For many Indian students, getting into a US university feels like the finish line of a long, complex race. But what happens if, once you arrive, you realize that your chosen college isn’t quite the right fit? In the US, you do not necessarily need to start from a freshman application. Suppose you’re already doing […]
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Applying to college can feel overwhelming, but your college essays are the part you actually control. They’re your chance to show who you are beyond grades and test scores. Whether it’s a Common App personal statement, UC PIQs, a quirky UChicago prompt, a UCAS personal statement for the UK, or a “Why This College” supplement, […]
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When it comes to college admissions—especially in the U.S.—community service can be a powerful part of your application. For Indian high school students applying abroad, volunteering is more than just a line on your résumé; it’s a way to show values that colleges deeply care about—empathy, leadership, initiative, and social awareness. In fact, many admissions […]
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Recommendation letters are a crucial piece of your Master’s or graduate school application. An effective letter of recommendation (aka LOR) should provide those making admissions decisions with an assessment of your potential as a graduate student and/or researcher. What is a Letter of Recommendation (LOR) A letter of recommendation is a document that verifies your […]
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Discover how a professional college admissions counselor can guide students toward the right-fit universities and reduce stress for families.
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Studying abroad for your Bachelor’s is thrilling—but the price tag can be daunting for many Indian students and their families. The good news? By learning about it and planning, you and your family can make studying abroad more affordable with financial aid and scholarships. Here’s a guide to understanding the basics and opportunities for Indian […]
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The Common App activities section is a great opportunity to demonstrate your skills, along with specific examples of extracurricular activities you have participated in over the last few years. The Common Application has undergone some changes in terms of online design and format recently (effective from Aug 1, 2025). However, the structure of the Activities […]
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Letters of Recommendation (LORs) are a significant component of your college application, particularly for students applying to the U.S., U.K., and Canada. LORs enable admission officers to get to know you better than through your grade reports and test scores — from the perspective of your teachers, mentors, or school guidance counselors. Indeed, more than […]
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Learn how to write standout supplemental college essays with practical tips, examples, and strategies to showcase your personality, values, and fit for each university.
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Learn what Indian students must do in September-October to prepare for Early Action and Early Decision deadlines for US college applications.
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Are you considering a Headstart on your path to medical school? That’s a smart move! Let’s talk about how you can prepare for pre-med while you’re still in high school. Medicine is a long haul. High school is what sets it all up. Admissions (Indian or overseas) prefer to see not only marks, but what […]
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We often hear about the terms “holistic review” or “holistic admissions” in the college admissions process. There is a lot of ambiguity with those terms among students and parents. So, what is it actually? In this article, we will decipher the holistic review process and will also look into “institutional priorities”. Introduction When most individuals […]
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Liberal education previously flourished in ancient Indian universities such as Nalanda and Taxila, but later weakened under colonial curricula. Nowadays, in a globalised world where critical thinking replaces rote learning, the liberal arts field is witnessing a very strong resurgence in India, complemented further by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. In this article, we […]
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It’s again that time of the year when, for a high school senior’s world it means just one thing: the Common App has opened! When it comes to U.S. college applications, the Common App personal essay is often the most intimidating part for students. Unlike grades, test scores, or extracurriculars, this essay is your chance […]
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In a 2023 National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) survey, 51% of 4-year colleges indicated that they considered extracurricular activities to be moderately or considerably important in their admissions decisions. The most important were grades in high school courses and the strength (or rigor) of the high school curriculum. In this article, we will look at the […]
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As the college application season kicks in, as a Grade 12 student, you face a big question: When should you apply? Should you aim for Early Action (EA), commit through Early Decision (ED), or wait for Regular Decision (RD)? Each college application plan comes with its deadlines, benefits, and commitments. Understanding these options can help […]
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In all my years of working hard as an entrepreneur, mother, stock analyst, or banker, Grade 12 stands out as the year that demanded the most discipline from me—preparing for my boards in the sciences, taking various entrance exams, and generally just being a teenager! Grade 12 Roadmap: Admission Guidance for College Admissions in the […]
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The bottom line is that the best undergraduate courses in the best colleges across India and the world have less than 25% acceptance rates, on average. That is, fewer than 1 student gets accepted out of every 4 applicants. So, how to submit a winning college application as an Indian high school student? Increasing Competition […]
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Choice is a double-edged sword … and like all important questions, the answer to “what is the right destination for undergraduate study” is…. It depends! On your budget, your goals, availability of family and other things. Here is an overview of 8 leading destinations (in alphabetical order), the pros and cons of studying there, cost […]
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