When “optional” still needs a plan
A note on Columbia restoring testing, the Indian school calendar, and why test-optional still needs planning.
When “optional” still needs a plan Read Post »
The prompt is not where the college essay begins
A note for Class 12 families on why essay work should begin with discovery, not the prompt.
The prompt is not where the college essay begins Read Post »
Private briefing this Saturday: what application families should sort out now
A short reminder for AltView families about the June 6 Class 12 applications briefing.
Private briefing this Saturday: what application families should sort out now Read Post »
This Saturday: College applications briefing
A short AltView briefing for Class 12 families on what to sort out before June disappears: shortlist direction, essays, activities, testing, and application timelines.
This Saturday: College applications briefing Read Post »
Class 12 has already started. Do not wait for August.
For CBSE and ISC students, June is not a clean pre-Class-12 summer. But it may still be the best window to get application thinking started before August.
Class 12 has already started. Do not wait for August. Read Post »
Why longer college lists are not always safer
Common App data shows applications rising faster than applicants. For Class 12 families, that should sharpen the shortlist conversation. For younger students, it is a useful warning about accumulation.
Why longer college lists are not always safer Read Post »
What should your child be doing in May and June?
For Class 9-10 families, it is not about activity shopping. For rising seniors, it is time to make the application plan less vague.
What should your child be doing in May and June? Read Post »
What this year’s admits reinforced for us
Some encouraging admits this cycle, and a reminder that good planning starts with understanding what colleges actually value.
What this year’s admits reinforced for us Read Post »
Profile-building is often more about elimination than addition
A new AltView piece on what to stop, not just what to add, plus a low-volume WhatsApp notes stream.
Profile-building is often more about elimination than addition Read Post »
Clarity before strategy: introducing AltView MAPS
A new AltView assessment platform, plus two recent pieces on profile-building and AI essays.
Clarity before strategy: introducing AltView MAPS Read Post »