Writing your college essay doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. In fact, it’s one of the few parts of the application where you get to speak directly to admissions officers in your own voice. Whether you're stuck on how to begin or wondering what to write about, this guide offers real, practical tips to help you craft a personal story that stands out. From brainstorming ideas to perfecting your final draft, learn how to write an essay that reflects who you are—and why you belong at your dream school.

If you’re applying to a test-optional college, this guide is for you. We’ll break down exactly what “test-optional” means, the different types of test policies schools use, and how to make your application shine—even without standardized test scores.

Whether you’ve aced your exams or haven’t taken them at all, understanding how test-optional admissions work can give you a real advantage. Read on to learn how to make the right choice for your college goals—and how to stand out in a process that’s more holistic than ever.

Feeling anxious about the SAT is totally normal—but letting that anxiety take over can hurt your performance. The good news? With the right stress management techniques, you can calm your nerves, stay focused, and feel confident on test day. From creating a realistic study schedule to using mindfulness and deep breathing exercises, there are proven ways to manage test anxiety and improve your performance. In this guide, we’ll explore practical tools to help you stay mentally sharp, physically relaxed, and fully prepared for the SAT—so you can walk into the exam room ready to do your best.

Getting ready for college and unsure whether to take the SAT or ACT? You’re not alone—and the choice doesn’t have to be stressful. While both tests are accepted by colleges, they differ in format, timing, and focus.

This guide will break down the key differences, from sections and scoring to which test best fits your strengths. With clear comparisons and helpful tips, you’ll be ready to choose the test that sets you up for success.

If you're aiming for an Ivy League education, your SAT score plays a crucial role in the admissions process. Each Ivy League school has a competitive SAT range, typically falling between the 25th and 75th percentiles of admitted students. Knowing these score ranges can help you set realistic goals and tailor your test prep strategy. Use the table below to see where your target schools fall—and what it takes to stand out.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.  

 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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.