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August 20th Webinar at 3:00 pm CDT
How to Tackle the UC Application: Guidance from Former UC Berkeley Admissions Officer Carrie Jorgenson
Join Carrie Jorgenson, ESM College Counselor and former UC Berkeley admissions officer, for an in-depth look at the University of California application. In this webinar, Carrie will guide you through each section of the UC application and offer expert insights into what admissions officers are really looking for.
Whether you're just getting started or refining your final draft, you'll leave with a clearer understanding of the UC admissions process and the tools to submit a strong, authentic application.
DOWNLOAD OUR GUIDE TO
Applying to the University of California System
Applying to the renowned University of California (UC) system can feel daunting. This guide provides strategies for navigating the system's requirements, selecting campuses and majors, and crafting a compelling application. With details on the 9 UC campuses, A-G course requirements, and holistic review process, this resource equips students to maximize their chances of admission to their dream UC school.
We have a unique approach at College MatchPoint. It all begins and ends with our ultimate goal: for our students to thrive in their selected college.
The college application process can feel overwhelming, no matter how strong the student. But at College MatchPoint, we believe it should be organized, personal, and even fun, and we provide a framework that reduces the stress throughout the journey.
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College essay prompts are changing this year. More schools are moving away from questions focused only on personal identity and asking students to reflect on moments of disagreement. These new prompts focus on experiences with differing opinions, ethical choices, or hard conversations. It is a meaningful shift. Colleges are looking for students who can think critically, listen with empathy, and reflect on complex situations.
If you’re the parent of a high school student, chances are you’ve heard some version of the question, “Will AI take over everything?” You’ve probably read about disappearing jobs, shifting skills, and the pressure to future-proof your child’s education. But the real question is not which jobs are safe. It’s this: What makes a student irreplaceable in the age of AI?
For years, calculus has been considered the gold standard of high school math. Many students and families have treated it as a must-have for college admissions, especially at selective universities. But as more schools expand their course offerings and more students explore different academic paths, the question is shifting. Does calculus still matter? And what do top colleges actually want to see on a student’s math transcript?
A summer job can be one of the most valuable experiences a teenager has in high school. It offers a real-world setting to practice responsibility, solve problems, and work with people of all ages. Teenagers who show up with curiosity and purpose often build skills that shape their confidence, character, and future plans. The right mindset can turn even a simple job into a powerful story of growth.
Texas A&M University has long been a top choice for students across Texas. But this year, the competition is tougher than ever. With nearly 75,000 applications for Fall 2025, an increase of 79 percent since 2019, Texas A&M is now capping the size of its freshman class. That means applying early is no longer just smart. It is essential. If you are planning to be an Aggie, you should aim to submit your completed application by late August or early September. While the official deadline is December 1, A&M reviews applications on a rolling basis. Applications are reviewed in the order they are received, and seats in popular programs are filled as decisions are made. Waiting to apply could mean missing out on your top-choice major or, in some cases, admission altogether.
At College MatchPoint, one of the most common misconceptions we encounter is the belief that a college essay must end with a perfectly tied bow. Many students feel pressured to present a narrative where they've completely overcome a challenge or fully processed a difficult experience. This often leads to unrealistic or inauthentic conclusions that don't truly reflect the student's ongoing journey.