Blogs
50 articles
You’ve Been Deferred. Now What?
You’ve done everything right— spent countless hours perfecting your application, studying for tests, and immersing yourself in volunteer work and extracurriculars. You hit “submit,” and have been waiting in anticipation for that acceptance letter. But instead of a “yes” or “no,” you got the dreaded deferral. Now what? First, take a deep breath! […]
The Essential Senior Year Timeline for Rising College Freshmen
Senior year of high school is an exciting yet often overwhelming time, especially for students planning to attend college. The list of tasks and decisions can feel longer than ever. That’s why Premium Prep College Counseling and College Success Plan have partnered to create a helpful checklist for rising college freshmen—guiding you through your senior […]
The Ultimate Guide to Starting College Prep in High School
Preparing for college can feel overwhelming, but starting early gives you a major advantage. Whether it’s researching schools, mapping out your academic path, or building a standout application, early planning sets the stage for success. With the right steps, preparing for college doesn’t have to be stressful—it can be a rewarding journey that leads you […]
Discovering Hidden Gems: Our Favorite Under-the-Radar Colleges
Finding the right college is about more than just rankings and name recognition. It’s about discovering a place where you can thrive academically, socially, and personally. At Premium Prep College Counseling, our mission is to help students find the best college fit for them. While Ivy League schools and other high-profile universities often dominate the […]
FAFSA Simplified: What You Need to Know for the 2025-2026 Cycle
This blog post was originally published in 2024 and has been updated. You can see the original version here: Demystifying FAFSA: Everything You Need to Know in 2024 The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the primary form that students in the United States use to apply for college financial aid. It helps […]
Considering College Athletics: Tips for the College-Bound Student-Athlete
From a pool of over 8 million high school athletes, more than 520,000 go on to play for almost 20,000 college teams. Division III teams, alone, include over 200,000 student-athletes. The relationships built, memories made, and lessons learned through competitive sports are life-changing for many student-athletes. If you’re wondering about whether to continue to play […]
How to Turn Your Interests into Strengths for College Applications
As college admissions become increasingly competitive, students are faced with a challenge: how do you stand out? One of the most effective ways to differentiate yourself in the applicant pool is by demonstrating genuine interests and passions. While academics are crucial, colleges want to know who you are and what you enjoy outside the classroom. […]
Urban, Suburban, or Rural: How to Choose the Best College Campus Setting for You
When considering different colleges, many factors play into what might make one school a better fit for you than another. While factors like school size and available majors are indispensable, one of the most overlooked considerations is the college campus setting. College campuses typically fall into three main categories: urban, suburban, and rural. Each campus […]
The Language of College Lists
Years ago when you were applying to a college that you were quite certain you would be admitted to, the term “safety” was used. Now college counselors prefer terms like “likely” or “back up” when referring to a school that a student has a high chance of being admitted to. Unfortunately, some of these terms […]
College Admissions Rounds: Which One is Right for You?
One of the most significant decisions you’ll face when applying to college is determining which admissions round to pursue. The decision about when to apply—whether Early Decision, Early Action, or Regular Decision—can significantly influence your chances of getting into your desired college. Premium Prep College Counseling provides an overview of these common admission rounds and […]
The 3 Key Factors to Finding Your Perfect College Fit
Choosing the right college is more than just picking a name off a list – it’s about finding the right place for your academic journey and one that will best benefit your personal growth. Considering there are thousands of colleges for students to choose from during application season, this is no easy task. The concept […]
How Much of a Role Personal Character Plays in the Admissions Review Process
Written By: Alexis Mackbach, Former Admissions Officer Have you ever thought about how much you matter during the admissions process? Like, how much you, as a person, are considered, when an admissions counselor is looking at your application? As a former admissions counselor for a large public state institution, I am here to share that […]
Why SEC Schools Are So Popular: Exploring Football, Greek Life, and Southern Charm
There’s no denying it—SEC schools have become a cultural phenomenon. The Southeastern Conference (SEC), comprised of powerhouse schools like the University of Alabama and Auburn University, holds a magnetic appeal that continues to draw students from across the country. While the South isn’t for everyone, and some might find the conservative culture or slower pace […]
How to Stand Out as a STEM Applicant
When it comes to STEM fields, such as engineering and computer science, there are so many important factors to consider before you begin the application process. Engineering and computer science are among the most popular majors and fields in higher education right now, so the competition when applying for these programs is fierce. Here are […]
How to Set Yourself Up for College Application Success: Specialization vs. Exploration
How important is it for high school students to know exactly what they want to specialize in before they enter college? There are two schools of thought on this. Recently, it’s become more common to encourage students to focus on a specific field, whether that’s engineering, business, liberal arts, or another discipline, before starting college. […]
Small Ways to Make a Big Impact on Your Common Application
The Common Application officially opens each year on August 1st, and we have a ton of tips for ways to maximize your application and ace the application process. Major Matters. We often hear from colleges that they’re looking for students who have specific academic interests and pursue them outside of the classroom. You can read […]
