When college doesn’t go as planned and a student has had to step away, getting back can feel like the goal. In reality, what matters most is readiness. This guide explores what meaningful college reentry requires after academic disruption and when transfer becomes part of a thoughtful, sustainable path forward.

When everyone is talented, what actually makes someone stand out?

A New Year’s Eve conversation about RuPaul’s Drag Race led me somewhere unexpected — to college admissions, and a meditation on presence, authenticity, and what gets recognized beyond polish and performance.

Not all aerospace engineering programs are created equal—and the best choice isn’t always the most famous name. This article breaks down what makes a strong aerospace program, showcases standout schools across a range of environments, and explains how to find a program that truly fits how a student learns and builds as an engineer.

Many outstanding undergraduate engineering programs are overlooked because they’re small, specialized, or teaching-focused rather than research-driven. This guide highlights 24 underrated engineering institutions offering exceptional preparation, hands-on learning, and strong outcomes beyond the rankings.

Many families assume engineering only happens at large research universities. But some of the strongest undergraduate engineering experiences take place at small colleges built around teaching, mentorship, and hands-on learning. This article explores why size isn’t a disadvantage in engineering—and how to identify whether a small, undergraduate-focused program is the right fit.

Failing a college class can feel alarming, but it’s more common — and more recoverable — than many families realize. Drawing on decades of experience as university deans, Jennifer Stephan and Karen Flood explain why academic setbacks happen, how colleges respond, and how families can support students in regaining their footing.

When college doesn’t go as planned, many families fear that something has gone irreversibly wrong. In reality, academic and emotional struggles in college are far more common — and far more recoverable — than most parents realize. Drawing on decades of experience as university deans, we explain why students struggle, how recovery happens, and what families can do to support their student’s path forward.

Choosing a college isn’t about prestige, rankings, or checking boxes—it’s about finding the environment where your child will truly thrive. In this article, Dr. Jennifer Stephan introduces the Deep-Fit™ framework, explains the Four Pillars of fit, and shares real student stories that show how Deep-Fit transforms the college search, the application process, and ultimately a student’s college experience.

When my daughter began her college search, I thought I understood how her college search should go. I was wrong—and what followed shaped the Deep-Fit approach we use at Lantern College Counseling today.

In the age of AI and high-pressure admissions, how do you know what ethical college counseling looks like? This article outlines a practical, student-first framework grounded in experience from the admissions office, the dean’s office, the college classroom, and one-on-one work with families.

We speak geek — and it makes a real difference. With deep roots in engineering and computer science, we help STEM students find their voice, tell their story, and discover colleges where they’ll thrive.

Curious about engineering but not sure which path fits you best? This guide breaks down every major—from aerospace to mechanical to biomedical—and helps you discover which type of engineering aligns with your strengths, curiosity, and goals. Learn how to explore options, choose the right program, and find your best-fit in engineering.

When families ask me about the volatility in tech, I remind them that this isn’t the first time computer science has faced disruption or skepticism. As an engineering dean and former CS professor, I’ve had a front-row seat for these cycles for more than 30 years, and what has always endured are the evergreen skills that technology can’t replace. Learn why the degree remains valuable, how it continues to deliver strong career and salary outcomes, and how students can pursue it strategically to build future-proof skills in a changing tech landscape.

What really happens behind closed doors in a college admissions office? As a former member of Wellesley College’s Board of Admissions who also partnered with the Deans of Admission at MIT and Olin to create selective dual-degree programs, I’ve seen how decisions are made — and why strong students are sometimes denied. In this article, I share the insider lessons I now use to help families cut through the mystery, focus on what truly matters, and guide students toward both acceptance and long-term success.

Is it really possible to get into top colleges like MIT and Harvard while writing a college essay about video games? Yes. See how one Lantern student did it — and why admissions officers care more about the reflection and growth the essay reveals than the subject itself.

It isn’t just the acceptances that make a college search successful — it’s the partnership behind them. At Lantern, we work closely with students and families through our team-based Deep-Fit™ methodology, to help students identify the environments where they’ll thrive — academically, socially, and personally. Read how one student’s journey from setbacks to a joyful “We did it!” moment shows the power of partnership in the college search.

“What should my child be doing for activities?”

It’s one of the most common—and most misunderstood—questions we hear from families eager to give their child the best chance for strong college admissions outcomes. Our answer? It starts with understanding why activities matter in the first place—they’re about helping students develop a deeper understanding of themselves.

Is an AI major right for your teen? Guest blogger Lisa Marker-Robbins recaps our recent conversation on her College and Career Clarity podcast about what it really means to major in AI, how to help your teen decide if it’s a good fit, and why focusing on future-proof skills matters more than chasing the latest trends.

As artificial intelligence reshapes the job market, what kind of education truly prepares students to thrive professionally? This article explores how liberal arts engineering programs—rooted in technical rigor and humanistic inquiry—build “AI-proof” skills like ethical reasoning, adaptability, and communication, with concrete examples and guidance for families seeking forward-looking, purpose-driven programs.

From English testing and financial aid to campus life and cultural fit, this expert guide helps international students and their families navigate the U.S. college admissions process with clarity and confidence. Written by seasoned international counselors, it offers practical insights and guidance tailored to global applicants.