Writing the college essay is one of the most daunting tasks high school students face in applying to college. It is so important, and it feels like an impossible task: write an essay that will show how amazing you are without saying, that’s right, how amazing you are.

Received a college financial aid or merit award that still leaves the school out of financial reach? You may have options. Learn how to appeal a financial aid package, negotiate for more merit aid, use competing college offers strategically, and determine what to ask for—while approaching the conversation with colleges thoughtfully and honestly.

First Dartmouth, now Yale? What does “test flexible” mean? This post will help you decide whether or not to test prep in 2026. Remember to check the score ranges as well as what % of applicants submit scores using each school’s Common Data Set. another factor is which major you’re selecting: some majors in each school require test scores for automatic (or direct) admission including popular programs like the Kelley business school at Indiana University.

High school seniors have been receiving their final admissions outcomes over the last few weeks of March. Admissions season now unofficially culminates today with Ivy Day, when colleges in the Ivy League release their decisions. Some of our students will feel like they won the lottery today; others will have their dreams shattered.

As we head toward May 1, the enrollment deadline for US colleges, our students are asking these questions, and you may be too: 

• Is there any chance to get off of a college’s waitlist? If so, what can I do to maximize my chances? 

• I can’t afford my top choice school. When and how should I negotiate for more aid?

• How do I know which college to choose when I have multiple good options? 

• What do I need to do after I accept my offer and enroll at my college? 

It’s the best thing EVER when you are admitted to your Early Decision school. You are done with applications (except in some cases) and ready to attend your dream school next year. Similarly, Early Action results present you with admissions decisions before the regular decision pool of applicants so that you can begin to breathe a bit easier and start narrowing your focus. But if you are deferred or denied, you have some decisions to make.

Learn about the increasingly competitive landscape of college admissions trends in 2025. Some questions this addresses are: What early trends are we seeing in acceptances for the Class of 2025? Which trends from recent years remain, and what is changing this year?  What do we predict for regular decision (spring) outcomes?  How does the test optional movement and some colleges’ return to requiring test scores affect admissions moving forward? What will happen with SAT and ACT test requirements in the future?