Admissions Blog

Congratulations to the Class of 2025

Posted on May 29, 2025 by Craig Meister

To the high school Class of 2025, and especially my remarkable cohort of graduating seniors, I extend my heartfelt congratulations!

You’ve navigated an extraordinarily complex path to this milestone, and your resilience, focus, and grit have paid off. I’ve had the privilege of witnessing your triumphs firsthand, and I’m thrilled to celebrate your achievements in a year marked by ongoing and profound social, political, and cultural shifts.

You’ve grown up in a time of head-spinning change. For instance, in 2020, just five years ago, you were in middle school, navigating the onset of a global pandemic. Schools shifted to online learning in March, disrupting your education and social lives. As 7th graders, you were likely grappling with virtual classes, struggling to maintain focus on Zoom, and missing peer interactions. You were also adjusting to adolescence, likely spending time on platforms like TikTok, which exploded in popularity, while navigating family dynamics during lockdowns.

Meanwhile, ten years ago, in 2015, you were in early elementary school, focused on foundational skills like reading and math. Major events during this time period included the Syrian refugee crisis and the legalization of same-sex marriage in the U.S. was a cultural milestone, possibly noticed by those with family or community connections to the issue. At this age, you were likely more engaged in play, school routines, and emerging digital habits, like using tablets for educational games or watching YouTube, as smartphones became ubiquitous.

And fifteen years ago, in 2010, you were only toddlers, unaware of major events like the Haiti earthquake, which killed over 200,000 people, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, a major environmental disaster, or the passage of the Affordable Care Act in the USA. You were likely spending your days in preschool or at home, developing basic language and motor skills, playing with toys, or watching shows like Sesame Street, which, sadly, was already well past its prime but still watchable. Technology was already creeping in, with the first iPad released, but your interaction with it was minimal, likely limited to simple apps under parental supervision. Your world was shaped by family and immediate surroundings, not global events.

Overall, you’ve grown up against a backdrop of profound global changes, from pandemics to social movements, which, whether you realize it or not, influence your worldview as you graduate. And the Class of 2025 has graduated into a world buzzing with change. The political landscape, charged by recent elections and policy debates, underscores the importance of critical thinking and civic engagement, which are qualities you’ve honed through late-night essay revisions and an overall thoughtful approach to your college admissions process. Culturally, you’ve grown up amidst rapid technological advancements, from AI-driven innovations to evolving social media dynamics, which shape how you connect and express yourselves. Socially, you’ve faced pressures from a polarized society; yet, you’ve emerged with a commitment to embracing difference and authentic self-expression. Your ability to thrive in this environment reflects not just academic prowess but a deep adaptability that will serve you well.

My philosophy has always been about empowering students to realize their potential while navigating the high-stakes college admissions process with clarity and confidence. For my seniors, this means more than just crafting standout applications; you discovered your passions and aligned them with institutions at which you’ll flourish. Your success securing spots at dream schools like the Dartmouth, Duke, Penn State, and Penn demonstrates the power of strategic and personalized guidance. Your acceptances, many with scholarships, are a testament to your hard work and our shared commitment to excellence.

Overall, the members of my Class of 2025 have committed to attend impressive colleges and universities across America:

Congratulations to each and every one of you, and thank you for allowing me to join you on this journey.

Zooming out, in 2025, the higher education landscape faces deserved scrutiny, with debates over affordability, access, and institutional value echoing loudly. Yet, as Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell noted in his Princeton commencement address, universities remain “a crucial national asset” for fostering innovation and leadership.

You, the Class of 2025, embody this promise, and your journeys reflect a readiness to lead with character and conviction. No matter where you step into your next chapter, whether it be college, trade school, the military, or the workforce, I encourage you to carry forward the resilience you’ve built. The world needs your voices, your ideas, and your ability to bridge divides.

To my CollegeMeister seniors, I’m immensely proud of how you’ve embraced this process, turning challenges into opportunities. You’ve not only earned your way into top institutions but also laid the foundation for lives of impact. Expect the best, accept the best, and keep shining.

