Top College Application Tips: Expert Advice

Simon Westfall-Kwong with Missy Rodriguez: Expert College Application Tips Before Early Decision Deadlines

As families prepare for the upcoming college application deadlines, the intersection of education planning and home life becomes more important than ever. Simon Westfall-Kwong, a dedicated real estate advisor, parent, and community leader in Millburn Township, understands how choosing the right home can support a student’s academic journey and overall family goals. Recently, Simon sat down with Missy Rodriguez, a college counselor with 28 years of experience, to share expert tips that can help students and parents navigate this critical time with confidence.

With the November 1 early action and early decision deadlines fast approaching, students and parents are feeling the intensity of college application season. Missy holds a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and Education from Columbia Teachers College and is the founder of the Missy’s Miracle Scholarship. A liver transplant survivor and passionate advocate for organ donation, Missy brings both professional expertise and deep empathy to the college admissions process.  She's also a parent of three sons at different stages of their college journeys.

Priorities for the Final Weeks Before Early Decision & Early Action
Missy emphasized that the next two weeks are crucial for students applying early. She encouraged students to prioritize completing the Common App personal statement, finalize all college-specific supplemental essays, and carefully craft the 150-character activity descriptions. Above all, she urged students to avoid procrastination—at this stage, finishing applications should take precedence over everything else.

Essay Advice: Show, Don’t Tell
When it comes to essays, Missy stressed the importance of “showing rather than telling.” Strong essays use vivid, sensory details and writing in the present tense to bring stories to life. She recommended reading essays aloud to identify areas where a student might be telling instead of showing. Missy also cautioned against overused essay topics, such as sports injuries, moving stories, or being cut from a team. Instead, she encouraged students to share unique and specific anecdotes that reveal their character, perspective, and growth.

Supplemental Essays and Demonstrating Fit
Missy reminded students that supplemental essays often serve as the tiebreaker between academically similar applicants. The best supplements demonstrate research on each college’s programs and community, and clearly explain how high school experiences connect to campus opportunities. Essays that illustrate genuine fit and enthusiasm for daily campus life stand out to admissions officers.

Application Components and Follow-Up
Each student can list up to ten activities, with descriptions limited to 150 characters, so clarity and precision are essential. After submitting applications, students should immediately check college portals for missing items and complete required self-reported academic records, such as the Self-Reported Student Academic Record (SSAR) or Student Transcript and Academic Record System (STARs). Missy reassured families that schools generally allow some flexibility for counselor or teacher recommendations submitted slightly after the deadline.

Interviews, Recommendations, and Testing
Missy advised students to prepare for interviews by learning about school traditions and articulating how they envision themselves fitting into campus life. Students should request recommendations from two academic teachers and, when possible, an additional outside recommender. Smaller liberal arts colleges often weigh recommendations more heavily than large universities. Regarding standardized testing, Missy recommended an individualized approach—submit scores only if they strengthen the overall application.

Parental Support
Parents play a key role in keeping the process positive. Missy emphasized encouragement over pressure, recommending supportive check-ins, offering breaks, and minimizing repeated reminders. A calm and steady parental presence helps students stay motivated and focused without feeling overwhelmed.

Scholarships and Missy’s Miracle
Missy highlighted the Missy’s Miracle Scholarship, supporting students who advocate for organ donation awareness. She also urged students to explore scholarship and honors opportunities within college applications, and to use guidance counselors and online resources to identify external scholarships.

Final Takeaways
The key to success during this period is preparation, focus, and calm support. Students should complete their Common App and supplemental essays by November 1, check their portals for missing materials, and stay on top of all required documentation. Teachers and guidance counselors should send transcripts and recommendations promptly upon request, while parents provide encouragement without pressure. As Missy said,

“Students—finish those essays, hit submit, and then check every college portal. Parents—be their calm, not their pressure. You’ve got this!”

Planning for college often goes hand-in-hand with considering housing options near good schools or campuses. If you’re looking for a home that supports your family’s educational goals and lifestyle, the LuxeLife Group is here to help.  Please feel free to reach out to Simon Westfall-Kwong at simon@luxeliferealestategroup.com or 973-721-9228 for personalized real estate guidance.

For additional guidance or one-on-one college admissions counseling, Missy Rodriguez can be reached at misrod13@gmail.com or 917-913-6731.

🎥 Watch the full interview here: [video link]