In addition, no two AP classes are alike. For example, AP Biology is typically a difficult course at most high schools. However, when I was in high school, I had an AP Biology teacher that handed out A’s like candy. It was one of the easiest classes to get an A in. Is this fair to students who had an AP Biology course that is actually rigorous? Top colleges such…

The average GPA for high school students in the United States is at an all-time high. However, research indicates that this average might not be on the rise for the right reasons. Students don’t seem to be learning more as their grades increase. Rather, as shifts in grading, curriculum, and learning scales occur, students’ grades are artificially increasing, meaning that transcripts no longer reflect true academic ability. This phenomenon is…

The admissions process is vastly different for all students. Some may have little to no idea which school they will end up choosing and end up applying to a wide variety of options across the country. Others have had their dream school in mind for years and plan to apply there along with only a handful of backup safety schools. For the latter pool of students, restrictive early action may…

If your heart is set on moving or staying out east for college, you may want to consider attending Columbia University in New York.  Columbia’s renowned research programs, high quality faculty, top notch academic programs, and proximity to some of the top cultural experiences in the nation have rightfully made Columbia one of the most prestigious schools in the Ivy League. However, while Columbia is ranked as one of the…

Although Duke is not a member of the Ivy League, it is a highly prestigious school with a low acceptance rate, making it one of the most competitive schools in the nation.  According to Duke University’s independent news organization The Chronicle, the acceptance rate for the class of 2026 was only 6.2%. While Duke is highly selective, if you have been dreaming of being a Blue Devil, you don’t have…

So, you’re thinking about applying to Cornell, and you’re curious about your chances of admission. Well, we’re here to help! If you’ve heard anything about Cornell, you’ve probably heard that it is highly selective. In fact, for the class of 2026, Cornell had an acceptance rate of just 8%. As admission rates continue to decline at many Ivy League schools, including Cornell, students are going to have to work increasingly…

Like many other high school students, you may feel like your chances of getting into Yale are slim to none. After all, Yale is one of the most selective schools in the country, and the way people talk about Yale makes it seem like admittance will take nothing short of a miracle. However, despite Yale’s declining admissions rate (6.3% for the class of 2022 and 4.4% for the class of…

What exactly are ACT score percentiles? How do they work? Believe it or not, these percentiles play a role in what school you’ll get into eventually. Let’s discuss why. Interested in knowing the average ACT score in your home state? What Are ACT Score Percentiles? Your ACT score percentile rank is a metric that compares your ACT score with everyone else who took that test administration. Your percentile zeroes in…

How do SAT score percentiles work? Believe it or not, these percentiles help determine the chances of which school accepts your application. Let’s discuss why below. Here’s how SAT scores help you score scholarship money. What Are SAT Score Percentiles? SAT score percentiles inform students how well they’ve done on the test, in direct comparison to all other test-takers. Besides the composite score you receive, you’ll also receive an SAT…

Scholarship essays are very important when it comes to helping secure financial aid money. The good news is there are tried and true scholarship essays tips that improve your chances. These 8 scholarship essays tips will help you avoid the most common mistakes and improve your chances of winning money to pay for school. Here are the key differences between college and scholarship essays. 8 Scholarship Essays Tips Don’t Skip…