Archive

Here’s the secret: the most successful students aren’t working 24/7—they’re working smart. Let’s go through the strategies that top college applicants use to make their winter break count without sacrificing the holidays! 1. The 40-30-30 Balance Rule Our most successful students (i.e. the ones who get into their dream universities) follow a surprising formula during […]

The ACT is about to undergo its biggest transformation in years, and we’re here to break down what this means for students planning to take the test in 2025 and beyond. The test is about to become shorter, more flexible, and (dare we say it?) less stressful. Let’s dive into what’s changing and when. First […]

When you look into Yale, the university’s 4.35% acceptance rate, it can feel overwhelming. Yale has one of the most competitive admissions processes in the world, and landing a spot at this Ivy League school can feel impossible. But first things first, Yale isn’t just looking for perfect test scores — they’re looking for students […]

Feeling the pressure of putting together the best college application? You KNOW it’s important to show admissions officers who you are, but how do you distill your essence into mere forms and essays?Enter the Common App Activity List (i.e. your secret weapon).The Common App Activity List isn’t just a catalog of your extracurricular activities for […]

Feeling the pressure of putting together the best college application? You KNOW it’s important to show admissions officers who you are, but how do you distill your essence into mere forms and essays? Enter the Common App Activity List (i.e. your secret weapon).  The Common App Activity List isn’t just a catalog of your extracurricular […]

A Practical Guide for Future Tritons UCSD has 8 colleges, and choosing how to rank them in your application can be overwhelming. Which one is “best”? How do they actually differ? What should you consider when ranking them? Whether you’re an international student or local applicant, this guide will help you make an informed choice […]

UC Personal Insight Questions: Expert Guide & Examples The UC Personal Insight Questions (PIQs) can feel overwhelming: 8 prompts, pick 4, and only 350 words each. That’s why I sat down with Jonathan Javier, our Senior Lead Counselor and  a UCLA graduate, to break down exactly what makes a standout PIQ response. No fluff, no […]

Meet Ross Leebody: The Former Pro Soccer Player Helping Students Realize Their College-Athletics Dreams We’re thrilled to welcome Ross Leebody to the AddedEducation team as our new Deputy General Manager of Athletics! Ross’s journey from international student-athlete to US college sports leader brings a wealth of experience and heart to our team. A Scottish StartBefore […]

Today we will be discussing Improving your child’s study habits with study tactics that promote effective planning and management. These guidelines aim to motivate the student with effective time management and organization tips that can improve their grades with the same effort and time they are currently investing. We are talking about a mindset and […]

As a parent, your role is crucial in helping your child build the right skills to set them up for success later on in life. In this blog post, we’re exploring practical strategies to help your teen master time management from the get-go. Prioritization: Teaching Your Teen to Focus It is easy for teens to […]

Creative Portfolios for College Applications A portfolio is an excellent opportunity to showcase your unique creative work to colleges. A creative portfolio is ideal for displaying your creative, technical, and marketing skills. It is a powerful tool to connect with colleges and leave your mark. A portfolio allows you to connect and communicate with the […]

The Common App Personal Essay may seem like the final boss in a video game, seemingly undefeatable. However, with practice and a good strategy, you can emerge victorious. Your personal essay is a crucial part of the application process. It’s not just a task but an opportunity for you to display your unique voice and […]