Admissions Blog

Undergraduate Admissions Uncensored

Dream School spotlights the nightmare the college admissions process has become for too many

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WGCU Public Media in Florida followed six high school students who worked hard to earn a seat at America’s top colleges – and now you can too in the short documentary Dream School.

Reported by Sandra Viktorova, the short documentary below also includes insights from various individuals who work in the higher education industry in America in order to shine light on what for too many has become the high stress world of American college admissions and the various factors that come into play when colleges assess who to accept.

While all those featured in this up close account of the college admissions process make it through in one piece, many viewers will leave wondering why these young adults had to go through so much stress and uncertainty to end up where they did.

Tulane reduces number of students accepted Early Decision II

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Tulane’s Gibson Hall

Tulane will release Early Decision II (EDII) notifications to first-year applicants on Monday, February 5, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, and just as during Tulane’s Early Decision I (EDI) round, Tulane has reduced the number of EDII acceptances to provide more opportunities for students – particularly those from first generation or low/middle income backgrounds – who did not feel comfortable making a binding commitment to Tulane. Tulane has also intentionally left more space in its entering class to admit students who were deferred in its Early Action round or who applied Regular Decision.

According to Tulane’s admissions office, those accepted EDII had an average core unweighted GPA of 3.62 and an average standardized test score – for those who submitted a score at all – of 1450 on the SAT and 32 on the ACT. First generation students and students from Louisiana also make up a larger percentage of the accepted student cohort than they did last year, while international numbers held steady.

Tulane also prioritized avoided waitlisting students EDII applicants who were deferred in the Early Action round as to not leave them in limbo for a second time. For the most part, students who applied Early Action and converted to EDII will be accepted, denied, or offered a nonbinding spot in Tulane’s Spring Scholars through which students start their Tulane experience in Rome, London, Barcelona, Paris, or Tokyo. Spring Scholars have until May 1st to enroll, so they have plenty of time to consider their options.

Syracuse’s Summer College Gives High School Students Many Learning Opportunities

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For sixty-four years, Syracuse University has given rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors the opportunity to explore potential majors and careers through renowned summer pre-college programs.

This summer, high school students are able to choose from over 100 college-level courses offered on Syracuse’s campus, online, or in a hybrid format. Courses exist in a diversity of subjects – from Architecture and AI to Crisis Management and Sports Analytics or Management. Regardless of the course(s) one chooses, all Syracuse Summer College students build their resume or portfolio, enhance their college applications so they stand out to college admissions, and get to test out a subject before committing to their undergrad major. Students also have the chance to earn a Certificate of Completion, Syracuse University credit, or a noncredit transcript.

The scholarship deadline Syracuse’s Summer College is March 1, 2024, and the final application deadline is May 1, 2024, and applications are reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis. Yet, the most popular courses fill quickly, so if you are interested, apply soon. If you have any questions, you can call +1 315-443-5000 or email Syracuse to learn more.

4 Free Resources to Prep Students for the New Digital SAT Debuting March 9

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On Saturday, March 9, 2024, the SAT is going digital for American test-takers the first time in almost 100 years! Two million students take the SAT every year, and the transition from a paper-based to digital format marks a huge change to the college entrance exam. 

The new 2024 Digital SAT will be unlike any previous paper-based SAT exam. Here are a few of the key differences: 

(1) Digital Platform 

The Digital SAT will be administered on the College Board’s Bluebook app. This is a testing platform that will allow students to take the Digital SAT online. However, students will not take the SAT at home. Instead, parents still need to sign up their child for a test date to take the Digital SAT at an approved testing center just as they did for the old, paper-based SAT. Students will have the option to take the Digital SAT on their own laptop or use a device from the testing center. 

(2) Adaptive Testing 

The Digital SAT is adaptive. However, the Digital SAT is not like many adaptive standardized tests such as the GMAT or the GRE that get harder or easier based on your answer to the previous question. Instead, the Digital SAT adapts module by module, not question by question. This means the second module’s difficulty level is based on your performance in the first module. If you perform well in the first module (on either SAT Reading and Writing or SAT Math), the second module related to that subject will present more difficult questions. This will give you the opportunity to attain a higher score overall. Conversely, if you perform poorly in the first module (on either SAT Reading and Writing or SAT Math), the second module related to that subject will present less difficult questions. This will limit your opportunity to achieve a higher score overall. 

(3) New Question Types 

There are many new question types on the Digital SAT that were not on the previous paper-based SAT exam. These include the following: 

  • The SAT Writing section now includes “Rhetorical Synthesis” questions that measure a student’s ability to selectively extract information from bullet point notes to achieve a writing goal. 
  • The SAT Reading section now includes “Command of Evidence” questions that measure a student’s ability to use both written and numerical data to draw conclusions.
  • The SAT Math section now includes “Probability and conditional probability” questions that had previously been removed on the paper-based SAT. 

