Even though you studied for months, got perfect scores on the SAT, and wrote the best essay, another student still gets in. Annoying, right? It could be something as easy as legacy preferences, though.
You’ve probably thought about what is a good SAT score in 2025-2026 if you’re serious about applying to college. A lot of schools are now test-optional, but the scores you get are still very important for admissions decisions, scholarships, and even course placement.
You’ve already finished your Common App essay, and just when you’re ready to celebrate, surprise! Colleges want a few extra essays, too. Those are the supplemental essays that help them get to know you even better. But how do you write one that really stands out to admissions officers?
If you know when to start applying to college, you can get your timing right and stay organized. This way, you will avoid last-minute stress and give yourself enough space to handle everything, from essays and recommendation letters to test scores.
The U.S. is home to some of the world’s best colleges and universities, a diverse learning environment, and countless opportunities after graduation. If you want to know more about US college admissions for international students, read our full guide.
There is a lot of talk about need-blind vs. need-aware admissions, but many students don’t know what they really mean. You must understand the difference between these policies because they can affect both who gets admitted and how much financial aid is given.
One of the hardest things for students to do is write a college application essay. Even if you have good grades, test scores, and extracurricular activities, admissions officers may forget your name minutes after reading your essay if it doesn’t grab their attention.
When I consult families about college admissions, the Coalition Application vs. Common App is nearly always the first thing that comes up. I believe the misunderstanding comes from the fact that the two apps seem to be the same at first glance.
We receive many questions from students about what holistic college admissions means. The phrase “holistic review” has caused more misunderstanding than almost any other in the application world.
Applying to college can feel overwhelming, but understanding the process makes it much less of a mystery. In this guide, I share insights from my experience as a college admission consultant to explain how decisions are made, what colleges use to compare applicants, and how you can focus your energy where it really counts.