International College Counselors blog

Reporting AP Scores

To report the AP score or not to report the score — that is this week’s question. Now and for the next couple of weeks, millions of students will report to their classrooms and computer screens to take the AP exams. After taking one of the many exams, students usually feel one of three ways: Great!…

8 Ways Juniors Can Make the Most of Their Summer for College Admissions

8 Ways Juniors Can Make the Most of Their Summer for College Admissions

Juniors: what you do this summer—the last summer before your college applications—can push your college application from maybe to yes. Use your time wisely. You’ve worked so hard to get to this point; don’t lose momentum. You’re almost done! If you need support, a push, and/or refinement, International College Counselors is here for you. Here’s…

10 Tips for Writing the College Admissions Common App Essay

10 Tips for Writing the College Admissions Common App Essay

As if getting the grades and test scores and participating in the extracurriculars were not enough, there’s also the college admissions essay. All students applying via the Common Application have to write this essay, and every school to which a student applies using the Common Application will see it. Through your writing, a college should…

Don’t Leave for Summer Break Without a Letter of Recommendation

Don’t Leave for Summer Break Without a Letter of Recommendation

One of the most important parts of a college application, the letters of recommendation, aren’t even completed by students; the letters are completed by your counselor and typically, two teachers. Most private colleges require one counselor and one or two teacher recommendations. Of the colleges that request letters of recommendation, many consider them to be…