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Congratulations on completing the first semester of your junior year of highschool! Although there is no cookie-cutter approach, here are some suggestions to accelerate the college admissions process in the second semester of your junior year of highschool. Many test prep companies will provide free resources as well.
Starting with the Fall 2026 application cycle, undergraduate applicants will once again be required to submit standardizedtest scores (SAT or ACT) as part of their application. This marks a shift from the test-optional policy adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
This probably won’t come as a surprise to you, but standardizedtesting (as in, the SAT and ACT) can have disparate negative impacts on first generation and/or low income (FGLI) students compared with wealthier students. How to spot a school's REAL test policy Final Thoughts What even are these tests?
This means it’s an important time for members of the highschool Class of 2026 – especially those who want to run the gauntlet this admissions cycle – to be aware of the the five colleges with the most grueling standardizedtest requirements for first-year admission. Why Grueling: MIT’s 4.1%
With Early Decision deadlines in the rearview mirror, seniors are now turning their attention to their next round of applications. For some students, that means regular-round applications for schools like Wake Forest and Emory , which require all students interested in merit scholarships to submit their applications by November 15 th.
enroll now BOARDING SCHOOLAPPLICATION TIMELINE Fall (September-November of School Year Before Applying, i.e. 7 th grade for 9 th grade entry) – Evaluate Goals Reflect on goals: Identify what criteria are important to your family. Some schools may accept PSAT, SAT or ACT for older students also.
Highschool juniors are at a pivotal stage in the college application process. Prepare for StandardizedTests 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. Create a Timeline : Plan out your tasks for the next year.
Moreover, some students forego the process altogether and opt for work or the military instead. Don’t ruin your highschool experience over college. In the same bucket, we did no formal prep for standardizedtesting. Our youngest son at his highschool graduation. averages going into senior year.
The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) received a record-breaking surge in applications for the Fall 2025 term. Applications for freshman admission increased 24.3% this year, for a staggering total of 90,562 applications. These numbers speak to UT Austins (and southern schools in general) rising popularity among students.
Schools like to admit people who are good at school. Certainly, it’s nice to be a great center fielder, to have led your Model UN team to a regional title, or to be the lead in your highschool musical. The point is this: grades are the measure of your work in school.
Highschool is the perfect time to start thinking about your future. For most students, taking highschool seriously is driven by the goal of getting into Ivy League schools or other top universities in the country. Freshman year When you start your freshman year, youre stepping into highschool with a clean slate.
At HelloCollege , we encourage starting early on many parts of the college research and application processes ( testing , essays , etc.) Scholarships for highschool sophomores can play a crucial role in this early preparation. Scholarships for highschool sophomores can be a great way to get started.
Every year, highschool students prepare for a rite of passage: their college entrance exams. The SAT changed the format of the test in 2005, and again in 2016, and again in 2024. Why Take Digital StandardizedTests? Grades (GPAs) have steadily increased while standardizedtesting scores have steadily decreased.
For those living in Georgia, online highschools give you flexibility, allow you to learn at your own pace, and offer a variety of courses that might not be available at regular schools. But what exactly is online highschool, and how is it better than a traditional, brick-and-mortar public or private school?
What does Harvard look for in an applicant? Lets dive into the key aspects of building a successful Harvard application. Once you hit submit, youll gain access to Harvards application portal, where you can monitor your materials and even update your application if necessary. Essays This is your chance to stand out.
Teenagers with dyslexia face unique challenges during the college application process on top of the usual stress of essays, deadlines, and standardizedtests, theyre also navigating reading and writing difficulties that can make the process feel overwhelming. Why Hire an Independent Counselor? Whats the Process?
Congratulations on a successful end to your junior year of highschool! Before you know it, youll be starting your highschool senior year. Before you know it, youll be starting your highschool senior year. So, show your colleges some love and, in turn, they may return the favor come application season!
Applying to college and going through the college application timeline is excruciatingly overwhelming, especially if you don’t have someone like a parent or older sibling who’s been through it to guide you. That’s why we suggest starting with a simple to-do list during your junior year of highschool. A good starting point?
Standardizedtesting is becoming more important for students applying to selective colleges. Several colleges, including Brown, MIT, Stanford, Cornell (for students applying next year), and UT Austin are requiring standardizedtest scores from applicants. Read the release here. Read the article here.
boost your scores AP SCORES AS EVIDENCE OF RIGOR Most students take AP exams as the culmination of a year-long highschool course. Many UK universities accept a combination of SAT, ACT and AP exam scores in order to fulfill admissions testing requirements. Official score reports are not required for application purposes.
Service Academy eligibility requirements Service Academies application process Service Academy essays Final thoughts What are the US Service Academies? Earn strong standardizedtest scores ( minimum SAT scores of 500 verbal and 500 math, or ACT scores of 21 English, 19 Social Studies, 24 Mathematics, and 24 Science).
You’re not alone— around 40 to 60% of highschool students experience test anxiety, a type of stress that makes it tough to focus and perform well during exams. As a highschool student, you’re probably no stranger to big tests like AP exams, the PSAT, or the SAT and ACT.
