
News, Blogs, & Articles
Tips on Writing the Best College Essay for Your College Application
Writing the perfect college essay can feel overwhelming—like climbing a mountain. But once you reach the top, the view is worth it. This guide walks students through the process of crafting a standout application essay with expert-backed tips, real advice, and strategies that actually work. From choosing the right topic to polishing multiple drafts, we’ll help you understand what makes a college essay shine. Whether you're a student gearing up for applications or a parent supporting one, this resource is your roadmap to a powerful, personal essay that speaks directly to admissions officers and sets you apart.
Best Extracurriculars for College Applications That Impress Top Colleges
This article will go over the best extracurriculars for college applications and how the right activities can make you stand out to top colleges. Whether you plan to apply to an Ivy League school or a state university, knowing what colleges want can help you build an application that shines. If you're looking for extracurriculars for college that show who you are outside the classroom, you've come to the right place.
Time Management Tips for Exam Success and Smarter Test-Taking
Exams don’t have to be stressful—mastering time management is one of the smartest ways to stay confident, focused, and in control. In this guide, you'll discover practical strategies to make the most of your study sessions and handle every test with confidence. Learn how to break down your prep schedule, prioritize questions during the exam, and manage your time wisely even when the clock is ticking. Whether you struggle with test anxiety or just want to sharpen your skills, these tips will help you study smarter, not harder. Ready to take the stress out of exam week and boost your scores? Let’s get started.
How a School Improvement Plan and Summer Learning Programs Can Improve Student Success
Every student deserves a pathway to success—and that journey starts with a strong school improvement plan. From enhancing academic achievement to addressing learning gaps over the summer, this article explores how schools can implement effective strategies that drive real results. You’ll learn how targeted planning, student voice, and engaging summer programs work together to improve outcomes, build equity, and foster a culture of continuous growth. Whether you're a school leader, educator, or parent, this guide offers practical insights to help all students thrive.
What Are AP Classes & Should High School Students Take Them?
Advanced Placement (AP) classes have become a popular choice for many high school students. These classes are great for students who want to boost their college admissions prospects. But what exactly is an AP class, and why should you consider taking one?
How to Add Your Creativity to Your College Application
Whether you’re an artist, writer, musician, or innovative thinker, showcasing your creativity in your college application can make a lasting impression.
This article will walk you through how to highlight your talents effectively while meeting college application deadlines and requirements.
The Value of Liberal Arts College: Is It the Right Choice for You?
A liberal arts college emphasizes interdisciplinary education and small class sizes to facilitate learning, mentorship, and cognitive skill development.
Students may pursue programs in the humanities, natural or social sciences, arts, and more. But whatever they study, the emphasis is on developing critical thinking and wide-ranging skills to prepare students for a broad variety of vocational paths.
There are many benefits to attending this type of school! Here are a few of the biggest you should know about while you’re considering your choices.
Improve Your High School GPA: Strategies for Academic Success
Many students struggle to get their low GPA up in high school. Sometimes, it takes working with a good tutor or school counselor to improve grades in the classes you take and set yourself up for success. This article will help you find ways to improve your grades, raise your GPA in high school, and help get you on the right path to fulfilling your goals of going to college.
Which High School Classes Do Colleges Look for?
If you’re not sure which courses you should take during your educational journey, it’s a good idea to meet with an expert college counselor to go over academic and career goals, and to start a plan of action towards higher education and college life. College admissions officers consider applicants' interests and are looking for well-rounded individuals who will contribute to their campus community.
The Value of Letters of Recommendation When You Transfer Colleges
A strong letter of recommendation complements a student's transcript in the transfer process, giving good universities a better understanding of their education and achievements. It can also strengthen a transfer application, potentially impacting college admission decisions and financial aid opportunities.
Why Leadership Matters in Your College Admission Application
College admissions officers look for this when you submit your application. Leadership skills will show that you have initiative and that you can handle problem solving. Admissions teams like to see students who they feel will make an impact in their chosen career. Understanding how leadership can make a difference with your college applications is a great way to help improve your chance of being accepted into the colleges that you want to attend most.
How to Find Full-Ride Scholarships: Your Guide to a Full Ride
The cost of college can easily exceed $50,000 per year, and if you can secure a full-ride scholarship, it can save you many years of student loan debt. Competition for this type of scholarship is high. This guide will help you with the information that you need to know when you’re trying to find and apply for a full ride scholarship. Our Growing Minds team hopes that it helps you put your best foot forward towards winning the scholarship that you need for college.
Why Admission Counseling is Essential When Applying to College
A professional counselor, like one here at Growing Minds, can help you navigate the whole admissions process. It’s important to have expert advice and a good plan to really help you gain admission into competitive schools.
Everything You Need to Know About Common App Mistakes
At Growing Minds, we know that transferring to a new college can feel a little overwhelming. Whether you’re trying to find a better fit, a new academic challenge, or just a fresh start, having to get through the Common App requires careful planning. When it’s used effectively, the Common App can make your transfer easy. But there are common mistakes that can hold you back if you’re not prepared. This blog highlights those pitfalls and explains how college admissions counselors can help you avoid them while maximizing your chances of success.
Expert College Counseling: Navigating the Admission Process
The college admission process can be a daunting journey for students and their families. With thousands of applications pouring into top universities like Johns Hopkins University, UCLA, and Georgetown, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s where expert college counseling can help you out. This article explores how college counselors provide personalized support for every step of the way, helping high school students craft impactful applications, refine their essays, and improve their chances of admission to their top-choice schools.
The Best Common App Transfer Essays
Whether you want to transfer to enhance your education, or a new college just fits your goals better, this article is here to help you write an essay that will really stand out to an admissions team.
Looking for Scholarships in 2025: A Guide to Funding Your Education
This guide will show you how to identify, apply for, and win scholarships. Read on to learn how to maximize your chances to get matched to college scholarships and start securing funding for college in 2025.
Are College Admissions Counselors Worth Hiring in 2025?
In this blog, we’ll discuss what you need to think about when you’re planning to work with a college admissions counselor, and how these professionals can help make the college admissions process a much simpler thing for you to do.
The Transfer Process: From Community College to University
Did you know that you can start college at a community college, and then transfer to a university to earn your bachelor’s degree? For many students, this is a great way to save some money on tuition costs while working to build a solid educational foundation.
5 Best Ways to Spend Winter Break
In this blog, we’ll share five simple and fun ways to make the most of your winter break so you can head into the new year feeling refreshed and accomplished.