Month: May 2025

Are Pre-College Summer Programs Worth It? | What Colleges Really Value

As summer approaches, a familiar question begins to surface in households across the country: Are pre-college summer programs really worth the time and money? For students and families navigating the path toward higher education, the decision isn’t always clear-cut. Some programs come with steep price tags, while others promise academic immersion, college exposure, and potential…

How to Get Mental Health Accommodations in College: Know Your Rights & Take Action

For many college students, managing coursework, social expectations, and life transitions is demanding enough. But for those navigating mental health conditions, these challenges can be amplified. The good news is: support exists, and more importantly—you have the right to access it. Imagine stepping onto campus not with apprehension, but with a sense of preparedness. You’ve…

DIY Summer Project That Impresses Colleges: Step-by-Step Guide for Students

Welcome to this companion masterclass focused exclusively on how to create, execute, and showcase a powerful DIY summer initiative. While pre-college programs offer structure, designing your own initiative puts you in the driver’s seat—proving independence, creativity, and a sense of purpose that colleges truly notice. This is about more than filling time—it’s about building a…

How Music Strikes a Chord in College Admissions

I recently had the privilege of attending the All District Chorus Festival, hosted by the Conejo Schools Foundation as part of their 21st Annual All District Music Festival. This beautifully orchestrated event brought together choirs from elementary, middle, and high schools in a harmonious celebration of student talent and community spirit. One of the highlights…