consultant, uses his insider knowledge of the college admissions process to help you navigate the world of scholarships and save money on tuition.

Top 10 Summertime Tips for College Admission

January 29, 2019 / Jared Hobson

Summer is a good time to relax and recharge--and prepare for the college admissions process. Learn what you can do to give yourself an edge (and have fun, too!).

How to Choose the Best College For You?

December 21, 2015 / Jared Hobson

With over 4,000 colleges in the USA, how do you know which one is the perfect fit for you? College admissions expert Mark Montgomery will use his encyclopedic knowledge of American colleges to guide you to the right direction.

Get Into the Best Colleges For You

December 11, 2015 / Jared Hobson

College admissions expert Mark Montgomery can help you find the college of your dreams, and will use his insider knowledge to guide you through the admissions process.

university building in the back of tress

Getting Into Top Universities

December 9, 2015 / Jared Hobson

Mark Montgomery is a college admissions insider: that means he knows the ropes, and can offer invaluable help in your college search.

The Student-to-Faculty Ratio: A Bogus Statistic You Should Ignore

May 13, 2009 / Jared Hobson

Student-to-faculty ratios mislead. While they are oft-cited indicators of teaching quality, these ratios have no bearing on an individual student's educational experience.

Planning Your College Visit

February 17, 2025 / Jared Hobson

This is the first in a series of tips to help you plan your campus visits.

What Classes Should You Take in 12th Grade?

February 3, 2025 / Jared Hobson

High school juniors: As you put together your 12th grade class schedule, please keep in mind that colleges want to see you continue to challenge yourself with appropriate course rigor.