Staff Writer, College Admissions
Rachel Goldstein covers college admissions at Tips for Students. She writes about school list strategy, application essays, financial aid, and the admissions decisions students face from high school through transfer.
College GuideA January start saves you a semester, and more colleges allow it than students realize. Here are the schools that accept spring transfers, their deadlines, and what to check about housing, credits and course sequences before you commit.
Rachel Goldstein10 min
College GuideThere is no single college application deadline. It depends on the plan you choose and the type of school. This guide breaks down deadlines for selective privates, public flagships, the UC and CSU systems, liberal arts colleges, community colleges, art schools, and honors programs, plus the aid dates students forget.
Rachel Goldstein14 min
College GuideED's 1.5-2x boost is real, but applying early to the wrong school can cost you more than it gains. This guide walks through what each round does, who each one fits, and how to pick the right one for your situation.
Rachel Goldstein12 min
College GuideA recommendation letter is the part of your college application that someone else writes for you. This guide covers what a strong letter looks like with a real sample, who to ask, how to ask, and what to give them.
Rachel Goldstein12 min
College GuideThe Common App is dense and the language is bureaucratic. This guide walks through every section in the order you will fill them out and tells you what each field is asking for in plain language.
Rachel Goldstein14 min
College GuideSupplemental essays are short school-specific essays many colleges ask for on top of the Common App essay. This guide explains what they are, why schools ask, the five common types, and shows a real sample for each.
Rachel Goldstein14 min
College GuideMore than a million students submit the Common App essay each cycle. Every applicant writes one personal statement that gets read by admissions officers at every school on their list. Six hundred fifty words to stand out from a million.
Rachel Goldstein14 min
College GuideThe college application is a six-month senior-year project. The strategy is when to apply, where to apply, and how to allocate effort. This guide walks through the calendar, the six components, the rounds, the platforms, and the money layer.
Rachel Goldstein24 min
Money & FinanceYou're applying to three scholarships. Each one asks a different question. You're tempted to write one essay and send it to all three. That's the move that makes scholarship committees skim a pile of 400 applications in two hours.
Rachel Goldstein12 min
Career & JobsSummer math programs for high school students in 2026: Ross, PROMYS, RSI, MIT PRIMES, SUMaC, Canada/USA Mathcamp, plus online options and competition paths.
Rachel Goldstein11 min
Study & AcademicsIt is never too late is a comforting answer and a wrong one. Transferring stops making sense at a point you can calculate: the credits a school will count, the credits you must earn there, and the federal aid clock that follows you between schools.
Rachel Goldstein7 min
Career & JobsMarketing internships for high school students in 2026: the Met, Emma Bowen, Warner Bros Reach, Wharton, HubSpot, plus DIY paths that build real portfolios.
Rachel Goldstein13 min
Career & JobsOnline summer internships for high school students across coding, research, writing, and business. Real 2026 programs with direct links, costs, and deadlines.
Rachel Goldstein11 min
Career & JobsBest coding internships for high school students in 2026: MITES, NYU ARISE, Google CSSI, Microsoft Discovery, Girls Who Code, Kode With Klossy, and more.
Rachel Goldstein11 min
Career & JobsReal fashion programs for high school students in 2026: Parsons, Pratt, RISD, SCAD pre-college, Condé Nast summer internship, and local boutique options.
