Insider Tips for the week of August 5, 2023

College admission zombies – ideas that need to die – Brennan Bernard addresses assumptions or untruths about college admissions that refuse to die. He addresses misconceptions about well-rounded applicants, testing, diversity and rankings. Well worth the read for any college-bound family.

How to speak to a college admissions rep – As the primary ambassadors to prospective students throughout the application process, college admission representatives manage most communication on behalf of their institutions. So how should applicants communicate with them? Check out this episode of the Tests and the Rest podcast.

Living on or off campus? Pros and cons – Living on or off campus can drastically change one’s college experience, and the right fit is different based on the needs of each student. Kelci Lynn Lucier provides a helpful framework to help you decide what is best for your family.

5 college essays that worked – The admissions office at Johns Hopkins shares actual examples of well-written college essays. Even better, they include comments from the admission committee about how the essays helped them learn more about the students beyond the transcripts and lists of activities provided in their applications.