• Jan 18, 2026

Level Up Your College Admissions Journey

Brianna explains when students should start preparing for college admissions and what they should be doing at each grade level, and the biggest mistakes students make with their college applications.

Brianna Angelucci has worked in education for over 20 years, serving as a high school teacher, college professor, college advisor, and school district administrator. A dedicated lifelong learner, she holds a Bachelor’s degree, a Master’s degree, and is currently completing her doctorate.

Brianna is passionate about helping students recognize and develop their strengths as they navigate the path to college and beyond. Her coaching is rooted in a growth mindset, offering firm yet supportive guidance throughout the college admissions process. Known for her keen attention to detail and ability to prioritize effectively, she provides in-depth essay support and personalized college application advising.

To stay informed on admissions trends, Brianna regularly visits college campuses and connects with admissions professionals. Beyond K–12 education, she has also worked extensively in higher education as an adjunct professor.

In our conversation, Brianna and I discussed:

  • How early students should students begin preparing for college admissions, and what should they be doing at each grade level.

  • The biggest mistakes students make with their college applications, especially the essay component.

  • What makes a college essay stand out today, especially with more test-optional schools and higher competition.

  • If a student feels ‘average’ or unsure what to write about, how to find a compelling story.

  • How college admissions is changing right now, and what should families be aware of going into the next cycle.

  • And much more…

Click here to listen to my conversation with Brianna:

Brianna is one of six experts that you will have access to in the ACE Network.

What is the ACE Network?

The ACE Network (Access to College Admissions Experts) is a private, subscription-based group designed to give parents direct access to trusted experts in the college preparation process. Our team includes specialists in admissions advising, essays, scholarships, financial aid, and test prep. Inside the group, parents can post their specific questions — from essay feedback to scholarship searches — and receive personalized answers directly from our experts. We also host monthly webinars to dive deeper into key topics. It’s the quality of one-on-one guidance, but at a fraction of the cost, because you benefit from expert support in a group setting.

Who are the experts?

Our founding team includes specialists in admissions advising, essays, scholarships/financial aid, ACT prep, SAT prep, and dorm planning. Click here to learn more about the team.

Is this one-on-one advising?

Not exactly. All questions are asked and answered within the private group so everyone benefits from the responses. However, our experts provide detailed, personalized answers — giving you the feel of one-on-one guidance at a more affordable cost.

How is this different from free parent groups?

While free groups are great for peer-to-peer sharing, the ACE Network guarantees that all questions are answered in a timely manner by verified experts — so you receive reliable, accurate guidance every time.

Our experts collaborate. An essay question might get input from the admissions advisor, or a test score question might be expanded on by the scholarship coach. You get a synergistic strategy you can’t find elsewhere.

A Focused Environment: We provide a curated, supportive space free from the noise and stress of larger forums, allowing you to get the information you need efficiently.

What kinds of questions can I ask?

Anything related to the college prep process — from “what do you think of this essay topic?” to “can you review my student’s school list?” to “how should we approach scholarship searches?” to “my son’s GPA is a 3.8 and his ACT is 31. Should he submit his score to a test-optional school like Boston University?”

How much does it cost?

Memberships start at just $50/month!

Is my student allowed to join?

The ACE Network is designed for parents, but you are welcome to share insights and strategies with your student.

How can I sign up?

Simply choose a subscription plan, complete your payment, and you’ll receive a private link to join the group. Click here to see our subscription plans.