Shaan Patel is the Founder and CEO of Prep Expert.

To get ready for the Digital SAT, here are 4 free resources you can use to prepare: 

(1) College Board Bluebook App 

Download the College Board’s testing app at https://bluebook.collegeboard.org. This application contains multiple full-length College Board practice SAT exams that contain official test questions. 

(2) Khan Academy’s Website 

Visit the Khan Academy’s official website at https://khanacademy.org. Navigate to the section of the website that is dedicated to “Digital SAT.” Here you will find College Board SAT questions that you potentially have not seen before. 

(3) College Board’s Website 

Visit the College Board’s official website: https://www.collegeboard.org/. Navigate to the section of the website that is dedicated to “Digital SAT Practice and Preparation.” Here you will find College Board SAT questions that you potentially have not seen before. 

(4) Prep Expert’s Digital SAT Book Launch Event 

Attend my Digital SAT Book Launch online webinar at https://prepexpert.com/booklaunch. I am hosting an online book launch event on Sunday, March 3 to release my new book Prep Expert Digital SAT Playbook. The webinar is free to attend and I will share test prep tips for parents and students on how to ace the new Digital SAT! At this online book launch webinar event, you will learn the most powerful tools to maximize scores on the new Digital SAT. In addition, attendees will also receive free bonus chapters, masterclasses, cheat sheets, practice tests, and more. If you are a high school student or the parent of a high school student, you won’t want to miss this online Digital SAT book launch event! Register free here. 

Good luck on the new Digital SAT!

Boston University offers 3 summer journalism programs to high school students

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High school students interested in pursuing a career in journalism, writing, communications, or photography, may want to research and apply to the Boston University Summer Journalism Academy, hosted by Boston University College of Communication.

According to Ermolande Jean-Simon, Student Programs Manager Boston University Summer Journalism Academy, for fourteen years, BU’s summer program has educated high school students about critical skills in news reporting, interviewing, and writing through courses taught by award-winning working journalists, including Pulitzer Prize winners Lara Salahi and Rochelle Sharpe. Students interested in visual storytelling also have the opportunity to learn from veteran photojournalist Stephen Haines of The Boston Globe.

Regardless of which program students choose, BU’s summer program challenges high school students to step outside their comfort zone and experience life as a working journalist through one of three course pathways:

  1. an on-campus residential program from June 24 to July 12, 2024 (for students with some journalism experience);
  2. an on-campus photojournalism program from June 24 to July 12, 2024 (for students interested in visual storytelling); or
  3. a two-week learn-from-home program for high school students at all experience levels, starting June 17, July 1, and July 15.

Applications for the on-campus session are due on April 19. Applications for learn-at-home sessions starting June 17, July 1, and July 15 are due on May 10. Students who apply, are accepted, and fully registered by March 8 can save $400 off the full fee for the on-campus academy or $200 off the full fee of the learn-from-home academy.

There are limited need-based scholarships and financial aid available to students; students should email BU for more information. For more information about the Summer Journalism Academy, visit www.summerjournalism.org.

ACT Mastery Begins with a Schedule: The Importance of Structured Studying

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Having served on the admissions committee at Columbia University, I’ve had the honor of witnessing students begin their journeys into higher education. One essential aspect of college admissions is the role of standardized tests like the ACT. These tests serve as important benchmarks for evaluating a student’s academic potential.

I can’t stress enough the role that a well-structured study schedule plays in achieving mastery over the ACT, which is a test that can greatly impact your future, including your dream college acceptance.

Understanding the ACT

Before we delve into the details of creating your study schedule, let’s grasp the basics of the ACT. This test consists of different sections, each assessing various aspects of your knowledge and skills.

On the ACT, you’ll encounter four main sections: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science, along with an optional Writing section. In terms of scoring, it’s rated on a scale from 1 to 36, with your composite score being the average of your section scores.

The Benefits of a Structured Study Schedule

Why is a structured study schedule crucial for ACT preparation? Well, let’s consider the analogy of building a house. Just as a house requires a solid foundation to stand tall, your ACT preparation needs a structured schedule to lay the groundwork for success.

  • Effective Time Management: A structured schedule allows you to allocate your study time efficiently. It ensures that you dedicate sufficient time to each section of the ACT, addressing your strengths and weaknesses comprehensively.
  • Consistent Study Habits: Consistency is key to mastering any skill, and ACT preparation is no exception. A well-structured schedule instills discipline and fosters regular study habits, preventing last-minute cramming.
  • Reduced Stress and Increased Motivation: Knowing what to study and when to study reduces anxiety and boosts motivation. When you have a plan in place, you are more likely to stay focused and motivated throughout your ACT preparation journey.

