Current Topics

APRIL Newsletter

Marla Platt • April 9, 2026

Timely tips for students and parents

College planning can easily become about checking boxes, chasing deadlines, and measuring yourself against everyone else. But the most meaningful part of this journey isn't the destination, it's discovering who you are and what you actually want to do in the world.


In this month's issue, we focus on showing up with intention in your community, in the financial aid process, and in the face of disappointment.


“It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.” Charles Darwin


Making an Impact through Community Service: 

Service isn't about logging hours or impressing admissions officers. We explore how finding what genuinely matters to you — and using your strengths to help others — builds purpose and character that carries you far beyond the college process.


Focus On Majors: Crop and Soil Sciences: 

From World Cup playing fields to food grown in space, crop and soil science is reshaping how we think about the environment, sustainability, and the future of agriculture. This unique major may surprise you!


Financial Matters: How to Appeal a Financial Aid Award: 

If your aid package wasn't what you hoped for, don't stop there. We walk you through when and how to appeal, and how to have that conversation with colleges in a way that's thoughtful and effective.


Dealing with College Denial: 

A rejection letter is not the final word on your future. We offer an honest perspective on processing disappointment and finding your footing when the path looks different from what you planned.


For the complete April newsletter, click HERE.



Marla Platt, M.B.A. is an independent college consultant based in Sudbury, MA through AchieveCoach College Consulting, providing expert and personalized college counseling to students and families throughout the college planning, search and admissions process. Marla is a professional member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association and can be reached via www.achievecoach.com


Serving high school students in: Sudbury, Wayland, Acton, Groton, Hopkinton, Newton, Wellesley, Weston, Natick, Needham, Brookline, Bolton, Concord, Carlisle, Lexington, Framingham, Dover, Sherborn, Grafton, Hopkinton, Arlington, Cambridge and all of Metrowest Boston and New England.

Recent posts

By Marla Platt May 11, 2026
Colleges with rolling admissions review your application as it arrives — no waiting for a deadline. Discover the top schools and how to apply strategically.
By Marla Platt May 2, 2026
What do colleges really look for in applications? A college consultant explains what matters most—from grades to activities to personal fit.
Loc
By Marla Platt April 30, 2026
ADMISSIONS ACHIEVED!! Here are some of the colleges our students have been admitted to
By Marla Platt April 23, 2026
A practical guide to navigating college waitlists with confidence!
By Marla Platt April 9, 2026
What do colleges really look for in applications? A college consultant explains what matters most—from grades and activities to character and fit.
By Marla Platt March 6, 2026
Here are great things to focus in on this spring and build momentum toward college:
Show More