Although your child probably already has access to college counseling at their school, it may not be enough or the right kind of support. Counselors at Houston-area public schools routinely work with more than 500 students each. Counselors at elite private schools have a significantly lower student to counselor ratio, [...]
That you are reading this FAQ speaks volumes to your commitment to your child's success. Our decades of experience and published research identify at least five, top strategies to help parents ensure their child continues to succeed at the highest level: Champion “productive struggle” and cognitive endurance Cultivate your child’s [...]
Given our decades of experience and proficiency with technology and publishing, General Academic has developed our own College Admissions Tracker. The Tracker's dashboard structure mirrors the counseling curriculum: vision and fit, the college list, essays, testing, activities and honors, recommendations, scholarships, financial aid, and applications. At the top of the [...]
Send test scores to test-optional schools when they enhance your application – typically at or above the school's median. Otherwise, withhold and bolster essays, grades, and course rigor.
File an appeal with updated documentation such as job-loss notices or medical bills. Most colleges will re-evaluate need-based aid.
Attend virtual sessions, visit campus, email regional reps, and reference specific programs in your supplements.
Revisit campuses (ideally, in-person), compare financial aid, talk with current/former students, and—above all—trust your gut.
The biggest essay mistake is having generic answers (e.g., "I’ve always loved science") or listing achievements without reflection.
There is nothing wrong with seeking help for essay editing, but the "voice" of the essay must be authentically yours. Avoid over-polishing—admissions officers spot inauthenticity.
They’re rarely decisive but can provide context. Treat them as conversations, not interrogations.