6 Reasons to Take a Dual Enrollment Course and 3 Reasons To Think Twice

/ The College Spy LLC/
6 Reasons to Take a Dual Enrollment Course and 3 Reasons To Think Twice

A dual enrollment course is a single course that provides a student with both high school and college credit. Dual enrollment courses are unique educational opportunities that can offer significant advantages for the right student. When deciding whether to take a dual enrollment course, students should think about their college goals, compare the courses available to them at their high school and discuss their options with their school counselor.

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The Truth About Extracurricular Activities and Highly Selective Colleges

/ The College Spy/
The Truth About Extracurricular Activities and Highly Selective Colleges

Today’s well-rounded applicants are welcome at many colleges but the most selective schools prefer a different shape. They are prioritizing “pointy” students, those who have participated in several activities centered around a theme rather than a variety of disconnected activities. Elite colleges want students whose activities demonstrate commitment to a core interest, belief or pursuit.

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How to Highlight a Summer Job on Your College Application

/ The College Spy/
How to Highlight a Summer Job on Your College Application

College admissions counselors are impressed by students who spend their summers working. There are four places on the Common Application where students can highlight their employment experience. Your choice of where to feature a summer job will depend upon how significant the job is in showcasing your skills, interests and personal attributes compared with your other activities.

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6 Things Every College Bound High School Junior Should Be Doing Right Now

/ The College Spy LLC/
6 Things Every College Bound High School Junior Should Be Doing Right Now

In addition to planning for junior prom and learning to parallel park, high school juniors should be doing these things right now.

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3 Things High School Students Should Think About When Searching for Summer Jobs

/ The College Spy/
3 Things High School Students Should Think About When Searching for Summer Jobs

The key to getting the most out of a summer job is to think ahead about what the job will do for you aside from providing you with spending money. A summer job can also boost your self-esteem, introduce you to a potential future career and help you get into college. Before you run out and take the first job you can find, here are some things to consider when choosing your summer job.

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The College Search Process: An Unexpected Avenue Into Your Student’s Mind and Heart.

/ The College Spy/
The College Search Process: An Unexpected Avenue Into Your Student’s Mind and Heart.

A parent’s perspective: The college search process was an unexpected avenue into my daughter’s mind and heart. By the end of it, I knew that wherever she ended up, she’d be okay.

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3 Things Your Student Should Do If They Receive A Letter Suggesting They Change Their College Application Status To Early Decision.

/ The College Spy/
3 Things Your Student Should Do If They Receive A Letter Suggesting They Change Their College Application Status To Early Decision.

Colleges are increasingly and strategically sending letters to students who have applied regular decision suggesting that they consider converting their application to early decision or “ED” status. Your student should do these 3 things if they receive one of those letters.

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Finding Your Student’s Best Fit College – How the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Can Help.

/ The College Spy/
Finding Your Student’s Best Fit College – How the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Can Help.

With over 4,000 colleges and universities in the United States, creating a short list of just 8-10 schools can be quite a challenge. The most effective tool I have found to aid students in understanding their personal preferences is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).

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The College Tour: Never Too Early

/ The College Spy/
The College Tour: Never Too Early

I started my day in second grade. Then I went to college. Tomorrow, I am going to work -- The College Spy’s top reasons to visit colleges before junior year of high school.

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Long Drive. Short Flight.

/ The College Spy/
Long Drive. Short Flight.

When setting up the “guardrails” around your student’s college search, consider that a short flight, rather than a long drive could result in your student finding the college match of his or her dreams.

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The College Visit: Is The Chemistry Right?

/ The College Spy/
The College Visit: Is The Chemistry Right?

Choosing a college is about finding the right chemistry, feeling comfortable on campus and excited about the programs and opportunities offered. When you are there, you just know.

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My College Admissions Story

/ The College Spy/
My College Admissions Story

My college admissions story starts in 1992. I am a junior sitting in the high school auditorium with 400 fellow students. Six guidance counselors take turns telling us what we need to do to apply to college.

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