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Preparing for College Blog

A blog supporting and encouraging families and their students applying to college, the military service academies, and ROTC scholarships

Building a Balanced College List: Factors Families Should Consider

3/18/2026

 
One of the most important steps in the college admissions process is building a thoughtful and balanced college list. The right list gives students strong options while also reducing unnecessary stress during the application process.

Too often, students focus only on prestige or apply to too many highly selective schools. A stronger strategy is to build a list based on the
probability of admission, academic goals, social fit, and financial considerations.
​

Here are the key factors I guide students through when building their college lists.

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SAT vs. ACT: What Families Need to Know

3/4/2026

 
By Lisa Hillhouse, Hillhouse College and Career Advising
For many families, standardized testing feels confusing and stressful. Should your student take the SAT? The ACT? Both? When should they start? Do these tests even matter anymore?
Let’s break it down.

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    Lisa Hillhouse is an Independent Educational Consultant (IEC) who works with families throughout the US virtually on the college search and application process. 

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