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Client Testimonial, S.E., Davidson College

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I cannot thank Margery enough for how much she has helped me. I honestly do not think that I would’ve gotten into my dream school if I didn’t have her to advise me. She helped me perfect my essays, fill out my Common App, and get me familiar with the college application process. She helped me find my college fit and gave me writing advice that I will keep with me for the rest of my life. She gave me insight that I definitely could not have received from any of my school guidance counselors. No matter the situation or the timing, Margery will be there to help.

– S.E., Davidson College

College Board dropped SAT subject tests; what now?

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The College Board announced in January that there would be no more SAT subject tests or writing section. Although most colleges and universities have not required these tests, there are some things that future applicants should keep in mind now that they are no longer options to demonstrate academic proficiency in particular areas, especially in math and the sciences.

Why did the College Board make this decision? Since the numbers of colleges and universities that required or suggested either the writing section or the subject tests have decreased dramatically over the past few years, it was no longer cost-effective for the College Board to continue creating, offering, administering and grading the exams. Dropping the tests was also a way to eliminate student stress after the difficulties faced by this year’s seniors as they attempted to find venues for the SATs and ACTs. Also, since the students who generally take the SAT subject tests are high-achieving in those particular fields, the comparable value of the tests hasn’t mattered much. It’s less of a competitive advantage.

All students who had signed up for any subject tests will be notified and the fees will be refunded, according to the College Board. 

What does that mean for high school sophomores and juniors as they do their college planning?

  • If you have already taken subject tests and the scores are competitive, you may still opt to send them to colleges if they indicate that they will be accepting scores.
  • Consider reviewing their academic plans and increasing the level of difficulty of their courses.  Colleges will be looking at your grades, reading teacher and counselor evaluations, and your scores on AP tests, which basically will give them an understanding of your level of achievement in your subjects.
  • Try to find courses outside school or electives in areas of interest that will help you demonstrate interest and achievements.
  • Continue to prepare and sign up for SAT and ACT tests because they will still be offered, and you won’t know for a while about what schools are going to do regarding test-optional.
  • Keep informed about the colleges and universities that have considered the subject tests for specific programs (like engineering or honors programs). They will be deciding how to re-direct their evaluation process.

Client Testimonial, Parent, Tufts University ’25

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I felt that Margie provided an excellent service for my child’s college applications. Sessions were structured, approachable, and well organized. The session’s summary and all notes Margie kept well, so we did not need to repeat anything over again. I was always provided with a follow-up report via email about the progress and what was still needed to be finished.
Margie is very flexible with working hours, always reachable, and willing to find the time and the moment to talk. Margie’s years of experience are very valuable for anyone who is applying to any college or university.

Having Margie on board with this long journey gave me peace of mind and confidence that my child has had excellent supervision. I can say Margie is like a friend, like a step-parent wanting all the best for your son or daughter. I’m so thankful I met her, and we are so happy we worked with Margie.
We will graduate from Tufts University in 2025. THANK YOU, Margie!

– Parent, Tufts University ’25

Client Testimonial, Northeastern ’25

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Margery was an invaluable resource in my college application journey during this unusual year of Covid-19. She developed my college list, and then refined it when I was finally able to take the SAT. She was extremely knowledgeable about academics, student life, and admissions on so many different campuses. Over the summer, I was stuck and unable to formulate a main idea for my personal statement. Margery helped me develop a common theme that brought together numerous topics to create a strong essay. She also assisted with ten supplementals. She was very reliable, and always edited them quickly, even on short notice when deadlines were fast approaching. Margery helped me navigate the Common App and made the application submission process very straightforward. She also conducted mock question and answer sessions tailored to each school to help prepare me for my college interviews.

I was accepted Early Decision to Northeastern. I am very grateful for Margery’s services, and I would be happy to recommend her to anyone.

– Northeastern ’25

Client Testimonial, Dartmouth ’25

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Margery had helped out both my brother and close friends of mine, and so it only seemed right for me to go through my college admissions process with her as well. Throughout those few months, she kept me on track to write up and submit my essays well before they were due, as well as making sure they were the absolute best they could be. Without Margery, there is no chance my essays would have been anywhere near as good as they ended up. Margery always responded quickly and promptly to any of my messages or essay edits and somehow always found time to meet with me, despite how short of a notice I gave her (my fault!). She helped me immensely with polishing my application as a whole in addition to the essays and ultimately helped me get into my top school! I’m very grateful for all the help she provided me, and would absolutely recommend her to anyone applying to colleges.