Mastering Study Skills: Essential Tips for Academic Success
When I was in high school and college, I often struggled with tests. I loved research and writing assignments, but studying and taking tests was really difficult for me. It was always upsetting to do well throughout the semester, only to have my grade drop due to the midterm or final exam. Looking back, I […]
Politics on Your Application
For many students, it is essential to find a community that provides an outlet for activism, a space to engage with others on political topics, and a diverse student body from which to learn and grow. We’ve worked with students who are already politically active in their high schools and hometown communities, who intern with […]
How to Stand Out on Your College Application
Co-Written in Collaboration with Our Partners at StudyLab Students are applying to more and more colleges each year. In 2023, the Common App reported over 1.2 million applicants and 7 million applications—a 30% increase from 2019-2020. With the enormous number of applications being submitted, it can be challenging to figure out how to stand out […]
The Most Important Part of Your Application You’ve Never Seen
One of the most important pieces of a student’s application is something that many high schoolers have never heard of: the School Profile. It’s such a vague, ambiguous name, yet it’s an integral part of the college admissions process. A school profile is a brief document that summarizes the most critical information about your school. […]
Transforming Your Dorm Room: Balancing Style, Space, and Budget
Moving into a dorm room is more than just a move; it’s a rite of passage. I remember my own journey vividly, and now, as a parent, I’m experiencing it anew through my daughter’s eyes. As the Founder and CEO of Premium Prep College Counseling, I’ve guided countless families through this transition. But this year, […]
What You Need to Know About the New ACT
In a post-pandemic world, standardized testing has become one of the most confusing parts of the college admissions process. Testing policies feel as though they are in constant flux, with colleges sometimes changing their policies just a few months before the admissions cycle. Throwing another wrench in the already muddy process was a recent announcement […]
Beyond the Traditional: Exploring Spring Admission, Guaranteed Transfer, and First-Year Abroad
As colleges grapple with thousands of applications from strong applicants, admissions offices have begun to seek out nontraditional ways to admit as many qualified students as possible. Enter: Spring Admission, Guaranteed Transfer, and First-Year Abroad. These unique admissions decisions offer students the opportunity to spend their first semester or year away from campus, with a […]
Demonstrating Interest & Maximizing Your Application
Some colleges, mostly the private ones, track interest. But what does “track interest” really mean? It means they consider your level of interest in their evaluation of you for admission. Students who demonstrate interest in meaningful ways are statistically more likely to enroll if admitted. This can help boost yield, lower admit rates, and ultimately […]
10 Essential Tips for Succeeding in Business School Admissions
When it comes to applying to business schools, there are many factors to consider before you begin the admissions process. Be aware that business is one of the most popular majors right now. As a result, the competition for business majors is particularly fierce. Here are some tips to maximize your chances as an applicant: […]
A Well-Rounded Class of Pointy Students
When I was growing up, everyone talked about the importance of being well-rounded. You heard this from your parents, who wanted you to be an athlete, an artist, and an academic; from your coaches: don’t just play one sport, play lots of sports; from your teachers: education is about exploration, try lots of things; don’t […]
Your Guide to Securing Stellar Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation are an important piece of your application puzzle. They shed light on your academic performance, character, and what kind of student you are (and will be in college). Over half of the colleges surveyed for NACAC’s Factors in the Admissions Decision report stated that teacher recommendations have either Moderate Importance or Considerable […]
The Politics of the College Search
At Premium Prep, students and families come to us with a wide range of non-negotiables and wish-list items for their college search. Some students want urban campuses, others want small colleges in rural areas. They may want to stick close to home, or they might be itching to expand their horizons and move to a […]
8 Questions to Ask when Hiring an Independent College Counselor
A skilled and experienced independent college counselor can provide the essential guidance that students and parents need as they navigate the changing landscape of college admissions. With so many different groups and individuals who work as independent educational consultants, selecting the right fit can be a daunting task. Here are eight helpful questions to ask […]
How to Create Standout College Essays
Essay season is an exciting phase of the college application journey. It serves as an opportunity to look inward and learn something about yourself. It’s important to go deep, be vulnerable, and take the chance to give the admissions team a glimpse into your world and what drives you. Understanding the Personal Essay At the […]
Waitlist… Now What?
“…Because of your outstanding achievements and promise…” “After careful consideration and a thorough review of your candidacy… ”…We are offering you a place on our waitlist.” Huh? Perhaps one of the most confusing and stressful admissions decisions students can receive is an offer to be on the waitlist. Essentially, instead of getting a final answer […]
Navigating Parenting and Positive Discipline: Insights from Casey O’Roarty of Joyful Courage
Parenting is a journey filled with twists, turns, and unexpected challenges. From the moment we hold our newborns to the day they venture out into the world, the landscape of parenting evolves. To gain deeper insights into this ever-changing journey, I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Casey O’Roarty, founder of Joyful Courage, […]
Why Does it STILL Seem so Hard to Get into College?
