Counseling
Guides and articles addressing counseling, one of the common challenges students face during the admissions process.
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August 18, 2026
College Counselor vs. School Counselor
What a private college counselor offers that a school counselor usually can't, why that's a caseload problem, not a competence one.
August 18, 2026
The Free DIY College Counseling Guide
What families can genuinely handle themselves, for free, without hiring a consultant, and where free tools can help.
August 18, 2026
Is a College Admissions Consultant Worth It?
A cost-by-cost, honest look at what admissions consultants charge, what they change, and which families should skip hiring one entirely.
August 18, 2026
Near-Peer Mentoring vs. Traditional Consultants
An honest comparison of near-peer mentors and career admissions consultants, including where traditional consulting has the edge.
August 18, 2026
15 Questions to Ask a College Consultant
The exact questions to ask before hiring, plus what a good answer sounds like versus a red flag.
August 18, 2026
What Does a College Admissions Consultant Do?
A month-by-month look at what a real consulting engagement looks like, beyond the vague marketing language.
August 18, 2026
When to Hire a College Counselor, by Grade
What actually changes each grade, from 9th to 12th, and why families who start earlier tend to have calmer senior years.
How Near-Peer Mentors Reduce SAT Test Anxiety
SAT test anxiety is common among high-achievers. Near-peer mentors, recent Ivy grads who just sat these same tests, reduce it in ways traditional tutors cannot match.
9th Grade College Prep: The Habits That Separate Ivy-Track Students
Ninth grade is when Ivy-track students build the habits that compound over four years. Here are the eight concrete behaviors that set them apart from the rest.
The High School College Prep Roadmap: A Grade-by-Grade Guide to Top University Admissions
A complete grade-by-grade college prep roadmap for high school students - covering academics, test prep, extracurriculars, and applications from 9th to 12th grade.
Elite College Counselors for Early Decision in NYC and Online
Looking for elite Early Decision counseling in Manhattan? Work 1:1 with Ivy League mentors at Dewey Smart for strategic, virtual ED planning, essays, and applications.
How Houston Students Can Write a Standout College Essay in 2026
Houston students have some of the richest essay material in the country. This guide shows how to find it, use it, and write a personal statement that actually stands out.