– Dartmouth ’25

Client Testimonial, Duke ’25

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Deciding to work with Margery was the best choice I made to help me with the challenging college application process. My older brother, sister, and family friends also worked with Margery and had fantastic results (Duke, Cornell, UVA, WashU, etc.) so it was a no-brainer.

Margery’s flexibility and extremely quick response time with edits, feedback, and advice made working with her extremely easy and efficient. Throughout the writing process, Margery helped me organize my ideas, thoughts, and story while ensuring that my voice was heard. Our meetings over Zoom were always so helpful when polishing my ideas for supplements and when submitting applications via the Common App. Also, her ability to trim essays is incredible because I would constantly write essays way over the word limit like 700 words for a 250 word essay and Margery could cut it down in just one to two days perfectly. Thanks to Margery I was able to get into Duke (my dream school) early decision, and I am so thankful for all of her support and guidance.

I recommend that anyone who is applying to college, programs, or scholarships works with Margery because she really is an essay whiz!!

– Duke ’25

Rising Seniors: Start Your College Applications!

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The Common Application has expanded to over 900 colleges and universities for 2020-2021 with over 42 new members including Clemson University, the University of Georgia and Texas Tech University. The full list of colleges and universities that will accept the Common App will be available on August 1, 2020 after a few days of updating and refining some questions. An optional essay question about COVID-19 will be available as well.

Applicants will be able to log in with a username and password. If you have already started your application, all your information will be saved. As soon as you place the name of a school on your list of colleges, you will have access to each college’s contact information, standardized test policies, deadlines, requirements, teacher and other recommendations, as well as their specific questions and supplemental essay prompts.

In addition to the Common Application, many colleges accept the Coalition Application. Some states offer their own applications as well. New York State offers the SUNY Application in addition to other options. Students applying to California state universities and colleges must use the state system’s own application. And last, there are universities like Georgetown that require their own individual application!

Rising seniors should be in the process of creating a list of colleges and universities to which they hope to apply for the fall of 2021. Stay tuned for some advice on the College Search in the next College Essay Whiz newsletter!

11 Things College Students Need to Know for Going Back to Campus

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Going to college soon? Being prepared will ease the transition.

Although many colleges and universities have made the difficult decision to keep their school communities safe by becoming completely virtual for the first semester, others have made adjustments to allow students to safely move onto campus. Some have created hybrids of on-campus and online classes and activities. Others will be inviting their students to learn and live in a more open campus setting. No matter what your school is planning, many students will be heading to campus or off-campus housing.

Advance preparation won’t eliminate all of the anxiety, but it certainly can help you feel more confident. Here are some tips for students and families to help plan for this huge step in your lives.

1. Make planning and packing easy by using the College Essay Whiz Ultimate Packing List! Recently updated, this list is a must for everything a student would need, including items to keep safe from COVID-19.

2. Learn about your school’s course registration procedures and timing so that you don’t run the risk of getting “closed out” of essential classes. Much of this can be done online already.

3. Follow the school’s Instagram, Twitter and Facebook accounts for academic procedures, events and workshops that will be hosted on campus or virtually. Read your emails and texts for updates, and check the school website frequently.

4. This semester, school-sponsored clubs or activities may be virtual; others may be offered with safety measures in place. Check your school’s website and calendar for updated information.

5. Be sure that you are up-to-date with any social distancing rules, temperature checks, and/or new dining options. It is important to understand what is expected of you once you arrive on campus. You may be required to read and sign a contract.

6. Learn the layout of the school! Upload a map to your phone and make sure it’s accessible when you are getting to know your campus.

7. Know how to stay safe on campus; acquaint yourself with safe rides and security systems.

8. If you will be housed with a roommate, contact him/her ahead of time to get comfortable and to share your plans for your dorm room.

9. Talk to your parents, guardians, etc., about your concerns and expectations as well as theirs. Decide how and when you’ll communicate with them.

10. Be prepared to manage your own finances. You’ll need to keep track of your funds and pay off your credit cards when they’re due.

11. Be sure you know how to use any new technology: laptop, notebook, netbook, tablet, cell phone, etc.