VerveSmith - Independent Educational Consultants

07/14/2026

A university begins telling you who it is long before the campus tour starts.

One of my favourite parts of visiting universities is arriving early enough to wander before the presentations begin. It gives the campus a chance to introduce itself.

At Mount Allison University, sandstone buildings speak to the university's long history, while newer spaces like the Centre for the Arts reflect its continued investment in creativity and collaboration. Public art invites reflection. Green spaces encourage students to slow down, gather, and spend time together.

And then there was the rainbow crosswalk leading toward the chapel. This small detail said something meaningful.
Universities communicate their values in many ways—not only through strategic plans or mission statements, but through the spaces they create and the symbols they choose to display. At Mount Allison, the campus suggests an institution that is comfortable embracing tradition and change: honouring its history while also signalling that diversity, inclusion, and belonging are important parts of its community.

That impression is reinforced beyond the campus itself. Mount Allison has long emphasized broad access to education through generous scholarships and financial aid, while its relatively small size encourages close relationships between students and faculty. For many students, feeling seen and supported is just as important as the courses they'll take.

When visiting universities, it's worth looking beyond the classrooms and residence halls. Ask yourself: What does this campus seem to value?

Fit isn't just about programs. It's also about finding a community where you can imagine yourself growing.

07/08/2026

The University of New Brunswick (1785) is Canada’s oldest English-language university.

While you see that history across the Fredericton campus' architecture, one of the smaller details stayed with me: the names carved into the wooden chapel pews. There was something human about the etchings. They are a reminder that, through the ages, universities are ultimately made up of individual students.

For me, that humanity defines UNB Fredericton.

UNB offers programs such as engineering, computer science, forestry, and environmental management that are often found at much larger universities. But UNB’s scale feels more personal. The impression I came away with was of a university where students have access to substantial opportunities without so easily disappearing into the crowd.

UNB also has a strong focus on experiential learning and entrepreneurship. So, while it has deep roots, much of its work addresses the problems of the present and future.

Perhaps that is what gives UNB its distinctive character: the breadth and ambition of a larger university, at a more human scale.

07/08/2026

St. Thomas is a small university with a very clear identity. Its focus on the liberal arts, close interaction between students and professors, and strong sense of community are all part of what makes it distinctive.

What stood out during the visit was how clearly the university’s values come through across campus. The emphasis on community, diversity, social justice, and equality isn’t difficult to find. You'll find these reflected in the spaces students move through every day.

Its size and location make for an interesting university experience. Students get the close-knit environment of a small liberal arts university while being part of a larger university community, sharing a campus with UNB-Fredericton.

Thanks to my friend Ryan for showing us around and bringing me up to date. It was good to see how St. Thomas continues to evolve while remaining true to what makes it distinctive.

06/05/2026

While attending a conference in Santa Fe, I spent some time walking through the campus of St. John's College.

I wasn't there for an official tour, nor did I meet with admissions staff. Instead, I simply wandered the campus and took in the environment.

What struck me was how quiet it felt.

The pathways, courtyards, and gathering spaces seemed to invite something we don't always make enough time for: reflection.

Given St. John's focus on the Great Books and discussion-based learning, the setting felt particularly appropriate. The campus seemed designed not only for studying, but for thinking.

We often talk with students about finding a university that fits their interests, goals, and learning style. Sometimes that fit can be found in the curriculum. Sometimes it can be found in the people.

And sometimes you get a sense of it simply by walking through a campus.

The places where we learn shape the way we learn.

This visit was a reminder that not every educational environment is designed for the same purpose—and that's a good thing.

06/05/2026

After touring the University of Calgary, I visited SAIT and was struck by the contrast. While both institutions offer exceptional opportunities, they take distinctly different approaches to preparing students for the future.

Many families naturally begin their post-secondary search by focusing on universities. For some students, that's exactly the right fit.

But a visit to SAIT is a reminder that there are other pathways worth exploring.

Throughout the campus, there was a strong emphasis on applied learning. The facilities, labs, and learning spaces are designed to help students develop practical skills and prepare for specific industries and careers. The connection between what students learn and how they will use those skills felt immediate and tangible.

For some students, that environment will be especially appealing.

The experience reinforced something we often discuss with families: fit matters.

06/05/2026

One of the unexpected benefits of university visits is the people you meet along the way.

During a recent visit to the University of Calgary, I spent several hours walking through campus with Bree and Ian, two members of the university team. While it was my first opportunity to meet Bree, the visit was also a chance to reconnect with Ian, whom I've known for several years through conferences and professional events.

The buildings were impressive. The conversations were better.

As we walked through campus, we talked about students, programs, opportunities, and the university's vision for the future. The experience reminded me that understanding a university rarely comes from brochures, rankings, or even formal presentations alone.

It comes from conversations.

For students, campus visits are often viewed as an opportunity to learn about a university. They are. But they're also an opportunity to practice curiosity, ask thoughtful questions, and connect with people who can offer perspectives you won't find on a website.

Sometimes the most valuable part of a visit isn't what you see.

It's who you meet.

05/20/2026

Everyone is talking about AI. Behind the Application: How AI is Shaping Essays, Recommendations, and Reviews is an interesting discussion of AI's role in the admissions process hosted by College of the Holy Cross.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

05/18/2026

Mr. Salgado advised parents to look for consultants who are members of professional organizations that set ethical guidelines for the sector. He also cautioned against coaches who “emphasize prestige” or promise admission to certain schools.

Teens are getting coached through the application process in hopes it will help them stand out to admissions departments

06/18/2025

Are you a STEM student? Check out these internships with CSA.

Each semester, the Canadian Space Agency provides various co-op work terms / internships that will allow you to gain experience in the space industry.

05/21/2025

This year, our students earned admission to nearly 100 universities around the world. Their accomplishments serve as a testament to their hard work, curiosity, and global perspective. Congratulations on your achievements!