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Articles — Reflections From the Platform

Essays on the considered college journey — written for families who prefer thought over volume.

High school student writing a college application essay by hand in a notebook beside an open laptop at a sunlit desk.
College Essays·August 20, 2026·9 min read

Using AI for Your College Application: How to Get Help Without Losing Your Voice

AI can help you brainstorm, organize and revise — but it shouldn't write your college essay. Here's how to use ChatGPT and other AI tools responsibly on your applications and UC Personal Insight Questions.

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Mother and daughter sitting at a kitchen table reviewing a college planning worksheet together with a laptop open nearby.
College Planning·August 1, 2026

Rising High School Juniors: The Parent's Guide to College Planning Before Junior Year Begins

A practical college planning guide for parents of rising high school juniors — course selection, testing, activities, campus visits, and the conversations to have before junior year begins.

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A diverse group of first-generation high school students on platform-style steps leading toward a university campus in the distance.
College Admissions·July 13, 2026

First-Generation College Students: Six Things You Need to Know Before You Apply to College

Six essential college admissions tips every first-generation college student should know — from financial aid and essays to finding the right college fit.

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High school students participating in meaningful summer activities that strengthen college applications.
College Planning·June 2, 2026

How High School Students Should Spend Their Summer to Improve College Admissions

Summer is one of the best opportunities for high school students to strengthen their college applications — here's how to spend it with purpose.

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Building a Balanced College List That Reflects Who You Are
Strategy·May 14, 2026

Building a Balanced College List That Reflects Who You Are

The art of curating reach, target, and likely schools that actually fit your story — not just rankings.

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The Modern Testing Landscape: SAT, ACT, and Test-Optional in 2026
Testing·April 28, 2026

The Modern Testing Landscape: SAT, ACT, and Test-Optional in 2026

How to make a clear-eyed testing decision now that policies vary widely across selective institutions.

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Starting the College Conversation Without Starting a Fight
Family·April 9, 2026

Starting the College Conversation Without Starting a Fight

A guide for parents on how to introduce planning conversations early — without making your teenager dread them.

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Essays That Actually Sound Like You
Essays·March 22, 2026

Essays That Actually Sound Like You

Why the personal statement is a voice exercise first and a writing exercise second.

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Demystifying Financial Aid: Need, Merit, and the Net Price Conversation
Affordability·March 5, 2026

Demystifying Financial Aid: Need, Merit, and the Net Price Conversation

A clear-headed walk through CSS Profile, FAFSA, merit aid, and what 'meets full need' really means.

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