Blog

University of Edinburgh

Consisting of 45,000 students, The University of Edinburgh comprises a pair of urban campuses in the heart of Scotland’s major city, a historic pearl with a Royal Mile lined with tartan shops...

Wise Insights

Visiting the University of Glasgow: “Changing History Since 1451”

On a crisp afternoon in early November, my colleague Amy Christie and I visited the University of Glasgow, the 2023 Scottish University of the Year that is ranked the number two university...

Wise Insights

Exploring Universities in Dublin

Ireland’s major cities are smaller and easier to navigate than many of the world’s other major cities, yet they are also vibrant and culturally sophisticated. A walk through Dublin will combine ancient...

Wise Insights

University of St. Andrews

Town of St. Andrews: 24K population University: 10,000 students (8K undergraduates) 40% of students from outside of UK, draws from 140 countries Approx. 1,000 Americans 180 and growing clubs & “societies” More...

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Mythbusters and Hidden Gems: Going to a Good College

I always chuckle when I suggest a college name to a family and someone responds, “I’ve never heard of that.” Um, yeah. That’s why you need me. I’m a professional educational consultant....

Wise Insights

“Pack your Marmalade Sandwich, Paddington!”: Visiting London Boarding Schools

Recently I had the absolute pleasure of traveling to London to get my scone and clotted cream fix, collect my annual Harrod’s Christmas bear, and more importantly to learn about UK boarding...

Wise Insights

Why Study in Canada? Global Features of McGill University, University of Toronto and University of British Columbia

Often referred to as the Ivies of the North, McGill University, the University of Toronto, and the University of British Columbia in Canada offer students distinct opportunities to study a broad range...

Wise Insights

Summer 2024 Enrichment – How to Combine Exploration, Growth – and some Fun!

We think it’s wisest for students interested in applying to the US, for both their own personal growth and the development of their candidacy, to explore new enrichment opportunities or extracurricular passions...

Wise Insights

Owls: Why Consider Flying West?

Samantha New lives in Denver, Colorado with her husband and daughter. Utah, Colorado, California Perhaps you envision yourself skiing the Rocky Mountains on the weekends with your classmates, or, you’re drawn to...

Wise Insights

Explore Your Passions Through Arts, Athletics, and Extracurriculars

Share Your Story Engaging in the school application process is exciting, but can also feel like an intensive process. Beyond the academic discoveries on your visits, you will also want/need to explore...

Wise Insights

Normalizing the Neuropsych: 5 things to Know about Neuropsychological Testing for Students

5 things to Know about Neuropsychological Testing for Students A neuropsychological exam can be administered proactively, or in response to challenges a student may be facing in the classroom and/or at home....

Wise Insights

The SSAT: To Test or Not to Test?

For all the right reasons – among them the demonstrated link between family income and high test scores, the drive for diversity, and a recognition of different learning styles – many independent...

Wise Insights

Make a Positive Impression: Say “Thank You”

One way to help make yourself more memorable: follow up with thank you emails. While handwritten notes are nice, it is easier for the admission person to respond to an email and...

News, Wise Insights

Writing Authentic Essays: Avoiding the Chat GPT Dark Side

Time for some trivia! Who said, “It’s against my programming to impersonate a deity”? If you answered C3PO, the beloved droid from the Star Wars movies, you’re right! For those of us...

News, Wise Insights

Why American Students Should Consider Pursuing a Full Undergraduate Degree Abroad

“Happy Birthday, Study Abroad! – Packing for One Year vs. Four” While the year 2023 will go down in history for many memorable events both notorious and noteworthy, you may not know...

News, Wise Insights

Write on: Organize your Essay Writing Early!

American universities love essays. Our College Planning Chair and Chief Outreach Officer for Student and Family Engagement Peter Olrich shares a video with tips for identifying and organizing all the essay writing...

News, Wise Insights

Spain vs. Italy: Comparing IE University and Bocconi

If you are a student from the U.S. or an international student looking for a great college experience in Europe, consider IE University in Spain or Bocconi University in Italy. Bocconi has...

News, Wise Insights

The Independent School Admissions Gazette

We are excited to launch our new newsletter, where we update you on the dynamic admissions landscape, and invite you to explore the only directory providing thorough and unbiased boarding school data...

News, Wise Insights

SCOTUS Race-Conscious Admissions Ruling’s Impact on College and Independent School Admissions

Yesterday, as expected, SCOTUS struck down existing race-based admissions policies, deeming “many universities have for too long wrongly concluded that the touchstone of an individual’s identity is not challenges bested, skills built,...

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Don’t Forget to Read this Summer. Your Brain Depends on It!

Read. Read. Read. It’s advice given ad infinitum to children from preschool all the way through high school. There are well documented reasons that back up this recommendation, some of which I...

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What You Need to Know: Special Needs 2022 Trends and 2023 Predictions

Special Needs 2022 Trends and 2023 Predictions Like our traditional school and college practices, our special needs group spent a great deal of time in 2022 getting back on the road visiting...

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What You Need to Know: 2022 College Trends and Predictions for 2023

In 2022, our team of 18 college counselors loved getting back on the road, zigzagging across the country to revisit campuses throughout the U.S., as well as many universities in Europe, Canada...

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What You Need to Know: 2022 Independent School Trends and 2023 Predictions

Dear Families and Friends of McMillan Education, As the admissions landscapes have continued to shift dramatically in these uncertain times, we are writing as is our custom to summarize the trends and...

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Matriculation/Sports List

Amherst College- Squash, Football, W Lacrosse. Babson College- M Tennis, W Soccer, M Soccer, Baseball Bates College- Field hockey, Skiing, W Squash, Football Birmingham Southern- M Lacrosse Boston College- W Rowing Boston...