Strategic Admissions Advice, LLC

Okay, parents, let's talk about something really important: course selection for your high school student, especially if your teen is heading into their junior or, gulp, senior year.

Let me start by saying—I’m a former school counselor. I understand what school counselors are supposed to do and what most genuinely want to do: help your child navigate this process successfully. However, the reality is that many counselors are overwhelmed or not as informed about schools as they could be. And that’s where the challenge lies. I’d like to begin by sharing that I am a former school counselor. I know what school counselors are meant to do and what many truly wish to achieve: helping your child navigate the educational process successfully. This is where the challenge arises.

Parents - How does your teen stand out in college admissions? They need two things: a story and a strategy. A compelling story isn’t something you make up—it reflects their real experiences, passions, and impact. But a strong story alone isn’t enough. They also need a strategy to align their strengths with the right colleges and programs. In our latest blog post and video, we break down how parents can help their teens stand out in this competitive process. ?? Read the blog: https://lnkd.in/eFSerWGH ?? Watch the video: https://lnkd.in/e67W2De2 And if you want a proven step-by-step plan to guide your teen to success, join The College Application Action Plan today! #CollegeAdmissions #HighSchoolParents #CollegeApplications #StandOut

Parents, I hear this question all the time:?How does my child stand out in the college admissions process? It’s a valid concern. The competition is fierce. Everyone has good grades. Many have solid extracurriculars. So, what makes your teen different? The answer: They need a story and a strategy. Every student has experiences that define them—whether they realize it or not. But too often, students and parents overlook these defining moments when applying to college. Instead, they focus on listing achievements rather than telling a compelling story. Let me give you an example. I recently met a student who loved chess. Now, chess in itself isn’t unique, but?his perspective on it was. He saw chess as a reflection of his life—each piece representing a different aspect of his world. His athletic journey? A knight. His artistic side? A bishop. His personal relationships? A rook. He even spoke about sacrifices in chess mirroring the sacrifices he’s made in life. That’s a story colleges remember.? Your teen has a story, too. The key is helping them uncover it. While an intensely personal story is crucial, it’s not enough. Your teen also needs a strategic approach to college admissions. 1. Choosing the Right Colleges 2. Aligning Extracurriculars with Their Story 3. Crafting Standout (and Strategic!) Applications Parents, here are your next steps! Now that you understand the importance of a story and a strategy, the next step is implementation. But we know this process can be overwhelming—which is why we’ve created?The College Application Action Plan (CAAP). CAAP helps parents and students: ? Identify their unique story ? Build a smart, strategic college list ? Craft compelling applications that stand out ? Reduce stress and feel confident in the process If you’re ready to ensure your teen has the?best chance?of getting into the right college, join?The College Application Action Plan?today. ?? Sign up now!?https://lnkd.in/d6in73DP Let’s make sure your teen doesn’t just apply to college—they stand out.

Celebrating HBCUs During Black History Month For many families, the college admissions process is overwhelming. Between finding the right fit, figuring out financial aid, and ensuring academic and social success, there’s a lot to consider. Unfortunately, many students never get the full picture when it comes to one of the most powerful options available—Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). If you’re a parent of a high school student, Black History Month is the perfect time to explore why HBCUs are more than just a cultural choice—they’re a strategic, valuable, and often overlooked option in higher education. Let’s dive into why your teen should have at least one HBCU on their college list. 1. The Rich History of HBCUs HBCUs were founded during a time when Black students were denied access to mainstream higher education. These institutions have educated generations of leaders, from civil rights activists to doctors, engineers, and business moguls. But HBCUs aren’t just for Black students—many now welcome a diverse student body, creating a vibrant, inclusive learning environment. 2. Affordability and Financial Aid College costs are a major factor for many families, and HBCUs often provide competitive tuition rates and scholarship opportunities. While some HBCUs have smaller endowments than Ivy League institutions, they prioritize making education accessible to students from all backgrounds. 3. Unmatched Alumni Networks Graduating from an HBCU means gaining access to a powerful, supportive alumni network. These connections can lead to mentorship opportunities, internships, and even job offers—something every parent wants for their child’s future. 4. A Unique and Supportive Community Many students describe the HBCU experience as life-changing. From the vibrant campus culture to professors who truly care about student success, these institutions foster a sense of belonging that’s hard to find elsewhere. Is an HBCU Right for Your Teen? If you’ve never considered an HBCU before, now is the time. With race-conscious admissions policies changing the landscape of college admissions, families must be intentional about exploring every opportunity available. Want expert guidance? Our College Application Action Plan is designed to help families like yours navigate the admissions process with confidence. ?? Join today and make sure your teen’s college application stands out! This Black History Month, let’s ensure every student has the information and opportunities they deserve. https://lnkd.in/dJSBivcY

School Administrators - Is your counseling office prepared? With talks of dismantling the U.S. Department of Education, equity, accountability, and financial aid in college admissions are at risk—and students from marginalized and underfunded communities could face even bigger barriers to higher education. Federal oversight has long provided protections for students of color, low-income families, and those with disabilities. If that disappears, your school will be responsible for ensuring students still have access to the guidance, tools, and resources they need to succeed. Ask yourself "Is Your College Counseling Office Ready for What’s Coming?" 1. Can your counselors still support students if federal guidance on civil rights and financial aid is reduced or eliminated? 2. Does your team have a plan to help students navigate applications, college lists, and financial aid without relying on federal resources? 3. Are your Black and Brown students, first-gen students, and those from low-income families getting the support they need to stay competitive? These potential shifts in federal education policy may give schools even more responsibility in ensuring students receive the guidance they need. Let’s Assess Your Readiness—For Free. I’m offering free on-campus audits to schools in the Boston-DC corridor to evaluate your college counseling program and provide actionable recommendations. What’s Included in the Audit? ~ College List Strategy: Are your students applying to schools that align with their goals? ~ Equity & Access Check: Are Black and Brown students targeting institutions that truly support them? ~ Application Support Review: Essays, recommendations, and interviews are more critical than ever—is your team providing the right guidance? Why Now??? If federal oversight changes, your school must be ready to fill the gap. Your work matters, and I want to help ensure your students aren’t left behind. I have limited availability for these free audits—schedule yours today. Email me directly at [email protected] to get started. Let’s make sure every student has a path forward.

