Great College Advice

NOVEMBER 5, 2024

Admissions officers mark each individual factor (grades, test scores, essays, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, etc.) Certainly, it’s nice to be a great center fielder, to have led your Model UN team to a regional title, or to be the lead in your high school musical.

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Admissions Standardized Testing Letters of Recommendation Transcripts 87

The Koppelman Group

MARCH 21, 2025

Teenagers with dyslexia face unique challenges during the college application process on top of the usual stress of essays, deadlines, and standardized tests, theyre also navigating reading and writing difficulties that can make the process feel overwhelming. Its the result of strategic, well-planned decisions made over time.

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The Koppelman Group

MARCH 17, 2025

High school counselors, no matter how dedicated, or how prestigious the school, often juggle large caseloads and dont have the time to offer individualized, long-term planning. This is done through more curriculum, extracurricular development, and creating summers where students can get more in-depth.

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Great College Advice

JANUARY 28, 2025

Here’s a comprehensive overview of key milestones and focus areas for each year of high school, including senior year. 9th Grade: Building the Foundation Freshman year focuses on making a successful transition to high school while laying groundwork for college preparation. Consider summer retakes if needed.

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The Koppelman Group

MARCH 15, 2025

High school counselors even at elite private schools often manage large caseloads, meaning their real involvement doesnt start until senior year, when the focus is primarily on reviewing your essays and the logistics of sending transcripts and rec letters. Why Hire an Independent Counselor? Theyre not doing it alone.

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AdmissionSight

NOVEMBER 28, 2024

When it comes to your college applications, one big question is: how many extracurriculars should I have to stand out without overloading my plate? Think of extracurriculars like toppings on a pizza. Let’s break down how many extracurriculars you should really have, what counts, and how to make yours stand out. Don’t sweat it.

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AdmissionSight

FEBRUARY 6, 2025

Cornell University is test-optional, but not for long. For Fall 2025 applicants, Cornell remains test-optional, giving students the choice to submit SAT or ACT scores. However, this policy will change for Fall 2026 admissions, when standardized test scores will once again be required.

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The Koppelman Group

MARCH 12, 2025

No matter how dedicated high school counselors are, they often manage large caseloads and typically dont get deeply involved until second semester junior year. With private guidance, students can start shaping their academic and extracurricular profile as early as sophomore year, setting the stage for a stronger application.

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Top Tier Admissions

DECEMBER 2, 2024

Aspiring MBA students, whether still in high school or currently in college, can take strategic steps now to position themselves for success later. Grad School Analysis & Guidance Program Craft your grad school strategy and sharpen your applications and essays. WHY ARE MBA APPLICATIONS INCREASING?

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AdmissionSight

NOVEMBER 16, 2024

Not everyone feels confident when it comes to taking tests. You’re not alone— around 40 to 60% of high school students experience test anxiety, a type of stress that makes it tough to focus and perform well during exams. won’t require standardized test scores. What Are the Best Test Optional Colleges in 2025?

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AdmissionSight

DECEMBER 19, 2024

The answer includes strong academics, compelling extracurriculars, and an authentic story that showcases your unique strengths. Harvard takes a holistic approach to admissions, meaning they dont just focus on grades and test scores. What does Harvard look for in an applicant? Instead, they look at everything that makes you unique.

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The Koppelman Group

MARCH 18, 2025

Even at top private schools, college counselors often manage large caseloads and cant provide individualized, long-term support. Their real involvement usually starts in senior year, focusing on essays and logistics rather than shaping a students academic and extracurricular profile early on. It takes smart planning.

High School 52

High School Extracurricular Standardized Testing Out-of-State 52

HelloCollege

JANUARY 14, 2025

Participating in dual enrollment in high school can be a great way to make the most of your college experience. What Is Dual Enrollment in High School? Dual enrollment, also know as concurrent enrollment, allows students to earn college credit while still in high school.

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AdmissionSight

JANUARY 10, 2025

No extracurricular activity is “bad,” but some definitely catch the eye of college admissions teams more than others. Selective colleges take a holistic approach to admissions, meaning they look at the whole picture instead of just focusing on your grades and test scores. Here are other Tier 1 extracurriculars examples: 1.

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Peterson's Blog

APRIL 1, 2025

When it comes to standardized test prep, where do you even start? Fret not; youve been testing your whole education. While a standardized test like the ACT is significant, the tools you need to demolish test-day stress are within reach with an ACT practice test online.

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AdmissionSight

JANUARY 23, 2025

One of the big questions that might be swirling around in your head is: Is Duke test-optional? Dukes Test-Optional Policy Duke SAT Scores Duke ACT Scores Duke University Admission Requirements Frequently Asked Questions Takeaways Dukes Test-Optional Policy For the 2024-2025 admissions cycle, Duke University is test-optional.

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Admissions Village

DECEMBER 1, 2022

High school grades have been on a steady march upward throughout most of our lifetimes. According to the Higher Education Research Institute’s Freshman Survey in 2020, 68.10% of first-year students at 4-year universities had an A or A- average in high school. Grade inflation is real. Try to listen if you can.

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The Koppelman Group

MARCH 5, 2025

Even at elite private schools, high school counselors are often overloaded, working with dozens of students. Build Extracurriculars After a student has begun to define their academic interests, we help them build extracurriculars that showcase initiative and depth. Why Hire an Independent Counselor?

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HelloCollege

MARCH 27, 2025

History competitions for high school students are a great way to dive deeper into your passion for the past. In this article, well highlight some of the top history competitions for high school students, explain why these contests are worth your time, and offer tips for how to make the most of them.

