Top Tier Admissions
Twenty years ago, admissions to top colleges was much more formulaic. Applicant pools were smaller, more homogeneous, and more self-selecting. Each college had its own application that students filled out by hand. Most high schools calculated and reported class rank. “Merit” was pretty much defined as high class rank and high test scores, with some […]
Reflecting on the early admissions cycle that has just completed, we are drawn to this excerpt from Bowdoin’s decision letter. In it, Dean of Admissions Whitney Soule, signaled very clearly what Bowdoin values in its selection process and why. Operating from a place of care and concern for others, understanding that you are in relation to others […]
Back when the Common Application was newly launched, life was a bit simpler for our essay writing rising seniors! Supplemental essays used by colleges were practically an afterthought. With increased competition across the board at all colleges coupled with high achieving students, many colleges wanted yet another avenue for students to demonstrate their interest in […]
For the past few weeks, students have been anxiously awaiting the results of their Early Decision and Early Action applications. Now, as December rolls on, many schools are finally releasing their decisions. For students who are accepted or rejected, these results are pretty clear-cut. Some students, however, will face a less definitive status: deferral. WHAT […]
Final exam season is upon us and with it… final papers! We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: the most significant aspect of every admissions decision is your coursework. How well are you doing in your classes? How rigorous is your course load? What is your GPA, and how does it compare to […]
Calling All Juniors!
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Application Boot Camp®
Complete your Common App and supplemental essays, build a school list aligned to your profile, and develop a clear admissions strategy—guided by the Top Tier Admissions team. In our 22 years running Boot Camp, our counselors have helped thousands of students earn admission to the country’s most selective colleges.