When Should I Start Studying for the SAT?

If you decide on wanting to send your test scores, then preparing for the SAT and ACT is a critical step in the college application process. Understanding when to take these tests can significantly impact your performance and admissions outcomes. This guide outlines key considerations for scheduling your SAT/ACT tests, from the ideal time to […]
Big Things LGBTQ+ Students Should Look for in a School

LGBTQ+ students who find supportive environments on-campus experience higher academic success and mental well-being compared to those who don’t. The right college isn’t just about majors and academics; for LGBTQ+ students, it’s about finding a community where they can truly be themselves. Here’s what to look for in a school to ensure it’s inclusive, supportive, […]
Student Rights 101: Understanding Your Rights on Campus

Starting college is an exciting time, but with all the new experiences and freedoms come responsibilities and rights. As a college student, understanding your rights is essential to ensure a safe, fair, and enriching college experience. Here’s a comprehensive guide to some of the fundamental rights you have on campus and how to exercise them. […]
LGBTQ+ students thrive on safe, supportive college campuses with integrated student bodies.

When parents hear that I specialize in helping LGBTQ+ students find best-fit colleges for their college list, they often ask me, “oh, what’s the best one?” As college counselors know well, there is no one best college. Our unique students all have different circumstances and considerations in the college search. With LGBTQ+ students, we have […]
Here’s how Title IX protects LGBTQ+ students – and why you should really know this (current/updated)

Updated: Apr 15, 2024 LGBTQ+ students and everyone in their vicinity – their parents and educators, school and college counselors, administrators, trustees, school and district counsel, legislators, government officials, enforcement officials, nonprofit and CBO leaders, bus drivers, and everyone else – should know about Title IX, the federal law that protects LGBTQ+ students from discrimination and […]
Don’t throw away your alternate major! Choose wisely to maximize your college admission chances.

Selecting a major for the college application feels like an enormous decision – especially when choosing a popular major like computer science has the potential to make admission so much tougher – but what’s the best way to approach the alternate major? In my world as a college counselor, most of my conversations with students […]
7 Common College Admissions Myths Debunked

The college admissions process is confusing. So many people have had to deal with the admissions process that there are so many tips, tricks, and hacks out there. People give admissions advice with good intentions, but sometimes the advice isn’t completely true. These college admissions myths might lead to a flawed perspective on college admissions… […]
These 11 LGBTQ+ resource center services can change a student’s entire campus experience

At any college, the LGBTQ+ resource center is the central hub for LGBTQ+ life on campus. Every resource center is individual, offering its own services and located in its own type of space. Students in the process of researching best-fit colleges for LGBTQ+ students should not neglect the role the resource center can play in […]
How to Visit a College Campus and Make the Most of It

College campus visits are an essential part of the college decision-making process. While researching a school and talking to current students might provide valuable info, nothing is better than experiencing the school firsthand. Visiting a campus yourself will allow you to understand your options better and weigh them against each other. It’s important to explore […]
Some colleges have a license to discriminate against LGBTQ+ students. Yes, really.

Trigger warning: This article contains references to discrimination, victimization, sexual harassment, and sexual assault on college campuses. A formal loophole may exempt a religious college from Title IX, the federal law that protects LGBTQ+ students (and others “on the basis of sex”) from discrimination and harassment at educational programs that receive federal funds. But few […]