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When most students think about the Common Application, their minds jump straight to The Essay. That 650-word personal statement feels like the crown jewel of the application . It’s the place to showcase your voice and stand out. And yes, the essay matters. But here’s the truth that surprises many applicants:
Admissions officers often spend more time on your Activities section than your essay. 1. It’s the Quickest Window Into Your Life Admissions officers read thousands of applications in a short time. The Activities section (ten concise entries, each with a 150-character description) gives them a quick snapshot of what you’ve done, what you value, and how you’ve spent your time. It’s your résumé, your highlight reel, and your personal brand all in one. 2. Order Matters More Than You Think The Common App lets you list up to ten activities, but the order isn’t random. Admissions readers naturally give the most weight to the first few entries. Leading with your most impactful, time-intensive, or unique activities signals your priorities and strengths immediately. If your top entries align with your intended major or the themes in your essay, you’ve created a powerful, cohesive narrative. 3. Descriptions Tell the Story Too many students waste precious characters on vague phrases like “I helped with events” or “I participated in meetings”. Strong descriptions use action verbs, specific results, and quantifiable impact: Weak: “Tutored students in math.” Strong: “Led weekly algebra sessions for 15 peers, raising average test scores by 12%.” Every word should work hard to show initiative, leadership, and measurable outcomes. 4. It’s Where Consistency and Depth Shine Your essay is a single story. Your Activities section is the story behind the story. Admissions officers look for depth, which means sustained involvement, increasing responsibility, and a clear throughline. If your activities reinforce the themes in your essay, you’ve reinforced your application. 5. It’s Harder to Fake While essays can be heavily edited by others, your Activities section is a factual record of your commitments. The hours, weeks, and years you’ve invested speak volumes about your work ethic and passions. When done well, your Activities section doesn’t just list what you’ve done but rather it tells the story of who you are in a way that’s quick to read. If you’re unsure how to order your activities, tighten your descriptions, or make them tell a cohesive story, I can help you transform this section from a simple list into a powerful narrative.
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Surviving the Common Application Phase
You made your list. But now you’ve got seven browser tabs open with Common App, college websites, College Essay Guy, and a Google doc. You have music playing in your ear and the snack in front of you is stale. Your mom just asked where you are on your applications. You want to scream. Or cry. Or close your eyes and hope everything magically sorts itself out. The college application phase can feel like a full-time job and an identity crisis rolled into one. It does not have to drive you crazy. Here is how to preserve your peace and pursue your purpose. Reframe the Narrative You are more than an application. You are not your GPA, your list of activities or even your essay about resilience (or personal growth or challenges or values). This season is important. BUT IT IS NOT EVERYTHING. Try saying: “I’m building a future, not proving my worth.” Sanity-Saving Habits
Listen to the Elders Talk with older peers, siblings, relatives or teachers to learn about their stress-saving strategies. Ask them what helped them manage stress, what they’d do differently, and what actually mattered at the end. It’s difficult to see inside the hurricane, but they have made it to the other side. This journey is yours. Lean on your people, listen to your gut, and don’t forget to breathe. The path may twist but it leads somewhere beautiful! A Guide for Students and Families
The college admissions process can feel like a maze for any student, but for those with ADHD, it often comes with extra twists and turns. From managing deadlines to advocating for accommodations, students with ADHD face unique challenges (and opportunities) that deserve thoughtful attention. Myth: You should not disclose your ADHD in your application Truth: While it’s a personal decision, it can be empowering or framed as part of your growth story, especially when it has impacted your academic performance. Some students choose to write about it in their personal statement while others wait until after acceptance to share and look for accommodations. Resources: Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) Elizabeth Cohen Hamblet, Learning Disabilities Consultant Finding the “Right Fit” for you Not all colleges offer the same level of support. You should research disability services, learning centers, and coaching programs. Check out Reddit (with caution!) to learn about other students’ experiences. Some schools go above and beyond with structured support for executive functioning and academic coaching. Remember that your needs are individualized; your right fit might not be known for having strong levels of support but might support you well. That’s why research is key. Resources: 20 best colleges for students with ADHD Online databases for disability support students Interacting with College Disability Services You can connect with the college’s Office of Disability Services before or after admission. What questions should I ask the Student Disability Office? Eric Endlich of Top College Consultants has a great list. Common accommodations you can expect:
Final Thoughts
With the right strategies and support, students with ADHD can not only navigate the admissions process but also thrive in college. Personal Statement Essay Tips
The personal statement is more than just an essay; it's your chance to speak directly to admissions officers and show them who you are beyond grades and test scores. This piece is the heartbeat of your application. What Makes a Personal Statement Stand Out?
