This page is licensed under Creative Commons under Attribution 4.0 International. Anyone can share content from this page, with attribution and link to College MatchPoint requested.
We have a unique approach at College MatchPoint. It all begins and ends with our ultimate goal: for our students to thrive in their selected college.
The college application process can feel overwhelming, no matter how strong the student. But at College MatchPoint, we believe it should be organized, personal, and even fun, and we provide a framework that reduces the stress throughout the journey.
DOWNLOAD OUR GUIDE TO
Applying to the University of Texas at Austin
It's hard to believe that a school as large as the University of Texas at Austin actually reviews every part of every student's application. But it does: UT is deeply committed to the holistic review of its applicants. This guide covers all required essays, as well as provides detailed information on the expanded resume, letters of recommendation, and evaluating fit-to-major and honors programs.
You might also be interested in these resources!
When families see a college’s admit rate, it looks simple. If a school reports an admit rate of 15%, you might assume your student has a one-in-six chance. At colleges that offer Early Decision (ED), the reality is much different. The overall admit rate blends two very different pools: students admitted through binding Early Decision and students admitted through Regular Decision. Because a large portion of the class is already taken in November, the students who apply in January are competing for far fewer seats. That’s why the number that matters most is the effective Regular Decision admit rate —the real odds once Early Decision students have already filled their spots.
Colleges are paying more attention to test scores again, and that makes them an important part of your application. The most helpful scores are in the top quartile, since they back up your grades, improve your chances of getting in, and can lead to scholarships. If you are thinking about majors like computer science, engineering, or business, high math scores matter even more. Admissions officers want to see that you are ready for tough college-level math. Aiming for the 75th percentile or higher is smart, but remember that essays, activities, and who you are as a person also play a big role.
When families talk about careers in business, finance and consulting usually take center stage. But retail is one of the largest and most dynamic industries in the world, shaping everything from what we wear to how we shop online. For students who love fashion, customer experience, or supply chain strategy, retail can lead to a fulfilling and profitable career. The challenge is that families often think only of big-name fashion schools in New York or luxury design houses in Europe. In reality, many excellent colleges across the country quietly prepare students for retail leadership. These hidden gems combine strong academics with industry access, giving graduates a clear path into buying, merchandising, e-commerce, and beyond. Here are ten colleges where students can study retail in a way that prepares them for long-term career success.
As parents, it’s easy to feel like college admissions is one big game of telephone. Advice gets passed from neighbor to neighbor, from older siblings to younger ones, and across every parent Facebook group. Some of it’s true. A lot of it isn’t. You’ve probably heard the classics: applying in-state always gives your student an edge, the most expensive schools are out of reach, and merit aid is everywhere if your teen works hard enough. But the actual data tells a very different story. Three surprising admissions stats stand out—and each one flips a common myth upside down.
Every fall, families face one of the biggest decisions in college admissions: Should my student apply Early Decision? The appeal is obvious. Early Decision can increase the odds of admission at a dream school. At the same time, many parents are hoping for scholarships to help with cost. But here’s the hidden tradeoff that doesn’t make it into the glossy brochures: schools that offer a true Early Decision advantage almost never award merit scholarships. And the colleges that give out generous merit aid usually don’t rely on binding Early Decision. Understanding this divide is essential before your student checks the “ED” box.
When families think about financial aid, assumptions often take the place of facts. Parents expect that good grades, strong test scores, and standout extracurriculars will automatically bring scholarships at any college. But the truth is that aid looks very different depending on where a student applies. Highly selective colleges tend to focus entirely on need-based aid, while many broad-access colleges use merit aid as their main tool to recruit students. Let’s break this down by looking at three of the most common myths families believe—and the reality behind each one.