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College Essay Guy

DECEMBER 20, 2024

Do you have to be a star athlete, or a straight-A student, or maybe the president of every extracurricular club? Academic achievement/Merit-based Academic or merit-based scholarships are awarded based on high academic achievement. So how exactly do you get a full-ride scholarship? How do you write a scholarship essay?

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Admissions Mom

FEBRUARY 5, 2025

Every year, I receive tons of questions about how many extracurricular activities are necessary and whether a kids chances will be hurt because they havent performed at Carnegie Hall, been speaking Mandarin since they were five, or cured cancer. Its an important part of your application. They want to know that, too. The bad news?

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Ivy Central

OCTOBER 12, 2022

Here at Ivy Central, we get lots of questions about AP Tests, are they needed or useful in the US college application process, how many should you do, and are some subjects more valuable than others? This article will help you answer these and other questions about AP Tests. What are AP Tests?

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Excelsior Admissions Consulting

JANUARY 8, 2025

It is becoming even more important for students to show a commitment to their academic interests as part of their extracurricular activities. Now is the time for students to consider both their extracurricular activities and their summer plans to use their time to pursue their interests. Read the release here. Read the article here.

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ACM College Consulting

NOVEMBER 6, 2024

High school juniors are at a pivotal stage in the college application process. Prepare for Standardized Tests If you plan to take the SAT or ACT, start preparing now. Plan to take the test at least twice this spring and summer to meet fall deadlines. From test prep to application submission deadlines, include everything.

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Applications Financial Aid Letters of Recommendation Test Prep 72

Top Tier Admissions

JANUARY 7, 2025

TIMING IS EVERYTHING Just like theres a right and a wrong time to study for a big test (hint: NOT the night before!), You can reapply to a school that denied you in the past, but you must have a stronger record of achievement and accomplishments in order to get a different result. theres an optimum time to transfer.

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Spark Admissions

APRIL 11, 2023

According to Columbia, this move was prompted by a growing recognition of the flaws in standardized testing and the school’s desire to make the admissions process more equitable and accessible to a broader range of students. For decades, standardized tests have been central to the college admissions process.

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Spark Admissions

APRIL 11, 2023

According to Columbia, this move was prompted by a growing recognition of the flaws in standardized testing and the school’s desire to make the admissions process more equitable and accessible to a broader range of students. For decades, standardized tests have been central to the college admissions process.

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AdmissionSight

DECEMBER 4, 2024

A big reason for this surge is the rise of test-optional policies and increased global access to higher education. This means more competition for every spot and higher expectations for grades, test scores, essays, and extracurriculars. Meanwhile, the acceptance rate has decreased from 9.9% to just 5.4%. That’s a massive drop.

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BestColleges

APRIL 15, 2024

Harvard has reinstituted its standardized test requirement beginning next fall. Studies suggest standardized tests can help increase socioeconomic diversity. Add Harvard to the list of universities reinstating standardized test requirements. Brown soon hopped aboard the testing bandwagon, offering the same rationale. [S]trong

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Top Tier Admissions

NOVEMBER 7, 2024

Test scores Unlike the many colleges that have reinstated standardized testing requirements , the UC schools remain test-blind and will not consider SAT or ACT scores. They do, however, allow students to report AP and IB exams, and non-native English speakers are required to submit an English language proficiency test.

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Admissions Village

JUNE 19, 2024

Admission Requirements : Colleges specify the minimum number of high school courses in each academic discipline they want to see their applicants have taken. Advanced Placement (AP) : College level courses for high schools students offered by the College Board that have specific curricula in a large number of subjects.

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HelloCollege

OCTOBER 11, 2024

Below is an outline to help you understand the differences and learn how to create a high school resume. What is the Purpose of a High School Resume? A high school resume serves as a vital tool for students to present their skills and experiences effectively. How should I format my high school resume?

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Ivy Central

APRIL 6, 2023

The future of standardised tests. We have also seen an increase in colleges going Test Blind, most noticeably the University of California colleges, meaning that even if students do send a test score colleges won’t use it when making decisions on acceptance. Start today!

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Grown & Flown

FEBRUARY 13, 2025

In the beginning, we trained ChatGPT by testing it on just a few schoolsthen, when she was closer to making a decision, we used it to compare her final options. The Choose This School If prompt ended up being the most helpful summary of months of listening, learning, synthesizing, and customizing. Good luck with your search!

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AdmissionSight

JANUARY 11, 2025

While UC Davis isnt the most competitive UC school UCLA (9%) and UC Berkeley (11%) hold that distinctionit still requires strong academic performance and a well-rounded application. To boost your chances, focus on maintaining a strong GPA , engaging in extracurriculars, and showcasing what makes you unique. Nail the essays.

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Great College Advice

JANUARY 14, 2025

10 th grade is an exciting time as you have hopefully found a nice rhythm between your academics, extracurriculars, and social life. Plan to take as many rigorous classes as possible, including AP and honors courses, while striving to maintain that balance of a high GPA. Its not what you do: its how well you do it.

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AdmissionSight

JANUARY 1, 2025

At the same time, the admissions office has worked hard to keep standards sky-high. To have a real shot, your application needs to stand out in every waygrades, essays, recommendations, and extracurriculars. While schools like Harvard (3.6%), Yale (3.7%), and Columbia (3.85%) have slightly lower acceptance rates, UChicagos 4.5%

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