Are you confused by the alphabet soup of ED, EA, and RD? Are you wondering whether you should apply early decision, early action, or regular decision? Dr. P.’s got some definitions — and answers.
Read MoreBeyond the essay, can AI help with the rest of the college application? Where, when, and what can AI do — and where do human college application helpers still provide unbeatable support?
Read MoreThink a college essay coach will warn “Never use ChatGPT!”? Think again. Dr. P. weighs in on the ethical (and unethical) ways to employ AI during the college essay writing process.
Read MoreThe best college lists should include at least one rejection, Dr P advises. But how do you help your child weather the sadness that might come with it? Inside, she offers three common-sense tips for parents of high school seniors.
Read MoreExtracurriculars should be fun -- but they also play a key role in the admissions process. Dr P offers tips for finding your passion and becoming a leader beyond your high school — both rewarded during admissions.
Read MoreNot sure of what to do if you’ve been deferred by your dream school? In this post — the second in a two-part series — Dr P has three tips to turn deferral into acceptance.
Read MoreGetting deferred from your dream college in December might feel lonely and confusing. In this post — Part I of a two-part series — Dr P explains why colleges defer the early decision (ED) applications of so many excellent candidates.
Read MoreFrom advising on course selection to choosing best fit colleges, independent college counselors like Dr P can make your child's journey from high school to college happier and smoother.
Read MoreIs your teen starting to panic about college apps? Are you? Inside Dr. P. has three strategies to start and finish the Common App and other college applications on time, with everyone's sanity intact.
Read MoreThis month, Dr. P. lays out what rising seniors need to do during the summer in order to produce the best essays and applications possible.
Read MoreNot sure what Yale’s “test flexible” admissions policy means? Or how about the University of California’s “test blind” policy? Dr. P. breaks it all down.
Read MoreIn celebration of this month’s release of the new FAFSA, Dr. P. shares 12 tips to earn scholarships and qualify for financial aid.
Read MoreDr. P. shares her thoughts on GRIT during college application season, GRATITUDE during Thanksgiving, and GRACE for ourselves and others all yearlong.
Read MoreAs college application season kicks into high gear, Dr. P. offers families commonsense guidelines for choosing the right colleges for their high school senior’s college list.
Read MoreAn educator for more than 25 years, Dr. P. shares her wisdom from the trenches of classrooms, testing, and college admissions with parents of the Classes of 2024, 2026, and 2027.
Read MoreThe end of President Biden’s student loan forgiveness program should inform how families approach the college application process. Dr. P. outlines how.
Read MoreDr. P. weighs in on the possible implications of the Supreme Court decision in the Fair Admissions Inc v Harvard case on college admissions.
Read MoreWith a little planning, summer can be filled with fun AND fulfilling goals for 2023-24, whether they’re in the classroom, on tests, or in college applications!
Read MoreThink the college essay is just about getting into college? Think again. In this piece, Dr. P. explains the REAL value of college essay coaching and writing.
Read MoreDr. P. recommends thinking in “buckets” versus “lists” when it comes to the college interview, and gives students three crucial buckets to fill with captivating anecdotes and well-researched questions as they prepare.
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