Congratulations, Class of 2025. I can’t wait to see what you accomplish next.

Time is Ticking: 8 Tips High School Students Need to Follow Now to Make Their College Dreams a Reality

Posted on September 4, 2024 by Jose Angelo Gallegos

Getting into the college of your dreams requires careful planning, dedication, and strategic actions throughout your high school years. Whether you have your sights set on an Ivy League school or a highly selective public university, the earlier you start preparing, the better your chances of being accepted. Here are several tips to help you build a strong college application:

1. Focus on Academic Excellence Early

Your academic record is one of the most critical components of your college application. Colleges typically begin looking at your grades as early as your freshman year. This means that every grade counts, and starting strong will give you a solid foundation to build upon.

Take Challenging Courses: Colleges like to see students challenging themselves academically. This includes enrolling in honors and Advanced Placement (AP) classes. Taking honors classes can also boost your GPA, making your application more competitive. Learn more about how honors classes boost your GPA to understand the benefits of these courses.
Aim for Consistency: Rather than aiming for perfection, focus on consistency. Maintaining a high GPA throughout high school is crucial. If you’re aiming for a school that accepts students with a 3.5 GPA or higher, check out these colleges that accept a 3.5 GPA to explore your options.
Understand Grade Expectations: It’s important to know when colleges start looking at your grades. Generally, they consider your performance from ninth grade onwards, but they pay particular attention to your junior year. Find out more about what grades colleges look at to ensure you’re on track.

2. Get Involved in Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular activities are a great way to demonstrate your interests, leadership skills, and commitment to your passions outside of the classroom. They can also significantly strengthen your college application by showcasing your well-rounded character.

Choose Quality Over Quantity: While it might be tempting to join as many clubs as possible, it’s more effective to focus on a few activities that genuinely interest you and where you can make a significant impact. Colleges prefer depth over breadth in extracurricular activities. Learn more about how many clubs you should join in high school to maximize your participation.
Pursue Leadership Roles: Taking on leadership roles in your extracurricular activities can set you apart from other applicants. Whether it’s becoming the president of a club, leading a community service project, or captaining a sports team, leadership demonstrates initiative and responsibility.
Balance Your Activities: While it’s important to be involved, you should also maintain a balance between your extracurricular activities and your academics. Colleges look for students who can manage their time effectively and excel both inside and outside the classroom.

3. Build Strong Relationships with Teachers

Teachers can be invaluable resources when it comes to applying for college. Not only can they offer academic support, but they can also provide letters of recommendation, which are a crucial part of your application.

Engage in Class: Show genuine interest in your courses by participating in class discussions, asking questions, and seeking help when needed. Teachers are more likely to remember and write strong letters of recommendation for students who are engaged and proactive in their learning.
Seek Help Early: If you’re struggling in a particular subject, don’t wait until it’s too late to ask for help. Building a relationship with your teachers early on will show them that you’re dedicated to your education.
Request Letters of Recommendation: When the time comes, ask teachers who know you well and can speak to your strengths and character. It’s also important to give them plenty of notice and provide any necessary information they might need to write a compelling recommendation. For more detailed guidance, check out this resource on how to get letters of recommendation for college.

4. Prepare for Standardized Tests

While some colleges are moving towards test-optional admissions, standardized tests like the SAT and ACT are still an important part of the application process for many schools. Preparing thoroughly for these exams can improve your chances of getting into your desired college.

Start Early: Begin preparing for standardized tests well in advance. This gives you ample time to understand the test format, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and improve through practice.
Take Practice Tests: Taking practice tests under timed conditions can help you get used to the test format and identify areas where you need to focus more.
Consider Test Prep Courses: If you’re struggling with self-study, consider enrolling in a test prep course. These courses can provide you with strategies to tackle different sections of the test and help improve your score.

5. Plan Your College Search and Visits

Starting your college search early can help you narrow down your choices and ensure that you’re applying to schools that are a good fit for you academically, socially, and financially.