Parents, let’s talk about summer. While it’s a time for your teen to relax and recharge, it’s also an incredible opportunity to build a college application that stands out. But not all summer activities are created equal. Some can significantly enhance their profile, while others might do little to move the needle. Colleges are looking for students who use their time intentionally. Summer provides a chance to: 1. Showcase Passions and Interests: Whether it’s through a summer job, internship, or specialized academic program, the activities your teen chooses should align with their interests and long-term goals. 2. Build Leadership Skills: Leadership isn’t just about titles. It’s about taking initiative, solving problems, and working collaboratively—qualities colleges love. 3. Create a Compelling Story: Admissions officers are drawn to students with unique, authentic stories. Summer experiences can provide the foundation for an essay or interview answer that’s truly memorable. Here are some summer opportunities that can help your teen stand out: 1. Summer Jobs: Working at a local business, whether it’s an ice cream shop or a retail store, teaches responsibility and interpersonal skills. 2. Internships: These provide exposure to potential career paths and demonstrate a willingness to explore new opportunities. 3. Academic Programs: Discipline-specific programs at colleges or organizations can deepen your teen’s knowledge in a subject area they’re passionate about. 4. Community Service: Civic engagement shows compassion and a commitment to making a difference. 5. Cultural Experiences: Teen tours or study-abroad programs expose students to new perspectives and build independence. Not all summer activities are created equal. Avoid: 1. Generic Camps: Unless they align with a specific passion or goal, they might not add much value. 2. Programs at Colleges for Name Recognition: Simply attending a program at a prestigious school won’t guarantee an admissions boost. 3. Overloading: Summer shouldn’t be so packed that your teen feels burned out. Start early to ensure your teen’s summer activities are intentional and well-organized. Here’s how: 1. Assess Their Interests 2. Research Opportunities 3. Set Goals 4. Document Experiences Feeling overwhelmed? That’s where we come in. Our?College Application Action (CAAP) ~ Plan?provides personalized guidance to help your teen: ~ Select summer activities that align with their goals. ~ Craft a standout story for their applications. ~ Develop a strategy to make their entire college application process seamless. We’ll take the guesswork out of planning so you and your teen can feel confident about their future. Summer isn’t just a break; it’s an opportunity to shine. By choosing the right activities, your teen can grow as a student, leader, and individual—all while building a compelling college application. Join CAAP?Today?and give your teen the tools to succeed. https://lnkd.in/d6in73DP

Wow—I have to say, the response to the?College Application Action Plan (CAAP) 2026?has been incredible! I’m honored and beyond excited to welcome so many families into this journey. If you’ve already signed up, thank you for trusting me—I can’t wait to get started. And if you’re still on the fence, let me tell you: it’s not too late to jump in!? I created CAAP because I “get it.” The college?admissions?process can feel like a whirlwind, and let’s be honest—navigating it with your teen (who’s either stressed, excited, or both) can be… a lot. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to figure this out alone.?? ? First Live Session: Sunday, February 25th?? Mark your calendar because this is where the magic starts! We’re diving into everything you need to know to set your teen up for success this semester. Here’s what we’ll be covering:?? ?? 11th Grade Timeline:?What actually needs to get done now? Let’s break it down step by step.?? ?? College Visits: How to make campus tours (virtual or in-person) meaningful, not just another trip.?? ?? 12th Grade Classes:?Finding that sweet spot between academic rigor and keeping their sanity.?? ??? ACT/SAT Prep:?The testing game has changed—let’s talk?strategy.?? ??? Summer Programs:?How to use summer wisely to strengthen applications (without overloading your teen).?? ??? SCOIR & Naviance Demystified:?These tools can be confusing, but I’ll?help?you use them like a pro.?? ?? Let me ask you:?? 1. Do you feel confident your teen is on track??? 2. Are your college convos productive, or do they feel like a battle??? 3. Do you know how to plan visits, classes, and summer activities?strategically?? If you hesitated on any of these, CAAP is exactly what you need.? I built CAAP for families just like yours, and I’d be honored to?help?you navigate this journey. For just $47/month, you get:?? ?? Monthly Zoom Sessions (separate for parents and students).?? ?? On-demand lessons breaking down every step of the process.?? ?? Direct Support—answers to your questions within 72 hours.?? ?? Exclusive Discounts—10% off key services like essay coaching, application reviews, and College List Builder.? Join at https://lnkd.in/d6in73DP. I can’t wait to see you at our first live session on Sunday, February 25th!??

The world of college admissions has seen monumental changes over the past few years, and test-optional policies are at the center of this evolution. If you’re the parent of a high school student, chances are you’ve heard about test-optional policies and wondered: What does it really mean? Is it truly optional? And could it hurt my teen if they don’t take the ACT or SAT? Let’s break it all down so you can feel confident in your decisions about standardized testing—and ultimately set your teen up for success.

Read our latest article regarding high school and college admissions: What This Family Regretted About Following the Wrong College Admissions Planning Advice Join us at https://lnkd.in/d6in73DP