In a very short period, the number of profound influences on college admissions has been staggering: pandemic disruption, the Supreme Court's ruling against affirmative action, omnipresent AI, and a surfeit of applications. Amidst it all, here are some contemporary trends we’d like to highlight for you: SAT and ACT Testing: Most schools will remain test optional for the next few years (or remain so even permanently, like Columbia University). Some have reinstituted tests – Brown, Dartmouth, Harvard, Yale, MIT, CalTech, and UT Austin, among others. It remains to be seen how application number ..read more

In recent months, there has been a surge of criticism of programs designed to help at-risk teens, often negatively referred to in the press as “troubled teens.” That flood of critiques comes in the form of documentaries on streaming platforms, news exposés—and the viral spread of social media outrage. This current, intense scrutiny has generated a wave of condemnation, so it's crucial to understand that not all adolescent treatment programs are created equal. Some may have rightfully earned a tarnished reputation, but it would be a disservice to paint the entire industry with the same brush of ..read more

Incidents of antisemitism have risen dramatically across the United States since the Hamas attacks on Israel on Oct. 7, and students on college campuses are not immune to the effects. “We know that things have shifted since October 7th. The majority of Jewish students on campuses are not comfortable letting people know they’re Jewish,” said Rabbi Daniel Brenner, vice president of Education for the non-profit organization Moving Traditions, during a recent webinar hosted by the Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA). “That’s a big change. It used to be just a minority who felt that way ..read more

Even within college admissions departments, AI is witnessing a notable surge. Schools are leveraging AI to automate parts of the admissions process, particularly those involving repetitive tasks and volumes of data. For instance, AI systems are being used for the initial screening of applications – analyzing applicant profiles, starting with transcripts and test scores, and reviewing contextual factors. Note, however, that these AI systems are not used to make final admission decisions. Automation and Efficiency Clearly, one key benefit of AI in admissions is the automation of time-consuming t ..read more

Anticipating an acceptance − or rejection − from college often fails to account for a third possibility: deferral. Colleges may defer a final decision on an application for admission, seeing potential in the student for reconsideration. In most cases, a deferral is not a denial; rather, it should be viewed as a subtle request for more information! It's important to note that different universities handle deferrals in different ways. For instance, Harvard's early application cycle saw 938 acceptances, 611 rejections, and 4,882 deferrals out of 6,630 applicants. Conversely, schools like Northwe ..read more

Interviews are an important part of the admissions process for private day and boarding schools. They offer a unique opportunity to showcase your personality and provide insights beyond what grades or test scores may reveal. The interview is a school’s chance to get to know you better and assess your fit for its community. It is also your opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the school. Here our suggestions to help you best prepare for your private day or boarding school interview. Tips on how to prepare for and ace your school interview Do your research. Before the interview, v ..read more

Are you considering applying to one of the prestigious University of California (UC) schools? You may already know that they have their own application, deadlines, and way of looking at courses (the A-G courses). Even though you may have conquered the Common App, applying to any UC school will require that you tackle a new application with its set of rules. We recently had the privilege of attending a UC admissions event, and we’re excited to share recent updates and trends, as well as some invaluable insights that may help you navigate the application successfully. In-State Advantage: UC s ..read more

The Self-Reported Student Academic Record (SSAR) is a detailed online form used by students to report their high school courses and corresponding grades. Unlike traditional transcripts, the SSAR allows students to manually enter their academic information, providing colleges with an immediate and comprehensive view of their academic achievements. Why Some Colleges Use the SSAR Efficiency: The SSAR streamlines the admissions process by allowing students to input their information directly, reducing the time and resources needed to obtain official transcripts. Accuracy: By allowing students ..read more

Time flies. One minute our kids are playing dress-up and dreaming about what they want to be when they grow up…and the next they’re being asked to choose what they actually want to be when they grow up.  Now that they’re in high school or college, the pressure to choose a career path might feel even more intense. But with seemingly infinite possibilities, deciding can be daunting. Is your teen an aspiring lawyer…aerospace engineer …musician…teacher…sports reporter – or perhaps a future physician? Fortunately, a variety of programs and resources are available to help teens decide. And a su ..read more

Student Focused on Taking Test The SAT and ACT have long been considered crucial parts of the college application process. But when the COVID-19 pandemic made it difficult to safely administer the tests, many colleges adopted test-optional admission policies, waiving their standardized testing requirements. Today – nearly three years since the pandemic struck – many colleges are still test optional. In fact, according to the National Center for Fair and Open Testing, more than 1,800 colleges aren’t requiring test scores for fall 2023 applicants. Judi Robinovitz, an educational consultant with ..read more