A licensed counselor and published researcher, Andrew's experience in the field of college admissions and transition spans two decades. He has previously served as a high school counselor, consultant and author for Kaplan Test Prep, and advisor to U.S. Congress, reporting on issues related to college admissions and financial aid.

Simple Truths About The College Essay

The basic rules for writing a stellar college essay vary little from the general guidelines for producing any strong piece of written work: be authentic, tell a story that is personal and compelling, and diligently edit, revise, and polish your product. Writing in an authentic voice does not mean...

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Lessons on the College List

Mark is a highly accomplished senior with excellent grades and stratospheric test scores.  He recalls a friend of similar class rank who was admitted into Princeton just last year, and as a consequence, believes that admission into an Ivy League school is a virtual lock.  He decides to apply...

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The MOOC Revolution: Opportunity or Overhype?

Since 2011, major news and media outlets have devoted substantial attention to the rise of Massive Online Open Courses, better known as “MOOCs.” Journalists and educators alike have lauded startups like Udacity, Coursera and edX—primarily for their aims to make high-quality education both accessible and affordable—and have written extensively on...

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Inside an admissions office

This insightful article on the inner-workings of the Lehigh University admissions committee this past application season is well worth the few minutes it takes to read. This piece hammers home the message that when it comes to admittance at a highly selective college like Lehigh, every minute detail of your application...

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Are college guidebooks useful?

Guidebooks can be an excellent source of information for students seeking to learn more about the offerings and environment of a college. They often provide useful information about strong programs, important admission indicators, and social/extracurricular opportunities. However, they also have a couple drawbacks.  First guidebooks are usually limited to...

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