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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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Applying to the University of Texas at Austin
It's hard to believe that a school as large as the University of Texas at Austin actually reviews every part of every student's application. But it does: UT is deeply committed to the holistic review of its applicants. This guide covers all required essays, as well as provides detailed information on the expanded resume, letters of recommendation, and evaluating fit-to-major and honors programs.
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The phrase “dream school” carries an almost magical pull. Families whisper it like a secret password, as if a single admission letter can guarantee happiness, prestige, and success. But here is the uncomfortable truth: most of what parents believe about dream schools is built on myths. And those myths can drive choices that leave students stressed, overlooked, or burdened with debt. Here are the five biggest myths about the dream school—and the one reality that every family needs to hear.
Many families assume that the most selective colleges offer the best return on investment. The Ivy League and top public flagships carry powerful names, and it is natural to believe they guarantee success. Yet the reality is that students can often find equal or even stronger outcomes at schools that admit more students, offer generous scholarships, and provide greater access to faculty. Return on investment in college is not about turning education into a transaction. It is about matching cost with opportunity so that your student can graduate with freedom, confidence, and choices. Here are five supportive ways to look for colleges that may offer better long-term value than the most highly selective schools.
For most families, paying for college is one of the biggest financial decisions they will ever make. With the cost at some private universities now climbing above $80,000 per year, it is natural to wonder: How do we know this school is worth it? The answer is not just about rankings or a beautiful campus. It is about ensuring your student will be supported, challenged, and set up for life after graduation—without overwhelming debt. That is the purpose of the College Value Checklist.
Sending a student to college is one of the most meaningful investments a family can make. It is about much more than a diploma. College is where students discover new ideas, build lifelong friendships, and grow into independence. Yet the price tag has soared. At many private universities, the full cost now exceeds $80,000 or more a year. That number gives most parents pause—and it should. Before making that kind of commitment, there is one essential thing to check: whether the college provides value that matches the investment .
Securing testing accommodations for the SAT or ACT is not automatic, and it rarely moves quickly. The process requires careful preparation, strict attention to deadlines, and close coordination with your school. Families who start early have the best chance of avoiding delays and making sure their student has the support they need on test day.
If you are worried about how your child can stand out in an era of AI-polished essays and flawless transcripts, you are not alone. Families everywhere are asking how admissions officers will ever see the real student behind the application. The truth is, readers are human, and they are trained to spot what no algorithm can fake. What rises above perfect GPAs and sleek résumés is initiative and impact—the spark that shows a student did more than follow directions. That is what still gets noticed, and that is what breaks through.