Research Early: Begin researching colleges as early as your sophomore year. Look into different programs, campus culture, location, and other factors that are important to you. This will help you identify what you want in a college.
Visit Campuses: If possible, visit the campuses of the colleges you’re interested in. This can give you a feel for the environment and help you determine if it’s the right fit for you.
Attend College Fairs and Info Sessions: College fairs and information sessions are great opportunities to learn more about different schools and speak with admissions representatives.

6. Develop a Strong Personal Statement and Application Essays

Your personal statement and application essays are your chance to showcase who you are beyond your grades and test scores. They allow you to tell your story, explain any discrepancies in your academic record, and demonstrate your writing ability.

Start Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to start writing your essays. Give yourself plenty of time to brainstorm, write, and revise your essays. A well-thought-out essay can make a big difference in your application.
Be Authentic: Write about something that is meaningful to you. Admissions officers can tell when an essay is genuine versus when it’s written to impress.
Proofread Carefully: Make sure to proofread your essays multiple times and ask someone else to review them as well. Spelling and grammatical errors can detract from an otherwise strong essay.

7. Plan Your Financial Strategy

Paying for college is a significant concern for many families, and planning your financial strategy early can alleviate some of this stress.

Apply for Scholarships: There are numerous scholarships available for high school students, ranging from academic to extracurricular-based awards. Start researching scholarships early and apply to as many as you can.
Fill Out the FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the key to accessing federal financial aid. Be sure to fill it out as soon as it becomes available in October of your senior year.
Consider Financial Fit: While it’s important to aim high, make sure to include some financially realistic schools on your list as well. This will ensure you have options when it comes time to make your final decision.

8. Stay Organized Throughout the Process

Applying to college involves managing many moving parts, from keeping track of deadlines to gathering necessary documents. Staying organized can help ensure you don’t miss any important steps in the process.

Create a College Checklist: List all the tasks you need to complete for each college you’re applying to, including deadlines for applications, tests, and financial aid forms.
Use a Calendar: Keep a calendar or planner to track important dates and deadlines. This will help you stay on top of everything and reduce the stress of last-minute preparations.
Keep Copies of Everything: Maintain copies of all your application materials, including essays, transcripts, and letters of recommendation. This will make it easier to keep track of what you’ve submitted and follow up if needed.

By starting early and following these tips, high school students can set themselves up for success and improve their chances of getting into the college of their dreams. Remember, the college admissions process is a marathon, not a sprint, so take it step by step and stay focused on your goals.

Achieving College Goals: Integrating Career Planning With Academic Success

Posted on July 15, 2024 by Sam Bowman

You have big career dreams, and to achieve those goals, you know you’ll need to work hard during your college years. Yet, academic success has different meanings to different people; the college goals you pursue will depend on the type of career you hope to build after you graduate.

Many ambitious students find it helpful to create a career plan to guide them through higher education and beyond. Career planning utilizes research and introspection to develop a strategic roadmap of goals that will lead you to present and future success. With a career plan in hand, you’ll have a clear picture of what you need to accomplish during the next few years to set yourself on the path toward realizing your biggest career dreams.

Creating Your Career Plan

The sooner you start developing your career plan, the sooner you can use it to work toward your ultimate career goals. Once you have even a small idea of what you want to do with your life, you can begin building a career plan.

Research Your Career

To start, research and explore your chosen career field online. This should help you understand the industries and roles associated with your field of interest, which in turn should point you toward the qualifications you’ll need to secure specific jobs. You can use resources like LinkedIn and Indeed to review the qualifications required for these jobs, and you can also consult the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook to better understand demand and salaries for your anticipated roles.

Outline Your Goals

Once you have a good sense of the general steps required for your desired career path, you can develop more concrete goals. Early goals might include acquiring the necessary credentials for entry-level positions, which could involve getting a specific degree. You might need to set a goal for internships or networking in the near future. Your later career goals might be a bit more vague — such as earning a leadership position, for example — but you should include these goals in your career plan to drive you toward success.

