HelloCollege

APRIL 22, 2025

A lot has changed with the ACT and SAT over the last 20 years. The SAT changed the format of the test in 2005, and again in 2016, and again in 2024. As COVID wreaked havoc on the world in 2021, the College Board moved its annual AP testing to the computer, and we quickly learned what it was to take tests online.

Standardized Testing

AdmissionSight

JANUARY 1, 2025

Below is the admissions data over the past decade: UChicago Class Total Applications Overall Acceptance Rate 2028 43,612 4.5% This widening gap makes UChicagos admissions process fiercely competitive. At the same time, the admissions office has worked hard to keep standards sky-high. Not sure which test to take?

Acceptance

HelloCollege

OCTOBER 29, 2024

Deciding “should I take the SAT or ACT?” ” is a common dilemma for high school students navigating the college admissions process. Both tests are important, but they differ significantly in format, content, and timing, which can impact your performance and readiness for college. The SAT test is fully digital.

ACT

AdmissionSight

DECEMBER 19, 2024

Applying to Harvard might feel like a lot, but knowing what admissions officers actually want can make things much simpler. 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.

University

Peterson's Blog

JANUARY 7, 2025

Standardized test scores, like the SAT and ACT, determine academic readiness and skills for entering university. While it may be beneficial to take both tests, this blog will answer the question, “Do you need both ACT and SAT for college? What Are the ACT and SAT?

ACT

Expert Admissions

JULY 29, 2025

Expert Admissions hosted a webinar with Bari Norman and Trish Fairweather Cody, who discussed trends in college admissions over the last year and answered questions about the return of testing requirements, generational differences in admissions, international applications, changes at public universities, and more.

Admissions

AdmissionSight

JANUARY 20, 2025

With its reputation as one of the most prestigious universities in the world, Stanfords admissions process is notoriously competitive. Stanford is renowned not just for its academic excellence but for its highly selective admissions process, making it a dream school for many and a reality for only a lucky few. 2026 56,378 3.7%

Admissions

AdmissionSight

NOVEMBER 16, 2024

As a high school student, you’re probably no stranger to big tests like AP exams, the PSAT, or the SAT and ACT. Here’s some good news: more colleges than ever are making the SAT and ACT optional. For fall 2025 admissions, over 2,000 four-year colleges in the U.S. won’t require standardized test scores.

Testing

Excelsior Admissions Consulting

NOVEMBER 11, 2024

Breaking Down the Score Report Like the SAT, the PSAT has two sections: Evidence-Based Reading/Writing and Math. The PSAT is scored out of 1520 (while a perfect score on the SAT is 1600). If the student hasn’t chosen between the ACT and SAT, the PSAT score can be useful in determining which test the student should prepare for and take.

PSAT

ACM College Consulting

NOVEMBER 6, 2024

Course Selection : Ensure your coursework aligns with your future academic interests, goals, AND potential admissions requirements. 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.

Applications

North Star Admissions Consulting

JUNE 24, 2025

Welcome to week 2 of my college admissions advice column ! Today, I will answer one of the most common questions that I get this time of year: “ What college admissions trends are you seeing?” Tests are back. Doing so can dramatically increase your odds of admission, especially at certain schools.)

Admissions

College Essay Guy

NOVEMBER 4, 2024

So below, you can start by learning what each academy is looking for and how to prepare for the admissions process. According to the most recent US News & World Report data, all five academies have acceptance rates between 11-29% (though obviously the exact numbers vary year to year). What is attending a Service Academies like?

Letters of Recommendation

AdmissionSight

NOVEMBER 22, 2024

If you’re wondering about Vanderbilt’s GPA requirements, the acceptance rate, or how their admissions process compares to the Ivy League, this blog will break it all down. What Other Admission Requirements Do You Need? With that many high-achieving students fighting for admission, the competition is fierce. The answer: a lot.

Ivy League

Top Tier Admissions

NOVEMBER 18, 2024

Taking the PSAT (Preliminary SAT) is a great way to familiarize yourself with standardized testing, determine your strengths and weaknesses, and qualify for scholarships. The PSAT is also considered a predictive test in that it can inform how well you’ll perform on the SAT without any additional prep.

PSAT

Georgia Tech Admissions Blog

FEBRUARY 7, 2025

This week we welcome Senior Assistant Director for International Admission, Sara Riggs, to the blog. Having a license doesnt automatically make you a good driver, and test scores dont define the type of student youll be in a college community. Admission professionals give countless presentations about the application process.

Testing

Berkeley² Academy

MARCH 8, 2025

The 2024-2025 college admissions season is coming to a close. UT Austin continues to smash admissions records It was a huge year for UT Austin and other Texas schools. Over 90,000 students applied for Fall 2025 admission, compared to 72,885 students the previous year.

Admissions

AdmissionSight

JUNE 7, 2025

Well, there are a few reasons for this trend: Princeton went test-optional during the COVID-19 pandemic. Without the pressure of submitting SAT or ACT scores, applicants who might’ve been on the fence before felt they had a better chance. Admissions officers love seeing that you’ve challenged yourself.

Acceptance

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.

Testing

Top Tier Admissions

MARCH 18, 2025

In college admissions, the term “grade inflation” is frequently used. Yes, they use testing, but not every student takes the SAT or ACT in the recent test optional landscape, so graduation rates and sometimes GPA is also included. External pressures from rankings such as Niche and U.S

Admissions

AdmissionSight

MAY 8, 2025

The SAT is now fully digital, marking a significant shift for students preparing for the exam. If youve taken the PSAT recently, youve already experienced the new format, which is administered on a laptop or tablet at testing centers or schools, instead of the traditional paper and pencil. What Is the Digital SAT?

