Estrela Consulting Blog

It feels like not a day goes by right now that an announcement isn't made about a college or university becoming "test-optional." Some have announced temporary plans that apply solely to the class of 2021 or even 2022, while others have decided to remove testing requirements indefinitely. However, there is one question that we keep hearing from students and parents: Does "test-optional" really ...

College application season has almost started, and for many rising seniors this means that it’s about time to start on the Common Application...which includes the dreaded essay. If you’re like me, then you may have found the idea of writing a personal essay to encapsulate yourself for colleges a little stressful, to say the least. Having survived the process with minimal pain, I can safely say ...

Most college-bound students expect to attend college directly after high school and are excited to do so, looking forward to freshman year traditions and exploring independent life in a new environment. While there are some students who defer their enrollment, the overwhelming majority choose not to during “typical” circumstances. During a typical year, only about 2% of college-bound students ...

More than 300 college admissions deans (and growing) have signed a statement about what they expect and value in the admission process during this time. Here is just a snippet of the "why":

If your teen is having trouble adjusting to all of the change in the world right now, that’s totally understandable! After all, they weren’t prepared for this — none of us were. Your teen is probably sad that their activities have been cancelled, overwhelmed with their school work, and frustrated that they can’t see their friends. Who wouldn’t be extra stressed (and probably extra irritable)?