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What’s New in College Admissions for 2026: Key Shifts Every Student Should Know The college admissions landscape continues to evolve, and the 2026 application cycle brings several important updates every student and parent should know. From test policies to technology’s role, staying informed can make all the difference. 1. The Return of Standardized Tests After [...]

Why Digital Intelligence (DQ) Matters More Than IQ in College Success? When most parents think about their teen’s college readiness, they immediately think of grades, SAT scores, or GPA. But here’s a question that’s just as important maybe even more so: How digitally intelligent is your teen? We’re not just talking about how fast they [...]

“Why Us” essay isn’t really about the college  it’s about the student. If your teen is applying to college this year, you’ve probably heard the phrase “Why Us essay” tossed around more times than you can count. It’s one of the most common  and surprisingly tricky  parts of the college application process. Colleges love this […]

Planning for college can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time. There are applications to fill out, tests to take, essays to write, and big decisions to make. But don’t worry with a clear plan, the process becomes easier and more enjoyable. Here’s a simple college planning checklist to help you stay focused and [...]

Artificial Intelligence is everywhere today. From helping us write emails to generating entire essays, AI tools are changing the way we work and learn. But when it comes to your college personal statement, should you really let AI take the lead? Let’s talk about what every student should understand before using it. The Temptation of [...]

Big news for Texas students and families! The first-ever Free College Application Week is happening from October 13–19, 2025. During this week, all Texas residents can apply to any public college or university in Texas without paying application fees. This initiative is designed to remove financial barriers and encourage more students to pursue higher education. [...]

Every admissions season, the same painful story plays out. A student with a perfect top scores, top test scores, and a resume full of impressive activities gets the email they have been waiting for… and it is a rejection. The student is shocked. The parents are heartbroken. Everyone is left asking the same question: What [...]

Why I Created the S.O.U.L. Path™ Method College admissions today are high-stakes and high-pressure. Many students and families experience confusion, stress, and burnout trying to follow rigid molds. Over 20+ years as a college counselor, I’ve watched brilliant, hardworking students lose their way by trying to "check the boxes" instead of celebrating what makes them [...]

If your child will be taking the CogAT test soon—especially for entry into a gifted and talented program in Dallas-Fort Worth—starting early can help boost not only their test scores but also their confidence. Unlike traditional academic exams, the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) measures how students think and reason. The earlier you begin introducing core [...]

The Value of Personalized College Counseling in Dallas-Fort Worth: Why One-on-One Guidance Matters When it comes to college admissions in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, there’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach. Every student is different — with unique goals, interests, strengths, and challenges. That’s why personalized college counseling plays a critical role in helping students choose the right [...]