If the college process feels more complicated than when you applied, that’s because it is. College admissions today is a completely different game than it was 20 or 30 years ago. As Brooke A. Stengel, founder of YourCollegeApps.com puts it, it’s now chess, not checkers.

Between test-optional policies, record-high application numbers, and rising costs, families are navigating more strategy and uncertainty than ever before. That’s where thoughtful college counseling can make a real difference.

FREE WEBINAR RECAP DOWNLOAD

Application Myths Dispelled: The Ins and Outs of Applying to College

Family Focus Media recently hosted a free webinar presented by Brooke to help clarify the mysteries of the college application process. She covered so much ground in less than an hour: what colleges actually look at (hint: it’s not what most families think), the biggest myths that trip students up, how to build a balanced college list, financial aid essentials, and a lot more.

Whether you’re just starting to think about college or already deep into the application season, you can download her replay and a companion guide that our team created based on Brooke’s presentation — a reference you can keep handy throughout your student’s high school years.

Complete the form to for an instant download of each, delivered to your inbox and you’ll walk away with practical strategies and a clearer sense of what matters most. [Open link in a new tab here.] By completing this form, your contact information will be shared with Brooke as someone who is interested in her presentation and area of expertise.

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Why Families Work With Brooke at YourCollegeApps.com

YourCollegeApps.com helps students find the right college — not just the most recognizable name. Brooke works with families to build balanced college lists, think strategically about admissions, and make smart decisions about where to apply and how to invest their education dollars. “I enjoy helping students figure out what they hope to gain from college and where they’ll thrive,” she says.

Just as important, the process brings structure and calm. Clear timelines, realistic expectations, and steady guidance often mean less stress — and fewer tense conversations — at home.

Experience From Both Sides of the Admissions Desk

Brooke’s perspective comes from years inside college admissions offices at Columbia, Barnard, Princeton, and Bryn Mawr, as well as her work as a high school-based college counselor and parent of a current college junior. She’s also a co-author of The New Rules of College Admissions. “I’ve seen this process from multiple angles — as a student, an admissions officer, a counselor, and a parent. That experience shapes how I guide families today,” she says.

For Brooke, college is not the only post-high school path, but it is a formative time of growth. Her goal is helping students land somewhere they can succeed academically while finding their place socially and personally.

Why Raising Kids Around the Main Line Can Feel Extra Competitive

Families in the Main Line area benefit from strong public and private schools, and a community that deeply values education. That also means college admissions can feel especially competitive. Students here often apply to the same well-known colleges and universities, which can impact admissions odds. Brooke helps families think strategically about where a student is most likely to thrive, as well as their chances of admission. “You’re not competing with classmates, but you are applying within a highly accomplished applicant pool,” she explains.

Finding the Right College Fit

Rankings change every year and rarely tell the full story. Brooke encourages students to approach colleges as environments with distinct personalities. Fit is discovered through research, campus visits, and student open houses — not just spreadsheets and computer-generated scattergrams. “At the end of the day, four years is a long time to wear a sweater that doesn’t fit,” she reminds families. When students find the right environment, confidence and outcomes follow.

A Thoughtful, Organized Approach to the College Application Process

Families can begin working with YourCollegeApps.com as early as freshman year, with support increasing as students move closer to application season. Brooke limits the number of students she works with in each graduating class, allowing for personalized guidance, clear communication, and a process that feels manageable rather than overwhelming.

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Photos courtesy of YourCollegeApps.com, as seen in the Main Line Parent Spring Education Guide. 

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