Answers

Straight answers to the questions families actually ask about college admissions, written by Dana Ponsky. Each page opens with a direct answer in the first few lines, then explains the reasoning. Nothing here is a substitute for advice about your own student, but it should save you an evening of searching.

Written by Dana Ponsky, independent college admissions counselor. Published 28 July 2026. Admissions policies change. Confirm anything time sensitive against the institution’s own published source.

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Timing

Working with a counselor

Building the list

Applications

Testing

Money

Outcomes and anxiety

Parents

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