This blog post was originally published in 2019 and has been updated. You can see the original version here: Why Does it Seem so Hard to Get into College? Every year around this time, I start to get inundated with videos on social media of students opening their acceptance letters. The teen is sitting at […]
Understanding Non-Traditional Application Rounds
Colleges typically offer a variety of admission rounds to suit the needs of their applicants (you can read about the most popular in our blog post, Decoding College Admissions: A Closer Look into Admission Rounds). There are the traditional options, and then there are the quirky ones that require reading the fine print or being […]
Demystifying FAFSA: Everything You Need to Know in 2024
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the primary form that students in the United States use to apply for college financial aid. It helps determine eligibility for grants, loans, and work-study programs offered by the federal government, state governments, and the colleges themselves. The FAFSA serves as a crucial gateway for students […]
Major Matters: How to Approach the “Major” question on Your College Applications
This question often arises: Does it matter which potential major(s) I list on my college applications? The simple answer: YES! An applicant’s intended major has become increasingly important in the college admissions process, for a variety of reasons. Chief among them is that colleges need to admit an incoming class of students with a diversity […]
Navigating College Visits: Key Questions for a Meaningful Experience
As spring break approaches, many high school students embark on a pivotal journey: college visits. These visits provide an invaluable opportunity to explore campuses, soak in the atmosphere, and envision a potential academic and social home for the next chapter of their lives. But amidst the whirlwind of tours and information sessions, knowing the right […]
Navigating College Fairs: A Comprehensive Guide
It’s the start of the school year, which means college admissions representatives are hitting the road to visit students in their own backyards. Opportunities to meet with admissions representatives are becoming increasingly important due to the importance of Demonstrated Interest in the admissions process. College Fairs and high school visits provide students with the opportunity […]
10 Tips for Tackling Supplemental Essays
10 Tips for Tackling Supplemental Essays “Supplemental Essays†is a catch-all term for the essays on a college application in addition to the Personal Essay. They are specific to each college and serve to provide the school with more details and nuance about you, your interests, character, and aspirations. They are often creative and wide-ranging, […]
Decoding College Admissions: A Closer Look into Admission Rounds (Early Decision, Early Action, etc.)
Decoding College Admissions: A Closer Look into Admission Rounds (Early Decision, Early Action, etc.) We all know that applying to college can be a daunting task that requires careful planning and consideration, with lots of factors to consider. Among the most important decisions you will make is determining which round of admissions to pursue when […]
Why Does it Seem so Hard to Get into College?
By Alyse Levine, Founder & CEO of Premium Prep College Counseling  There’s a scene in the 2017 Greta Gerwig film Ladybird in which the title character receives her college admissions results on her clunky 2000s-era desktop. The University of California system page informs her that she was admitted to only one school: UC Davis. […]
7 Reasons You Should Hire a College Counselor
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What Colleges Look for in Your Summer Experiences
By Alyse Levine, Founder & CEO of Premium Prep College Counseling It may not feel like it right now, but summer will be here soon. School will be out, and you’ll have a few short months before it starts up again. Of course, summer is for relaxing and unwinding, but it’s also a time for self-growth, […]
5 Ways to Stand Out When Applying to College
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When should you start the process of planning for college?
By Alyse Levine, Founder & CEO of Premium Prep College Counseling Planning for college can feel like a daunting project that’s easy to put off. Where should I begin and how? What do I need to consider now to make sure I’m in a good position later? How has the admissions landscape changed, and how […]
Standing Out in Your College Application: 5 Can’t-Miss Tips
By Alyse Levine, Founder & CEO of Premium Prep College Counseling You can easily feel like “just a number†when navigating the college admissions process. But colleges really do want to know the real you, and they provide many different opportunities to authentically demonstrate your talents, accomplishments, interests, and ambitions. As with everything in the […]
5 Ways to Optimize Your College Process
By Alyse Levine, Founder & CEO of Premium Prep College Counseling Throughout my career, I have been a big proponent of “the match.†There is a school out there for everyone, and finding that school is much more a matter of knowing yourself and learning your options than following over-hyped rankings, supposed prestige, or what […]
The Do’s and Don’ts of Parenting a College Applicant
By Alyse Levine, Founder & CEO of Premium Prep College Counseling How did this happen? Your child is suddenly grown up and ready to start thinking about colleges. Wasn’t it just yesterday that they were starting kindergarten? Now they’re ready to apply to college? They may be talking to you non-stop about how excited they are […]
6 Pointers on Extracurricular Activities and College Admissions
By Alyse Levine, Founder & CEO of Premium Prep College Counseling With college admissions getting more and more competitive, extracurricular activities have become an increasingly important way to stand out from the pack. Colleges are paying close attention to what applicants do in their spare time–after school and during summers–and yet it’s not simply a […]
Balancing Summer Activities: Engage and Relax!
By Alyse Levine, Founder & CEO of Premium Prep College Counseling It’s never too early to start dreaming about the summer. What a welcome relief it’ll be; sunshine and daffodils blooming will brighten the day. But that also means it’s now time to start thinking about your summer! Close your eyes and envision it: […]