Compile Your Documents

As you make your career plan, you should assemble a few crucial documents that will help you accomplish your goals. Your resume or CV should be at the top of the pile and easily accessible for updates and changes. Somewhere in your career plan, you might include contact information for members of your professional network. Additionally, you should save copies of relevant evaluations and feedback, which can help guide your decision-making throughout your career.

Career plans can become large and unwieldy, and you may find them difficult to understand and use unless you make an effort to stay organized. To ensure that your career plan is coherent and actionable, you might take advantage of career planning templates and other tools, especially while you are new to career planning as a practice.

Reflect

Self-reflection is an important component of career planning. While you conduct research, you should consistently ask yourself whether your chosen career path aligns appropriately with your interests, talents, values, and personal goals. You need to be honest with yourself — which may mean pivoting your plans or abandoning certain dreams if the reality of a career doesn’t align with your expectations. Especially in the earliest stages of career planning, you might consider journaling about your passions and dreams. Then, you can continue to reference these thoughts and feelings as you put your career plan into action.

Using Your Career Plan During College

Ideally, you will have a career plan in hand before you apply to college programs. Then, you can use your research to build a list of schools that will serve you best and choose your major based on the fields of study utilized in your determined career field. Your career plan should help you prioritize your college classes and projects, so you can appropriately allocate your energy to those tasks that will be most valuable to your future career.

Don’t Focus Exclusively on Grades

Though a high GPA is certainly not harmful to your career, it’s far from the only valuable component of your college education. To determine what matters most during your college years, you should relay the insights provided by your career plan. For example, if you know that you’ll be applying to graduate programs, your grades will be more important than if you’re hoping to launch your own business immediately after college.

Your career plan might also point you toward extracurricular activities that will boost your career success. Joining student organizations, completing internships, visiting conferences, and participating in other activities could be essential to maximizing your career impact during your college years. If you’re too focused on your GPA, you might miss powerful non-academic opportunities that would benefit your career.

Learn To Manage Your Time

To balance your pursuits outside the classroom with earning an adequate GPA, you’ll need to become adept at managing your time — a skill that will serve you well for the rest of your personal and professional life. Some useful time management tips that you can start practicing in your college years include:

Find your time management tools. Different people prefer different tools, so you should use college to experiment. You can try different digital calendars, planners, task managers, note-taking systems, and more.
Schedule every day. You might not follow your daily schedule to the letter, but having a plan for every day will keep you accountable to your goals.
Plan ahead. Try to make plans in advance if you can, and keep track of important dates and events, such as exams. Additionally, be sure to regularly make time to have fun during your college years.

Ultimately, what you do (or don’t do) during college could set the stage for what you do (or do not do) during your career. Putting effort into creating a comprehensive career plan before you enter higher education will give you the direction you need to achieve success during your college years, as well as after them.

AP vs. IBDP. Which is best for you?

Posted on February 20, 2023 by Craig Meister Leave a Comment

AP vs. IBDP

Advanced Placement (AP) courses and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme are both challenging and rigorous options that high school students can choose to take to demonstrate their commitment to academic excellence and in order to potentially earn college credit for college or gain admission to selective colleges and universities. Yet, most high schools currently only offer one or the other, which is a shame.

An AP course is a college-level course offered in many high schools in the United States and Canada and even some high schools in other countries too (often those that have an English-medium curriculum). AP courses are designed to be rigorous and challenging, with a curriculum that is equivalent to a college-level course. AP courses cover a range of subjects, including English, mathematics, sciences, social sciences, and foreign languages.

At the end of an AP course, currently in May, students have the option to take an AP exam in that subject. The AP exam is administered by the College Board and assesses students’ knowledge and skills in the subject. AP exam scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest possible score. Many colleges and universities in the United States and around the world offer college credit, advanced placement, or both to students who score a 3 or higher on an AP exam. Yet, increasingly, a growing group of hyper-selective colleges do not award any college credit to AP exam scores of even 4 or 5.

