College Admissions

For students waiting to hear back from college admission offices, the topic of college rankings might be a prominent player in the decision-making process. But should it be?

Whether your student is creating a video or writing a traditional essay to apply to college, remind them of the following tips.

"Why do you want to attend this college?"

This question, like all the others, is about you. It is a continuation of the task of the main essay (and the whole application, really): to make yourself sound interesting to the admissions evaluator. The college is an academic institution, first and foremost. What they are looking for is what you want to do intellectually, and why you want to do it at their college. So, you need to research either by visiting the college or online: what kinds of courses they offer, how their curriculum is unique, whether you can do research as a student, what their professors are like, what subjects are needed for general education or core requirements, etc. Then write about how you will use their intellectual resources.

Watching your son get turned down for prom, your daughter's puppy love tragically fizzle out or a group of friends turn on your child is nothing compared to the rejection you'll witness if his top college choice "regrets to inform you" that he's rejected admission. This spring, as your high school senior starts hearing back from schools, keep these tips in mind if rejection rears its ugly head.

Make sure your student understands the benefits and obligations of early decision and early action before applying.

While some 98 percent of Hispanic high school students say they’d like to attend college, according to a new study, only 25 percent of Hispanics are currently enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities, according to a U.S. Census Bureau report.

Here are some of the most common mistakes students make, and why you should avoid them.