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2026 College Application Waiver Weeks. Find Waivers by State and University
College application fees add up fast, but the good news is that many state universities and private institutions set aside specific weeks when application fees are waived.

Dr. Tess Borgese
6 days ago3 min read


Organize Your Common App Essay: Crafting Confident Narratives from Any Writing Prompt
The opening paragraph is your chance to make a moving impression beyond the facts of your application. It should aim toward an overall wisdom about yourself.

Dr. Tess Borgese
Aug 13 min read


Creating Your College List: Use the Common Data Sets to Narrow and Specify your Fit.
What Is the Common Data Set? The Common Data Set (CDS) for any college provides comparable data about institutions from the previous year. It covers a wide range of topics, from enrollment and admissions to financial aid and campus life. Participating colleges publish their own CDS annually, and it's often easily found on their website, making it a reliable source for up-to-date facts. By reviewing these datasets, you can compare schools on key criteria such as acceptance rat

Dr. Tess Borgese
Apr 163 min read


Empower Your Voice: How First-Generation College Applicants Showcase Agency in Admissions Essays
As first-generation college hopefuls, you often navigate uncharted territory without the guidance many peers receive. Yet, within your Common App and personal insight essays, you have the opportunity to reveal remarkable strength and self-direction.

Dr. Tess Borgese
Feb 173 min read


Pre-Law & Political Science Summer Programs for High School Students
Political Science Summer Programs, Dates, Costs, Details

Dr. Tess Borgese
Oct 8, 20253 min read


Explore Engineering Careers and Summer Programs for Teens
Let's define various engineering careers, highlight summer program opportunities in the US, and help students launch their college admissions process with confidence and a clear plan.

Dr. Tess Borgese
Sep 7, 20254 min read


Medical Science Summer Programs for Teens
Explore Your Options High school students can explore a variety of summer medical programs. Each program offers unique experiences that can shape your future in medicine. Whether you're looking for hands-on training or research opportunities, there's something for everyone. Stanford Medical Youth Science Program The Stanford Medical Youth Science Program offers an immersive experience for high school students. Participants engage in practical medical training and have the uni

Dr. Tess Borgese
Aug 24, 20254 min read


Mastering Your Common App Student Activity List for College Admissions & Improved Self-Awareness
Your Common App Your student activity list is crucial in presenting a well-rounded view of your character beyond the classroom. Admissions officers may look here first to evaluate your interests and assess how you may fit into their college culture. This post will help you provide specific context about your values and ambitions. Choosing the Right Activities to Highlight Select activities that matter most to you and reflect your personal life views. If you're a member of a s

Dr. Tess Borgese
Jul 18, 20252 min read


Cultivating Core Values for Self-Awareness, College Programs & Career Paths
Cultivating Core Values for Self-Awareness, College Programs and Career Paths

Dr. Tess Borgese
Jul 15, 20253 min read


Summer Programs For Teens In Business and Finance
Summer Programs & Internship Opportunities Dr. B Helps You Get There! Program Name What It Is Outcomes Cost Dates LEAD ING For Life, GSLI Global Institute Pre-college business leadership program Business skills, case competitions 3500. June - July Girls Who Invest Summer Intensive Women-focused finance program Financial networking for college sophomores Varies June - August Morgan Stanley JumpStart Scholars Internship-style program in finance Industry exposure, networking V

Dr. Tess Borgese
Apr 23, 20251 min read


Financial Aid for College 101: CSS Profile and FAFSA
What is the difference?
CSS Profile and FAFSA serve different purposes when it comes to financial aid for higher education.

Dr. Tess Borgese
Apr 4, 20252 min read


A Monthly To-Do List for College Admissions Success
A Monthly Guide to College Applications for First-Time Applicants & Parents The college application process is most manageable when you break it down into a timeline of actions. The Common App is an online platform where you gather and store your information—transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal essays, etc. You can apply to as many or as few schools as you want from this platform. The Common App opens for new students in August each year, but successful applicants

Dr. Tess Borgese
Mar 22, 20253 min read


How to Improve College Admissions Essays
Writing Goal-Oriented Narrative Moments A strong introduction is the 1st step to nailing your Common App essay prompt. In my last article, we eliminated the stress of writing admissions essays and replaced it with self-assurance. Now, let's talk about how to execute your introduction for any of the Common App essay prompts. Imagine you are a tour guide leading the reader on a road trip through your essay. The introduction serves as an overview of the main attractions or mini-

Dr. Tess Borgese
Mar 15, 20243 min read


College Admissions Essays: Replacing Anxiety with Excitement
Let's Strategize and Compose Your College Admission Essay The first step towards college admissions essay success is replacing your anxiety with excitement. In my last article, I outlined five tips to help applicants write compelling reflective essays. If you're overwhelmed by all the components of the Common App, let's try to reframe your perspective. Instead of letting stress expand into procrastination or worsen anxiety, use it as a motivator. Your college admission essay

Dr. Tess Borgese
Mar 8, 20242 min read


How to Help Your Rising Senior with College Admission Essays
Tips for Common App & Personal Insight Essays Here are 5 tips to help college applicants write brief yet compelling narrative reflections. Replace anxiety with enthusiasm. You’re an interesting young adult with hundreds of life stories to tell. Let the writing prompt choose you. If you have a particular story of mental or moral strength, these reflections make the reader sit up and take notice. Understand ALL components of the prompt. Admission readers want to read unique

Dr. Tess Borgese
Mar 4, 20241 min read


Clyde Chronicles
I had an hour window between momming and teaching another class at MSU to pick up my three-year-old pup from the trainer and grab my son from middle school. Who’s a good boy? I asked Clyde, our black pug/Boston terrier mix as we inched up for a quick car wash. He seemed fine when we paid the cashier at Perfect Shine in Woodland Park; his tail wagged happily as our car dripped with suds, but when we sat outside to wait, he became skittish. Clyde wedged his leash under the benc

Dr. Tess Borgese
Sep 27, 20233 min read
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