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Booksmart vs Holistic College Applications
If you have seen Booksmart , you already know Molly and Amy. They are two brilliant, high-achieving seniors who did everything right. They took the hardest classes. They got perfect grades. They were dedicated, disciplined, resume-ready…
Natalie Baltimore
Dec 5, 2025
How to Begin Your University Essays (Without Staring at a Blank Page)
If you have ever opened a blank Google Doc, typed “Common App Essay,” and immediately closed your laptop, you are not alone. Starting your university essays can feel like standing at the edge of a cliff: you know you have to jump, but it…
Oct 30, 2025
Blair Waldorf and the College Admissions Reality Check
Blair’s Dream School: Yale On-screen, Blair is presented as a lock for Yale: legacy status, stellar grades, perfect extracurriculars, and enough ambition to run a small country. She treats Yale less like a dream and more like her destiny.…
Sep 14, 2025
Never Have I Ever… Applied to Princeton This Way
The TV Version: Devi’s application is painted as an all-or-nothing quest. She’s obsessed with Princeton, convinced that getting in will validate her struggles, her smarts, and her family’s sacrifices. On the show, her grades and…
5 Tips to Sharpen Your Common App Activity Section
1. Lead with Action Verbs Start strong. Each description should begin with a vivid action word—“Led,” “Designed,” “Organized,” “Founded,” “Directed,” “Launched.” These immediately signal initiative and leadership. Example: Instead of…
Raj Hamlai
Sep 1, 2025
Gilmore Girls: Why Rory Wouldn’t Have been Admitted to Yale IRL
In the world of TV, college admissions often look like a breeze. A character writes a quick essay, drops a name or two, and voilà — they’re in. But anyone who’s filled out the Common App knows that isn’t how it works. At Momentum College…
Aug 29, 2025
Fewer International Students in U.S. Colleges: What It Means for You
Why Are Fewer International Students Coming? Several factors are contributing to the drop in international student numbers: Visa challenges and processing delays : Post-pandemic backlogs and tighter immigration scrutiny have created…
Aug 8, 2025
The One Thing AI Can't Fake in College Essays
The Essays That Break the AI Generator College admissions offices aren't hunting for perfect grammar and clever transitions. They're looking for something AI fundamentally cannot provide: genuine human insight, personal growth, and…
Jul 24, 2025
You Don’t Need a Tragic Backstory to Write a Powerful College Essay
Let’s get one thing straight: Your college essay doesn’t have to be dramatic to be meaningful. We hear it all the time from students: “I haven’t gone through anything big enough to write about.” “Nothing in my life is special.” “How can I…
Jul 21, 2025
Common App Opens Soon: 5 Things to Do Before August 1
1. Finalize Your College List (Or Get Close) Before you can apply, you need to know where you’re applying. A balanced college list includes reach, match, and likely schools—and it’s strategic, not just aspirational. Use admit data,…
Jun 28, 2025
How to Optimize University Tours
Do Your Research Before You Arrive Before stepping on campus: Read up on majors, student organizations, and housing. Review the school’s admissions stats and mission. Know what they offer for students like you—international, first-gen,…
Jun 25, 2025
The 2025 Visa Shake-up and Your Future
🗓️ Chronology of Key Events April 7, 2025 Inside Higher Ed reports that over 1,800 international students across more than 280 U.S. colleges and universities have had their visas revoked. The revocations are part of the Trump…
Jun 1, 2025
Do Colleges Actually Read Your Essay? Here’s What Yale Says
Essays Are Read, Cover to Cover — Every Time In Yale’s Inside the Yale Admissions Office podcast, admissions officers Hannah and Mark repeatedly emphasize a core message: every application is read in full . “We read every single…
May 14, 2025
Summer Plans That Impress Admissions Officers
1. Launch a Personal Project Is there something you’ve always wanted to do but never had time for? Whether it’s starting a podcast, writing a short story collection, coding an app, or creating a YouTube channel around a niche topic—go for…
May 4, 2025
Adapting to the New U.S. Education Landscape
The U.S. higher education system is undergoing significant transformations that impact admissions policies, curriculum structures, and institutional priorities. For students aspiring to attend U.S. universities, understanding these changes…
Apr 17, 2025
Navigating U.S. Policy Shifts: International Students Edition
How Momentum College Prep Can Help At Momentum College Prep, we understand that international students face unique challenges when applying to U.S. universities. Our team is here to help students navigate this evolving landscape with…
Mar 12, 2025
Getting Into Top Colleges: It’s Not Just About Grades
If you’re aiming for a top-tier university—Harvard, Stanford, Yale, MIT—you might think that perfect grades and high test scores are the key to getting in. The truth? Admissions officers could fill an entire class multiple times over with…
Feb 24, 2025
Attention All Juniors: Tips & Tricks for Mastering the Rest of High School
A step-by-step guide for international high school juniors applying to U.S. colleges, covering admissions timelines, SAT and ACT testing, financial aid, the Common Application, and how to build a strong college list.