Taking AP courses can provide a number of benefits for students. In addition to preparing them for college-level work and potentially earning them college credit, AP courses can demonstrate a student’s high school academic rigor and dedication to challenging themselves. They can also help students stand out in the college admissions process by showing their readiness for higher education.

IBDP

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (IBDP) is an internationally recognized, two-year educational program offered to students in their final two years of high school. The IBDP is designed to provide students with a well-rounded education that focuses on critical thinking, problem-solving, and global citizenship.

To earn an IB Diploma, students must complete six courses in various subjects, including language and literature, foreign languages, individuals and societies (such as history or economics), sciences, mathematics, and the arts. In addition, students must complete three core requirements: the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course, which explores the nature of knowledge and different ways of knowing; the Extended Essay (EE), which is a research paper of up to 4,000 words; and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), which involves extracurricular activities and community service.

Assessment in the IB Diploma Programme is based on a combination of internal and external assessments. Internal assessments are conducted by teachers and include essays, projects, and oral presentations. External assessments include written exams, which are administered at the end of the two-year program, when a student is at the end of his or her senior (12th grade) year, and are graded externally by IB examiners. IB Diploma students can receive a maximum of 45 points: 7 points for each of the six subject areas and a maximum of 3 points for the core requirements. Students who earn at least 24 points and meet other requirements can earn an IB Certificate, even if they do not complete the full Diploma. Ivy League-level colleges and universities are most attracted to IB applicants who are predicted in the fall/winter of 12th grade (when students apply to college in the US) to earn at least 40 points total by the time they enroll as college freshmen.

One of the key features of the IB Diploma Programme is its focus on international-mindedness and global citizenship. The program aims to develop students’ awareness and understanding of different cultures, perspectives, and languages, and to prepare them to be active and responsible global citizens. The IB Diploma is recognized by colleges and universities around the world and can provide students with quite a competitive edge in the college admissions process.

Pros of AP Courses

Flexibility: AP courses allow students to pick and choose which subjects they want to study in-depth. They can take as many or as few AP courses as they wish, depending on their interests and goals.

Recognition: AP courses are widely recognized in the United States and around the world. Earning a high score on an AP exam can demonstrate mastery of a subject to college admissions officers and potential employers.

Cost-effective: The cost of taking an AP exam is much lower than the cost of taking an equivalent college course. This can help students save money on college tuition.

Cons of AP Courses

Limited scope: AP courses typically focus on the material covered in a single college course, which may not provide the same level of depth and breadth as an IB program.

Reliance on exams: AP courses rely heavily on a single exam at the end of the year to determine a student’s score and eligibility for college credit. This can be stressful for students who struggle with test-taking.

Lack of cohesiveness: Because students can choose which AP courses to take, there may not be as much cohesiveness between courses or a unified curriculum.

Pros of the IB Diploma Programme

Holistic education: The IB Diploma Programme emphasizes a well-rounded education, including language acquisition, community service, and a focus on critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

International recognition: The IB Diploma Programme is recognized and respected by universities around the world. It can provide an advantage to students who want to attend college outside of the United States.

Preparation for college: The rigorous nature of the IB Diploma Programme can prepare students for the challenges of college coursework and help them develop the skills they need to succeed.

Cons of the IB Diploma Programme

Cost: The cost of the IB Diploma Programme can be higher than the cost of taking AP courses, which can be a barrier for some students.

Heavy workload: The IB Diploma Programme can be very demanding, with a heavy workload and a requirement to complete a range of assessments and coursework.

Limited subject choices: The IB Diploma Programme requires students to take a specific set of courses in order to earn the diploma, which may not align with their interests or career goals.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to pursue AP courses or the IB Diploma Programme will depend on a student’s individual goals, interests, and strengths. Both programs offer benefits and challenges, and students should consider their personal needs and preferences when making a decision.

My School Only Offers One of these Curricula

The decision to offer only AP courses or only the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) can depend on a variety of factors, such as the resources and priorities of the school, the interests of the student body, and the educational goals of the school or school district.

