College admissions from front to back
Whether you’re looking to improve your SAT scores or you just can’t decide between two colleges, we’ve got your back. Let us walk you through each step of the admissions process.
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Learn more about how to prepare for college admissions
What are extracurriculars and why are they important?
Extracurriculars are how high school students productively spend their time outside of the classroom. Some students play sports or join school...
How should I spend my summers during high school?
High school summers are a great time to relax and see your friends, but they’re also a great opportunity to develop real-world skills and...
How many AP classes should you take?
AP Classes are a unique opportunity to push yourself and learn at a college level. It’s a good idea to take at least a few of these...
Learn more about where to apply
What are safety schools?
A safety school is a college or university where the applicant has a 75% chance or higher of being accepted. We determine this percentage based...
Should I start at community college?
Community colleges provide affordability and access for higher education, but they are not always popular options. Community college is ideal for...
What is the difference between a private and public university?
Public universities receive a large portion of their funding from the government, whereas private universities rely more on tuition and...
Learn more about writing college applications
How should I fill out the Common App activities section?
The activities section of the Common Application is your chance to show colleges what you’re involved in outside of the classroom. You’ll be...
What looks good on a college application?
Academics are the most important component of your college applications. Colleges want to recruit students who demonstrate the potential to take...
Should I submit my test scores to test-optional schools?
At test-optional universities, applicants can send in their standardized (SAT or ACT) test scores for consideration with their application....
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top alternatives to college?
College is not the only pathway to success. Instead, students can consider alternatives like apprenticeships, certificate programs, trade schools, bootcamps.
How many colleges should I apply to?
Students should aim to apply to between five and seven colleges. In 2021, the average Common App use submitted 5.78 applications through the Common App alone.
Do colleges use weighted or unweighted GPA?
College application questions will specify whether they want you to include your weighted GPA or your unweighted GPA. However, if the application does not specify a GPA, you should list your weighted GPA (as that will be higher).
When should I submit my college applications?
College application deadlines will vary depending on your college and admissions plan. Students should always turn to the colleges on their list for the specifics around deadlines.
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