College Admissions Blog Posts

How to Get Into a Top MBA Program, and What They Look for in Applicants

By Terrell Johnson / 08/14/2025

In this post, we’re breaking down what the most selective MBA programs – like Harvard Business School, Yale School of Management, and the Wharton School – are really looking for in applicants. I’ll share insights on leadership and initiative, personal character, academic readiness, career progression, and goal clarity, along with tips on aligning your application…

How to Get Accepted by Stanford and Ivy League Universities in 2025 (Webinar)

By Solomon Team / 08/13/2025

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 abbreviated transcript,…

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…

Differences Between Arts & Sciences and Engineering Programs

By Peter Zimmerman / 07/18/2025

(And How These Differences Impact Strategic Positioning) Choosing between applying to an undergraduate program in Arts & Sciences (“Humanities”) or Engineering is one of the most important academic decisions a high school student will make in the college application process. While both paths offer rigorous educational experiences, they require distinct approaches in the application process…

3 Advantages of Applying Early Decision

By Brandi Smith / 07/11/2025

Early Decision is a way to apply to college that gives you a decision by early to mid-December. However, it’s binding, meaning if you’re accepted, you must attend and withdraw all other applications. What Is Early Decision? Early Decision is binding, meaning if you’re accepted, you’re committed to attending that college and must withdraw all…

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…

Is an online MBA worth it? What makes an online MBA Program elite?

By Bernadine Dykes / 06/27/2025

As online MBA programs continue to grow in number and popularity, one critical question remains: how do you separate truly elite programs from the rest? At Solomon Admissions Consulting, we work with applicants navigating this exact decision. I’ve advised hundreds of prospective MBA students, and I also hold an MBA from a top-tier U.S. program…

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…