- lesscollegestress
- Jun 2
Are you applying to any of the colleges on this list?
Then you'll need a copy of your transcript to fill in your high school courses, credits, and grades on the Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR). These colleges want this information from you, not your school counselor. Many high schools shut the systems down over the summer, so act quickly.
Temple University
Even if you are not applying to these colleges, you'll need your transcript to apply to a number of others that require you to enter your grades in the Common Application. Here are a few popular ones:
Amherst College, Arizona State University, Carnegie Mellon University, Loyola Marymount University, Purdue University, University of Arizona, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, University of Oregon, University of Southern California, University of Washington, and University of Wisconsin-Madison.
- lesscollegestress
- May 26
I like to share any current statistics, since much of the data about the high school class of 2025 will not be revealed until August.
Despite financial losses and continued economic volatility, Americans still believe that investing in a college education is worth it.
But money matters. I’ve written several times about families opting for more reasonably-priced public universities over expensive private institutions that give little or no non-need based merit aid. We also see an increased interest in international options, with Canada, the UK, and Ireland the top college destinations. Why? As many students and families approach college vocationally (beginning college with the specific intention of getting a job in a particular field), the European model of choosing a major and earning a degree in 3 years instead of 4 is increasingly attractive. We know that international students comprise roughly 6% of students at US colleges, and there is significant data on how many US students study abroad while enrolled in a US-based college, but statistics are unclear on the percentage of Americans pursuing their entire college education abroad. (Please let me know if you discover any reliable stats).
Here are the statistics on US college enrollment for Spring 2025.
Total postsecondary enrollment is up 3.2 percent this spring (+562,000), compared to spring 2024. Undergraduate enrollment grew 3.5 percent, reaching 15.3 million but remains below pre-pandemic levels (-2.4%, -378,000). Graduate enrollment also increased 1.5 percent, now 7.2 percent (+209,000) higher than in 2020.
Undergraduate enrollment increased across major institutional sectors, with community colleges (Public two-year and Public PABs-those offering one BA/BS degree and mostly Associates degrees)) seeing the largest growth (+5.4%, +288,000).
Enrollment increased for all undergraduate credential types. Bachelor’s and associate programs grew by 2.1 percent and 6.3 percent, respectively, but remain below spring 2020 levels. Undergraduate certificate program enrollment continued to grow this spring (+4.8%) and is now 20 percent above 2020.
- lesscollegestress
- May 19
The public flagships that families once counted on as reliable options—Michigan, UMD, Georgia, Florida—have become nearly as selective as Ivy and Ivy overlaps for out-of-state students. But this shift isn't limiting opportunities; it's asking us to think more broadly.
During my recent National IECA Conference, I explored this evolving landscape. What became clear is that the "name brand" obsession that drives so much anxiety is increasingly disconnected from educational reality.
As Jeff Selingo writes in his insightful new book "Dream College," elite education is readily available at public universities—and not only at the handful of flagships dominating headlines. The real opportunity lies in looking beyond the usual suspects.
Schools like University of Minnesota, University of Pittsburgh, and Indiana University offer world-class academics, vibrant campus communities, and robust alumni networks without the crushing selectivity of their flagship counterparts. Michigan State provides many of the same advantages as Michigan but admits a far higher percentage of qualified applicants (and offers a top Honors College). The University of Iowa offers outstanding writing and health programs alongside generous merit scholarships that can make an out-of-state education surprisingly affordable.
As I visited seven midwest campuses, I encountered passionate administrators and professors, cutting-edge facilities, and happy, thriving students. The common thread wasn't selectivity or rankings; it was fit.
For families navigating this complex landscape, the key is reframing what "dream school" really means. Is it a bumper sticker, or is it where your student will find the specific programs, opportunities, and community that will help them flourish?
The most successful students I've counseled have approached the process with open minds, looking for institutions where they can stand out rather than just fit in. They've discovered that attending a university where they can access honors programs, research opportunities, and close faculty relationships often leads to better outcomes than fighting for attention at more selective institutions.
The college journey isn't about chasing prestige—it's about finding the environment where your unique talents can fully bloom. And fortunately, at our public universities, those environments are more abundant than many families realize.
