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. So, what does that mean for you?

Testing

AdmissionSight

NOVEMBER 16, 2024

Not everyone feels confident when it comes to taking tests. You’re not alone— around 40 to 60% of high school students experience test anxiety, a type of stress that makes it tough to focus and perform well during exams. As a high school student, you’re probably no stranger to big tests like AP exams, the PSAT, or the SAT and ACT.

Testing

AdmissionSight

NOVEMBER 19, 2024

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. Curious if you’re keeping up with everything you need to do for college applications during senior year?

Applications

Top Tier Admissions

JUNE 23, 2025

enroll now BOARDING SCHOOL APPLICATION 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. Begin working with a counselor: Get strategic about the application process with expert support, if available.

Applications

Top Tier Admissions

JUNE 30, 2025

Even though they all share one application, here’s a key thing to remember: each campus makes its own admissions decisions and has its own special strengths. Keep reading to find out how to use its unique application format to really show off what makes you shine.

Applications

AdmissionSight

MARCH 20, 2025

Scoring well on Advanced Placement (AP) Exams can strengthen your college application, demonstrate your readiness for rigorous coursework, and even earn you college credit. But AP Exams takes a solid study plan, smart test-taking strategies, and the right resources to succeed. What Does a Typical AP Exam Look Like? The only difference?

Testing

Top Tier Admissions

DECEMBER 23, 2024

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. This decision will be communicated to applicants by January 15.

Waitlist

HelloCollege

APRIL 29, 2025

The to-do list for college applications is long: filling in the Common App , gathering references, making lists of extracurriculars and volunteer activities and writing essays, potentially lots of them. million applications total in the 20232024 academic year. Your essays can also help you stand out in a crowd of similar applicants.

Applications

AdmissionSight

MARCH 9, 2025

of test-takers earning a 3 or higher, which colleges usually see as a passing score. AP Biology Course and Exam Description AP Biology Exam Format AP Biology Exam Questions How to Study for the AP Biology Exam AP Biology Exam Test-Taking Tips AP Biology Exam Date Is the AP Biology Exam Hard? Then comes the FRQ section.

Testing

Admissions Mom

DECEMBER 22, 2024

If youre a procrastinator like me, you might have put off starting your applications until now. Overall Last Minute Application Guide Look for schools with Jan 5 or later deadlines: You can sort by that on the Common App. Time-tested. Student-tested. Not to worry its not too late! I mean like TICK TOCK. (If Its not easy.

Applications

North Star Admissions Consulting

JULY 18, 2025

This week’s timely college admissions question is from the parent of a rising senior: “ Should I help my kid with their college applications?” It’s tough to know when and how to help your kid with their college applications without taking over the process or making their applications worse. I love this question.

Applications

Discovery College Consulting

MARCH 4, 2025

Test-optional policies took off during the Covid 19 pandemic, though some institutions, mostly small liberal arts colleges, had adopted these policies in the early 2000s. Recently, some of the most selective colleges in the nation have been reverting to test-required policies. It would not be surprising if others follow suit.

Policies

Admissions.Blog

JUNE 17, 2025

This means it’s an important time for members of the high school 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 standardized test requirements for first-year admission. Why Grueling: MIT’s 4.1%

Standardized Testing

College Essay Guy

JUNE 23, 2025

This probably won’t come as a surprise to you, but standardized testing (as in, the SAT and ACT) can have disparate negative impacts on first generation and/or low income (FGLI) students compared with wealthier students. TABLE OF CONTENTS (click to skip ahead) What even are these tests? so definitely don't stress about perfection.

Standardized Testing

AdmissionSight

JUNE 22, 2025

<p class="ai-optimize-6 ai-optimize-introduction"><strong>In 2024, <a href="[link] students</a> took the <a href="[link] Comparative Government and Politics Exam</a> The average score was 3.18, and 73% of test-takers earned a 3 or higher.</strong>

Government

AdmissionSight

JUNE 11, 2025

Is Princeton test-optional? Test scores won’t hurt your chances if you don’t submit them. This guide explains Princeton’s testing policy, what you need to know about submitting scores, and tips to help you decide if sending your results will strengthen your application. Is Princeton Test-Optional in 2025?

Testing

AdmissionSight

JANUARY 10, 2025

Selective colleges take a holistic approach to admissions, meaning they look at the whole picture instead of just focusing on your grades and test scores. A prestigious event that tests students on advanced biology topics through lab work and theory exams. at the International Biology Olympiad. International Biology Olympiad (IBO).

Extracurricular

UGA Undergraduate Admissions Q & A

NOVEMBER 22, 2024

In-State Early Action decisions will be released at 4 pm EST today, so here are some details about the In-State EA applicant and admitted groups. Again, today’s decisions are only for In-State applicants (either a GA resident or a student studying in a GA High School). in comparison with the overall applicant pool.

In-State

Discovery College Consulting

JANUARY 14, 2025

Many colleges, especially the most selective ones, have reported record numbers of applications year after year. But since most of these schools have not increased the size of their freshman class, more applications have resulted in more denials and higher selectivity. The proliferation of test-optional policies.

