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Preliminary SAT (PSAT)/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT)

Counselor's Corner, Standardized Testing / By Michelle Mai

Preliminary SAT (PSAT)/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) By Karen Rowe October is upon us, and this is the month of the Preliminary SAT (PSAT)/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT), which is a chance for students to practice for the SAT as well as qualify for the National Merit Scholarships if you are […]

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Understanding Early Action, Early Decision, and Restrictive Early Action: Making the Right Choice

College Applications, Counselor's Corner, Exploring and Selecting Colleges / By Michelle Mai

by Christina Waters Understanding Early Action, Early Decision, and Restrictive Early Action: Making the Right Choice As the college application season approaches, high school seniors face a multitude of decisions. Among the most important is choosing between various application plans: Early Action (EA), Early Decision (ED), and Restrictive Early Action (REA). Each of these options

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College Spotlight: University of Wisconsin

Counselor's Corner, Exploring and Selecting Colleges / By Michelle Mai

College Spotlight: University of Wisconsin, Madison By Karen Rowe The University of Wisconsin, Madison, has been on my list to tour for years, given its increasing popularity among California students and Forbes Magazine’s latest declaration as a “New Ivy.” I just returned from the campus and am excited to share my experience. It lived up

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How to Make the Most of the School Year

College Planning - Approach, Insight, Strategy, Student Profile Building / By Michelle Mai

How to Make the Most of the School Year By Irene Chung As the school year begins, it’s an exciting time to get involved in activities that can enrich your high school experience and build a strong foundation for your college applications. Whether you’re a freshman or a senior, there are plenty of ways to

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The Pre-College Application(s) Checklist

College Applications, Counselor's Corner / By Michelle Mai

By Kristen Wiley Beginning August 1st, the Common Application and the University of California (UC) application will be available for students in the class of 2025. The California State University (CSU) application will open on October 1st. Here are a few helpful tips to prepare for applications: Gather Materials: Transcript(s)- In the Education section, you

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Securing Letters of Recommendation for College Applications

College Applications / By Michelle Mai

Securing Letters of Recommendation for College Applications As high school juniors approach the end of the school year, it is essential to begin securing letters of recommendation for their college applications. Requesting these letters before the summer break ensures a smoother application process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this important task. Checklist

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How to Create a Balanced College List

College Applications, Counselor's Corner, Exploring and Selecting Colleges / By Michelle Mai

How to Create a “Balanced” College List Crafting a well-balanced list is crucial when it comes to creating your final college list. This can maximize your chances of acceptance and ensure that you have plenty of options that match your preferences. Here are some tips for creating a balanced college list. Understanding the Categories

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Honors Programs at Colleges

College Applications, Exploring and Selecting Colleges, Post Applications, Unique Educational Programs / By Michelle Mai

Navigating the Honors College Application Process As we approach the college application season, many students and parents are exploring various options to find the best fit for their academic and personal goals. One opportunity that often stands out is applying to an honors college. This article aims to provide essential information to help determine if

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College Tours and Visits – Questions to Ask and What to Look for

Counselor's Corner / By Michelle Mai

What to ask and look for on a college tour By Karen Rowe Your visit to the college is booked. You attended the admissions information session and are now off to walk around the campus with your tour guide. What should you look for, and what questions should you ask? Below are some

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Understanding the International Baccalaureate (IB) Exams

Standardized Testing / By Michelle Mai

Understanding the International Baccalaureate (IB) Exams The International Baccalaureate (IB) program is globally recognized for its rigorous academic standards and holistic approach to education. A vital component of the IB Diploma Programme (DP) is the series of exams that students must take at the end of their courses. These exams are designed to assess students’

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