In the shifting terrain of college admissions, Duke University's recent adjustments stand out as a beacon for how institutions are reimagining the process. The changes, particularly in the review of essays and the role of standardized testing, reflect a nuanced approach to evaluating potential students. This evolution is not merely a response to the transient challenges posed by the global pandemic but a strategic integration of technological advancements, such as artificial intelligence (AI), to enhance the admissions process. At the heart of Duke's revamped admissions strategy is a nuanced u ..read more

Certainly, academic summer enrichment programs offer valuable experiences, but they can be quite costly. Fortunately, there are numerous affordable or even free alternatives for high school students to explore their interests and gain experience during the summer months: 1. Online Courses and MOOCs Websites like Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy offer free or low-cost courses on a wide array of subjects. Students can learn at their own pace and even earn certificates for completing courses. Examples include Coursera (coursera.org) edX (edx.org) Khan Academy (khanacademy.org) Udemy (udemy ..read more

Unveiling the Potential of a Maker Portfolio for Aspiring Engineers Aspiring engineers have a unique opportunity to showcase their creativity, skills, and passion for engineering through a Maker Portfolio. This portfolio is more than just a collection of personal projects; it's a narrative of a student's journey in engineering, providing tangible evidence of their problem-solving abilities, technical expertise, and innovative thinking. The concept of the Maker Portfolio gained significant traction after MIT incorporated it into their application process in 2013. This initiative underscored the ..read more

Social media platforms have become a treasure trove of educational content, offering diverse and interactive ways to learn. Beyond the conventional platforms, here are some other examples where you can find educational content and learning communities. (Note that these examples are subject to change as pages evolve, and new content creators emerge.) 1. Reddit You can surf “subreddits” or topics dedicated to education, science, and various academic subjects that provide a forum for discussion, resources, and expert insights. r/science: A place to share and discuss new scientific research. r ..read more

As the college admissions process becomes increasingly competitive, students and parents are feeling the pressure. With select colleges receiving thousands of applications from qualified (and even over-qualified) applicants, it’s no longer a matter of whether or not an individual is academically prepared for a particular school—it’s about which applicant has a small edge over their peers. Unfortunately, when students receive a denial or deferral letter in response to their application, they may think that they weren’t good enough or didn’t do enough. Let’s discuss the impact of low college adm ..read more

When it comes to creating your college list, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Your college list should be tailored to your individual needs and goals. However, while many students think they know exactly what they want in a college—from size and major offerings to campus atmosphere—it’s not until they actually visit the campus that their vision begins to crystalize. A college visit can be the deciding factor in helping you build a strong college list. The Impact of College Visits on Your College List The impact of visiting colleges physically is immeasurable. It helps you get a better s ..read more

In a special online session on September 15th, meeting with admissions representatives from Cornell University, we gain unique insights into their admissions process as well as general university updates. Below is a recap of important points. Hosts: Shawn Felton, Executive Director of Undergraduate Admissions and deputy chief admissions and enrollment officer Marina Fried, Associate Director of Admissions What does the typical profile look like for Cornell's class of 2026? Find out here: https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2022/08/talented-class-26-begins-fall-semester Standardized Testi ..read more

This spring when most “competitive” colleges released notifications to applicants, simultaneously the institutions also unleashed the reality of shrinking acceptances rates. Only 1,954 high-achieving applicants were offered admission to Harvard University out of a pool of 61,220 worthy, hopeful students. This shocking number equates to an admit rate of 3.19 percent.  Harvard continues to increase in popularity as the numbers of applicants surged during Covid when previously the rate was right under 10 percent. Adding to the surge of applications is the elimination of standardized tests fo ..read more

After years of planning, the College Board finally transferred the SAT to a digital format. No more spare pencils and extra sheets of loose leaf paper! The SAT will now be offered in a digital format only and test-takers will now have a maximum of two hours instead of three to complete the test. Other changes in the SAT include: The content of the test will be shorter, and with more time per question. The digital version will comprise of shorter reading passages with one question following each passage. The passages will also demonstrate a broader range of topics “that represent the works ..read more

Over the years there has been a growing emphasis on the importance of volunteerism as applicants are considered for possible admission to colleges and universities. For numerous, positive reasons, being aware of the world around you and being an active participant in helping others enriches a student and benefits local and global communities.  Choose something you enjoy. By doing this, right off the bat a student’s chance of fulfilling a volunteer obligation has a greater chance of succeeding. Being happy is critically important in that it prompts the student to continue to grow in their ..read more