Academics

Depends. If your application is for graduate school where you generally already have a field of study chosen, or for direct admission into an undergrad college like X University’s College of Education, you should definitely tie your main application essay into your future major or focus area.

At this point, most US colleges have implemented a holistic approach to their college admissions process. Instead of focusing on a number, admissions committees aim to understand who applicants are as individuals, specifically what they’re going to bring to the classroom and the campus community.

In the latest video from our YouTube channel - I break down the 5 trends I keep seeing on applications this year.

No matter how strong your grades are or high your SAT scores, admission isn’t guaranteed. There are a number of factors that go into your admissions decision.

If you’re applying to medical school, the MCAT is an essential piece of your application. It tests your knowledge of General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, General Biology, Biochemistry, Physics, Psychology, and Sociology, along with your critical analysis and reasoning skills. Below, we’ve put together a list of 8 free resources to help you start studying.

Your high school transcript says a lot about who you are as a student. Beyond the letter grades, your transcript demonstrates your ability to take advantage of your school’s opportunities and explore your academic interests. Do you challenge yourself? Do you step out of your comfort zone? Admissions officers want to know what you’re bringing to the table, and what kind of student you’ll be in college.

If you’re in the process of applying to college, you’ve probably registered for your SAT. Have you thought about whether you want to do the Essay portion or not? Before you decide, we’ve broken down the SAT Essay for you to help you prepare.

AP courses, IB diploma, CTE programs--there are many different options to consider when you’re trying to challenge yourself academically. There are pros and cons to each of the options, so take a look at our breakdown of dual enrollment to help you narrow things down.

We’re not saying you have to start stressing about applying to college one day. (Please don’t stress! There will be plenty of time for that later). But, it’s much easier to maintain your GPA than it is to bring your grades up. Just like it’s much easier to gradually add responsibilities and activities to your plate, instead of signing up for anything and everything and risking complete burnout.

Year after year, the number of students studying abroad continues to increase. Personal and professional development aside, study abroad gives students the opportunity to create memories that will last a lifetime

Looking for a unique education experience? If you’re trying to find a sure-fire way to prepare for college and get out of your comfort zone, the IB diploma program might be a good fit for you.

It’s the question everyone dreads. “What are you going to study?” You worry you’ll change your mind; you worry you won’t pick the right choice.  If your answer is “I don’t know, but I know I want to work in STEM,” this article will help you realize there are plenty of options for you to consider.

Did you know that the majority of low-income, qualified students don’t apply to top colleges? With high grades and academic achievements, many would be as competitive as their peers at the most selective schools, including Ivy League institutions like Harvard, Yale, and Princeton. Yet, a number of socioeconomic factors either dissuade or prevent low-income students from applying to these schools. In comes QuestBridge.

Q: Does the ranking of your high school matter to college admissions?

A: Yes, at least at the university I’ve worked at.

A: Your GPA is just one factor among a dozen or so colleges use to evaluate applicants. In many ways, I view course rigor and other academic indicators as important, if not more important, than having an incredibly high GPA (3.75+). Still, GPA does matter in the long run.

Are you thinking about studying engineering? From mechanical engineering to computer engineering, there are plenty of paths to explore. Plus, the field of engineering is expected to continue growing in the next decade, so you’d be looking at a strong job outlook for the future.

As a 9th or 10th grader, it can feel like it’s too early in the game to start worrying about the actual process of applying to college. And you’re right. Your goal in the first two years of high school should really be to lay the foundation for success--focus on doing your best in school and finding the extracurricular activities that you enjoy--so you can develop your interests and grow as a student.

As an experienced admissions file reader, there are some basic guidelines I would give any applicant, that if followed, would make their application profile more competitive for top schools, like the Ivies.

Like your college essay, letters of recommendation allow admissions counselors to gain a better sense of who you are. While your SAT scores and grades give an idea of your academic capabilities, your recommenders can speak to your personality, your work ethic, and what you might bring to the campus culture.

When applying for college, you’ll most likely need to include one to two letters of recommendation from a high school teacher with your application. Colleges use these letters of recommendation to understand the whole student as a part of the holistic review process. Letters of recommendation allow admissions officers to learn more about your personal background, values, and interests by getting a unique perspective from someone who knows you well.