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The College Consulting Pyramid Part 2

May 08, 2025

The great Chinese philosopher and author of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu, once said, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” Like the one step at the beginning of the journey, the college application process can be framed as a step-by-step endeavour that begins with careful planning and organization. Each stage, from choosing schools to writing essays, is a piece of the larger puzzle. It’s important to recognize that, much like embarking on a long journey, the key to success lies not in trying to rush ahead but in taking deliberate and thoughtful steps toward your goals.

The final tier of the consulting pyramid is the application process itself, which ideally begins in January of junior year. While this may seem premature, allotting 9-10 months for preparation will help you do your best work and minimize stress, especially since students will likely need to complete dozens of school-specific supplemental essays in addition to the rest of their application requirements.

In this article, we’ll explore the key factors admissions officers consider when evaluating applicants, including curriculum rigor, GPA, SAT/ACT scores, AP/IB exams, extracurricular activities, personal statement, supplemental essays, letters of recommendation, interviews, and demonstrated interest. Also, check out Part 1 of this series if you haven’t already, where we cover the two foundational layers underpinning the application process—skill-building and developing your genius zone.