Updated Information on All Things College Admissions

Families often ask, “Is college worth the high cost?” With rising tuition and competitive admissions, it's easy to understand this concern. But maybe this isn't the best question to ask. Instead, families should ask: “What is the real purpose of college?” Answering this question first can help students build a college list that truly fits their goals.

If you're the parent of a rising senior, chances are you've already heard the buzz about early applications. Maybe a friend’s child got into their dream school through Early Decision. Maybe your teen is hearing classmates talk about submitting applications by November or registering for the August SAT. And maybe you're wondering: Are we supposed to be doing more right now? Should my teen apply early?  It’s a great—and increasingly important—question. The Class of 2025 admissions cycle revealed just how much the early application landscape has changed. Applying early is no longer just a small boost. At many selective schools, it’s become the main round .

For years, many families considered public flagship universities to be smart safety choices—academically rigorous, nationally respected, and relatively attainable. Schools like the University of Georgia, University of Michigan, and UNC-Chapel Hill offered big-school energy with strong outcomes and, for high-achieving students, a sense of security in the admissions process. That’s no longer the case.  The Class of 2025 admissions cycle confirmed what many parents of teenagers are just beginning to realize: many flagship public universities are now among the most selective options on a student’s list—especially for out-of-state applicants. In this post, we’ll unpack why this shift is happening, what the latest admissions data reveals, and how families can build smarter, more strategic college lists that balance aspiration with access.

If you’re parenting a high schooler through the college admissions process, you’ve probably noticed the shift. It’s no longer just about having a strong GPA or a few standout test scores. Today, especially at large public universities like UT Austin, the University of Michigan, and schools in the University of California system, colleges are asking a new question:  How well does this student’s story align with the major they’re choosing?

Applying to the University of Texas at Austin is competitive—nearly 90,000 students apply each year. One of the most critical, yet frequently overlooked, components of your application is the expanded resume. Unlike a traditional resume, UT Austin expects a detailed overview of your activities, ranging from two to five pages. Here’s your step-by-step guide to building an expanded resume that stands out.

As the school year winds down, many parents are seeing it: a teen who once seemed focused and motivated is now… done. The energy’s gone. The stress is high. And whether they’re avoiding schoolwork or dodging conversations about the future, you’re left wondering how to help them re-engage—especially with college decisions, applications, or planning just around the corner. Burnout at this stage is more common than you think. It doesn’t mean your teen isn’t capable. It means they’re human. And in a year marked by record-shattering college admissions trends, even the most ambitious students are feeling the weight.

If college admissions felt unpredictable this year, you're not imagining it. The landscape shifted—again—and families across the country are scrambling to make sense of what just happened. It’s not just about more applications or lower admit rates; it’s about a system that now demands deeper strategy, earlier preparation, and more alignment between a student’s story and their academic goals. For many parents, it’s overwhelming. You want to support your teen, but it’s hard to know where to start. This post is here to help you sort through the chaos and use the months ahead to build clarity, direction, and momentum—no matter what grade your student is in.

When families think about the college admissions process, the focus often falls on the big-ticket items—GPA, test scores, essays, and extracurriculars. But there’s one document that quietly shapes how colleges read every application: the high school profile. It’s not something students write. It’s not something parents typically see. And yet, it might be the most important context-setting piece of the entire college file. At a time when admissions have never been more competitive—and when holistic review is being more carefully scrutinized—the school profile plays a crucial role in ensuring your student is evaluated fairly. It is, in every sense, the unsung hero of the application.

This year, we were lucky to work with some of the most driven and thoughtful high school seniors in the country. Many of them were offered admission to one or more of the nation’s most selective colleges—from Stanford to Barnard—during what was arguably the most competitive admissions cycle we’ve seen. These students faced record-low admit rates, rapidly shifting expectations, and more nuanced institutional priorities than ever before. What they accomplished, and how they approached the process, offer a roadmap for students and families navigating what comes next.  Before we dive into those takeaways, a reminder: success in the college process doesn’t mean admission to one of these 25 schools. And falling short of their nearly impossible standards is not a failure. The schools below are incredibly selective, admitting just a sliver of the country’s most accomplished applicants. The strategies that helped students get in this year can support all students in telling a more authentic, compelling story—regardless of where they apply.

If your teen is planning to take the ACT this year, you’re stepping into a season of change. The ACT is rolling out a new format—the Enhanced ACT—that will impact everything from test timing to how scores are calculated. While much of the content remains the same, the structure, pacing, and strategy are shifting in ways that matter. These updates could affect how your student studies, which version they take, and even how their scores are interpreted by colleges. Here’s what you need to know to make confident, informed decisions during this transition.