Applications

College Essay Guy

NOVEMBER 4, 2024

Service Academy eligibility requirements Service Academies application process Service Academy essays Final thoughts What are the US Service Academies? Earn strong standardized test scores ( minimum SAT scores of 500 verbal and 500 math, or ACT scores of 21 English, 19 Social Studies, 24 Mathematics, and 24 Science).

Letters of Recommendation

College Essay Guy

DECEMBER 6, 2024

What are the eligibility requirements for your GPA, test scores, and community service hours? The program offers scholarships based on your high school grades and test scores. Tests are accepted through August 31 of the high school graduation year. How do you qualify for a Bright Futures Scholarship?

Scholarships

AdmissionSight

DECEMBER 4, 2024

It gives you a sense of just how competitive the process is and helps you set realistic goals for your application. For the Class of 2028 , the university received a record-breaking 65,235 applications and accepted only 3,508 students. Historically, ED applicants have a better shot because it’s a smaller, more committed pool.

Acceptance

Great College Advice

NOVEMBER 5, 2024

Admissions officers mark each individual factor (grades, test scores, essays, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, etc.) The Importance of Your High School Transcript in College Admissions The number one most important element of your college application is your transcript. What About Standardized Test Scores?

Admissions

AdmissionSight

DECEMBER 19, 2024

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.

University

Emerging College Consulting

JUNE 6, 2025

Transparency About What Colleges Really Value The CDS tells you exactly what each school considers important in admissions —from GPA and test scores to extracurriculars and interviews. The CDS gives you hard numbers: how many students were accepted, how many submitted test scores, and what those scores looked like.

GPA

AdmissionSight

JULY 8, 2025

of test-takers earned a 3 or higher. </p> <p class="ai-optimize-290">The AP Chemistry Exam tests your understanding of chemistry concepts and your ability to design and describe experiments, so you’ll need a strong study plan. .</p> A solid majority pass, and about 45% earned a 4 or 5.</p>

Testing

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. Test Anxiety and Poor Exam Performance —You may understand the material but struggle to perform under pressure during exams. Ask questions.

Test Prep

HelloCollege

NOVEMBER 7, 2024

With so many components to college applications—grades, extracurriculars, test scores, and essays—it’s easy to lose sight of what makes you a unique applicant. One of the most important, yet often overlooked, aspects of your application is identifying and highlighting your unique strengths as a student and a person.

Applications

Expert Admissions

JULY 23, 2025

Usually, the second semester of 10th grade is when many students start thinking about a rough college list, as junior year is really the time to set things in motion for the ride you have ahead, as many students visit campuses and take standardized tests starting in the 11th grade. Once you’re a junior, start planning for standardized tests.

International Students

Peterson's Blog

AUGUST 5, 2025

History of Standardized Tests in the United States Since 1926, the SAT has been the go-to test for assessing college readiness. In 1959, the ACT was introduced to the standardized testing sphere for college admissions. Since then, this test has expanded and has been adopted by many schools.

ACT

AdmissionSight

NOVEMBER 17, 2024

indicating that most applicants earn A’s in high school. This could be because they didn’t turn in enough work, performed poorly on tests, or just didn’t show enough effort to grasp the material. You might’ve seen it pop up on a test or assignment and thought, “Is this good? What Is a 73 Percent Grade? Should I be worried?”

GPA

AdmissionSight

JULY 12, 2025

of test-takers earned a 3 or higher. </span></p> <p class="ai-optimize-7"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The AP Environmental Science Exam tests your ability to apply scientific concepts to real-world scenarios. .</span></p> scored a 5, and about 36.7%

Testing

AdmissionSight

DECEMBER 1, 2024

They offer financial aid programs like FAFSA, scholarships, grants, and even waive application fees to help ease the financial burden on you and your family. Convenient application process For starters, the application process is a breeze compared to what you’d face at a four-year university. Another huge perk?

Community College

AdmissionSight

JANUARY 1, 2025

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%

Acceptance

AdmissionSight

JANUARY 15, 2025

Holistic admissions policies are very common nowadays, with colleges considering different factors, such as essays, extracurriculars, and test scores. A lower GPA can negatively affect your college applications by signaling to admissions officers potential challenges with meeting the academic rigor of their institution.

GPA

AdmissionSight

NOVEMBER 26, 2024

million test-takers for the same cohort (ACT). Especially if you’re aiming for top-tier schools like those in the Ivy League, understanding ACT vs. SAT score conversion can make a big difference in your application strategy. Converting these scores allows colleges to compare students fairly, regardless of which test they take.

ACT

AdmissionSight

JUNE 25, 2025

of test-takers earned a 3 or higher.</strong> </p> <p class="ai-optimize-287">Presentational communication is tested through an argumentative essay and a cultural comparison speech. These questions test your listening comprehension and ability to interpret spoken Italian in real-world contexts.</p>

Testing