challenging – adj. difficult in a way that is usually interesting or enjoyable
academic – adj. relating to schools and education
admissions – n. the act of admitting someone into a school or program
apply – v. to seek admission to a school or a job
emphasize – v. to give special attention to something
perception – n. the way you think about or understand someone or something
advantage – n. something that helps to make someone or something better or more likely to succeed than others
guidance counselor – n. a school official who offers advice to students on a range of academic and emotional issues