For neurodiverse students, the world of standardized testing can be especially challenging. From processing differences to sensory sensitivities and executive functioning issues, the traditional SAT and ACT formats don’t always allow these students’ true abilities to shine. But with a clear plan, thoughtful accommodations, and the right kind of preparation, students can approach testing with confidence. This roadmap is designed to help parents understand how to plan effectively—so their student has the support and strategies needed to succeed.

With standardized testing making a strong return in college admissions, many juniors are asking the right question: should I take the SAT or ACT one more time? The answer, for many students, is yes—a small bump in your score could make a big difference, especially at competitive colleges where being in the top quartile matters more than ever.  Schools like Yale, Dartmouth, Brown, Penn, and UT Austin have brought back test score requirements. Even at test-optional schools, students who submit strong scores often enjoy higher admission rates and stronger scholarship consideration. A 50-point increase on the SAT or a 1-point increase on the ACT might be all it takes to push your student into a higher percentile—and open up new doors.

If you're the parent of a sophomore, you're likely starting to hear more about the SAT and ACT—and wondering when and how your student should begin preparing. The good news? Planning early can dramatically reduce stress and open up strategic advantages, especially as more colleges—including UT Austin, Yale, Dartmouth, and Penn—return to requiring test scores. Even at test-optional schools, strong scores can increase admissions odds, boost merit aid, and help your student stand out.  For many families, August and September test dates provide a key opportunity: they allow students to prepare during the quieter summer months and test before junior year picks up speed. This guide breaks down what every sophomore parent should know, with a focus on how to plan ahead for low-stress, high-impact testing.

The summer before senior year is one of the most valuable windows in the college admissions journey. With your final year of high school just ahead, now is the time to reflect on your application résumé and take action to strengthen it—before deadlines arrive.  Maybe you’re missing a connection to your intended major. Maybe your activities list is shorter than you’d like. Or maybe you’ve been busy with school and haven’t had time to lead or explore beyond the classroom. No matter where you’re starting, there’s still time to grow.

College admissions have become one of the most emotionally charged rites of passage for today’s teens. For many families, this season brings a mix of pride, pressure, and uncertainty. While excitement is part of the process, the toll on student mental health is real—and rising. More than half (52%) of students say the college application process is the most stressful academic experience they’ve faced. Nearly 48% report that anxiety and pressure overshadow their college planning, and 28% say mental health concerns have made them consider delaying or skipping college altogether.  As a parent, you can’t eliminate the stress entirely—but you can play a powerful role in how your student experiences it. This guide offers practical ways to support your teen’s mental health while keeping the admissions journey grounded in your family’s values.

As college admissions evolve, a new class of top-tier institutions is emerging. While the Ivy League still commands prestige, this year's admissions trends, employer preferences, and student outcomes reveal a different story: the most successful students are increasingly choosing schools that combine rigorous academics, real-world outcomes, and vibrant, supportive communities. Welcome to what Forbes calls the New Ivies . These 20 schools—10 private and 10 public—are highly selective, high-performing, and deeply respected by employers across industries. They offer the academic rigor and career outcomes once associated only with the Ivy League, without the rising skepticism and political noise now surrounding it. Organized by region, here's a closer look at each school on the list—what makes them stand out, what top employers value, and what the students we work with love most.

Choosing the right college is a significant decision for all students, but it requires additional consideration when your child has learning differences. Beyond academics and campus culture, understanding how a school supports diverse learning needs can make the difference between struggling and thriving. With the May 1 decision deadline still weeks away, you have plenty of time to gather important information to make sure the college your student chooses will have the support they need.

For students with learning disabilities, finding the right college isn't just about academic programs or campus life—it's about locating an institution that provides the specific support needed for academic success. While all students benefit from learning-friendly environments, those with learning disabilities particularly benefit from colleges that understand, accommodate, and embrace diverse learning styles. Identifying and visiting these institutions allows students to evaluate firsthand how well the college's support systems align with their specific needs.

This year’s admissions cycle brought a mix of record-breaking application numbers and inspiring student outcomes—and we’re thrilled to share that more than 100 of the students we worked with were accepted to selective colleges across the country. From Yale and Rice to UT Austin’s most competitive majors, our students stood out not just for their academic achievements, but for the intentional, purpose-driven stories they told. In a year marked by soaring deferral rates and shifting testing policies, they rose to the challenge with resilience and clarity. They leaned into their interests, took bold steps outside the classroom, and built applications that reflected who they are—and who they’re becoming. If you're wondering what truly moved the needle this year, we’ve gathered the most important insights from our team’s analysis and student outcomes. And more importantly, we’ve outlined how your student can apply these lessons to their own journey.

