Archives for 2026

You are browsing the site archives by date.

Applying with Confidence: Early vs Regular Decision

Helping students choose the timing that sets them up for success

By Lara Poulios

All application plans—ED, EA, and RD—require the same core materials. The difference isn’t the application itself, but the timing and level of commitment.

Understanding the Options Before You Apply 

ED, EA, RD… the alphabet soup of college application plans can feel overwhelming at first. Families often hear these terms tossed around and assume there’s a “right” strategy—but in reality, the best choice depends entirely on the student. 

Over the years, I’ve worked with many students trying to decide whether to apply early or wait for regular application deadlines.…

Read More
Eric Dobler May 14, 2026 Comments Disabled
, ,

Building a College List the Right Way

Why a Balanced College List Leads to Better Outcomes

By Eric Dobler

Building a balanced college list is the key to a successful college search.

 

Why a Balanced College List Matters More Than Ever

For many students, the college search begins with a spark. Maybe it’s a campus visit that just felt right, really outstanding resources in an academic department, or a school everyone seems to talk about. It does not take long to identify one or two “favorites.” That is completely normal.…

Read More
Eric Dobler Apr 09, 2026 Comments Disabled
,

Tour Smarter: How To Make College Visits Count

A practical guide to turning a campus visit into meaningful insight

By Lara Poulios

Develop A System For Sorting Out Observations

I’m an Independent College Advisor who loves my work guiding students through the process of evaluating their college options.  I’m also the mom of two now-adults who went through this very same process.  The first time I attended a college visit with my older son, I thought it would be easy to remember the school’s distinguishing features and sort out the pros and cons compared to other college campuses. …

Read More
Eric Dobler Mar 12, 2026 Comments Disabled
, ,

Merit Aid and Snipe Hunting

Where Are All the Scholarships Hiding?

By Mel Horadam

 

Paying for college can be hard and one of the best ways to help pay for it is through merit scholarshipsOutside Scholarships and the Search for Money

If you’ve been on a college tour in the last ten years, you might have noticed something kind of weird during the information session. 

At these presentations, prospective students and their parents often sit in a big room, facing an admissions representative who goes over a PowerPoint that covers all aspects of their university, from listing popular majors and student resources to admissions and financial aid info.…

Read More
Eric Dobler Feb 14, 2026 Comments Disabled
,

How To Make Sure Your High School Transcript Works For You

Course Selection Tips for College-Bound Students

By Eric Dobler

Students studying together with notebooks and textbooks, collaborating on course planning and high-school transcript preparation for college admissions.Why High School Course Selection Matters for College Admissions

Over the next several weeks, I’ll be meeting with students to discuss high school course planning. While course selection may seem straightforward, especially with teacher recommendations and a school’s program of studies available for guidance, I find myself having a version of the same conversation.

It usually goes like this:

Student: I know I have to take English and math, but I’ve fulfilled my graduation requirements for everything else.…

Read More
Eric Dobler Feb 03, 2026 Comments Disabled