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We have a unique approach at ESM Prep 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 ESM Prep 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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Highly Selective Colleges
Applying to a highly selective college can be daunting, but if your student has their heart set on one, there are some guidelines they can follow to help them stand out from the crowd. This guide discusses what highly selective colleges look for in students, how to achieve "depth" in activities, and the importance of having a specific application strategy for the most selective schools.
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There’s a pattern in every successful UT Austin application. It’s not the perfect GPA, the mountain of AP classes, or the alphabet soup of club acronyms. The real secret that separates admitted students from the rest is something much quieter, but far more powerful: fit to major.
Don't hit submit just yet! Before you finalize your Common App, make sure you’ve avoided these common pitfalls. From adding unnecessary essay titles to sending extra recommendation letters, simple errors can affect how admissions officers see your application. November deadlines are approaching fast—double-check everything now to make sure your application shines.
As your student prepares for college, one of the key decisions they’ll face is choosing between the SAT and ACT. With the SAT now fully digital and the ACT offering online testing options in 2025, students have more flexibility than ever. Both exams are widely accepted by colleges, but they differ in structure, scoring, and regional popularity. Understanding these differences will help you guide your child toward the test that best suits their strengths and goals. Choosing the right test depends on your child’s strengths—whether they excel in analytical thinking for the SAT or prefer the content-focused approach of the ACT.
In recent years, test-optional policies have gained momentum, offering students the option to apply to college without submitting SAT or ACT scores. While this flexibility has been welcomed by many, it’s important to remember that “test-optional” doesn’t mean “test-ignorant.” For students aiming to attend top colleges, submitting strong standardized test scores can still significantly enhance their chances of admission.
Midterm grades can be a wake-up call—either a reminder that you're on the right track or a nudge to make some changes before the end of the semester. Whether you’re feeling satisfied or a bit stressed about where you stand, your midterm report offers an important opportunity to refocus and turn those grades into a plan for success. Here’s how to use your midterm grades to guide your strategy for the rest of the fall semester.
LGBTQ History Month is about honoring what has been built, but it is also about seeing what remains unfinished. Recognition in the 1960s was groundbreaking, but equity in 2025 still demands vigilance. The work continues, especially as political climates change and rights are debated again in legislatures and on campuses. Students will keep pushing, universities will keep being tested, and history will keep unfolding in classrooms, dorms, and student unions. Celebrating trailblazers is not about nostalgia—it is about remembering that change is possible when people refuse to stay silent.