Understanding Application Fees and Fee Waivers for College and Graduate School

Learn how to navigate college and graduate school application fees without breaking the bank. Explore fee structures, eligibility for waivers, and strategic tips to manage costs effectively. Get one step closer to your educational dreams with expert advice
How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Scholarships and Grants

Securing scholarships and grants can significantly reduce the financial burden of higher education, and though competitive, you can improve your chances with the right approach. Start early by researching opportunities, gathering necessary documents, and crafting tailored applications that highlight your unique qualities and meet specific scholarship criteria. Personalizing essays to reflect the values of each scholarship provider is key, as is staying organized with a timeline to track deadlines. Leveraging available resources like school counselors, workshops, and online communities can provide valuable guidance. With persistence and careful preparation, you can enhance your chances of obtaining financial aid.
How to Ace the HKS Perspectives Essay

Reading Time: 5 mins Describe a time when interactions with others and/or an experience caused you to change your mind or expanded your point of view. (250 word limit) The Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) ‘Perspectives Essay’, which is required for MPA, MPP, and MC/MPA applicants, allows you the opportunity to showcase your open-mindedness, authenticity, and […]
Should you apply now or wait to apply to the Harvard Kennedy School?

Reading Time: 5 mins Applying to Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) is an exciting milestone, but timing your application can be challenging. Whether you choose to apply now or wait, several key factors will affect your application’s success. This article, written by a former HKS alumni, Center for Public Leadership Fellow, and Founder of Write Track […]
The Top 10 Common Mistakes Made by HKS Applicants Over the Past 10 years!

Reading Time: 5 mins Applying to Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) is a dream for many aspiring leaders in public policy, government, and nonprofit sectors. However, the application process is highly competitive, and mistakes can cost applicants their chance at admission. In this post, written by a former HKS alumni, Center for Public Leadership Fellow, and […]
How to Leverage the Gap Year to Get Into Your Top Choice College

Taking a gap year involves deferring college or other formal education. During this time, you may travel, volunteer, work, or even undertake entrepreneurship to allow for invaluable personal growth and experiential learning. We call it a Path Year because, if done right, it can create a path for you to gain perspective, clarify goals, and […]
Balancing the Use of AI for the College Admissions Process

This article explores the increasing role of AI in college admissions, both from universities’ perspectives and students’. Institutions like Georgia Tech are experimenting with AI to manage the growing volume of applications through automated reviews and predictive modeling, while balancing concerns around fairness and transparency. Simultaneously, students are using AI tools like ChatGPT to help generate ideas for application essays. However, the use of AI raises ethical questions about authenticity, as admissions committees still value personal expression over machine-generated content. Ultimately, the article emphasizes the need for a balanced approach that leverages AI’s efficiency while preserving human judgment and integrity in the admissions process.
Top Mistakes to Avoid in Your College Application

Applying to college can feel overwhelming and stressful. Understanding and avoiding common mistakes can significantly improve your chances of acceptance. This blog post explores the top mistakes to avoid in your college application, particularly in application essays and extracurricular activities. Common Pitfalls in Application Essays Ignoring the Prompt: A frequent mistake is not answering the […]
Changes in Test Requirements for College Admissions: What You Need to Know

The landscape of college admissions has shifted significantly, especially regarding test requirements. This blog post dives deep into the current state of college admission test requirements. We’ll explore the motivations behind reintroducing standardized tests and examine the alternatives some institutions offer. Understanding these trends can help students navigate their college application journey more effectively and […]
Strategies for Strengthening Your College Application Despite a Low GPA

Many students with a low GPA may feel discouraged or hopeless when applying to graduate school or other academic programs. While GPA is a critical factor in the admissions process, it is not the only one. Admissions committees consider various elements, such as test scores, extracurricular activities, leadership experience, and professional achievements. This Blog will […]











