This is one of the biggest (and scariest) questions students face when starting their college essay. You want to impress. You want to be original. You want to stand out. But how?

Most students start college unsure of their major. And even those who think they know often switch after a semester or two. You’re still figuring out who you are, and college is the perfect place for that.

Use this guide as your family’s checklist. With the right prep, you can leave home feeling confident and excited for the adventure ahead.

As of June 18, 2025, embassies and consulates are once again processing F, M, and J visa interviews. While this is a step forward, there are some important changes and a few new challenges you need to be ready for.

The updates are designed to make the test smarter, shorter, and more in line with how students actually use English in real university classrooms. This guide explains what’s new, why it matters, and how to prepare the right way.

If you’re an international student planning to start college in the US, this news probably hit like a brick: the U.S. government has paused all new student visa interviews worldwide. Let’s break down what’s going on, how it could affect you, and what you can do about it.

Writing your college personal statement isn’t exactly how you dreamed of spending your summer break. But if you're a high school senior aiming for colleges in the US, this is actually the smartest (and least stressful) time to get started.

If you're choosing between offers, you're already winning. Let's make sure you keep winning by picking the right place for you — not just the "famous" one, or the one your neighbor's kid is bragging about.

UCAS is shaking things up in a big way. Gone are the days of the dreaded one-page, freeform personal statement. Sound scarier? Maybe. But don’t worry—I’m here to break it all down with specific strategies to acing your personal statement.

So, you’re thinking about college applications and wondering, “Do extracurricular activities really matter?” The answer: YES—but maybe not in the way you think.

If college is on your radar, don’t wait until senior year to start thinking about applications. The earlier you start preparing, the more options you’ll have—and the less stressful the whole process will be.

So, you’re dreaming of studying in the US, but there’s just one big question on your mind: How do I pay for it?

Passion isn’t hiding somewhere, waiting for you to “find” it. It’s something you grow by being curious, putting in the work, and sticking with things—even when they’re hard.

If you find yourself disappointed and confused in this position, I want to assure you that it’s completely normal. Rest assured, you’re not out just yet. Writing a compelling letter of continued interest might just boost your chances.

How you actually prepare and practice does make a difference. In this post, I’ll spill on how I would prepare for a college interview, with tips and strategies along the way.

You’ve perfected your personal statement, listed your extracurriculars in the best way possible, then you come across the mysterious Additional Information section. Naturally, the first question is “do I have to fill this out?”

Extracurriculars are a powerful way to showcase your unique strengths, interests, values, and skills. With college admissions being so competitive and too many activities to choose from, you’ve got to start now.

Many colleges are looking for similar things, which is to learn more about you. That said, many of the prompts can overlap, and with a bit of research and brainstorming, you can come up with a topic that answers multiple prompts.

Ever wondered why some students seem to have an effortless handle on their learning? They are efficient, quick learners, and consistently high performers. While intelligence and a growth mindset play a role, is there something more that sets them apart?

These questions are aimed to get a better sense of your skills, qualities, values, interests, and (maybe) life challenges. They want to learn more about who you are beyond just the grades and test scores. But what are UC admissions looking for, specifically?