Counseling

Guides and articles addressing counseling, one of the common challenges students face during the admissions process.

The South Florida Parent’s Guide to College Admissions in 2026–2027
HOW-TO

The South Florida Parent’s Guide to College Admissions in 2026–2027

Ultimate admissions guide for South Florida families: Test prep, Bright Futures, essays, and extracurriculars for students in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach. Build your college list now!

How Much Does College Admissions Consulting Cost? A 2026 Pricing Guide
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How Much Does College Admissions Consulting Cost? A 2026 Pricing Guide

College consulting costs range from $50/hr to $250,000+. This guide breaks down price points, ROI, and budgeting while highlighting red flags to help you navigate admissions and avoid scams.

How First-Generation Students Benefit Most from Admissions Consulting
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How First-Generation Students Benefit Most from Admissions Consulting

First-gen students face uphill climbs in admissions. Professional consulting levels the field, offering vital aid strategies and coaching that turn systemic hurdles into success stories.

A Houston Parent's Guide to College Admissions: Katy, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, and River Oaks (2026-2027)
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A Houston Parent's Guide to College Admissions: Katy, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, and River Oaks (2026-2027)

In the competitive Houston market, academic excellence isn’t enough. From Katy to River Oaks, standing out requires a strategic playbook that turns high-achieving profiles into unique stories.

How to Demonstrate Leadership in College Applications Without a Title
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How to Demonstrate Leadership in College Applications Without a Title

Learn how to showcase real leadership on your college application — no officer titles needed. Strategies that Ivy League admissions officers value.

The Complete Guide to Building a College Resume and Extracurricular Profile in 2026
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The Complete Guide to Building a College Resume and Extracurricular Profile in 2026

Your complete guide to building a college resume and extracurricular profile that stands out at Ivy League and Top 25 universities.

The Complete Guide to College Admissions in 2026: Strategy, Timelines, and Expert Advice
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The Complete Guide to College Admissions in 2026: Strategy, Timelines, and Expert Advice

Your complete hub for college admissions strategy: academics, testing, essays, extracurriculars, financial aid, and expert advice to get into top universities.

How to Write College Application Activity Descriptions That Admissions Officers Remember
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How to Write College Application Activity Descriptions That Admissions Officers Remember

Learn the exact framework for writing Common App and UC activity descriptions that grab admissions officers' attention — with before-and-after examples and a step-by-step formula.

How Dewey Smart Compares to Local Tutors in Secondary Markets

How Dewey Smart Compares to Local Tutors in Secondary Markets

Families in Raleigh, Austin, and Denver deserve elite college prep. See how Dewey Smart’s Ivy League mentors beat local franchises and independent tutors head-to-head in our latest comparison.

How Near-Peer Mentoring Gives High Schoolers an Ivy League Edge
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How Near-Peer Mentoring Gives High Schoolers an Ivy League Edge

Discover how near-peer mentoring from Ivy League students helps high schoolers build stronger applications, write better essays, and gain a real admissions advantage at top universities.

How to Prepare for College Admissions Interviews: Questions, Strategies, and What Top Schools Actually Want
HOW-TO

How to Prepare for College Admissions Interviews: Questions, Strategies, and What Top Schools Actually Want

Interviews are evaluations, not chats. This guide covers three formats, 15 top questions, strategies for elite schools like MIT and Stanford, and a proven two-week prep framework for success.

DEWEY SMART

August 18, 2026

College Consultant Red Flags to Watch For

The warning signs that separate a legitimate consultant from one that will waste your money or put your student at risk.