Brainstorming Tips
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Helpful Resources College Essay Guy: Comprehensive guides, examples, and exercises CollegeVine’s Essay Examples: Real student essays with commentary ProWritingAid: Editing tool + writing tips Texas A&M Writing Center: Academic-focused advice for grad and undergrad applicants Final Thoughts
When to Start the College Admissions Journey
Your neighbor started meeting with a college admissions counselor in 9th grade. Is that normal? Is it necessary? There is no one-size-fits-all college process nor is there a perfect time to start. What’s right for you? It’s the time that aligns best with your readiness, growth and academic personality. Common Myths about Starting Early: Myth: Starting early guarantees success! Reality: Success is about preparation and exploration, but there is no set timeframe. You can go through the same process in a shorter amount of time with a similar result. Myth: If you haven’t picked a future major by 10th grade you’re behind! Reality: High school is a time to grow and explore. Changing your mind over time shows curiosity and intelligence. The more you learn about yourself the more you can align your path of study. Myth: You need to have many activities to be a viable candidate at top schools. Reality: Schools value depth over amount. Find activities that interest you and get involved. A deep commitment in one activity looks better than shallow commitment in many. Benefits of a Later Start: A high school student goes through exponential growth between 9th and 12th grades. You likely will get different perspectives on their future from a barely 14 year old to an 18 year old. Students mature at different times, are exposed to courses and activities over time, and experience life changes. With a later start you will see:
What is the REAL GOAL? Why are you looking for college admissions counseling? Do you need structure to help guide the high school academic course selection process for a specific career? Do you know that it might take you a little longer to navigate the process? Are you looking for help making the “right fit” college list? Focus on the WHY rather than the WHEN. Whether you are working toward your goals in 9th grade or beginning to explore in 11th, the key is to do what is right for you and your family, without extra pressure.  Your mailbox, both physical and electronic, is inundated with college brochures. Some schools you’ve heard of, others are in places you never knew existed. Do you toss them in the recycling bin? Delete them with one click? Or do you look them up online?
Colleges purchase lists of student profiles they want to recruit. If a school is investing in printing and postage to send you a brochure, there is a nice chance they see potential in you (perhaps even a financially responsible future). First Stop: University Websites Your first instinct may be to check the school’s website for a virtual tour, which is a well-produced walk-through designed to showcase the campus. You’ll get a broad overview of academics, social life, campus infrastructure, sports and extracurriculars. You won’t always get a look inside buildings, but you may see glimpses of dorms, labs and lecture halls. Pay attention to spaces where students actually live and learn because this portrays daily life. At this stage, your goal is baseline knowledge. If the school intrigues you, great! Time to dig deeper. If it doesn’t feel right, cross it off your list with confidence. Next Level: Beyond the Website If possible, visit the campus in person to get a feel for the environment; walk through common areas, sit in a class, and observe how students interact. University-led tours are a great option, but you can walk around on your own, too. Connect with current students who can give you honest insights into daily life, academic pressure and social dynamics. Additionally, research financial aid, scholarships and cost-of-living estimates. Understanding these details early on can help you determine whether a school is truly within reach academically as well as financially. Taking the Next Step: Final Stages Before Applying Once you have identified schools of interest, use outside sources for honest insights:
Last Step: Can You See Yourself There There are thousands of colleges, each with unique strengths and cultures. Take the time to look beyond the brochure and see if you can picture yourself thriving there. Don’t pressure yourself to go somewhere for any reason; if you are happy, you are more likely to be successful! Applying to college isn’t just about submitting forms: it can be a carefully crafted strategy. The admissions process feels like a game, where understanding the rules (yes, they are changing all the time!) and playing smart can make all the difference.
