College applications can feel like a HUGE mountain to climb, especially with test anxiety and all that jazz.
But hey, take a deep breath! Here at IvyWise, we want to ensure this is an exciting, not stressful time.

College prep should be fun! It’s your chance to explore your interests, try new things, and discover what you’re passionate about. Researching colleges, joining clubs, and writing killer essays are all part of the adventure.

There will be bumps along the road: deadlines, tests, and maybe some essay tears. But remember, college apps are important, but they’re not the end of the world. No matter where you end up, there’s a whole world of awesomeness waiting for you.

So relax, explore, and have fun with the process!

Beat College App Stress: Start Strong, Breathe Easy

Are college apps stressing you (and your parents) out? We hear you! Here’s how to get ahead of the game and stay calm:

● Start Early (Freshman Year is NOT too soon!). This is the golden rule. Don’t wait until junior year to scramble. Talk about college—what it is, why it matters, and what it unlocks for you.

● Grades Matter. From the Beginning Colleges, look at your entire transcript. Strong grades from the start set a great foundation.

● Explore Your Passions! Join clubs, volunteer, and try new things. This will show colleges what you’re passionate about.

● Get to Know the ACT and SAT (but don’t freak out!). Familiarize yourself with these tests, but don’t stress. We’ll tackle that test anxiety later.

By starting early and building a strong base, you’ll be ahead of the curve and feel confident come application time. 

What are you most excited about for college? Share in the comments!

Conquer College Apps: Break It Down, Breathe Easy!

College applications seem like a giant to-do list: community service, AP classes, summer activities—the pressure is real! But here’s the secret: it’s a marathon, not a sprint.

Don’t try to do everything at once. Set small, achievable goals. Maybe explore 1-2 activities you’re interested in. Spend an hour a day on SAT prep. Dedicate some weekend time to college research.

Break that big to-do list into bite-sized chunks and spread them throughout the year. 

This will help you:

● Focus on what matters most – Channel your energy into activities you enjoy.

● Adjust your goals as you go – See what works and what doesn’t.

● Avoid last-minute stress – No more scrambling to meet deadlines.

Feeling College App Overload? Help is Here!

College apps got you feeling swamped? Don’t be afraid to ask for help!

● Talk to Your College Counselor: They’re there to guide you through the process, from making a plan to beating application stress.

● Consider a College Consultant: Need extra guidance? Consultants can help you find the right schools and polish your applications.

● Talk to Your Parents: They can help you manage your time and navigate this whole college thing together.

Remember, you’re not alone! Everyone feels the pressure, but some people want to support you.

Stay Positive! College is about finding the perfect fit, not just the fanciest name. Focus on your goals and what matters to YOU. There’s a great school out there waiting for you!

Bonus Tip: Don’t forget to breathe! Take breaks, relax, and focus on what you can control.

Conquer the Common App: Your Guide to Stellar Essays!

Hey there, college hopefuls! The wait is over – the Common App essay prompts for the 2024-25 application cycle are here! Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t sweat it!

This guide will break down each prompt and help you craft essays that will make you stand out.

What are the prompts?

• The Storyteller: Share a unique aspect of your background, identity, interest, or talent that defines you.
• The Overcomer: Describe a challenge you faced and how it shaped you into who you are today.
• The Questioner: Discuss a time you challenged a belief and its impact on you.
• The Grateful One: Reflect on a time someone’s kindness surprised you and how it affected your life.
• The Growth Mindset: Write about an experience that led to significant personal growth and self-discovery.
• The Passionate Learner: Describe a topic that ignites your curiosity and how you explore it further.
• The Free Spirit: Craft an essay on any topic you choose – showcase your unique voice and perspective!

Bonus! The optional COVID-19 question is still around, allowing you to address how the pandemic has impacted your academic journey.

How to Write Winning Essays:

● Read Carefully: Each prompt asks for something specific. Make sure your essay directly answers the question.

● Be You! Stand out by showing your personality, passions, and what makes you tick.

● Tell a Story: People love stories! Use an experience to illustrate your point.

● Show, Don’t Tell: Don’t just say you’re a hard worker; describe a situation where you overcame an obstacle.

● Proofread Like a Pro: Typos and grammatical errors scream “careless.” Read your essay out loud to catch any awkward phrasing.

● Get Feedback: Ask a teacher, counselor, or trusted adult to review your essay. They can help you improve it.

Remember: These prompts are your chance to shine! Choose the prompt that best allows you to showcase your strengths and experiences.

With dedication and these tips, you’ll be well on your way to writing essays that impress admissions officers!

Don’t Let College Apps Stress Your Senior!

Is your teen overwhelmed by college applications?

Deadlines, essays, and testing can feel like a marathon!

Debbie Goldstein College Consulting can help! 

We offer resources to make the process smoother for you and your student. Here’s how:

● Head Start This Summer! We provide one-on-one personalized guidance to get a jump on applications.

● Free Resources! Our blog is packed with college admissions tips.

● Expert Advice! We can help your teen craft strong essays and applications.

Don’t wait! Contact us today, and let’s make college applications a breeze!

Busted! Common App Essay Myths Debunked!

Many myths swirl around essays, making things confusing for parents and students.

Here’s the truth!

● Myth: Essays are a tell-all. Fact: Focus on 1 impactful story.

● Myth: Bigger words = better essay. Fact: Be yourself! Use your voice.

● Myth: Stand out with crazy topics! Fact: Admissions officers want genuine essays.

● Myth: A killer essay guarantees admission. Fact: It’s one piece of the puzzle.

● Myth: Repurpose essays for every school. Fact: Tailor each essay to the college.

Debbie Goldstein College Consulting can help!

Our experts can guide your teen to write strong, unique essays that get noticed.