One reason why some schools offer only AP courses is that the AP program has been around longer and is more established in the United States. In addition, the AP program is more flexible in terms of course offerings, allowing schools to choose which courses they want to offer based on the interests and needs of their students.

On the other hand, some schools choose to offer only the IBDP because they believe it provides a more comprehensive and holistic education. The IBDP requires students to complete coursework in multiple subject areas and to engage in the core requirements, which emphasize critical thinking, global awareness, and community service. Schools that prioritize these goals may choose to offer only the IBDP, as it aligns more closely with their educational philosophy.

Ultimately, the decision to offer only AP courses or only the IBDP depends on the priorities and resources of the school and the school district, as well as the educational goals and interests of the student body. Some schools may also choose to offer both AP and IBDP options to provide students with a choice and to cater to different learning styles and interests. Sadly, this is relatively rare, and even if the student prefers one curricula or the other, usually the student has no choice in the matter unless he or she is willing or able to change high schools.

Do Colleges Prefer One or the Other?

American colleges do not necessarily prefer AP over IBDP or vice versa. Both AP and IBDP are rigorous academic programs that demonstrate a student’s preparedness for college-level work, and both can be viewed positively by college admissions officers.

When evaluating students for admission, colleges typically consider a range of factors beyond just academic performance, including extracurricular activities, personal essays, letters of recommendation, and standardized test scores (such as the SAT or ACT). Therefore, it is difficult to say that one program is preferred over the other in the college admissions process.

It is worth noting, however, that colleges and universities have different policies when it comes to awarding college credit for AP and IBDP courses. While many institutions award credit for high scores on AP exams, some may require higher scores on IBDP exams or may only offer credit for specific courses within the IBDP curriculum. Yet, I’ve also had students of mine who enter college with sophomore standing and an impressive scholarship as a result of earning 40 or more points at the end of the IBDP, and that is a far rarer occurrence for AP students, as it’s harder to take ten or more APs by the time of graduation and score well enough on them that the student will be to get them all accepted for credit at college and thus catapult a student to sophomore standing upon matriculating to college. This is a function of the exact courses on offer at the student’s high school as much as the a la carte nature of the AP curriculum. IBDP is very much like staying at an all-inclusive resort in comparison. Yet, in so doing, many students don’t have the energy to pursue extracurricular activities as much as they could or should to round out their overall college applications.

In general, it is important for students to research the specific policies of the colleges and universities they are interested in attending, as well as to consider which program may be the best fit for their academic interests and goals. Ultimately, both AP and IBDP can be valuable for students seeking a rigorous and challenging academic experience.

Are there other ways to earn college credit before graduating from high school?

Yes! Remember, both of these curricula are purporting to offer college level coursework to high school students. Yet, many high school students have the ability to enroll in dual or concurrent enrollment college courses at or with a local community or four-year college when they are still in high school. A third way to begin earning college credit in high school is to simply start taking college courses online or in person and earn passing grades in them (the higher the better). Many colleges both within your state and in other states will accept such credits – at least to fulfill general education requirements – to count towards your eventual four-year undergraduate degree. Yet, some very selective colleges still may not. So, do your research when deciding where to apply and ultimately enroll if coming into college with college credits is important to you.

If your main goal is to prove that you can take and do well in college level coursework in order to impress and therefore get into selective colleges, then a robust roster of AP courses (and scores), the full IBDP (and strong predictions + final scores), or a good number of community college credits (with strong grades on your associated college transcript) will all get the job done for you. As you can now tell, there are many roads to arriving at the same destination, and no single curriculum has a monopoly on either knowledge, truth, or getting you in to your dream college.

Is it worth applying to Harvard if I have a 3.0 GPA?

Posted on February 10, 2023 by Craig Meister 1 Comment

Today’s reader question is from Jake in Grand Rapids, Michigan:

Question: Is it worth applying to Harvard if I have a 3.0 GPA?

