Updated Information on All Things College Admissions

The University of Texas at Austin is introducing three new interdisciplinary majors that will launch in Fall 2026. These programs, known as CS+X, combine Computer Science with another field of study to prepare students for the expanding role of artificial intelligence across every aspect of society. Students will be able to pursue a degree in History and Computer Science, Linguistics and Computer Science, or Neuroscience and Computer Science. Housed in the College of Natural Sciences, each major offers a powerful combination of technical skills and domain-specific knowledge, equipping students to lead in an AI-driven future. 

In a world where bots can write an essay in seconds, the smartest move you can make is to sound human. That means skipping the perfectly polished answers. It means letting go of what you think colleges want to hear. And it means leaning into the things that make you a little different, a little nerdy, maybe even a little weird. Because your real-life interests—your quirks, hobbies, and evolving passions—are the key to writing an essay that no chatbot could ever replicate. Here’s how to turn those real interests into a standout essay that sounds like you and only you. 

If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you already have a college essay draft. You’ve poured hours into it. You’ve edited the grammar. You’ve moved a few things around. Maybe you’ve even shared it with someone for feedback. But here’s the question: does it sound like you? Not the polished version of you. Not the version that wants to impress admissions officers. The real you. The one who has stories and quirks and questions and growing edges. In a world where AI tools can create clean, formulaic essays in seconds, what makes your writing stand out is not perfection. It’s personality. Here’s how to revise your essay like a human, not a machine. 

Let’s be honest. AI is everywhere. By now, most students have at least thought about using ChatGPT to help with their college essays. Some might even use it to draft full responses. But here’s what admissions officers are saying out loud: they can tell. Bot-written essays tend to blend together. They sound polished but flat. They follow the rules but leave no fingerprints. There’s no real personality. No weirdness. No spark. And that’s where you win.  Your secret weapon in the age of AI is the thing that no bot can fake: your odd, nerdy, oddly specific interests. Your quirks. Your voice. The things you love that no one else quite understands.

We are officially in the AI detection era of college essays. As more students experiment with tools like ChatGPT to write their college essays, admissions officers are asking a new question: Did a real student write this? And here is the truth—many of them can tell when the answer is no. This year, more than ever, your personal statement has to sound like a human. Not a bot. Not a template. Not a perfectly polished version of who you think you are supposed to be. But an honest, specific, and emotionally grounded reflection of you.  Here is what raises red flags in this new era—and how you can write an essay that feels real, human, and unforgettable.

In a world full of AI-generated essays, the one thing that will make yours stand out is simple. It has to sound like you. Not the version of you you think colleges want. Not the polished, resume-loaded version that feels like a LinkedIn post. Just you. Your voice. Your story. The way you actually think and speak and see the world. That’s what admissions officers are listening for. They are not looking for perfect. They are looking for personal. Here’s how to make sure your personal statement actually sounds like you.

The Self-Reported Academic Record, or SRAR, is a form that allows students to enter their high school grades, courses, GPA, and class rank directly into a standardized system. Many colleges now use the SRAR in place of an official transcript during the initial application review. Once a student completes their SRAR, they can link it to multiple participating colleges, saving time and reducing the need for repeated transcript requests.

If your student is heading into senior year, you may already be feeling the pressure of looming college deadlines—and one of the biggest decisions often hits just as school starts: should they apply Early Decision? The numbers are compelling. At some selective colleges, the ED acceptance rate is two to three times higher than regular decision. But those numbers only tell part of the story. Early Decision comes with a binding commitment, financial tradeoffs, and a need for clarity that not every student has in the fall. This guide will help you understand what ED really means, who benefits most, and how your family can make a confident, informed choice.

Planning college tours can be confusing and stressful for parents. With so many choices and details to coordinate, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Visiting campuses in person is one of the best ways to reduce uncertainty and give your student clarity about what they want. Campus visits offer a real look at academics, student life, and overall fit in a way that websites and brochures cannot match. This guide will help your family stay organized and focus on what matters most—finding the colleges where your student can truly thrive.

If your student is applying to Texas A&M, understanding their admissions timeline is essential. While many universities operate on traditional deadlines, Texas A&M uses a rolling admissions model with some important differences. Knowing how and when to apply can help your student stand out, especially if they are not in the top 10 percent auto-admit group. 

Your student took advanced classes, earned excellent grades, stayed active in school clubs, volunteered on weekends, and maybe even scored above a 1450 on the SAT. They hit every benchmark. Their college list was thoughtful. UT Austin was the top choice. And still, they were denied.  This story is more common than many people realize. Each year, UT Austin turns away thousands of highly qualified applicants.

At The University of Texas at Austin, what you list as your second-choice major is not just a backup plan. It is a real part of your application strategy. In fact, for many students who are not automatically admitted through the top 5% rule, that second-choice major could be the difference between an offer and a denial. But it only works if you approach it with intention. UT does not view the second-choice major as a throwaway. It still gets reviewed through the same holistic process. If you choose it wisely and align your application materials accordingly, it can open another door into one of the most competitive public universities in the country. 

For decades, the University of Texas at Austin has been the dream school for many Texas families. With its nationally ranked programs, strong alumni network, and unbeatable Austin location, it is no surprise UT remains one of the most sought-after public universities in the country. But in 2025, with over 96,000 applications submitted and rising selectivity across nearly every major, it is important to pause and ask:  Is UT Austin still the right fit for your student?

When writing your college essays, you've likely heard the advice "show, don't tell." But what does this mean, and why is it so important? Let's dive into the psychology behind this writing technique and how it can make your essays more compelling.

