Last October, many American high school students got their first taste of a “digital adaptive test” when they took the PSAT in its new, digital format. And as of March, 2024, the SAT has moved to a completely digital format–a decisive change for a test that’s been around for almost a century. The College Board has been working on this move for some time, announcing back in early 2022 that a fully-digital SAT was in the works. Read more to learn all about the new digital SAT and how it compares to the ACT.

So, like many other college applicants, you’ve found yourself in limbo, wait-listed at your first-choice school. How do you get off a college waitlist? Be sure to promptly respond to that school’s waitlist invitation so you formally accept a spot on the waitlist. You will also want to consider taking several strategic actions to increase your shot at getting off the waitlist and gaining admission to your dream school. Read more to learn about letters, recommendations and other materials you can send to colleges that have wait-listed you.

For students with learning differences or other disabilities that negatively affect their ability to perform on tests, taking the SAT or ACT as part of the college application process can seem overwhelming. Luckily, many schools now offer “test optional” or “test blind” applications–so it is possible to avoid these tests altogether. However, many schools still require tests. And even at schools that don’t, if you are able to show a strong test score, it can go a long way in strengthening your application and make you a more competitive applicant. For this reason, students who struggle with tests due to a diagnosed learning difference or other disability should look into requesting SAT and ACT accommodations that will allow them to demonstrate their academic abilities on these standardized tests.

Learn how to best prepare, apply and get into the MIT Research Science Institute (RSI). RSI is the preeminent summer research program for exceptional high school students (mostly rising seniors) who are passionate about STEM. Sponsored by the Center for Excellence in Education (CEE) and hosted by MIT, RSI provides participants with a unique - and free - opportunity to conduct a full cycle of scientific research utilizing resources of the highest quality.

College admissions offices that once practiced race-based affirmative action will have to change their admissions processes in the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s June 2023 ruling.

Chief Justice John Roberts included an important caveat in his majority opinion, stating that the decision should not be understood to preclude “universities from considering an applicant’s discussion of how race affected his or her life, be it through discrimination, inspiration, or otherwise.”

Learn how to highlight diversity in your college applications by emphasizing your diverse background and lived experiences.

Some students simply feel burnt out from the mental weight of a Covid-limiting high school experience and want to use the time for a more in-depth exploration of personal and academic interests. Others may feel energized by the thought of a research project while working to fund their year.

There are some tips you should consider regarding how to plan a gap year. To get the most out of your gap year, be honest about what you hope to gain from the experience. Despite there being an endless list of paid program options as well, there is no amount of time or money that can create a meaningful experience for you. Get in the right mindset that will help you maximize this time!

Choosing a college major is one of the biggest decisions a high school or underclassman is faced with–and making this choice can feel overwhelming. But by asking yourself the right questions and utilizing all the resources available to you, this process doesn’t have to be stressful. Here are some guiding questions to consider as you explore your options…

One of the most rewarding experiences for any high school student is to build self-knowledge and ultimately find a purpose for one’s life. Yet, achieving such a feat may be more difficult than one might think. The goal of this blog post is to explain the why behind the idea of living with purpose and to break down this quest into digestible morsels.

As you look ahead to college, you may already be thinking about your future career as an aspiring filmmaker, author, or actor–or perhaps you’ve already dedicated years to your art, whether as a dancer, visual artist, or musician. If you have a creative passion, you might be wondering: how do I choose between a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.)?

There’s no one answer to this question–your ideal degree path is just as personal as your art itself! But a good way to begin exploring whether a B.A. or a B.F.A. is right for you is by considering your strengths, your interests, and your goals.

There’s good news for students interested in history, politics and government: A plethora of extracurriculars exist that’ll not only boost your college resume, but will also deepen your knowledge of a particular subject in preparation for a rigorous college education. Here are steps that will guide you in building extracurriculars in history and government.

Choosing between a liberal arts college vs. a research university after high school can be a daunting task, especially with the myriad options available in the U.S. alone. In general, there are two types of 4-year institutions one can choose between: liberal arts colleges and research universities.

Here we will outline some key differences to help you navigate the higher education landscape.

Learn the differences between the academics, size and qualities of a Liberal Arts College vs. a Research University.

Getting recruited to play college sports can be one of most thrilling experiences. Yet, the student-athlete experience varies quite a bit, depending on a range of factors, such as the division level, team dynamics, and coaching style.

Choosing the right school for you depends on a variety of factors, such as school size, location, academic opportunities available, and campus culture. Learn more about what to do through high school to be a a compelling athletic recruit.

If you have a learning difference (LD) or ADHD and are applying to college, you need to start the process by asking yourself one very important question:

“What accommodations and supports do I currently rely on for my schoolwork?”

Different colleges and universities will all have different levels of support for students with learning differences. It is important to apply to colleges that offer you the support you need to succeed.

This is the time of year for high school students to make exciting summer plans, especially for rising juniors and seniors. Highly selective colleges expect and truly care about how students spend their summers, aside from academic work and family trips. In fact, a number of top schools use one of their supplemental essays to ask about summer experiences. Powerful, creative summer programs reveal leadership and initiative that can help tip a student into a great college.

Parents are vital mentors and stewards throughout high school. Here are things parents can do to best support their student for college success.

Choosing a college that’s right for you can feel like a daunting—maybe even impossible—decision. Ultimately, your choice should come down to one thing: which school is the best fit for you.

Being deferred is an excellent opportunity to reaffirm your commitment to a college, as well as to provide more information that could positively affect the ultimate admissions decision. Here are some tips on what to do if you are deferred.

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