Getting into one of America’s leading research universities is no easy task. Americas best colleges are particular about the students they admit, and the competition for admission is fierce– only 5.9% of applicants to Harvard were accepted in 2012. Applications must demonstrate a student’s record of academic success, motivation for study, and ability to keep up with a challenging program. Those characteristics can be difficult to prove, but with a little time and effort, you’ll be able to prepare an application that impresses even the admissions offices at leading research universities.

The College Application

The first thing to know about preparing an application to a competitive university is that there is no shame in getting college application help, though it is st Read more »

So you took the SAT and got an okay score. You have a rough list of colleges you want to apply to, and you’re visiting the rest within the next few weeks. Think you’re prepared? The simple truth is, you’re not. Far from it, in fact. Take it from one college graduate to another: there are a lot of things we all wish people would have told us before we licked the stamps for those applications. Or in more modern terms, clicked “send.” Here are three facts you should keep in mind for this admission season.

1. College Education Costs: Why International Ranking of Universities Might Not Matter

You have no idea how much college will cost. You might think you know… but you don’t. The truth is, your undergraduate degree is important, but there is no one school it hinges on. I know as man Read more »