In school, you must at once open your mind and shut your body, paying close attention to teachers on a journey of geometric and literary discovery while staying physically still and not being a distraction. My grades and scores don’t indicate this struggle inherent in my schooling. Having been diagnosed with Tourette syndrome nine years ago, I first competed, then came to an uneasy truce with my body, struggling to listen to my teachers while attenuating my involuntary actions...

I used a private advisor, Keith Berman, from Options for College in New York City. A Yale graduate, Keith did a wonderful...

In my opinion, the interviews are not very important. Of the six Ivies to which I applied, I interviewed with 5 of them. I was accepted Dartmouth even though I did not...

I was very nervous about finding schools that I deemed a good "fit." You MUST apply to all different levels of exclusivity. I applied to several "safeties," schools to which I would most likely be accepted. Also apply to some "reaches," schools that may be harder to get into. You should focus on schools you aren't...

I love that my school feels like a college campus, as I grew...

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to calm down. The college process can be EXTREMELY stressful. To any kids applying, I recommend to stay...

The "why us" essays are mainly intended to separate the people who are very interested in the college...

I had several recommendation letters. My English teacher, my math teacher a director for my favorite high school play, and my boss from my internship each wrote me a letter. My best advice for letters of recommendation is to ask someone who is intelligent, likes you very much, and...

Dartmouth was the most prestigious school to which I was accepted. Although this was certainly a factor, I loved the people, as the community reminded me a lot of my tiny high school. Dartmouth allows me to pursue...