College Application

What to know before your 1st college visit

By Daniela Garcia / 11/14/2025

I remember the 1st college trip I took with my mom. I was not interested in the school at all, but it was not far from home and a perfect place to test the waters and practice my networking skills. I remember riding in the car in silence, unhappy that my mom was making me…

Do Colleges Look Differently On the ACT and the SAT?

By Solomon Team / 11/07/2025

The short answer is No. In most cases, colleges do not prefer the SAT over the ACT or vice versa. Virtually all U.S. colleges accept both exams, and admissions committees evaluate them equally. Students should choose the test that best reflects their academic strengths. However, standardized testing policies have evolved significantly in recent years.During the…

Research Required to be a Successful Transfer Applicant

By James Simon / 10/13/2025

Why Transferring to Selective Colleges Requires Strategy Many selective colleges and universities offer the opportunity to apply for fall and spring transfer admission. Transferring to selective colleges is competitive, requiring research, planning, and preparation. This 2024 Forbes article shows how many selective colleges are equally competitive for transfers as first year admissions, with many transfer…

The College Personal Statement and Perfecting Your Narrative (Video Guide)

By Solomon Team / 09/12/2025

The personal statement is the most important part of the college application, and yet many applicants today continue to make mistakes in tone, content, or even topic. The video guide below covers the key components of a perfect essay, the common mistakes in content and style made by applicants, and how to craft a unique…

Critical Components of the College Application

By Shayla Lebeck / 08/22/2025

According to NCES (IPEDS), about 16.2 million undergraduates were enrolled at Title IV degree-granting U.S. institutions in fall 2023 (provisional), 19.4 million students total. (Source) For rising seniors who aspire to become college students, the journey–the process of applying to colleges– is about to begin. So, whether you’re a first or fourth generation college-bound student,…

How to Get Accepted to Duke University

By Solomon Team / 08/12/2025

Applying to Duke is more competitive than ever. The overall acceptance rate dropped to 4.8% for the Class of 2029. Still, Early Decision offers a relative advantage: applicants admitted through ED saw an acceptance rate of 12.8%, compared to 3.67% for Regular Decision. Below is a video breakdown of how Duke evaluates applicants. We recorded…

What Are The Best Test Optional Colleges – 2025

By Shayla Lebeck / 08/01/2025

Test Optional. A phrase that, ever since its rise to the forefront during the COVID-19 pandemic, has left many students feeling nervous and confused. In 2025, Test Optional isn’t a new term. High school counselors and admissions officers alike are regularly having conversations with students around the world, educating them on what exactly Test Optional…

Beyond the Numbers

By Jessica Sibbing / 07/25/2025

Are Good Test Scores Enough to Get You Into a Top College? Every college and university seeks to cultivate a class. Academically, it is common to hear that at top schools, more than 75% of admitted students have straight A’s. Or that more than 30% of admitted students have a 1570 or higher on the…

5 Strategies to Develop Good Study Habits

By Solomon Team / 07/03/2025

Do you have a test coming up? A paper due? A big presentation, perhaps? No matter what you have on your plate, developing good study habits can be the foundation you need to succeed. The five helpful tips in this article focus on a variety of areas related to your learning. Utilize one, two, or…

Early Decision: Is It Right for You?

By Maura Connors / 06/20/2025

What is Early Decision?Early Decision (ED) is a binding college admissions process that provides an early acceptance decision, usually by mid-December. If accepted, you are required to enroll and withdraw all other college applications. Is Early Decision Binding? Yes. ED is a binding commitment. If you’re accepted, you must: This makes it essential to consider…