During the Thanksgiving season, we m­ay be more focused on our blessings than usual. But this shouldn’t be the case. There are strong arguments for making gratitude a priority throughout the year—especially for high school students.

The college admissions process is becoming increasingly competitive, with thousands of students competing for a limited number of spots at prestigious institutions. In recent years, and particularly since the introduction of ChatGPT, artificial intelligence (AI) has begun to play a more substantial role in shaping this process—making waves in the world of higher education.

When it comes time to apply to an institution of higher learning, students are often faced with deciding between a college and a university. Many people in the United States use the words interchangeably, which can create confusion between the two. In other countries, a college may be equivalent to a middle school, while it may also refer to a school that bridges the gap between high school and a university.

For many college-bound high school students (and parents), the topic of standardized testing can create great angst. Between registering for the test, prepping for it, taking it, and waiting on results, this is understandable. Considering that more schools are making standardized testing optional, some students may question whether taking the tests is worth the stress.

Supplemental essays are required by many schools covering a wider variety of topics. A common essay required by a number of schools is the "Why Us?" essay.