Assessing Your Starting Point

Before crafting your personalized study plan, it’s essential to assess your starting point. Take a practice ACT test under timed conditions to determine your initial scores. This assessment serves as a crucial benchmark and helps you set realistic improvement goals.

Crafting Your Personalized ACT Study Plan

  • Time Allocation: To create an effective study plan, allocate your time wisely among the various ACT sections. For instance, if you struggle with mathematics but excel in English, allocate more time to math practice. Tailor your schedule to address your unique needs.
  • Incorporating Review and Practice Tests: Regular review sessions and full-length practice tests are essential components of your study plan. Reviewing previously learned material and taking practice tests simulate real testing conditions, allowing you to gauge your progress accurately.
  • Balancing ACT Prep with Other Responsibilities: Many students juggle ACT preparation with schoolwork and extracurricular activities. It’s essential to strike a balance. Consider creating a weekly calendar that accounts for your commitments, ensuring that ACT preparation integrates seamlessly into your routine.
  • Adjusting Your Study Plan: Flexibility is key in ACT preparation. As you progress, periodically assess your study plan’s effectiveness. If certain strategies prove less fruitful, don’t hesitate to adapt and refine your plan to optimize your results continually.

Essential Study Techniques and Resources

In addition to a well-structured schedule, effective study techniques and resources play a vital role in ACT mastery. Consider utilizing online courses and study guides or even seeking tutoring if necessary. Variety in study materials caters to different learning styles, ensuring a holistic and personalized approach to your preparation.

Conclusion

In summary, ACT mastery begins with a structured study schedule. By adhering to a well-crafted plan, you can efficiently manage your time, develop consistent study habits, and reduce stress. Remember that success in ACT preparation is not solely about the number of hours you invest but how effectively you utilize that time.

As you embark on your journey toward ACT excellence, take a proactive and planned approach. Your structured study schedule will serve as the roadmap to your success, paving the way for admission to the college or university of your dreams. So, embrace the challenge, stay dedicated, and know that you’ve got this!

High School Students Interested in Entrepreneurship Should Consider Babson Summer Study

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Babson College, which is located just thirty minutes from downtown Boston, Massachusetts, is an increasingly popular choice for high school students seeking to study entrepreneurship during their undergraduate careers. And what better way to get a taste of what a Babson undergraduate experience could be like than by taking part in a Babson summer pre-college program exclusively for high school students?

High-achieving high school students interested in engaging in an immersive multi-week experiential online summer program during which they are able to discover what it means to be an entrepreneur should certainly consider Online Babson Summer Study, which takes place from July 8 through July 29, 2024. The program helps high school students cultivate core career skills and a sharp entrepreneurial mindset for overcoming challenges in any setting and in any role while earning four college credits from Babson, which is often ranked as offering one of America’s best undergraduate programs for entrepreneurship.

According to Beth Goldstein, the Senior Director of Babson’s Youth Impact Lab, Babson Summer Study is specifically designed for rising high school juniors and seniors (current tenth and eleventh grade students) who want to participate in interactive online sessions with Babson faculty, world renown entrepreneurship experts, and Babson students while designing a social impact solution with peers from around the world. They will also learn how to apply Babson’s Entrepreneurial Thought & Action® framework for solving problems, and develop the leadership competencies needed to address real-world problems.

Additionally, through Summer Study, rising high school juniors and seniors learn how to assess their abilities and passions to determine which ones they want to strengthen, learn about the U.N. Global Goals and how they connect to challenges in their own communities, and develop prototypes, deliver a Rocket Pitch, and evaluate the feasibility of their team’s social impact solution.

Goldstein encourages prospective students and their families to participate in one of three virtual information sessions taking place over the coming weeks:

  • Wednesday, January 17, 2024, 7:00 PM Eastern Time
  • Tuesday, January 23, 2024, 9:00 AM Eastern Time
  • Monday, February 5, 2024, 8:00 AM Eastern Time

To learn more about the Online Babson Summer Study experience and to register for an information session, visit babson.edu/high-school-programs. The early bird application deadline is February 15, 2024 and the standard application deadline is March 15, 2024.

Elon’s On-Campus Summer Pre-College Journalism Program is Completely Free

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Not all summer pre-college programs for high school students cost a pretty penny. In fact, one such program for aspiring journalists is completely free and takes place on one of America’s most beautiful college campuses!

While year three of the virtual component of the Emerging Journalists Program at Elon University starts tonight – January 16 – in the dead of winter, there is still time for current high school juniors (11th graders) to apply for Elon’s free, fun, and immersive summer journalism experience, which takes place on Elon’s campus from June 17 through 28, 2024.

