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…
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…
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…
(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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
As you begin your senior year of high school, the excitement and anticipation of college life are just around the corner. Whether you’re exploring campuses, researching programs, or diving into application guides, one crucial tool will be your key to unlocking opportunities at over 1,000 colleges worldwide: the Common Application. With deadlines looming in the…
In the world of college admissions, there are nearly infinite methods and rubrics that universities use to evaluate applications. While the review process is holistic, considering academics, extracurricular activities, and more, many schools feel the need for a universal measure or evaluation tool. Is an ‘A’ at your high school equivalent to an ‘A’ at…