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College Admissions

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Some colleges have returned to requiring test scores for admission. Even at test optional colleges, strong scores can improve your application. Generally colleges will accept the SAT and ACT on an equal basis, converting scores from one format to another. This means students can take practice tests, then register for the format they prefer. Changes […]

ACT Changes in 2025

ACT Changes in 2025 A standardized test answer sheet and a sharp pencil.

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BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front) – Don’t fall for the trap, test scores still matter for college admissions. Even though the majority of colleges accept applications without test scores, having strong scores can still benefit students — especially at selective colleges. Don’t miss the table at the end that lays out several possible situations with […]

Do Test Scores Still Matter for College Admissions?

Standardized test bubble answer sheet, a page of trigonometry questions, and a sharpened pencil, with the headline "Do test scores still matter for college admissions?"

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When students apply to colleges, they may have to choose between Early Decision, Early Action, or Regular Decision. Other options include Rolling Decision and Restrictive Early Action? What is Early Decision and how is it different from other options? Is Early Decision a good choice for you? Let me explain what these options mean and […]

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These are the biggest college admissions trends I noticed during the 2022-23 admissions cycle. Families of this year’s seniors and younger high school students should be aware of these trends, so they can make wise decisions as they apply to college. Note, I wrote this in April 2023, before the SCOTUS decision on the use […]

College Admissions Trends 2023

College Admissions Trends 2023 Students walking to class on the main walkway of University of Tennessee. Orange brick buildings beneath a clear blue sky.

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When public and private high school students apply to college, their school counselors submit documents to support their application. Homeschool students also need to give admissions an academic history to base their admissions decision on. In addition to the applications the student fills out, there are several supporting documents for homeschool college applications that are […]

Documents for Homeschool College Applications

Homeschool Documents for College Applications Picture of a brick sidewalk with a stone compass rose pointing north

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Extracurricular activities are anything a student does outside the classroom. These might include school clubs, work, volunteering, or hobbies. Activities give students a chance to explore interests, demonstrate leadership, and be a force for positive change. History related activities can help students show they have experience with research, analysis, and presentation that they might use […]

7 History Activities for High Schoolers USS Constitution tall-masted warship on a cloudy day.