Preparing for Major Exams or Transitions —Standardizedtests, college admissions, or transitioning to a new grade level can be stressful. Our tutors will review your writing submission—whether a book report, college essay, or scholarship application—and provide feedback on cohesion, clarity, and persuasiveness. Ask questions.
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 standardizedtest scores will once again be required.
The National Merit Scholarship Program is an annual academic competition for highschool juniors who take the PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) and achieve qualifying scores. What benefits do National Merit Scholars earn?
Teenagers with OCD face significant challenges during the college application process; the anxiety and rumination over the process itself are tacked onto the intrusive thoughts, compulsions, and obsessions they already have to deal with on a daily basis. Crafting that kind of application requires time, strategy, and careful planning.
Thats where a private counselor makes all the difference: helping students make strategic choices as early as freshman year to build a strong, well-rounded application. By working one-on-one with students, we help them craft a compelling, unique application that stands out. The outcome? Whats the Process?
Here’s a comprehensive overview of key milestones and focus areas for each year of highschool, including senior year. 9th Grade: Building the Foundation Freshman year focuses on making a successful transition to highschool while laying groundwork for college preparation. Consider summer retakes if needed.
RSI is one of the most sought-after summer programs for highschool students. Every summer, 100 of the brightest highschool students worldwide come together at MIT for an unforgettable experience. RSI’s unique curriculum RSIs rigorous curriculum blends theoretical learning with hands-on application.
While many students have the resources and know-how to focus on their GPA, test scores, and extracurriculars, there are other beneficial resources that students often underutilize: their highschool guidance counselors. Your counselor recommendation carries weight and goes to show that great applications aren’t built overnight.
Harvard reviews applications holistically, considering every part of your profile, not just your grades. Harvard receives over 60,000 applications yearly, and most successful applicants have strong academic records. So, a high GPA is important but is not the only factor determining your admission. 19.67% 3.50 – 3.74
A lower GPA can negatively affect your college applications by signaling to admissions officers potential challenges with meeting the academic rigor of their institution. It can make it harder for you to stand out among a pool of highly qualified applicants with higher GPAs. Perform well on standardizedtests.
For the Class of 2028 , UChicago received 43,612 applications and admitted only 1,955 students. Now, while UChicago doesnt release exact acceptance rates for Early Action (EA), Early Decision (ED I and II), or Regular Decision (RD), theres a trend you can count on: early applicants tend to have slightly better odds. 2027 38,631 4.8%
Unlock Students Potential: Introducing Our New Classic Learning Test Prep (CLT Prep)getting them closer to a score highlighting their college admissions strengths. What is the CLT Test? Were confident in their ability to shine brightly through this standardizedtest with adequate preparation. What Will Students Learn?
If you want to transfer to UT, you need to make sure you have the strongest application possible. Now, unlike highschool, the transfer Common App activities section (which they annoyingly call Experiences) is more about quality than quantity. If you need help with your transfer applications, reach out to us today.
Students with depression need a safe, structured place to get help through the college application process. And heres something to think about: Many of the students who seem to breeze through highschool with top grades and impressive college acceptances? But, thats where we come in. Why Hire an Independent Counselor?
Standardizedtest scores, like the SAT and ACT, determine academic readiness and skills for entering university. Scores grant entry to schools with specific requirements, award scholarships, and determine areas of strengths and weaknesses within a students academic career. What Are the ACT and SAT?
As colleges and application portals begin releasing data, we can use this information to better prepare future applicants. Today, well identify some of the most relevant trends for rising seniors and other highschool students. In the 2024-25 application cycle, 1.3 In the 2024-25 application cycle, 1.3
Getting into Cornell , an Ivy League school, is no walk in the park. But what does Cornell look for in an applicant, exactly? So, lets break down what Cornell looks for in an applicant. What Does Cornell Look for in an Applicant? Make sure you give them the attention they deserve: Rigor of secondary school record.
A highschool diploma or equivalent Youll need to have a highschool diploma or a GED (General Educational Development Test) before you can apply. But some schools might have specific highschool course requirements. These can vary from school to school, so always double-check.
The university has a test-optional policy, with about half of applicants choosing not to submit standardizedtest scores. Applications are reviewed geographically, meaning regional representatives like Molly Ingram read files from their territories before applications move through a collaborative committee review process.
weighted) highschool GPA and a minimum test score of 880 SAT or 17 ACT is eligible for consideration. scale, which makes it a school that values both academic rigor and potential. UVA is test-optional, and only 42% of applicants submitted test scores, so if standardizedtests arent your strength, dont sweat it.
Others say grade inflation has made highschool grades less effective at predicting college performance. It would, for instance, be unlawful for an educational institution to eliminate standardizedtesting to achieve a desired racial balance or to increase racial diversity.
THE RISE OF THE HIGHSCHOOL GPA Colleges can easily notice school-specific grade inflation by looking at the schools yearly college profile. Many schools provide the colleges with a breakdown of GPAs or a grade distribution chart, like the ones below. Colleges now expect high classroom performance.
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