Record-breaking application numbers defined the Class of 2030 admissions cycle, underscoring just how competitive the college application process has become. For rising seniors and younger high school students, understanding these trends offers valuable insight into the evolving admissions landscape, whether you’re applying this fall or planning for the years ahead. In our February post on Early Decision and Early Action results, we discussed how a growing number of highly se

According to College Board, 85% of selective colleges report that strong AP scores positively impact admissions decisions. Other than SAT/ACT scores, AP and IB exams are one of the only standardized metrics that allow colleges to compare applicant academic performance and preparation for college-level coursework. This is just one reason why AP scores are so important and why students should prioritize their AP exam course load and exam prep throughout high school! Using score

Key Insights from the First Round of College Decisions As we near the end of the 2025-26 admissions cycle, it’s time to review results from the early application rounds and analyze the data that’s available so far. The Class of 2030 continued to break records with an astonishing number of applications to a wide array of schools. Similarly, we saw a continuing trend of dropping acceptance rates, with almost every school becoming more competitive. Overall, the data shows only s

What You Need to Know Before Finalizing Your Testing Schedule Standardized test scores from the SAT, ACT, or AP/IB exams provide a metric that colleges use to more easily compare academic preparedness across all students. Additionally, test scores are a helpful supplement to a student's GPA and academic history, and can either back up strong grades or demonstrate that students may not be prepared for the rigor of college-level classes. Don't rely solely on a strong rank or G

Having trouble keeping up with everything you should be doing to become a competitive applicant for college admissions? Mid-year is the perfect time to assess your progress in 5 key areas to ensure you finish the second semester strong! Freshman Year: Explore and Settle In! Academics Don’t underestimate how difficult the transition from middle school to high school is, especially if you are taking Advanced Placement courses. Set academic goals for the second semester to imp