student at a fork of holistic and test required admissions

Understanding Holistic Admissions: Beyond GPA and Test Scores

In today’s competitive college landscape, many parents are surprised to learn that top grades and high test scores alone no longer guarantee admission. Colleges and universities are increasingly turning to a holistic college admissions process…
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Need Blind, Need Aware: What Parents Should Know

As your family navigates the college application process, you're likely thinking about academics, campus culture, and financial aid. But one important factor that often goes overlooked—yet can play a significant role in admissions decisions—is…
Mother and daughter reviewing college material

Stretch, Target, Safety Schools: How to Build a Smart College List

When your child starts the college search, you'll quickly hear terms like stretch, target, and safety schools. These categories are more than just buzzwords—they're essential tools for creating a balanced college list that leads to real options…
Student working on applications

“Why Us” Essays: The Do’s and Don’ts of “Why Us” Essays

Whether you are applying to UT Austin, Rice, Michigan, USC, UChicago, NYU—or any other selective school—this guide will help you avoid common mistakes and craft a response that feels specific, personal, and compelling.
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Addressing Application Stress: Strategies for Students and Families

When College Dreams Meet Overwhelming Pressure As spring rolls in, so does an invisible weight for many high school juniors: college application season is around the corner. This should be a time of excitement and opportunity. But for many…
A group of students working on their early applications

How the Rise in Early Action Applications Is Changing Admissions

College admissions are evolving, and one of the most significant changes in recent years is the rise in Early Action (EA) applications. More students are choosing to submit their applications earlier, seeking potential advantages in acceptance…
Student desk before test
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Test-Optional is Fading: More Students Are Submitting Test Scores

Test-optional is fading in college admissions. For the past few years, test-optional policies have dominated college admissions. In response to COVID-19 and long-standing concerns about standardized testing fairness, many colleges eliminated…
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College Admissions Updates 2025: 6 Key Changes Families Must Know

The college admissions landscape is evolving rapidly, and families with high school students—especially in the Class of 2026 and 2027—need to stay ahead of the curve. With major college admissions updates in 2025, including new testing policies,…
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How to Research and Compare Colleges Effectively: A Step-by-Step Guide

Choosing the right college can feel overwhelming, but with the right research strategy, you can find your perfect fit. This step-by-step guide will show you how to compare colleges effectively using reliable tools like College Navigator.
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The Ultimate Junior Year Checklist: How to Get Your College Applications Ready

The end of the Junior year will be here before you know it, and if you want to start Senior year stress-free, now is the time to get your college applications in order.