Rachel Goldstein8 min
College GuideThinking about studying political science as a major and making a splash in the world of politics, law, or international relations? If you’re looking around in sunny California, you're in luck. Beyond its fame for Hollywood and tech startups, California is home to some of the best political science
Rachel Goldstein4 min
College LifeLooking for a college that welcomes all students, regardless of immigration status? Many top colleges are open to undocumented students, offering them the chance to pursue their dreams and get a great education. Here's a list of colleges that accept undocumented students and are known for their supp
Rachel Goldstein3 min
College GuideChoosing the right college to study for a civil engineering degree in 2024 is a crucial decision that can shape your future career. The United States is home to some of the world’s most prestigious engineering schools, offering top-tier education, cutting-edge research opportunities, and a network o
Rachel Goldstein7 min
College GuideImagine walking through lush green fields, working in the best possible, and learning from the best in the industry. That’s the kind of experience you can expect from the best agriculture colleges in the US. It doesn’t matter if you're into sustainable farming, innovative food production, or conserv
Rachel Goldstein5 min
College GuideExercise science as a major is a dynamic and growing field that delves into the scientific principles behind physical activity, exercise, and sports. As the demand for professionals who can improve health, fitness, and athletic performance continues to rise, choosing the right university to st
Rachel Goldstein6 min
Study & AcademicsAre you feeling overwhelmed by the idea of starting your higher education journey? Many students feel a bit lost when it comes to choosing the right path. But guess what? There's a fantastic option that often gets overlooked: community colleges. Yep, that's right. These gems offer a plethora of bene
Rachel Goldstein3 min
College GuideThe journey to becoming a top-notch cosmetologist starts with choosing the right schooln for your cosmetology program. The United States boasts some of the best cosmetology schools, offering comprehensive programs. These programs offer the perfect blend of blend creativity with technical skills.&nbs
Rachel Goldstein6 min
College GuideChoosing the right design college is a crucial decision for aspiring artists and designers. The right institution can provide the education, resources, and connections necessary to succeed in the highly competitive field of design. The United States is home to some of the world's most prestigious de
Rachel Goldstein6 min
College GuideCalifornia is home to some of the most prestigious biology programs in the country, making it a haven for aspiring biologists. Here, we explore 15 of the best biology colleges in California, highlighting what makes each one unique. Get ready for a fun and exciting journey through the Golden State's
Rachel Goldstein6 min
College GuideChoosing the right business college is a critical decision that can shape your career and future. California, with its vibrant economy and diverse industries, offers some of the best business schools in the country. Are you looking for a college that emphasizes innovation and entrepreneurship? Or pe
Rachel Goldstein5 min
College GuideChoosing the right college is a significant decision, and one option that often comes up is open admission colleges. These institutions, which accept all applicants regardless of their academic background, offer a unique set of advantages and disadvantages. We will explore the pros and cons of open
Rachel Goldstein5 min
College LifeThinking about college but unsure if a four-year university is right for you? Community colleges might be the answer. These schools offer great opportunities without the high costs. You can save money, enjoy flexible schedules, and get career-specific training. But, like everything, they have their
Rachel Goldstein6 min
College GuideLiberal arts colleges are known for their small class sizes, tight-knit communities, and a broad-based education that prepares students for a wide range of careers. We’ll talk about the top 12 liberal arts colleges in the United States, each offering a unique and enriching academic experience. From
Rachel Goldstein4 min
Career & JobsAAD Pathways, NIH SIP, Stanford SMYSP, and how to find local dermatology shadowing. The honest guide for high school students who want real dermatology experience.
Rachel Goldstein10 min
Study & AcademicsJust imagine that you're sitting at your desk, staring at the blank screen of your laptop, wondering how on earth you're going to tackle the Columbia University supplemental essay. It’s like staring down a maze with no map in sight. But we're going to help you through the twists and turns of this es
Rachel Goldstein11 min
Career & JobsReal aerospace programs for high school students in 2026: NASA HAS, SEES, AFRL Scholars, Beaver Works at MIT, and university pre-college options.
Rachel Goldstein9 min
College GuideWhen applying to colleges, many students find the process overwhelming due to the number of essays they need to write for the admission. Fortunately, some colleges do not require any supplemental essays, meaning that it is optional, making the application process simpler and less time-consuming. Thi
Rachel Goldstein5 min
Study & AcademicsBoston College admitted 16% of 40,477 applicants last cycle. Here are the five current supplemental prompts, what each one is actually asking, and the mistakes that sink essays on the BC pile.
Rachel Goldstein11 min
Study & AcademicsSo, you've made the exciting decision to apply to a boarding school, and now you're gearing up for the interview. Feeling a bit nervous or unsure about what to expect? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back! This guide is here to help you navigate the boarding school interview process with confidence and
Rachel Goldstein6 min
Study & AcademicsEver wondered if you can be enrolled in two colleges at the same time? or take classes in different colleges? If so, then you're in for a treat because we’re diving headfirst into this intriguing topic. Whether you're considering it for the extra knowledge, a second chance at college life, or to tur
Rachel Goldstein6 min