Many students think that if their standardized test scores are “below average,” there’s no way they can submit a competitive application for college. However, test scores are only one part of a bigger picture.
Too often, students list highly selective, “name-brand” schools as their dream colleges without determining if these schools are a good fit.
Junior year is a busy time for students, and arguably one of the most critical college prep years. There’s only a little bit of time left before summer break and juniors are suddenly rising seniors and ready to start applying to college. There’s a lot that juniors can do between now and then to prepare and get on track with their college prep.
AI can be a useful tool, but it’s important to use it the right way when it comes to college prep.
While strong grades and test scores clear the academic bar, they rarely differentiate applicants at highly selective institutions; qualitative components play a central role.
It can be difficult to choose where to go to college, and it sometimes happens that a student realizes their current school isn’t working for them. Or perhaps a student starts out at a community college before continuing to a four-year school to finish their degree. Whatever the reason, transferring to another school is always an option. If you’re considering a transfer to another school, you are not alone.
After a busy fall term, it’s important to take some time to recharge during your winter break. However, that doesn’t mean you should press pause on your college planning. Without the stress of juggling classes and after-school activities, you can spend more relaxed, focused time working on tasks or diving deeper into your interests.
Often regarded as a “Southern Ivy,” which makes admission highly competitive, Duke attracts talented students from across the U.S. and around the globe. If you aspire to become a Blue Devil, it’s essential to understand what Duke looks for in applicants so you can position yourself for success.
The University of Chicago, commonly known as UChicago, is a private research university located within a 217-acre botanical garden in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood. UChicago was established in 1890 on the founding principles of academic freedom and free expression — principles that are still upheld to this day through interdisciplinary collaboration, world-class academics and research, and a distinctive campus culture.
While many schools have since reinstated testing requirements, thousands of schools remain test-optional or test-blind — some have even made it permanent. Learn more about test-blind and test-optional policies and how they may impact your admissions strategy.
