Articles Archives - Avalon College Advising

How to Prepare for Early Applications: Essays, Recommendations, and Strategy

Early Decision (ED) and Early Action (EA) deadlines come quickly—often in early November, and sometimes as early as October. While the application components are usually the same as those for Regular Decision deadlines, the earlier timeline means you have less time to collect and perfect your materials. The payoff? You can boost your chances of…

Early Decision vs. Early Action: Boost Your Chances But Know There Are Risks

Applying to college early can be a smart move. Early Decision (ED) and Early Action (EA) often offer students better odds of admission, but the choice isn’t simple. At Avalon, we combine access to detailed school data with years of experience guiding families to help them understand both the opportunities and the risks. This decision…

Dialogue Portfolios: A New Tool in the College Admissions Office Toolbox?

A new tool has been introduced to the college admissions process: the Dialogues Portfolio. Developed by Schoolhouse.world, a nonprofit founded by Sal Khan of Khan Academy, the dialogue portfolio offers a new way for students to showcase their interpersonal and communication skills to college admissions offices. What are Dialogues Portfolios? The Dialogues are small, facilitated,…