Dewey Smart

Admissions Insights & Resources

A graphic comparing the UC Application (20 activity slots) to the Common App (10 activity slots), centered around a resume with the question 'Is Your Resume Ready?'.
HOW-TO

Common App vs UC Application: How to Build a Winning Activity List

Learn how to build a high school resume that works for both UC (20 activities) and Common App (10), identify gaps, and showcase your impact effectively

A woman smiling while building a resume on a tablet, with a university campus in the background and text "Craft Your Story. Your Future Awaits."
HOW-TO

How to Build a High School Resume for College Applications

Build your college‑ready resume early — it boosts applications, streamlines activity lists, and connects to strategic planning for admissions success.

Scholarships & Financial Aid
HOW-TO

Scholarships & Financial Aid Support 2026: A Dewey Smart Guide

Explore scholarships, FAFSA tips, and financial aid strategies to fund your student’s education and reduce debt. Step-by-step guidance from Dewey Smart.

FAFSA & Financial Aid Planning
HOW-TO

FAFSA Strategy 2026-27: Maximize Aid, Compare Offers, and Negotiate

Learn how to meet FAFSA priority deadlines, lower your Student Aid Index, compare financial aid offers, and negotiate for more college funding.

How to win the Ivy League Admissions in 2026
HOW-TO

How to Win Ivy League Admissions 2026

A data-driven guide to Ivy League Admissions 2026 covering Digital SAT scores, essays, Early Decision strategy, and how top applicants stand out.

Creating a College Application Tracker

February 4, 2026

Creating a College Application Tracker

As college application season begins, staying organized is key. Use a college application tracker to keep deadlines, materials, and progress on track.

UC Personal Insights Questions

February 4, 2026

Mastering Personal Insights Questions (PIQs) in 2026

The UC Personal Insight Questions shape how admissions officers see your impact and potential. This guide explains how to approach the 2026 PIQs effectively.

UT Austin Automatic Admission Process

February 3, 2026

Unlocking UT Austin: The Power & Pressure of Automatic Admission

UT Austin's Automatic Admissions Process Has Its Challenges. Here's How to Navigate Them.

The Return of the SAT & ACT Requirements
HOW-TO

The Return of the SAT & ACT Requirements

Top colleges like Yale and UT Austin are bringing back SAT/ACTs, citing fairness and success prediction. With digital SATs, prep now to boost admissions.

Education Savings Accounts (ECA) and Coverdell ESAs can help in academic success

January 27, 2026

Education Savings Accounts (ESAs): Smart Funding for Your Child’s Success

Education Savings Accounts and Coverdell ESAs offer tax-advantaged ways to pay for tutoring, test prep, and college counseling. Learn what expenses qualify.

University of North Carolina campuses launch new admissions policy accepting the Class Learning Test (CLT) for applicants.

January 27, 2026

Why UNC Accepting the CLT is a Game-Changer for College Admissions

University of North Carolina campuses have expanded admissions test options to accept the Classic Learning Test (CLT), alongside the SAT and ACT.

We help students choose Advanced Placement (AP) Courses

January 19, 2026

How to Choose AP Courses & Why Colleges Care

Dewey Smart explains How to Choose Advanced Placement (AP) courses for high school students. We help students make academic plans to get accepted to college.