Bradley Solomon is an Independent Educational Consultant at Solomon College Advising, a San Francisco-based counseling service dedicated to guiding students and families through the college admissions process. Students work closely with Bradley on pre-college planning, including developing a college list, editing college essays, and completing applications. After a successful career as a trial attorney with the California Attorney General's Office, Bradley decided to focus on guiding families through the college application process. He graduated with honors from the UCLA College Counseling Certificate Program and interned at Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory High School and with private counselors at College Admission Coach.

The college admissions journey can be overwhelming, filled with questions about grades, extracurriculars, and essays. Families often wonder when it’s the right time to start planning and how students can position themselves for success. With acceptance rates shrinking and competition rising, how will students and parents navigate this high-stakes process without losing balance?

According to Bradley Solomon, a seasoned college counselor with years of experience guiding families, the best time to start planning is the first day of high school. He highlights that every decision — from course selection to summer activities — can significantly impact a student's application acceptance. Critical strategies are building strong teacher relationships, taking on meaningful extracurriculars, and maintaining focus on a few key activities rather than overloading themselves. These choices, combined with early college visits, not only enhance applications but also inspire students to strive for their best while staying organized and focused.

In this episode of the Pillar6 Podcast, Roman Polnar sits down with Bradley Solomon, Independent Educational Consultant at Solomon College Advising, to discuss how families can approach the college planning process with confidence. They explore practical advice for each high school year, strategies for creating a strong application, and the importance of a well-balanced college list. Bradley also shares tips for reducing stress, maintaining balance, and finding the best college fit for every student.

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