Whom to Believe in College Admissions
If you scroll through social media, you’ll see endless advice about the “only” way to get into college. You must take the hardest classes available, score no less than a 1520 on your SAT, fill your activity list with perfectly themed experiences, and write a flawless essay that ties it all together. And, of course, it’s Ivies or bust!
This kind of content is everywhere — especially on TikTok and Reddit — and it often comes from well-meaning students sharing “how I got in” stories. But here’s the truth: you are not them. Their path doesn’t have to be your path. There’s no single formula that guarantees admission to any college, elite or otherwise.
UC Davis Debunks Social Media Advice
Recently, the executive director of admissions at UC Davis reviewed several viral TikToks about “how to get into a UC.” He debunked many of them, especially those claiming to know the “right” way to answer the UC Personal Insight Questions.
There are eight questions on the UC application, and students choose four to answer. The dean’s advice was refreshingly simple: there’s no one “right” way. The only thing colleges want is for you to write authentically about yourself — not to list every award or activity, but to reflect on what matters most to you.
It was a great reminder that admissions officers aren’t looking for perfection. They’re looking for honesty, self-awareness, and voice.
Even Consultants Can Get It Wrong
Unfortunately, misinformation doesn’t just come from students. I recently saw a TikTok from a consultant stating that the Early Action deadlines for the University of Richmond and Wake Forest were both November 15.
Here’s the problem: University of Richmond doesn’t have an Early Action round, and Wake Forest’s Early Action is only for low-income students.
These kinds of errors can cause serious confusion. A student who accidentally applies Early Decision, for example, could end up in a binding agreement they never intended to make.
It’s always best to verify information directly from a college’s website — even if it looks official or comes from someone with credentials.
Choosing the Right Consultant
That’s why having the right Independent Educational Consultant (IEC) can make such a difference. A good consultant stays up to date, researches thoroughly, and helps students and families make confident, well-informed choices.
Before you hire an IEC, here are some good questions to ask:
Are they members of professional organizations like IECA, NACAC, or HECA?
Do they have recent experience with the schools on your student’s list?
Will they take the time to understand your student’s goals and personality?
Can they give your student the individualized attention they deserve?
This is a complex process — and you deserve someone who approaches it with integrity, experience, and care.
Final Thoughts
College admissions can feel overwhelming, especially with so many conflicting messages online. My role is to help you filter out the noise and focus on what truly matters — authenticity, balance, and strategy that fits your student.
If you want guidance you can trust, I’d love to help your student find their best-fit schools and approach this process with confidence.
Let’s make this journey less stressful — and more successful — together.