extracurriculars | Berkeley² Academy

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Common App Changes All Applicants Need to Prepare For

What students can expect during the 2026-27 admissions cycle The Common Application officially launched the 2026-27 college application season this past weekend. With the addition of 64 new member colleges, including Georgetown University, Common App is expected to continue seeing an increase in users and applications numbers. Last year alone, more than 1.46 million applicants submitted more than 9 million applications. One notable portal change in the My Common Application

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Mid-Year Momentum: College Admissions Checklists for High Schoolers

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

Level Up Your College Application with Contests and Competitions

What goals have you been setting in high school and what steps have you been taking to achieve them? Colleges don’t just want strong students—they want applicants who put their skills to the test. One of the most effective ways to do this is by competing in contests or competitions. Achieving success at the local, regional, state, national, or even international level shows admissions officers that you not only took the initiative to pursue your interests, but that you’re rea

Two black and white signs pointing opposite directions in a wooded setting. One reads "Early Action," the other "Regular Decision."

Early College Deadlines Are Here—Is Your Application Ready?

Early college application deadlines—including Early Action and Early Decision—are fast approaching, with most falling in early November. Now is a good time for current seniors to “take stock” of all components of their applications, including essays, SAT/ACT scores, extracurricular development, and other supplemental materials like additional information responses, honors essays, and scholarship essays. B2A typically recommends students apply to around 10 colleges in total: