When families think about what makes a great college essay, they often focus on the topic. Is the story unique? Is it compelling? Does it showcase the student's character? While those elements are important, there's another factor that can make a significant difference: flow. College admissions officers read hundreds, and often thousands, of essays during application season. The best essays don't just tell a great story—they make that story easy to read. When an essay flows n

As we approach another end of a school year, many of our high school juniors will begin drafting their personal essay. This essay, which has a 650 word limit, will be written once and submitted to most – if not all – of the colleges juniors will be applying to this fall. I’ve been working with high school students on these essays for the last eight years and if I’m being honest, I’ve noticed a concerning trend – each year students seem less prepared to write compelling essays

For rising high school seniors, summer is one of the most important — and most overlooked — parts of the college application process. Once fall arrives, students quickly become overwhelmed with schoolwork, activities, deadlines, essays, and applications. The students who feel the most confident in the fall are usually the ones who used the summer wisely. Here are five smart ways juniors can prepare now: Build a balanced college list Research colleges that fit academically, so

A recent Atlantic article explores and attempts to explain the primary reason why Ivy League graduates are statistically so successful relative to the rest of the population. Like too many articles on higher education, the focus on the Ivy League nearly turned me off from reading it, and I think the claim made in the article that “the people who go to the fanciest colleges tend to have the most successful careers,” is both dubious and incredibly subjective. This claim seems t

If you’re a high school sophomore, college might still feel far away—but here’s the reality: this spring semester is one of the most underrated windows to quietly set yourself up for success. No, you don’t need to have your dream school picked out or your life perfectly planned. But what you do now can make junior year (and applications later) a whole lot smoother—and stronger. Let’s talk about what actually matters. 🌱 1. Start Building Direction (Not Perfection) You don’t n

Paying for college isn’t just expensive—it’s complicated. For many families, the process of figuring out how to afford college can feel overwhelming. Tuition continues to rise, financial aid offers can be difficult to interpret, and the long-term implications of loans aren’t always clear at first glance. What looks like a straightforward acceptance decision often turns into a much more nuanced financial puzzle. At Foundry Admissions, we see this firsthand every year. Families

Getting a head start in the college admissions process isn’t just helpful—it’s transformative. In a landscape that’s more competitive and complex than ever, students who begin early and stay organized give themselves a clear advantage. From building a thoughtful college list to crafting compelling essays and meeting critical deadlines, preparation turns what can feel overwhelming into a manageable, even empowering, journey. At Foundry Admissions, we’ve seen firsthand how this

Spring break is one of the most popular times for high school students to visit college campuses. While it’s exciting to see new places and imagine life at different schools, a college tour is much more valuable when students approach it with a plan. Instead of focusing only on how beautiful a campus looks, students should use these visits to evaluate whether the school truly fits their academic goals, learning style, and overall college experience. Start with the academic

Author: Maggie Martin Juniors everywhere will be taking the SAT this weekend and then enduring two weeks of anxious waiting for their results. Many will face the same question: do these numbers help me or hurt me? With more colleges now embracing test-optional policies, the calculus has changed but that doesn't mean the decision has gotten easier. If anything, it requires more strategic thinking than ever before. Here's the honest truth: there is no universal right answer. W

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

When students think about summer planning, they often jump straight to one question: “What will look good on my college application?” Here’s the truth: the best summer plans don’t start with impressing colleges, they start with discovering yourself . Colleges aren’t looking for a checklist of flashy programs. They’re looking for students who show curiosity, initiative, and growth over time. Your summer is a powerful opportunity to explore interests, test ideas, and build mom

Choosing between the ACT and SAT is one of the most common (and confusing) questions students face during the college admissions process. The good news? All U.S. colleges accept both exams equally. One test is not “better” than the other across the board—the right choice depends on a student’s strengths, testing style, and comfort level. Below is a breakdown of the key differences, advantages, and decision-making strategies to help students choose wisely. 1.) What Do the ACT

Choosing the right college isn’t just about rankings or prestige—it’s about fit. Effective college research helps you move beyond surface-level impressions and make informed decisions that align with your academic goals, personal values, and future plans. Here’s how to do it well (without getting overwhelmed). 1. Start With Your Priorities Before diving into college websites, get clear on what matters most to you. Are you focused on a specific major? Class size? Location? Cos

When colleges review applications, they look beyond GPA. One of the most important factors in admissions decisions is academic rigor : the level of challenge in a student’s high school course load. Simply put, colleges want to see that students push themselves academically , especially in ways that prepare them for their intended major. Here’s what academic rigor really means and how it affects college admissions decisions. What Is Academic Rigor? Academic rigor refers to the

The start of a new year always brings fresh energy—new classes, new goals, and new possibilities. For high school students, especially those in 9th, 10th, and 11th grade, this moment is more than just a reset. It's a powerful opportunity to get ahead in the college admissions journey— before stress, confusion, and missed opportunities creep in. Too often, students (and families) believe college admissions only matter junior year or even senior year. In reality, the stronge

If you’ve just opened a decision letter that says “Deferred,” you’re probably feeling a confusing mix of disappointment, anxiety, and uncertainty. It’s not a yes, but it’s not a no either. And that gray space can feel heavier than a rejection. Let’s start with the most important truth: A deferral is not the end of the road. It is a signal that the college saw enough strength in your application to keep you in consideration. How you respond matters. First: What a Deferral Act

On January 7 th , we will kick off our first cohort session of 2026 . These cohorts – which typically consist of 4-6 students – are an excellent way for high school freshman, sophomores, and juniors to get a jump on the college admissions process. Here are some additional details to review as you consider joining us: What are Foundry Cohorts? Small group (5-10 students/parents) sessions that will meet once per week for 1.5 hours over a six-week block of time. Kenny (Founder