What Colleges Look For

Extracurriculars: Exploring and Exploiting

By Arun Ponnusamy
October 6, 2021 | 3 minute read

One of the cringier questions that admissions officers are commonly asked at college fairs—virtual or in-person—is some version of, “How many hours of community service do I need to get...

College Applications

It's Too Early for a Decision on Early Decision

By Arun Ponnusamy
May 19, 2021 | 4 minute read

In March of last year, when the pandemic first took hold in America, Casey—our Executive Director of College Counseling—and I spent considerable time gazing into our semi-fabled yet...

What Colleges Look For College Applications Life Advice for Teens

Will Colleges Look At My Social Media?

By Arun Ponnusamy
March 26, 2021 | 4 minute read

For many of us during the pandemic, our social life needs were met by our social media feeds. Usage of these platforms skyrocketed as #quarantinelife led many people to seek meaningful...

Choosing a College College Research

Spring Campus Visits Are Probably Overrated

By Arun Ponnusamy
February 17, 2021 | 4 minute read

As a college counselor in a precedented year, my meetings with juniors right now would include planning spring break campus visits, maybe even one of those full-fledged road trips that’s...

Testing/Test Prep

Subject Tests Are Gone? Cool.

By Arun Ponnusamy
January 21, 2021 | 3 minute read

When you’re an admissions officer turned college counselor, you’re always a bit curious about the educational path a person has taken before intersecting with you. So, as the nation...

College Applications

Free Resources to Help *ALL* Seniors Find Their Strong Close to 2020

By Arun Ponnusamy
December 16, 2020 | 5 minute read

For those of you who want the good stuff right away, scroll on down. We won't be mad. Those of you who want a little bit of an appetizer, read on.