Application Nation - Class of 2026 is launching in January! Join the waitlist now to get 20% off your first month.  JOIN THE WAITLIST

Sara Harberson

Sara Harberson is the founder of Application Nation™, which provides personalized advice to college applicants and their families. In her book, SOUNDBITE: The Admissions Secret that Gets You Into College and Beyond, Sara reveals the secrets of her signature college admissions tool, the "Soundbite," and shares tried-and-tested exercises that have helped thousands of students gain admission to their school of choice. She is the former associate dean of admissions at the University of Pennsylvania and the former dean of admissions and financial aid at Franklin & Marshall College. Sara’s philosophy is that every kid applying to college deserves the best advice.
Find me on:

Recent Posts

My Summer Checklist for Rising Seniors

Every year when July 4th fades in the distance, I feel like summer is just slipping away. There is[...]

What to Do If Your Child Is Not Motivated for College Admissions

As a college counselor for the last half of my career, I have seen a wide range of students[...]

My Inside Scoop on the Latest Common App Changes

When students, parents, and even college counselors discuss what it takes to get admitted to[...]

Need Help with Your Essay Topic? Ask Yourself These 5 Questions

If I had a superpower, I would want it to be nostalgia. I would want to remember all of the moments[...]

Mental Illness in Tennis, College Admissions, and Beyond

When I heard that Naomi Osaka, the #2 player in the world, withdrew from the French Open on Monday,[...]