Families and students are often surprised to discover that college supplemental essays are not small add-ons to the application, but a core part of how selective universities assess fit and readiness. While...
Choosing a college major often feels bigger than it needs to. Students are asked to make a decision that sounds permanent, while parents worry about whether one choice could close doors later...
Most families arrive at this question with a quiet fear. My weighted GPA is lower than I hoped. My unweighted GPA looks better. Which one will colleges actually care about, and did...
Parents constantly tell us, “The college process has become so much harder than when I applied! I just submitted a couple applications – and I don’t think I’d even be accepted at my alma mater nowadays…” And that was BEFORE...
CONGRATULATIONS! YOUR APPLICATION HAS BEEN SUCCESSFULLY SUBMITTED. Each of our 100+ independent school candidates, who hail from 18 states and 13 countries, recently received this SUCCESSFULLY SUBMITTED confirmation from over 100 schools...
Choosing among colleges for students with learning disabilities requires more than scanning rankings or assuming that every campus offers the same level of support. In college settings, students’ learning disabilities commonly include...
Choosing between the different types of colleges in the United States is often more challenging than choosing between individual schools. A large research university, a small liberal arts college, and a community...
I walked into Room 212, where the world language department had gathered. They had been my colleagues for almost a year. I taught Phys Ed, Driver’s Ed, and CPR & First Aid,...
With the holidays approaching and Thanksgiving just around the corner, it’s time to think about those who’ve helped in the past year, and about what they’ve meant to you. In my family,...
For many high school juniors, this winter – and specifically the first two Saturdays in December – will mark their first official sitting for the SAT or ACT. Whether this first test...
She immediately stepped into the wardrobe and got in among the coats. It was almost quite dark in there and she kept her arms stretched out in front of her so as...
For some mysterious reason, many college applications are due on November 1st, the day after Halloween. So, while carefully planning costumes, parties, and maybe some mayhem, some zombie seniors are also clicking “submit”...
It’s that time of year for high school seniors across the country — knocking off supplemental essays for Early Decision and Early Action college applications. Hopefully, students have downed a few of...
I field a lot of questions form the families I work with about the college interview process. Parents wonder why they can’t book an interview along with the campus tour and students...
Seniors, You’ve finally reached senior year! You’ve worked really hard to get to this point, and you’ve been working with your McMillan consultant all summer to write your essay and supplements. We...
For many students, applying to university through UCAS is one of the most important steps in their academic journey. Alongside grades, predicted results, and the personal statement, the UCAS reference plays a...
As educational consultants, we’ve helped hundreds of families from around the world – including dozens from Bermuda – find the best schools and universities for their children across a range of English-speaking...
It’s August—summer isn’t over yet, but you can feel that back-to-school energy building. This is actually the perfect pocket of time to start your college essays. With fewer day-to-day distractions than once...
Congratulations, star athlete! Landing an official college visit is already a huge victory—think of it as your invitation to the VIP room of college athletics. But remember, this isn’t just a tour;...
An adorably chubby toddler zig-zags through the playscape, kicking up wood chips behind him. Suddenly the toe of his sneakers catches on a toy, or log, or some other child’s foot, and...
As I find myself in the weeds of college essays with students – reading, re-reading, asking questions and trying to prompt both freewheeling storytelling and also perhaps a bit of deep thought...
True to its culture, the British education system doesn’t waste time getting to the point. While American students spend high school sampling a little of everything, students in the UK start narrowing...
The summer before your senior year of high school is a unique window of opportunity. Here’s a guide to making the most of this important summer by balancing college prep, meaningful experiences,...
I knew I was in trouble when my three kids, each at different times, pulled me aside and pleaded, “Mom, whatever you do, DON’T watch Toy Story 3!” Knowing how fiercely protective...
