Hi Reader,

You're receiving this email because you're the parent of a student graduating in 2026 or 2027—or a parent who's supported our work. I want to give you a preview of what the next six weeks often looks like, particularly if you're going through this for the first time, and some opportunities to make better decisions as we near January 1st deadlines.

6 Weeks to Regular Decision Deadlines

Six weeks from now is January 1st, when the majority of RD and ED2 applications are due.

These days, everyone's aiming to apply ED somewhere hoping that it increases their chances of admission. It's a completely legitimate impulse, but it has some downsides, and at least one major downside when it comes to Regular Decision deadlines. The biggest:

People don't realize the flaws that might be in their application until two weeks before deadlines. If a student is deferred or rejected and hasn't thought about what else needs to be fixed or changed, they have all of 14 days—during the busy holidays—to get things done.

That happens more commonly than you think and the quality of the applications often lacking. In past years, I've had students with outstanding accomplishments on paper come to me with just a week before deadlines, hoping I'll save them. The problem? I often can't.

They want to apply to Stanford, Yale, Harvard, and don't get into any of these schools—not because it's impossible, but because by December 15, it's too late. When I challenge them, they freeze, dissociate, and don't budge. The result? They still get into a good school, but the pickings are slim, not abundant. This is a completely preventable outcome.

The college application process has many components and variables: building a college list that actually works, writing personal statements and supplemental essays that move audiences, and careful planning and strategy. Even the best advisors have limitations on how far they can bring a student, often in a matter of a few hours. The truth? If a student hasn't cultivated the level of depth necessary, there's no way I can force it out of them.

One of my posts coming soon: you have to become the person who gets admitted to the school you want to attend. That happens almost always over the course of time. It's not just about dusting off an application, and it almost never happens in just a few days.

So my message? Don't wait. If you've applied ED, gather your resources in case you need to move. Make sure you have someone available to help in December if things don't go as planned. If you've only applied EA or haven't applied at all, get your work done ahead of time, ideally before December 15. Finally, if you suspect there are deeper issues with your application, do not wait until December 15th to start resolving them.

Introducing the RD & ED2 Intensive

That's why I'm introducing the RD & ED2 Intensive. I am offering a limited number of enrollments to help students applying RD and ED2 (deadlines between 1/1 and 1/15) put their best foot forward rather than be caught rushing and playing hope as a strategy.

Time often runs out in the final weeks of December. When you enroll in the RD & ED2 Intensive, you have the ability to get started now in preparation for RD deadlines. If you know you're already applying RD or waiting on EA results, I highly recommend enrolling now and planning to finish your applications by December 15.

If you're waiting on ED results, I recommend starting the consultation process now and reserving your space so that you are guaranteed the opportunity to have support if your ED1 choice does not pan out. The reason to consult now is so we can identify and improve weak points in the application—and the reason to reserve your space is so you have peace of mind knowing that I will check in with you before accepting additional enrollments, or otherwise refund your deposit if I am unable to assist you in December.

Learn more about the Intensive & reserve your space

New Website & Class of 2027 Offerings

I'm also thrilled to share that Galaxy Mind Education (formerly Premium Path) has a new website that's a pleasure to navigate and read. You can learn more about our offerings, results, and insights in one place. Honestly, I've never been happier with how the perspective is coming together and truly believe our students will lead the future.

You can click the image above to explore the website, and let us know what you think! We'll have new articles, downloads, products, and case studies coming soon.

Finally, beyond reading and thinking about these important topics as we approach the December holidays, consider giving this email a second life:

• Share these insights with a friend whose kids are in the college admissions process.
• Send it to someone who resonates with our deep and bold vision for students.
• If your student's applying to colleges this cycle or next, forward this email and talk with your student about how to become the person who gets admitted.

I can't wait to see what December brings you. Looking forward to talking soon.

Warmly,
Rayner

Reserve your spot in the RD & ED2 Intensive: Learn more and reserve your spot