Feb 21, 2025
Hidden Gem Colleges You Should Know
Why Consider a Hidden Gem College? 1. Personalized Learning Experience Smaller class sizes mean more one-on-one time with professors who are deeply invested in your success. Unlike large universities where you might be one of hundreds in a…
Feb 3, 2025
It’s Not Too Late: Colleges Still Accepting Applications For Fall 2025
A practical guide to colleges still accepting applications, including rolling and open admissions schools, plus expert tips to help you submit strong last-minute applications and secure your spot.
Jan 20, 2025
Is Dual Enrollment Right for You?
Why Consider Dual Enrollment? 1. Accelerate Your Academic Path: Dual enrollment courses provide an excellent opportunity for students, allowing them to earn valuable credits that count toward both their high school and college graduation…
Dec 18, 2024
Ace Your Finals with These Proven Strategies
A practical, student-friendly guide to finals week with proven study strategies, time management tips, and self-care advice to help you prepare effectively and boost your exam performance.
Dec 9, 2024
AI and Admission Essays: A Cautionary Guide
Why using AI to write your college admissions essays can hurt your application, what tools like ChatGPT and Grammarly can and cannot do, and how personalized college counseling leads to stronger, more authentic essays.
Nov 25, 2024
Banning Legacy Admissions: What It Means
The landscape of college admissions is undergoing significant changes, as several states move to eliminate legacy and donor preferences at prestigious institutions. These shifts reflect a broader movement in admissions practices, and bring…
Oct 21, 2024
SAT vs. ACT: What’s the Difference? A Guide for International Students
A clear, side-by-side breakdown of the SAT vs ACT for international students, covering content, timing, scoring, superscoring, and how to choose the right test for your strengths and college goals.
Oct 8, 2024
Is Applying Early Decision the Right Move for You?
As college application season kicks off, one of the biggest decisions students face is whether or not to apply through Early Decision (ED). For many, the idea of securing a spot at their dream college months before their peers is enticing,…
Sep 22, 2024
Beyond the Transcript: Natalie Baltimore’s College Admissions Journey
A candid reflection on my UCLA application journey, the mistakes I made with the SAT and college essays, and the lessons I now use to help students navigate the college admissions process with clarity and confidence.
Aug 26, 2024
5 Top Ivy League Admissions Consultants
Ivy League acceptance rates are at historic lows, and the right admissions consultant can make a meaningful difference. We break down five of the most recognized firms — from global operations to boutique specialists — so families can evaluate what actually matters.
Navigating Senior Fall: Your Ultimate Checklist for Success
Academic Success: Stay Focused and Finish Strong Your senior year is not the time to let your grades slip. Colleges will still look at your final transcripts, and maintaining strong academic performance is essential. Maintain Your Grades:…
Aug 19, 2024
Public vs Private: An International Perspective
Choosing the right university is a pivotal decision for any student, but for international students eyeing the United States, it's even more crucial. One of the primary dilemmas they face is deciding between public and private…
Mar 10, 2024
How to Navigate Admissions Essay Pitfalls
Are you dreaming of studying at a prestigious US university? Crafting a compelling admissions essay is your ticket to unlocking that dream. At Momentum, we understand the pivotal role that essays play in the admissions process. However,…
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