Welcome to the

GOOD NEWS,

APPLICANTS!

Blog

Real college admission stories.

From a real college admission counselor.

Seems like there’s been plenty of bad news lately.

“Vanderbilt’s acceptance rate was an all-time low: 3.3%!”
“My brother’s friend was a 4.6 Eagle Scout and was waitlisted to every school he applied to!”

But when I started coaching applicants myself, I was surprised by the good news:

Every one of my students was admitted to at least 1 “reach” school.
Every one was admitted to their favorite match school.
And every one enrolled in a college they were happy with.

So, that’s what this blog is for. Sharing good news. Every week (ish), I tell an admission story from my 8 years as a university admission associate director & 2 years as an independent college counselor. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. And you’ll always leave with some good news for your own application. So read on, reader, and buckle up for some good news!

Peter Walton 6/10/25 Peter Walton 6/10/25

“I’m not going to get in…anywhere?”

Peter Walton 5/12/25 Peter Walton 5/12/25

“Help! I don’t know my major!”

Peter Walton 5/5/25 Peter Walton 5/5/25

A Waitlist Story to Inspire Your Monday

Peter Walton 4/28/25 Peter Walton 4/28/25

This Student’s Letter of Recommendation Got Her Admitted

The letter of recommendation feels like a wildcard in poker. It’s the only part of your application you can’t control. And sometimes it makes no difference in your decision. But, every once in a while, it makes all the difference in the world. This story is about one of those times.

Peter Walton 4/21/25 Peter Walton 4/21/25

3 Unusual Admission Stories to Get You Started

Have you ever wondered what gets a student into college? What really gets a student into college? In my 10 years as a college admission counselor, I’ve found out firsthand. And some of them might surprise you! Here are 3 previews of the kinds of stories you can expect to find here.