According to Colin Donohue, Elon’s Emerging Journalists Program (EJP) Director, the on-campus and immersive summer residential learning workshop component of the EJP is open to rising seniors from diverse socio-economic, racial, and ethnic backgrounds and is completely free thanks to a generous grant from the Scripps Howard Fund.

Elon University is a private university in Elon, North Carolina, which is a half an hour from Greensboro and an hour from North Carolina’s capital, Raleigh. Last year’s summer EJP cohort produced a newspaper, a forty-minute newscast, and a website. Here’s a video snapshot of what last year’s participants did while on Elon’s campus. Students who complete the summer immersion program are also assigned two mentors — an Elon communications student and a professional journalist — to help identify, report, and produce multimedia stories during their senior years of high school.

If you think the Emerging Journalists Program would be an exciting opportunity for you or your student, learn more and apply at www.elon.edu/ejp. Application review will begin soon and priority will be given to applications submitted before March 1.

55,000 applied to Purdue Early Action; 97% of those admitted submitted test scores

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Cary Quadrangle at Purdue University with an animated Boilermaker on the roof.

Purdue University will release its Early Action (EA) decisions to first-year applicants through each EA applicant’s Purdue Application Portal starting at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, January 12. This includes decisions for its long-standing campus in West Lafayette, Indiana and its new campus in Indianapolis, Indiana’s state capital.

After several years of record-breaking enrollment, Purdue saw another uptick in applications received by November 1, 2023. Purdue received more than 55,000 applications by its November 1 Early Action deadline, which represents an increase of 3,000 applicants from the 2022-2023 admissions cycle.

With Purdue’s “test expected” approach to first-year admission, 44,000 Early Action applicants applied with a test score, and 97.2% of the students offered admission through Early Action submitted test scores.

The middle 50% SAT scores for accepted students for Fall 2023 who submitted SAT scores was 1210 – 1450 while the middle 50% of ACT scores for accepted students for Fall 2023 who submitted test scores was 27 – 34, though there was great variation between schools and majors. For instance, Purdue’s competitive Computer Science major had an acceptance rate of just 29.5% for Fall 2023 and the middle 50% of test scores of accepted Computer Science students was 1490 – 1560 on the SAT and 33 – 35 on the ACT. Yet, Purdue’s College of Education had a 74.5% acceptance rate and the middle 50% of test scores of accepted College of Education students was 1070 – 1260 on the SAT and 23.5 – 29 on the ACT. More Class of 2027 admissions data can be found on Purdue’s website.

Students who have not yet applied to Purdue but who want a chance to become part of Purdue’s Class of 2028 have until Purdue’s Regular Decision deadline of January 15 to apply.

As part of Purdue’s effort to avoid over-enrolling students, Purdue is also relying more heavily on deferred decisions for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle; therefore, EA applicants should not be surprised to get a deferral on January 12. Defer is not a deny decision but a method of allowing Purdue to assess space and availability before making a final decision through its Regular Decision review process. Deferred applicants are encouraged to complete a Letter of Continued Interest form in their Purdue Application Portal.

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If you – or someone you know – has been deferred from Purdue, in the video below I share expert tips on how to craft the most compelling Letter of Continued Interest possible to increase your chances of getting in Regular Decision. Good luck!

Colorado College’s unique pre-college program for high school students now accepting applications

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Will you be a rising eleventh or twelfth grade student in Summer 2024 and are you interested in the Block Plan at Colorado College? If so, then through a unique pre-college program, this upcoming summer is the ideal time for you to try Colorado College’s distinctive Block Plan, which is the hallmark of its undergraduate experience.

What is the Block Plan? In short, the Block Plan at Colorado College, which is in Colorado Springs, Colorado, allows students to study what they want, how they want, in ways that they simply cannot at any other undergraduate institution. Each course a student takes at Colorado College lasts three and a half weeks and during those three and a half weeks the student is taking that course and no others. One block is equivalent to one class on a semester plan. A class typically meets from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with additional class sessions for studio, labs, discussions, field trips in the afternoons. Professors have the flexibility to schedule classes in format and timing for optimal learning. Undergraduates typically take four blocks per semester and eight blocks per academic year, plus optional Half Block in the winter and Summer Session during the summer.

Why should all this matter to current high school students? Colorado College’s Pre-College Block (July 8 through 24, 2024) includes an array of academic courses, all taught by Colorado College professors and for college credit, which allows high school students entering grades 11 and 12 in Fall 2024 to get a sense of whether or not Colorado College and its Block Plan would be attractive to them for their full undergraduate experiences. Summer courses are available in areas as diverse as Introduction to Human Anatomy, Entrepreneurship & Business Management, and Introductory Astronomy: Your Place in the Universe.

Colorado College’s summer 2024 Pre-College application is open now, and need-based scholarships are available until March 1, 2024.