Blog – Page 8 – Dr. Steven Mercer

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Standardized Tests: Do’s and Don’ts

October 4, 2017August 26, 2025

When the time comes for high school students to apply to college, they usually have two standardized test choices: the SAT or the ACT. Plotting a sensible course through the admission process is not necessarily an easy task, though. Many students have questions regarding these standardized tests used for college… Read more

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Why Start College Counseling Early?

“Early” is a somewhat relative term. For some, starting college counseling early means one week before the application deadline. For others, a year or even earlier in advance. What I mean by “early” when it comes to the college counseling process is considering college requirements at the very beginning of… Read more

The Different Flavors of Standardized Tests

When most people hear the expression “standardized tests” they automatically think of the SAT and ACT exams. The simple reason is that those are the two most prominent standardized tests almost everyone who is applying to college has to think about. However, they are by far not the only tests… Read more

How Do You Really Know a College Is the Right One for YOU?

“That is easy,” some may say in response, “I can tell you a lot of information about a college.” What they usually mean is that they can give you statistics about a specific college, such as its location or history, and information about its faculty or the admission process. With… Read more

Advice to Parents: How Not to Be Involved in Your Child’s College Application Process

In my last blog post, “Advice for Parents: How to Be Involved in Your Child’s College Application Process,” I have discussed what parents can do to be involved in this important process the best way. In this post, I will talk about what not to do and why. … Read more

Advice to Parents: How to Be Involved in Your Child’s College Application Process

For families, the process of children applying to college is not always easy. Naturally, parents want to be involved because there is a lot at stake. But children may not always perceive a parent or guardian’s involvement in a positive light. As a result, conversations at home about college can… Read more

Undecided Is Normal!

In the United States, there is a tendency among some high school students to think that they must focus on committing to a major before they apply to a college. For most undergraduates, forcing the choice of a major that is connected to a chosen career path, before they even… Read more

College Application Essay: The Biggest Mistake You Can Make and How to Avoid It

The importance of writing an authentic college application essay CANNOT be underestimated! The biggest mistake students make in this instance is submitting an essay that is not or does not sound like it was written by a high school senior.… Read more

Building a College List: 4 Common Mistakes

Choosing a college is a highly individualized process. It is also a decision that deserves time, investigation, and thoughtful consideration. Deciding which colleges to actually apply to is one of the most important parts of this process. Many students make mistakes when they compile their list of colleges because they… Read more

Extracurricular Activities: The Different Roles They Play for First-Year vs. Transfer College Applicants

Most high schools provide a plethora of extracurricular activities for their students. Exposure to a wide range of such special interests—sports, drama, dance, painting, singing, scouts, volunteer work, debating, etc.—brings many benefits. It can help you develop new skills, discover talents, and even assess possible careers for your future. As… Read more

Horizontal Transfer – Should You Switch to Another Four-Year School?

College is often the first time that students are living away from home, and it can be surprisingly hard for many. Consequently, some decide very early in their college career to transfer to another four-year school. This type of transfer is usually referred to as a “horizontal” transfer because the… Read more

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