Before working with clients, I wanted to ensure I was truly proficient in the ever-evolving landscape of college admissions. Certification courses, conferences, podcasts, conversations with seasoned experts…yet even with that knowledge, one thing became clear: there is not one single formula for making this process predictable. College admissions is like a game, but a unique one. There are only a few rules, yet the strategy is complex. You can do everything “right”, get within a few inches of the finish line, and still not “win”. But maybe winning isn’t just about crossing that finish line? Maybe it’s about playing smart, adapting, and knowing how to best position yourself. It helps to start by knowing your true goal. Are you seeking an institution that specializes in your future career? Chasing the prestige of the university’s name and reputation? Prioritizing a strong Greek life or particular campus culture? Whether your preferences are highly specific or still evolving, defining what matters most to you is the first step. I can help navigate the maze of coursework, building a balanced college list, testing requirements and more, but ultimately, this is just guidance. What happens on the other side of an application is out of our control. While college admissions professionals do their best to assemble a class of students who will carry on the school’s legacy and thrive in their programs, the process remains an educated guess. They read applications, assess high school profiles, evaluate essays, all while trying to predict which students will create a well-rounded and successful incoming class. Despite their best efforts to be objective, admissions decisions are deeply subjective. It may feel like it’s entirely about you and your submitted forms; the reality is that it’s mostly about what they need at that moment. How many other students with a similar profile have applied that year? What qualities make you stand out? Sometimes, at a particular institution in a particular year, being artistic helps. Other times they may need more male students, STEM majors, or student-athletes. You will never fully know which moment you are stepping into when you apply. But what you can control is the path you’ve created up to this point. Your experiences, your passions and how you present yourself authentically in your application will define your approach. By curating a list that aligns with your true goals, you ensure that, regardless of the outcome, you have options that set you up for fulfillment and success. When I first navigated the college admissions process with my own children, I assumed the hardest part would be building a list of schools and finding time to visit for tours. But as we worked through the journey, I realized how much more was involved and how families could benefit from expert guidance at every stage. College admissions isn’t just about submitting an application; it’s a multi-year process that can begin in 9th grade. That realization inspired American Educational Consultants to expand our services last year, ensuring families have the support they need throughout this journey. We’re addressing the full spectrum of challenges students and families face, from academic planning to financial aid decisions. Many people think of college admissions counseling as last-minute application support. But the reality is, the process begins years earlier. Here’s how we help families navigate each step: Starting Early: Academic Counseling & Goal Setting By 9th grade, students are making decisions that can shape their future college applications. Should they take AP classes? What electives align with their potential career interests? We help students strategically select courses that match their academic strengths and long-term aspirations. Major & Career Exploration Not every high school student knows what exactly what they want to study in college, and that’s completely normal. Honestly, how many of us knew for sure at 14, 25, or even today? Through personalized coaching, we help students explore majors and career paths, ensuring they apply to schools that align with their interests and future goals. Application Strategy & Essay Coaching When it’s time to submit applications, our experts provide individualized support on compelling essays, preparing strong resumes, and organizing application materials. We help students present their best selves. Interview Preparation & Financial Aid Guidance College interviews can be intimidating, but with the right preparation, students can feel confident in expressing their interests and strengths. Beyond interviews, understanding financial aid packages is critical for families making decisions about tuition costs. We break down award letters and compare financial aid offers to ensure families make informed choices. Starting in 11th grade? You're right on time! While beginning the college admissions process early has its advantages, many students find themselves starting in 11th grade or even the summer before senior year. The good news? It’s never too late to get on track with expert guidance. We focus on efficient strategies to make the most of the time available:
Why Guidance Matters Applying to college shouldn’t be a stressful guessing game. It should be empowering, not exhausting. With the right support, families can approach it with confidence, clarity and a sense of excitement for the future. |
Faith brodsky racusinChief Executive Manager Archives
September 2025
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Copyright © 2025
Springfield, NJ 07081 Lyndhurst, OH 44124
973-98EDCON (973-983-3266)
[email protected]
Copyright © 2025