How to Write the University of Florida Supplemental Essay
Quick answer: The University of Florida supplemental essay includes a few short-answer questions in the Common App alongside your personal essay. The best responses focus on one specific commitment, explain your role and what you learned, and connect it to how you would contribute at UF. Always check the current prompts in the Common App […]
The Best and Worst People to Ask for Recommendation Letters
Quick answer: When deciding who to ask for recommendation letters, choose teachers who know you well, taught you recently, and can describe specific examples of your work, ideally in core subjects related to your interests. Avoid relatives, friends, famous figures who barely know you, and teachers who had you briefly years ago. Letters of recommendation […]
A Guide to the Pros and Cons of BS/MD Programs
Quick answer: The pros and cons of BS/MD programs come down to certainty versus flexibility. You earn a bachelor’s degree and a conditional medical school seat through one admission, usually over seven or eight years. In return, you commit to medicine early, choose from fewer medical schools, and must meet GPA or MCAT requirements to […]
Supplemental Essay Mistakes: Common Errors to Avoid
Quick answer: The most common supplemental essay mistakes are misreading the prompt, repeating your personal statement or activities list, writing generic why school essays that could fit any college, going over word limits, and starting too late. Each supplement should answer the exact question asked and add something new and specific about you. Supplemental Essay […]
Common App Sections: A Guide to Every Part of Your Application
Quick answer: The main Common App sections are Profile, Family, Education, Testing, Activities and Experiences, Writing, and Courses & Grades, plus college-specific questions and writing supplements. The application opens each year on August 1, and each section asks a different question, so give the factual sections the same care as your essays. The Common App […]
High School Students Interested in History: How to Build Your Profile
Quick answer: The best history extracurriculars include original research with archives or historical societies, National History Day, oral history projects, museum or library work, and submitting papers to journals like The Concord Review. Pair them with AP or IB history courses, then show your interest through your activities list, recommendations, and essays. Whether you’ve always […]
How to Increase Your Chances of Maximizing Financial Aid for College
Quick answer: To maximize financial aid, understand whether colleges are need-blind or need-aware, submit the FAFSA and CSS Profile on time, apply to schools that meet full demonstrated need, target colleges where you are a top applicant for merit aid, apply for outside scholarships, and compare net price calculators. How to Increase Your Chances of […]
Choosing Between Two Early Decision Schools: Where Should You Apply?
Quick answer: When choosing between two early decision schools, pick the one you would attend without hesitation if admitted, since ED is binding and allows only one school per round. Compare academics and campus fit, how your profile matches each school, the essay workload, and whether either college offers ED II as a second binding […]
Should You Self-Study for AP Exams?
Quick answer: It can make sense to self-study for AP exams when your school does not offer a course in a subject you care about, you have steady study habits, and your current grades stay on track. Start early in the school year and arrange testing with an AP coordinator at a school that will […]
How to Write Your Best Personal Statement to Get Into College
Quick answer: An effective college personal statement is a 650-word Common App essay that shows who you are beyond grades and scores. Brainstorm until you find a specific story, organize it with a hook, concrete evidence, and a reflective ending, write in your own voice, and revise through several drafts before you submit. Crafting an […]