When students apply to UT Austin, many focus on getting into the university. But UT admissions doesn’t work that way. You're not applying to UT Austin. You’re applying to your first-choice major at UT Austin—and that changes everything. Whether it’s Business at McCombs, Engineering at Cockrell, or a major like Biology, Journalism, or Public Health, what UT wants to know is simple but powerful: Have you shown that you're ready to succeed in this specific major—starting on day one? That’s the heart of what UT calls “fit to major.” And it might just be the most important—and misunderstood—part of the application. Let’s unpack what it really means, why it matters more than ever, and how students can take intentional steps to build their story of fit. 

While it may feel like “no one gets into UT anymore,” this year told a different story. In the school's most competitive admissions year yet, many of the students we had the privilege to work with were overjoyed to receive admission offers. These students approached the process with reflection, purpose, and persistence, building thoughtful applications that aligned with their goals. Their success reminds us that while the path isn’t easy, it is absolutely possible—with the right plan and a clear sense of direction.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of building a college list around prestige. For many students, that means stacking the list with reach schools—those with low admit rates and big-name reputations—while treating match and possible schools like afterthoughts. But here’s the thing: a balanced college list isn’t just a safety net—it’s a strategy for success. With so much unpredictability in admissions, especially at public flagships and highly selective schools, having a thoughtful mix of options ensures good news come spring. A balanced list doesn’t mean lowering your goals. It means expanding your options, aligning with your future, and making sure that when spring comes around, good news is part of the equation.

In a year when UT Austin saw a surge in competitive applications, one student stood out not because of a flashy resume—but because of the deeply personal way they connected their real-world experiences to their future goals.  This is the story of a student admitted to UT’s College of Natural Sciences as a public health major, a pathway that is often overlooked in favor of more traditional pre-med routes. But this student’s thoughtful application, grounded in service, reflection, and science, made a lasting impression.

In a year when UT Austin saw record-breaking applications, one student stood out—not with flashy awards or viral inventions, but with four years of focused effort, academic rigor, and steady leadership. This case study tells the story of a mechanical engineering applicant to the Cockrell School of Engineering, one of the most competitive programs in the country. This student wasn’t an auto-admit. But they built their case from the ground up—brick by brick, project by project, and recommendation by recommendation.

In this year’s ultra-competitive UT Austin admissions cycle, the most successful applicants didn’t just have high test scores—they had stories. They showed initiative, reflected deeply on their experiences, and demonstrated clear fit to their first-choice major.  This case study highlights one of those standout applicants: a student admitted to the McCombs School of Business who didn’t take the traditional business path. Instead, their journey included a career pivot, a coffee shop job, and an unexpected entrepreneurial venture—all tied together by curiosity, initiative, and thoughtful reflection.

Standardized testing is making a strong comeback in college admissions. A growing number of top colleges, including Ivy League institutions, have reinstated test requirements, and even test-optional schools are favoring applicants with strong SAT or ACT scores. With this shift, juniors must take a strategic approach to testing, aiming for a score in the top quartile of their target schools. April is a crucial month to finalize test prep plans, register for upcoming exams, and ensure students are on track to submit their best possible scores.

One of the biggest trends in this year’s college admissions cycle is the resurgence of standardized test scores as a meaningful input in admissions decisions. A growing number of top colleges, including several Ivy League institutions, have reinstated test requirements, and even at test-optional schools, strong SAT and ACT scores can significantly boost an application. With this shift, sophomores and their families should take a proactive approach to standardized testing. April is the perfect time to map out a game plan, ensuring your student is on track for success.

Choosing the right college is one of the most significant decisions you'll make. It’s a choice that affects your education, career opportunities, social experiences, and financial future. With so many factors to consider, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But take a deep breath—this is an exciting moment! The good news is that there’s no single “right” choice. The best decision is the one that aligns with your values, goals, and future aspirations.  Most colleges and universities set a final decision deadline of May 1 of a student’s senior year. It’s essential to compare options thoroughly but also to make a timely decision to secure your spot. This guide will walk you through a step-by-step approach to choosing your college with confidence and excitement!

When it comes to pursuing a degree in data science, most students immediately think of prominent schools like Stanford, MIT, or Harvard. However, numerous hidden gems across the U.S. offer exceptional data science programs with impressive curricula, practical training, and high acceptance rates. Here’s a closer look at eight outstanding yet often overlooked schools perfect for future data scientists: