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Find the latest college admissions news, tips, resources and more.

10 Brilliant Common App Essay Examples for 2026

Get started on your college application essay with these common app essay examples. Save time and get a great score. Schedule a consultation with Empowerly today!

Johns Hopkins Reinstates Standardized Tests: What You Need to Know

Today, we’ll explain what you need to know about Johns Hopkins University’s new standardized test policy.

GPA Scale Reporting on the Common App Explained

Learn how to report your GPA on the Common App, including scale options, calculations, and tips for accurately showcasing your academic performance.

What is Rolling Admissions & How It Impacts College Applications

We define what rolling admissions basis means, how it works, examples, how it compares to regular decision and early action, & deadlines.

When to Start on Your College Essays? Now!

The beginning of your summer, your rising senior year, is the perfect time to start planning your first college essay. Your mind is no longer full of the memorized facts, equations, and extracurricular scheduling of the school year. You also are likely to have more time to dedicate the process of brainstorming, writing, and editing that are necessary to write a thoughtfully organized and meaningful essay.Â Do not sell yourself short in waiting to write this all-important piece that will be a deciding factor as to whether or not you are accepted to the school of your dream; start now!

Weighted vs Unweighted GPA and How Colleges View Them

The discussion of weighted vs. unweighted GPA has risen to the top of many minds. COVID has brought grading schemes under the microscope, once again. 1) in the classroom through letter grades, and 2) through Grade Point Average, or GPA. You're likely familiar the grading from A-F, but colleges are interested in overall performance—”with a quick glance of your unweighted GPA which will fall between 0.0 and 4.0. Colleges could also be interested in a weighted GPA which applies more proportional weight to more difficult classes. However, more and more classes are also offering P and NP. Wondering what that means? Read on for a breakdown of how this plays out today.

What to Expect from a Counseling Session with Empowerly

Sheelah explains what you can expect from a counseling session with Empowerly, and why each element matters so much. We talked to Sheelah Bearfoot, one of our fantastic counselors, to get the scoop.

College Counseling Helping San Mateo Students Get Ahead

Students are still feeling lost facing the college admissions process. Where do the best resources for college counseling in San Mateo come from? Yet with a launchpad as great as this one, students are still feeling lost facing the college admissions process. Cookie-cutter in-school support resources aside, where else do they turn for help?

Pre-Med Opportunities This Summer Staying Safe

Volunteering at the local hospital is a no-go, and research programs at colleges are generally canceled. Pre-med summer options? So what are your options if standard pre-med activities usually involve direct contact with people?

What an Admissions Expert Has to Say About AP Tests

It's AP season, so we talked to one of our wonderful counselors, Jennifer Liepin, about her own advice on AP tests. Read her thoughts below about: why you should take AP classes, how they help with college applications, how to prepare for the test, and what you should do if you don't do well.

Internships vs. Externships

Luckily, a lot of internships and externships have switched over to being remote, decreasing risk of exposure. But what are externships and what makes them different from internships?

How to Get to Know a College Campus from Afar

College tours canceled? Here are some tips to virtually scope out the campuses to finalize your college list from home.

7 Must-Do’s to Ace Virtual Interviews

Should you prepare differently? What's the etiquette like? Where should you sit? Keep reading to find out seven things you must know to ace your virtual first impressions.

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