This year, everyone has read stories about students not getting into any of the colleges to which they applied (that only happens with a bad list). My colleagues and I agree that the degree of unpredictability and precipitous dropping of admit rates at selective schools made 2022 a particularly stressful year. Yes, admissions is an unpredictable business. However, every student embarking on the Ivy path (or similar) should look at those admit rates, which hover around 5%, and

As I build lists for my 2023 grads, I’ve been for waiting for the verdict on test score requirements, particularly from southern colleges that hinted that they might reverse the test-optional policies spurred by the pandemic. That’s why I wasn’t surprised that the University of Tennessee stated that SAT/ACT scores will be required for its class of 2027. UTennessee has not posted its stats for the class of 2026, but we can assume that over 50% of applicants/admits did not subm

I’m impressed when my students tell me about the lists (often color-coded) they keep to manage their busy lives. I get it–high school is full of academic, extracurricular, and social demands, especially as junior year moves to a close. Excelling in your courses and studying for AP tests (if you’re taking them) tops the lists. Spring sports, DECA and Robotics competitions, and dance recitals require hours of practice before final events. Time for activities outside school (job