The Early Decision (ED) round brings a wave of anticipation. With enormous consideration, you applied Early Decision to your first-choice college. You weighed your options, knew that applying early could provide additional leverage to your candidacy, and if admitted, you’ve signed a binding agreement to attend. Unfortunately, it didn’t work in your favor. If your…
Should You Take a Gap Year? Exploring the Benefits and Considerations Many students consider taking a year off between high school and college. The reasons vary from wanting to “take a break” from homework and exams to a desire to travel, follow a passion, or simply work and save money for college expenses. More commonly,…
Updated: 08/12/2026 Being accepted by Stanford or an Ivy League University is becoming more and more difficult every year. Admission rates at these top colleges have collapsed by on average 50%. Watch the webinar to learn how to navigate the Stanford and Ivy League admissions process, position your application, and market your candidacy. Read below for an…
In addition to the usual application materials, like transcripts, letters of recommendation, and essays, students are often asked to submit standardized test scores from either the SAT or ACT exam when applying to college. Top schools do not recommend one test over the other; students are allowed to submit whichever one they prefer. SAT/ACT scores…
How to Build Your Next Chapter After Military Service Transitioning from military service to civilian life often brings important decisions about the future. For many veterans, higher education can provide an opportunity to build on the skills, experiences, and leadership developed during their service while preparing for new personal and professional goals. Whether you are…
The importance of demonstrated interest in college admissions is currently under debate. Some colleges and universities put more weight on demonstrated interest than others, with some eliminating it altogether. Given the complex admissions environment, it is essential, as a prospective applicant, to plan and prepare for the range of colleges to which you will apply,…
There is no set age to prepare your child for the Ivy League or Ivy-like schools. However, there are many habits we can foster from a young age. Academic prowess, a high level of personal development, along with a strategic approach are all necessary while positioning your child to apply to an Ivy League or…
Key Takeaways: Junior year is an important time during a students’ high school career, but it can also be a busy and demanding season because they’ll be juggling rigorous coursework with early college preparation. Students should create a testing timeline for the SAT or ACT and begin preparing for these standardized exams. Juniors should also…
Many students take the ACT for the first time during junior year, often in the winter or spring. It is common not to reach your target score on the first attempt, and many students improve after retaking the test with a more focused preparation plan. Rather than taking the ACT repeatedly without a strategy, students…
After a long school year, you’re probably ready to take a lengthy break. Summer breaks evoke long, lazy days, visits to the beach or park, Netflix binges, and sleeping in. Should you enjoy your summer break? Absolutely! We all deserve and need time to relax, be creative, discover or revisit hobbies, and spend time with…