How to be a Mentor to Your Star Child & a Harvard Success Story

We talk with hundreds of great parents of superstar students every year. One key discussion we have with all parents is the need for them to be a mentor to their son/daughter – especially during the college application process (but throughout high school) and especially to high-achieving students. That’s right, stop being a parent and…

A Realistic Look at Deliberate Practice and 5 Tips for Ivy League Success

I really have some mixed feelings about discussing Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) in the context of education and the Ivy Leagues, but I think this one time it’s worth it. This past weekend we had as big a shocker in the MMA world as we’ve ever had: Holly Holm knocked out Rhonda Rousey. Holm dominated Rousey with a perfect…

The importance of picking a theme

If you haven’t read our Theme article on the main page, then you might be headed down the dreaded path of the “well-rounded” student application. You are probably aware of how this looks: high grades, high test scores, varied extra-curricular activities both academic and physical, and perhaps some community service for good measure. But did…

College Applications: Why top students fail

College Applications: Why Top Students Fail The college application process is undoubtedly a daunting one. Students spend all their pre-college years preparing themselves to go through unpredictable admissions processes with the hopes of getting into a top college. Indeed, it is likely the first time a student confronts uncertainty. It can be stressful, time-consuming and…

The Importance of a College Application Strategy

College Applications Strategy: Why It is Important to Have One The first thing that needs to be discussed before starting the college applications process is strategy. Much of what goes into the hard choices college admissions officers have to make—such as whether institutions are prioritizing matters like diversity, legacy applicants, or athletic recruiting in a…