Lessons Learned from Coaching Under-resourced Teens

Lessons Learned from Coaching Under-resourced Teens

Christina Taber-Kewene
SAT/ACT, Test Optional, Visiting Colleges, Preparing for College

While under-resourced students tend to undermatch– applying to less selective colleges and fewer of them than they could likely gain admission to– well-resourced kids often overmatch, applying to colleges more selective than the ones they are necessarily qualified for and to too many of them. I can’t count the number of times my under-resourced students plan to apply to only one or two colleges (the national average in 2021-2022 was approximately six colleges) when they should be aiming higher and more broadly.

Final Admissions Decisions Class of 2025

Final Admissions Decisions Class of 2025

Christina Taber-Kewene
Post-Application, College Acceptance, College Admissions, Regular Decision, Seniors, Merit Aid, Financial Aid

High school seniors have been receiving their final admissions outcomes over the last few weeks of March. Admissions season now unofficially culminates today with Ivy Day, when colleges in the Ivy League release their decisions. Some of our students will feel like they won the lottery today; others will have their dreams shattered.

As we head toward May 1, the enrollment deadline for US colleges, our students are asking these questions, and you may be too: 

  • Is there any chance to get off of a college’s waitlist? If so, what can I do to maximize my chances? 

  • I can’t afford my top choice school. When and how should I negotiate for more aid?

  • How do I know which college to choose when I have multiple good options? 

  • What do I need to do after I accept my offer and enroll at my college? 

2025 Early Decision (ED) and Early Action (EA) College Admissions Trends

2025 Early Decision (ED) and Early Action (EA) College Admissions Trends

Christina Taber-Kewene
Post-Application, College Acceptance, College Admissions, Early Action (EA) / Early Decision (ED), Getting Waitlisted & Deferred, Seniors

Learn about the increasingly competitive landscape of college admissions trends in 2025. Some questions this addresses are: What early trends are we seeing in acceptances for the Class of 2025? Which trends from recent years remain, and what is changing this year?  What do we predict for regular decision (spring) outcomes?  How does the test optional movement and some colleges’ return to requiring test scores affect admissions moving forward? What will happen with SAT and ACT test requirements in the future? 

What To Do With Your ED/EA Outcomes

What To Do With Your ED/EA Outcomes

Christina Taber-Kewene
Post-Application, Early Action (EA) / Early Decision (ED), College Acceptance, Getting Waitlisted & Deferred, College Admissions, Seniors

It’s the best thing EVER when you are admitted to your Early Decision school. You are done with applications (except in some cases) and ready to attend your dream school next year. Similarly, Early Action results present you with admissions decisions before the regular decision pool of applicants so that you can begin to breathe a bit easier and start narrowing your focus. But if you are deferred or denied, you have some decisions to make.

Interviews and Video Introductions for College Admissions

Interviews and Video Introductions for College Admissions

Christina Taber-Kewene
Applying to Colleges, Common Application, Early Action (EA) / Early Decision (ED), Interviews

The vast majority of colleges and universities in the US do not interview students; however, for those that do, the purpose, focus, and timing can vary greatly, depending on the school. This blog covers how to prepare for interviews with highly selective colleges, and also discusses the growing trend of video introductions in the college application process.

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