Answer: Harvard is one of the most selective universities in the world, and a 3.0 GPA is typically below the average GPA of admitted students. Yet, grades are just one of many factors that Harvard considers in its admission process. The university also takes into account other elements of a student’s application, such as the student’s rigor of curriculum, ACT or SAT scores, extracurricular activities, essays, letters of recommendation, and more.

It’s worth noting that a 3.0 GPA does not automatically disqualify you from consideration for admission to Harvard, and there have been students with lower GPAs who have been admitted in the past. With that said, it will likely be more challenging for you to be admitted, and you will need to have other aspects of your application that demonstrate your potential for success at Harvard and beyond to overcome what is essentially a B average. If you are being realistic, unless you have an extremely unique talent, backstory, or connection, Harvard is likely not in your future if you are a B student.

In general, if you have a 3.0 GPA as a high school junior or later and you’re interested in applying to Harvard, focus on other aspects of your application that can demonstrate your strengths and help you stand out as a candidate. If you are still an underclassmen in high school, focus on getting your GPA up as soon as possible. Additionally, it may be a good idea to speak with a college counselor or an admissions consultant to get a better sense of your chances of being admitted to Harvard and to understand what you can do to increase your chances of success in its admissions process and at similarly selective institutions.

Remain a Full-Time Student During Senior Year in High School

Posted on July 20, 2021 by Craig Meister

Many students, particularly strong ones, find themselves finished or close to finished all of their high school graduation requirements by the end of junior (11th grade) year. As a result high schools often offer seniors (12th grade students) in high school the option of attending school part time as long as graduation requirements are met. Don’t be seduced by this options that may bring short term pleasure but long term challenges.

5 Smart Summer Tips for Wise Rising Seniors

Posted on June 30, 2021 by admissions.blog Leave a Comment

It’s summertime, which means that many rising high school seniors are pondering the best way to spend a couple of months away from schoolwork.

For some answers, we turn to college admissions expert and college application coach Craig Meister – on location on the beach – for five important oceanside advice videos for rising high school seniors to ensure that they make the best personal choices for how to make the most of summer break.

1. Best Summer College Application Completion Advice

2. Summer Job vs. Summer Internship

3. Pre College Programs vs. Local Options

4. Is Summer SAT or ACT Prep a Smart Use of Time?

5. Don’t Forget to…

Craig is a college admissions coach and founder of CollegeMeister. He previously held university admissions and high school college and career counseling positions in Baltimore, West Palm Beach, and Rio de Janeiro.

College Admissions and the Eyes of a Child

Posted on April 14, 2021 by Patrick O'Connor Leave a Comment

There were only eight in the box, but Billy didn’t see it that way. To him there wasn’t anything he couldn’t draw. Especially anything red. Shoes. Birds. Strawberries. Even dogs. Look at it the right way, and anything could be red.

Mrs. Struthers understood that, and loved to see Billy in class every day. Together, they discovered all kinds of things that turned out to be red. As the year went on, Mrs. Struthers showed Billy how many other things were a mix of red and one of the other colors in his box of crayons. By May, Billy was working with just green, and just yellow, and just about every other color. But once kindergarten was over, it was the red crayon that had been worn down to a stub.

Coloring somehow became both less important and more important as school went on. By second grade, the box had grown from eight to twenty-four, but there was less time to color in school. Billy had rearranged the box to keep his favorite eight colors together, in the front row.

During one of those rare times drawing was allowed, Billy was relishing the chance to draw another cardinal, when Mr. Tyler walked by his desk.

“Cardinals aren’t really red, you know” he said.

Billy kept drawing, and looked up. “What do you mean?”

“They’re actually their own color. Cardinal red. You have that in your box. It’s in the top row of colors.”

Mr. Tyler walked away. Billy kept drawing with red.

The last time Billy saw a box of crayons in school was fourth grade, when the box had grown to 64. Billy had no idea what to do with a crayon named Salmon—wasn’t that a fish?—and the two named Yellow Orange and Orange Yellow looked exactly the same. Why take up space with two crayons of the same color? Billy brought his box of eight crayons from home. The red was getting very small.

