We've received the news we were largely expecting - the Common Application Personal Essay Prompts will remain unchanged for 2026-2027. What does this mean for our current HS juniors? It means that they can get started on their personal essay whenever they are ready! We typically recommend juniors get started on this essay in April. And trust us - starting early is key reducing stress in this process!   Here are the essay prompts: Some students have a background, identity, int

By: Maggie Martin, Foundry Admissions Senior College Advisor I walk into our hotel room on the edge of campus and put my bags down. As I do at each school we visit, I find myself wondering, “Is this it? Is this where I’ll stay when visiting my child after they’ve flown the nest?” For many high school parents across the country, Spring Break means trading beaches for brochures and setting out to explore potential colleges with your student. If this is your plan, let me offer a

For years, the college application process revolved around transcripts, essays, and activity lists. But increasingly, colleges are giving students the invitation to submit a resume  as part of their application. This isn’t a coincidence. Admissions offices are looking for clearer, more holistic ways to understand how students spend their time, take initiative, and grow beyond the classroom. A well-crafted resume helps them do exactly that. The key word here is well-crafted .

Teacher recommendations are one of the most personal parts of your college application. Grades and test scores show what you’ve achieved, but recommendation letters help colleges understand who you are in the classroom—as a learner, a contributor, and a person. Choosing the right teachers (and asking them at the right time) can make a real difference. Here’s how high school students should think about selecting teachers for college recommendations. Start Thinking About Reco