SAT

AdmissionSight

JANUARY 14, 2025

In this article, well unpack why MIT doesnt consider legacy admissions, explore some stats (like the MIT Common Data Set and MIT deferral rates), and share tips on how to crush your MIT application. MIT is one of the few elite institutions that doesnt have legacy admissions because it holds steadfast to a meritocratic admissions process.

Admissions

AdmissionSight

JUNE 7, 2025

Harvard University has announced that it will not release admissions statistics for the Class of 2029 until Fall 2025. Whether you’re going for Early Action, Regular Decision, or even trying to transfer in, understanding Harvard’s admission stats can help you craft a more strategic plan. But don’t panic! Overall 54,008 1,937 3.6%

Acceptance

Top Tier Admissions

JULY 8, 2025

This past May, students sat for over six million AP exams across 40 different subjects. Each year, Top Tier Admissions students work with our tutors to prepare for these challenging exams. Regardless, I’m proud of my students for pushing through some of the toughest test prep materials out there in preparations for the exam.”

Standardized Testing

Great College Advice

JANUARY 14, 2025

We are often asked whether it is too early to start the college admissions process in the 10 th grade. If you are keenly interested in the college process and motivated to get started, the spring semester of 10 th grade is a perfect time to begin exploring the world of college admissions.

Admissions

Peterson's Blog

NOVEMBER 18, 2024

Whether you need SAT ACT tutoring, ISEE test tutoring, or an online math tutor, Peterson’s test prep connects you with an award-winning online tutor anytime, 24/7, for instant live tutoring. Preparing for Major Exams or Transitions —Standardized tests, college admissions, or transitioning to a new grade level can be stressful.

Test Prep

Top Tier Admissions

JUNE 23, 2025

For families thinking strategically about college admissions, boarding school can be a transformative stepping stone. Inquire for information : Join the mailing list of each potential school to initiate contact and begin a relationship with the admission officers. Some schools may accept PSAT, SAT or ACT for older students also.

Applications

Top Tier Admissions

NOVEMBER 7, 2024

Last year, UC schools received over 250,000 applications for Fall 2024 admission and accepted 167,000 of those students. See our UC Admissions Trends post for 2024 here. 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.

Applications

AdmissionSight

DECEMBER 17, 2024

Part of this gap comes from the changing role of standardized tests, but it highlights a bigger issuethe growing divide between students who are actively preparing for college and those who are not. Its okay to test out different clubs and hobbies, but be careful not to spread yourself too thin.

High School

AdmissionSight

JANUARY 11, 2025

That shows the admissions team that you’re ready for college-level work. No need to worry about test scores and recommendation letters! Good news: unlike many other schools, UC Davis doesnt require SAT/ACT scores or recommendation letters as part of your application.

Acceptance

Berkeley² Academy

NOVEMBER 6, 2024

In addition, they provide a $4,000 semesterly stipend for books and other expenses, a $1,500 semesterly stipend for on-campus housing, a $6,000 stipend for study abroad opportunities, a $4,500 summer research stipend, and automatic admission into their Honors program.

Scholarships

AdmissionSight

APRIL 26, 2025

If you received a 910 SAT score, youre probably wondering if thats a good score and what it means for your next steps. Optimizing your SAT score is worth it since it plays a big role in your college application. The higher your score, the better your chances of standing out to admissions officers. How Good Is a 910 SAT Score?

SAT

HelloCollege

JANUARY 21, 2025

When planning for college , standardized test scores still stand out as one of the most important factors in applying to college. But one of the most common questions is, “How much does ACT/SAT tutoring cost?” How Much Does ACT/SAT Tutoring Cost?

ACT

AdmissionSight

NOVEMBER 19, 2024

Check out a timeline that lays out what you need to tackle as you work through the college admissions process. The PSAT, or Preliminary SAT, is a standardized test that gives you a sneak peek at what the SAT will be like. Prepare for the SAT and ACT. What summer programs or extracurriculars should I take?

Applications

AdmissionSight

DECEMBER 29, 2024

Caltechs admissions process is about as tough as it gets. Unlike some schools, Caltech keeps the specifics of its Early Action (EA) and Regular Decision (RD) admissions under wraps. Take a look at Caltechs admissions data : Caltech Class Total Applications Total Admitted Students Overall Acceptance Rate 2028 13,863 315 2.3%

Acceptance

The Koppelman Group

NOVEMBER 2, 2024

The acceptance rate for first-year admission is 11.8%. Augment Your Academics Hamilton doesn’t require any particular courses for admission, although they do have a ‘recommended’ minimum course distribution. Something you shouldn’t stress much about (if at all) are the SAT and/or ACT.

Internship

AdmissionSight

FEBRUARY 4, 2025

Out of this competitive pool, only 3,801 students secured admission, resulting in an acceptance rate of just 7.6%. ED applicants have a clear edge since they demonstrate a strong commitment to Northwestern as their top choicesomething the admissions team often favors. Early Decision 5,207 1,174 22.6% Overall 50,018 3,801 7.6%

Acceptance

AdmissionSight

DECEMBER 17, 2024

Lets break down how the admissions process works and why a slightly lower GPA doesnt have to hold you back. While there is no fixed minimum GPA for Harvard University, its important to understand that the admissions process is highly competitive. This means that if your GPA falls below 3.75, your chances of admission may be lower.

GPA