Blog

How to Build Strong Teacher Relationships in High School

The key to great college recommendations starts in 9th grade

September 3, 2025

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How to Maximize Your Common App Activities List

Here’s how to make every word (and character) count.

August 29, 2025

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How to Choose Your Volunteer Activity

And Why Colleges Care About It

August 27, 2025

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Why Apply to Yale University

Beyond its prestige and history, what makes Yale unique?

August 25, 2025

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What’s Changed With the 2025–2026 Duke Supplemental Essays?

New prompts, smart strategy, and how to stand out

August 22, 2025

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Top High School Programs & Competitions for Math Enthusiasts

Our Curated List of Math Opportunities for 2025-2026

August 18, 2025

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Miami Country Day School

A Global, Whole‑Child College Prep in Miami

August 15, 2025

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Real Talk #5: Myths in College Admissions

Debunking the College Application Myths that Hold You Back.

August 13, 2025

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Top High School Programs and Competitions for Business and Finance

With 2026 program dates!

August 11, 2025

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Why Apply to Vanderbilt University?

A Complete Guide to Academics, Campus Culture, and Admissions Strategy

August 8, 2025

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Why King’s College London?

A Complete Guide to Academics, Admissions, and Essays

August 6, 2025

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Rye Country Day School

A Balanced, Service‑Oriented College Prep School in Westchester, NY

August 4, 2025

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AtomicMind’s 2025 Guide to the Common Application

This your step-by-step companion through each section with pro tips to help you present your strongest application.

August 1, 2025

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What’s New on the Common App for 2025–2026?

Everything you need to know to navigate the new cycle with clarity and confidence.

July 30, 2025

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Why Dartmouth?

A Complete Guide to Academics, Campus Life, and Admissions Strategy

July 28, 2025

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What Are the Public Ivies and Why Should You Consider Adding Them to Your College List?

Public Ivies offer rigorous academics, world-class faculty, and vibrant campus communities.

July 23, 2025

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Does Playing a Sport in High School Help with College Admissions?

The Hidden Value Beyond Recruitment

July 21, 2025

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Why Brown University?

What Makes It Unique and How to Stand Out in Your Application

July 18, 2025

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Top High School Programs & Competitions for Aspiring Engineers

With 2026 deadlines!

July 16, 2025

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The Dalton School: A Pioneer in Progressive Private Education

What Makes Dalton Unique?

July 14, 2025

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Real Talk #4: Myths in College Admissions

Debunking the College Application Myths that Hold You Back.

July 11, 2025

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University of Michigan Adds Early Decision

What and What It Means for You

July 10, 2025

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Why Duke University?

A Complete Guide to Academics, Campus Life, and Admissions

July 9, 2025

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Top High School Programs & Competitions for Premed/Bio Students

Pursuing a career in medicine or biosciences means more than just excelling in class.

July 7, 2025

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How to Write a Standout “Why This College?” Essay in 2025

Admissions officers are paying close attention to how students answer this question.

July 3, 2025

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Is Test Optional Really Test Optional in 2025?

Here’s our no-nonsense guide to what you need to know in 2025.

July 2, 2025

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Horace Mann School: A Top Private K–12 in New York City

What Makes Horace Mann Special and How Does It Prep Students for College?

June 30, 2025

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Real Talk #3: Myths in College Admissions

Debunking the College Myths that Hold You Back.

June 27, 2025

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Making a School List When Applying to Private High Schools

Creating a school list is the first step in the private school admissions journey.

June 25, 2025

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Why Harvard?

A Complete Guide to Academics, Admissions, and Essays

June 23, 2025

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Real Talk #2: Myths in College Admissions

Debunking the College Application Myths That Hold You Back.

June 20, 2025

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Interview with Head Advisor Alessandro Buratti

Alessandro brings analytical depth, empathy, and creativity to his role of Head Advisor at AtomicMind

June 19, 2025

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How to Get Into an Ivy League University

With the right strategy, authenticity, and support, getting into an Ivy League school is more attainable than you might think.

June 17, 2025

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Why Johns Hopkins?

How to Stand Out When You Apply

June 16, 2025

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Real Talk #1: Myths in College Admissions

Debunking the College Application Myths That Hold You Back.

June 13, 2025

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Why Choose Stanford?

If you’ve ever wondered about what life is like at Stanford, look no further!

June 12, 2025

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How to Assess Your College Readiness as a Rising Junior

The summer after sophomore year is the perfect time for a self-assessment.

June 10, 2025

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The Best Private High Schools in New York City

New York City is home to some of the most prestigious and academically rigorous private schools in the country.

June 9, 2025

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Keeping Your College List Targeted and Deliberate

Here’s how to keep your process thoughtful and personalized.

June 6, 2025

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How to Get Great Recommendation Letters for College Transfers

A strong letter can show admissions officers how you’ve matured academically, contributed to your college community, and are ready to thrive at a new school.

June 5, 2025

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How to Transfer to the Ivy League, Stanford, and MIT

If you’re planning to transfer into an elite university, it’s essential to approach the process strategically.

June 3, 2025

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Why UCLA?

Is UCLA your dream school?

June 2, 2025

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An Interview with Head Advisor Vicky H: On Leading Students with Care, Creativity, and a Drive toward Excellence

Vicky brings over two decades of experience in education to AtomicMind's Head Advisor team.

May 30, 2025

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How to Demonstrate Interest to Colleges - Even If You Can’t Visit in Person

Knowing how to effectively demonstrate interest can give you a meaningful edge.

May 29, 2025

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10 Easy Ways to Build Your Summer Resume

(Even Without a Competitive Program)

May 23, 2025

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Why Princeton?

A Complete Guide to Academics, Admissions, and Essays

May 21, 2025

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The 2025 Guide to Submitting to the Concord Review

Everything you need to know in order to write your paper and submit to The Concord Review.

May 14, 2025

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2025 John Locke Global Essay Competition

The John Locke Global Essay Competition is an opportunity for young, creative minds with complex ideas, boundless ambitions, and a love of writing. For many, this is a first step into philosophical debate, allowing students to hone their argumentative essay skills with challenging, often open-ended, thought-provoking prompts in several categories.

March 4, 2025

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What to Do If You're Waitlisted by a College

March 3, 2025

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The Complete Guide to the Concord Review

The Concord Review is a prestigious quarterly publication for high school history research papers.

November 27, 2024

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