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College Application Secrets contests for high school students writing

How Winning Writing Contests Can Boost Your College Application

As a former creative writing major and teacher of college English classes, I love working with young writers. Writing, as I have seen firsthand as a Top Tier Admissions Senior Private Counselor, not only allows students to exercise their imagination, but also to challenge expectations, build empathy, and, of course, expand their vocabulary. But when […]

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Simplify Senior Year with Summer Interviews

As a rising senior, your summer is already likely packed with jobs, college visits, and other commitments–but it’s also a critical time to focus on your college applications! One smart move? Scheduling admissions interviews during the summer. Many colleges offer them in these quieter months, and taking part early shows initiative and demonstrated interest. Summer […]

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Extracurriculars That Count

Extracurricular activities are a key part of building a standout college application, especially for students targeting top-tier schools. Thoughtfully chosen activities can highlight a student’s interests, leadership potential, and personal growth. In the video below, Dr. Eliza Fox, one of our expert Senior Private Counselors, shares advice on how to craft a meaningful extracurricular strategy […]

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The Value of Research in College Admissions

Today’s top colleges are looking for true scholars, students who can authentically demonstrate they are curious, knowledgeable, problem solvers with a knack for critical thinking. While I wish that all high schools and colleges had a mandatory “introduction to research” class, most do not. That means students are often left to fend for themselves as […]

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Why We Won’t Assign You a Passion Project

At Top Tier Admissions, we often get asked, “Can you help me choose a passion project?” or “What’s the best capstone for my college applications?” While we understand why students and parents want guidance in this area, we believe it’s important to clarify why we don’t assign passion projects. WHY WE DON’T ASSIGN A PASSION […]

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