Straight A's are a remarkable achievement, but they're just one piece of the college admissions puzzle. Understanding that colleges take a holistic approach to evaluating applicants can help you build a stronger, more balanced application. Focus on developing yourself as a well-rounded individual with clear passions and goals. This includes challenging yourself with appropriate AP courses, engaging in meaningful extracurriculars, and preparing for standardized tests.

This year, UT Austin broke records again. More than 90,000 students applied. Admit rates dropped across every college, with competitive majors like business, engineering, and biology turning away highly qualified applicants. The message from the Class of 2025 admissions cycle was clear—students who moved early, built intentional alignment with their majors, and showed impact in their communities had the strongest results. If your teen dreams of becoming a Longhorn, junior year is not the time to wait and see. It is the time to act. This is your jumpstart plan.

Families often ask when they should begin preparing for UT Austin. The truth is, the most successful applicants in this year’s record-breaking admissions cycle didn’t wait until junior year to get serious. They started building strong habits, exploring academic interests, and growing into leadership during their early high school years. If your teen is in 9th or 10th grade and dreams of becoming a Longhorn, this fall is the right time to begin. Here are three high-impact areas to focus on now. 

This fall is your student's chance to take control of their journey to a highly selective college. The students who got results last year were the ones who moved early. They set goals, got focused, and built momentum while others were still waiting. The Class of 2025 faced record-low admit rates—Northeastern admitted just 5 percent, Caltech dropped below 3 percent, and Boston University came in under 12 percent. Even schools like USC, Tufts, and Emory, once considered possibles a few years ago, are now highly selective. What set successful students apart was not perfection. It was direction. If you want to stand out, now is the time to begin.

Applying to the University of California system? Don't let myths cloud your approach! From academic rigor to selecting the right major, understanding the truth behind the admissions process is key. Discover the top 5 myths about UC admissions and how to make your application stand out.

These ten colleges offer students the opportunity to pursue a flexible and interdisciplinary education, where you can tailor your academic journey to fit your unique interests and goals. Whether you're passionate about environmental policy, global commerce, or creating your own major, these schools provide the tools and freedom to craft an education that's uniquely yours.

The Activities section of the Common App is more than just a list—it’s a chance to show colleges who you are beyond your grades and test scores. By avoiding these common mistakes and focusing on clear, impactful descriptions, you can ensure this part of your application truly shines. Remember, admissions officers read thousands of applications, so make your activities stand out by being specific, highlighting leadership, and demonstrating the impact you’ve made in your community—all within those 150 precious characters.

Choosing between the SAT and the ACT can be challenging, but understanding their differences can help you make an informed decision. Consider your teen's strengths, weaknesses, and preferences in test structure, timing, math content, and reading and writing focus. By aligning their skills with the test that best suits them, you can enhance their performance and reduce the stress associated with standardized testing. As always, taking practice tests for both exams can provide valuable insights and guide your final decision.

As high school football season kicks off across the country, families are gearing up for another equally intense season: college applications. Just as a well-executed football gameplan can lead a team to victory, a strategic approach to college applications can help reduce stress and improve outcomes for students and parents alike. With open communication, strategic planning, and a focus on peak performance, you can transform the college application process from a nail-biting overtime into a triumphant victory march. Remember, the real win isn't just about making it onto a specific team – it's about emerging from this process stronger, more self-aware, and ready for the next exciting season of life.

When considering colleges and universities, the focus often centers on academic programs, campus life, and athletic achievements. However, many institutions have fascinating and often unexpected historical connections that add layers of depth to their identities. From schools with ties to significant social movements to those with unique cultural legacies, these institutions offer more than just education—they are living embodiments of history, tradition, and change.

Community engagement has become an increasingly important factor in higher education as colleges and universities seek to foster social responsibility, civic leadership, and a sense of service among their students. While many institutions are known for their academic excellence, there are a number of hidden gem colleges that stand out for their commitment to community engagement. These schools may not always be on the radar of prospective students, but they offer unique opportunities for hands-on learning, community-based research, and service projects that allow students to make a tangible impact on the world around them.

When it comes to choosing a college, the strength of an alumni network can make all the difference in your career success. While Ivy League schools often get the spotlight, many smaller colleges boast powerful, tight-knit alumni communities eager to support their fellow graduates. From Grinnell College in Iowa to Occidental College in California, these schools have alumni networks that are active in key industries across major cities like New York, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. One unexpected gem? Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas, where alumni are making waves in education, healthcare, and public service across the South. Explore the full list and discover a college where your connections will help you thrive long after graduation.

Texas A&M has just released its admissions requirements for the Class of 2026, and the race to Aggieland is officially underway. With nearly 75,000 applicants and a new plan to limit undergraduate enrollment at the College Station campus to 15,000 students per year, this year’s process will be more competitive than ever. Families must act early and strategically if their student hopes to secure admission—and land their first-choice major. It is crucial that students applying to Texas A&M prioritize their application work in the next six weeks. Submitting early is not just recommended. It is a strategic advantage. A&M’s rolling admissions process means that students who apply early have the best chance of getting into their preferred major. The window is short. The opportunity is real.

College essay prompts are changing this year. More schools are moving away from questions focused only on personal identity and asking students to reflect on moments of disagreement. These new prompts focus on experiences with differing opinions, ethical choices, or hard conversations. It is a meaningful shift. Colleges are looking for students who can think critically, listen with empathy, and reflect on complex situations.

If you’re the parent of a high school student, chances are you’ve heard some version of the question, “Will AI take over everything?” You’ve probably read about disappearing jobs, shifting skills, and the pressure to future-proof your child’s education. But the real question is not which jobs are safe. It’s this:  What makes a student irreplaceable in the age of AI?