There wasn’t time for coloring again until eighth grade, when Billy took an art class in middle school. The crayons had been replaced with pastels that were thicker, and moved across the paper differently than crayons. Suddenly, Billy’s crisply drawn cardinals were fuzzy, and smeared, and looked a little more like smushed raspberries. Billy waited until the end of class to ask his teacher about this, and how could he draw crisp cardinals with pastels.

The teacher frowned. “We didn’t draw cardinals today” she said, “we were drawing mosaics. Did you draw mosaics?”

Billy put his head down. After school, he took his crayons home, and put them in the back of a desk drawer.

The counselor opened up the file on his lap and smiled. “The career tests suggest you have an exceptional talent for art. Have you considered a career in graphic arts?”

The student across from him stared at his blank phone screen.

“Billy, did you hear me?”

“Yeah” Billy said, not looking up.

“Your records say you haven’t taken an art course since eighth grade. There’s room for one in your schedule next year as a senior. What do you say?”

Billy’s eyes were frozen on the ground.

“Mrs. Jefferson is a great art teacher. She taught me how to cross hatch. Have you ever tried that?”

The counselor pulled out a blank piece of paper, and opened the top drawer of his desk. It was filled with crayons.

The squeak of the drawer made Billy look up. “They’re all green” he said.

“Yeah” the counselor chuckled, “I had this thing for green crayons when I was a kid, and it’s stuck with me all these years. I had a couple of teachers try and talk me out of it, but when you love something, you just stick with it, you know?”

Billy looked away for a minute, then pulled out what looked like a pack of cigarettes from his pocket.

“Uh, Billy—” the counselor said.

Billy flipped open the top of the box, revealing a dozen crayons of different heights. All red.

“Do they teach art in college?”

Dear 12th Grader: Don’t Blow Your Ivy Chances Now

Posted on December 20, 2020 by Craig Meister

So many high school seniors are still in real contention for an Ivy League acceptance in the first few weeks of twelfth grade. Then, something happens that takes most of these smart and well-intentioned young people out of the running entirely.

Don’t let this happen to you! Watch the video below to find out what you must do to give yourself the best shot of closing the deal with the Ivy League or similarly selective college of your dreams during the first few weeks of senior year.

The advice in the above video is particularly relevant to students who have not made major mistakes in 9th grade, 10th grade, or 11th grade.

Sadly, many high school students make major academic, extracurricular, or personal missteps throughout high school. As they say, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of a cure.” Why get yourself into unnecessary trouble or cause yourself needless anxiety or stress later in high school just because you didn’t know that certain decisions that you make as a high school freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior could actually turn out to be mistakes serious enough to derail your smooth sail towards achieving your post-high school goals?

If you are a student (or a parent of a student) who wants to proactively and wisely tackle every challenge high school throws your way and reach your college admissions potential, the best advice I can give you is to meet with me for a Strategy Session as soon as possible.

A Strategy Session is for students and parents who desire expert and peer guidance as they navigate the college admissions process, which actually begins the moment a student starts high school! Students and parents who take part in a Strategy Session are encouraged to ask their current college admissions questions, discuss where they are in the process, and clarify what they are most concerned about or unclear on as it relates to the college admissions process. My goal is to ensure families leave each session armed with the knowledge they need to make the most of every opportunity presented to them until we meet again.

During your Strategy Session, you’ll gain access to timely best-in-class college admissions counseling that will empower you to make the right moves regarding academics, testing, extracurricular activities, and college applications in order to meet with future college admissions success. Since we’ll have limited time together, I am direct as possible during a Strategy Session, so get ready to bust the most common college admissions myths and prepare to glide through the entire college admissions process calm, cool, and collected.

Consider having a Strategy Session an amazing insurance policy to protect against the lack of college guidance or downright poor college counseling many students experience during their four years – but especially during their first two years – in high school. After all, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of a cure – especially if that cure comes too late (which from my experience is too often the case with students who only start getting good or better college counseling in 11th grade or later).

What are you waiting for? Schedule your Strategy Session with me today.