Michael Gao

CEO

Articles by Michael

• How to Navigate College Applications: Common App, UC & CSU

  A clear, expert breakdown of the three major college applications students need to know. Learn what each platform requires, how to avoid common mistakes, and how to strategically stand out—no matter where you’re applying.

• College Admissions Guide 2025: How to Get Into Top Universities

  College admissions today is more competitive and complex than ever. This guide breaks down key trends—from holistic review to rising costs—and shows how early planning and expert guidance can turn overwhelm into opportunity.

• College Admissions Secrets: What Committees Value Most

  College admissions can feel like deciphering a secret code. What exactly are admissions committees looking for when they review thousands of applicati...

• The Art of College Essay Writing: From Concept to Submission

  This blog breaks down how to craft standout college essays, from self-discovery and storytelling structure to platform-specific strategies and powerful revisions. Learn how to move beyond generic writing and express your authentic voice to impress admissions committees.

• Mastering College Applications: Common App, UC, and CSU Guide

  From the Common App to the UC and CSU systems, this guide breaks down key differences, strategies, and timelines for each platform. Learn how to adapt your content, manage deadlines, and avoid common pitfalls—so every application stands out.

• College Admissions Strategies: Early Planning vs. Senior Year

  Starting early in college planning—especially in grades 9–11—gives students more time to build strong academic, extracurricular, and personal profiles. This blog compares early vs. senior-year planning strategies, showing how timing shapes outcomes, reduces stress, and creates more competitive applications. Whether you're planning years ahead or need senior-year support, Dewey Smart helps you make the most of your timeline.

• Dewey Smart College Counseling: Your Path to Admissions Success

  Discover how Dewey Smart’s comprehensive college counseling services go beyond generic advice to deliver highly personalized support—from building a tailored college list to crafting compelling essays and securing scholarships. Learn how our expert team helps students stand out and find their perfect college fit.

• Top College Admissions Concerns for Students and Parents

  The Weight of Choice: Navigating 4,000+ College OptionsOne of the most overwhelming aspects of the college admissions process is the sheer number of c...

• The Evolution of College Admissions: Why Professional Counseling Has Become Essential

  The College Admissions Arms Race: How We Got HereCollege admissions has transformed dramatically over the past two decades, evolving from a relatively...

• Dewey Smart Internship Match: Find Your Perfect Summer Experience

  Struggling to land a quality summer internship? Learn how Dewey Smart’s Internship Match Program helps high school students skip the guesswork and get placed in high-impact, mentor-led roles that boost college applications. Ideal for busy families and competitive applicants who want more than just resume fluff.

• How to Write a Cold Email That Lands You an Internship

  Think it's too late for a summer internship? Think again. This blog breaks down exactly how high school students can create their own opportunities through strategic cold emailing—no job boards required. Learn how to stand out, even in June, and build experiences that boost your college application.

• Why Summer Activities Are Crucial for College Admissions

  Grades aren’t everything. Learn how strategic summer activities can strengthen your college application, demonstrate initiative, and set you apart—especially when time is short.

• Ace the UC PIQs: Stand Out to Top California Universities

  When high school students college prep for the University of California system, they quickly discover that the PIQs can make or break their application.

• UC Application Tips: GPA, Courses & Campus Picks

  Discover the true UC GPA requirements and learn how to choose the best UC campus for your major. Get expert tips on course rigor, A-G classes, and holistic review.

• How to Structure a College Essay: Step-by-Step Guide for Students

  You've identified your unique narrative and chosen your essay topic—now comes the moment many students dread: actually writing the essay.

• How to Find Your Unique College Essay Angle and Stand Out

  Every year, admissions officers read thousands of college essays about the same topics: sports victories, volunteer trips, and academic achievements.

• UC Application Tips: Personal Insight Question Strategies from UCLA

  Mastering the UC Personal Insight Questions: A UCLA Student's Proven ApproachThe University of California system's Personal Insight Questions (PIQs) a...

• UCLA Major Change Guide: Real Student Experience

  Navigating Major Changes: A UCLA Student's Journey from Pre-Med to Pre-LawFor many high school seniors applying to colleges in California, choosing a ...

• Authenticity and Passion: A Student’s Path to UCLA

  In the hyper-competitive world of California college admissions, students often feel pressured to build the perfect resume and check all the right box...

• Beyond Grades: Extracurricular Excellence for UC Applications

  Academic performance forms the foundation of any successful UC app, extracurricular activities play a crucial role in distinguishing competitive candidates.

• Mastering the UC Personal Insight Questions (PIQs)

  Mastering the UC Personal Insight Questions: A Step-by-Step Guide‍Introduction: Why UC Essays Matter More Than You ThinkWhen it comes to University of...

• What Is The UC Application Points System?

  High grades alone will not guarantee your acceptance. But understanding the hidden mechanics will. This guide breaks down the fourteen-point comprehensive review system used to score your application.

• How to Crack the Texas Essay Code

  Mastering Your Texas College Application Essays: What Admissions Officers Really Want to SeeTexas universities receive thousands of applications each ...

• Navigating Texas Universities Admissions: Insights and Strategies

  Insider Secrets to Texas College Admissions: Standing Out in a Competitive LandscapeWhen it comes to college admissions in Texas, the competition can ...

• Your Future, Your Fit: Choosing the Right College Outside the Ivies

  Beyond Ivy League Acceptance Rates: Finding Your Best-Fit CollegeIn the high-stakes world of college admissions, the allure of Ivy League institutions...

• How NYC Students Can Build a Standout College Application

  How NYC Students Can Build a Standout College Application (Without Burning Out)College admissions in New York City is a high-stakes game. With thousan...

• Ivy League Secrets: How to Build a Winning Application

  The Strategic Path to Ivy League Admissions: How to Stand Out Authentically‍Before you dive into the full breakdown below, watch our exclusive webinar...

• Top School Academics: What Students Really Think

  Find out what top college academics are like. Students discuss the upsides and downsides of academics at top schools.

• What to do BEFORE Applying Regular Decision

  As tempting as it may be to sit back and relax, the time between Early Decision and applying Regular Decision is crucial.

• Writing College Essays: Final College Essay Draft

  This blog post is part of a series where our writers discuss how they made their final college essay draft.

• Writing College Essays: Outline the Personal Statement

  This blog post is part of a series where our writers discuss how they outline the personal statement with students and for their applications

• The College Application: Tying It Together

  Five students at top schools answer the question, “How did you, personally, tie together all the elements of your college application?”

• Writing College Essays: Brainstorm the Personal Statement

  In this live blog, our writers discuss how to brainstorm the personal statement and their best tips and tricks.

• Pros and Cons of Top Schools: College Culture

  Find out what top college culture is like. Students discuss the upsides and downsides of college culture at top schools.

• Pros and Cons of Top Schools: College Social Life

  Find out what top college social life is like. Students discuss the upsides and downsides of social life at top schools.