Updated Information on All Things College Admissions

The summer before senior year is one of the most valuable windows in the college admissions journey. With your final year of high school just ahead, now is the time to reflect on your application résumé and take action to strengthen it—before deadlines arrive.  Maybe you’re missing a connection to your intended major. Maybe your activities list is shorter than you’d like. Or maybe you’ve been busy with school and haven’t had time to lead or explore beyond the classroom. No matter where you’re starting, there’s still time to grow.

College admissions have become one of the most emotionally charged rites of passage for today’s teens. For many families, this season brings a mix of pride, pressure, and uncertainty. While excitement is part of the process, the toll on student mental health is real—and rising. More than half (52%) of students say the college application process is the most stressful academic experience they’ve faced. Nearly 48% report that anxiety and pressure overshadow their college planning, and 28% say mental health concerns have made them consider delaying or skipping college altogether.  As a parent, you can’t eliminate the stress entirely—but you can play a powerful role in how your student experiences it. This guide offers practical ways to support your teen’s mental health while keeping the admissions journey grounded in your family’s values.

As college admissions evolve, a new class of top-tier institutions is emerging. While the Ivy League still commands prestige, this year's admissions trends, employer preferences, and student outcomes reveal a different story: the most successful students are increasingly choosing schools that combine rigorous academics, real-world outcomes, and vibrant, supportive communities. Welcome to what Forbes calls the New Ivies . These 20 schools—10 private and 10 public—are highly selective, high-performing, and deeply respected by employers across industries. They offer the academic rigor and career outcomes once associated only with the Ivy League, without the rising skepticism and political noise now surrounding it. Organized by region, here's a closer look at each school on the list—what makes them stand out, what top employers value, and what the students we work with love most.

Choosing the right college is a significant decision for all students, but it requires additional consideration when your child has learning differences. Beyond academics and campus culture, understanding how a school supports diverse learning needs can make the difference between struggling and thriving. With the May 1 decision deadline still weeks away, you have plenty of time to gather important information to make sure the college your student chooses will have the support they need.

For students with learning disabilities, finding the right college isn't just about academic programs or campus life—it's about locating an institution that provides the specific support needed for academic success. While all students benefit from learning-friendly environments, those with learning disabilities particularly benefit from colleges that understand, accommodate, and embrace diverse learning styles. Identifying and visiting these institutions allows students to evaluate firsthand how well the college's support systems align with their specific needs.

This year’s admissions cycle brought a mix of record-breaking application numbers and inspiring student outcomes—and we’re thrilled to share that more than 100 of the students we worked with were accepted to selective colleges across the country. From Yale and Rice to UT Austin’s most competitive majors, our students stood out not just for their academic achievements, but for the intentional, purpose-driven stories they told. In a year marked by soaring deferral rates and shifting testing policies, they rose to the challenge with resilience and clarity. They leaned into their interests, took bold steps outside the classroom, and built applications that reflected who they are—and who they’re becoming. If you're wondering what truly moved the needle this year, we’ve gathered the most important insights from our team’s analysis and student outcomes. And more importantly, we’ve outlined how your student can apply these lessons to their own journey.

When students apply to UT Austin, many focus on getting into the university. But UT admissions doesn’t work that way. You're not applying to UT Austin. You’re applying to your first-choice major at UT Austin—and that changes everything. Whether it’s Business at McCombs, Engineering at Cockrell, or a major like Biology, Journalism, or Public Health, what UT wants to know is simple but powerful: Have you shown that you're ready to succeed in this specific major—starting on day one? That’s the heart of what UT calls “fit to major.” And it might just be the most important—and misunderstood—part of the application. Let’s unpack what it really means, why it matters more than ever, and how students can take intentional steps to build their story of fit. 

While it may feel like “no one gets into UT anymore,” this year told a different story. In the school's most competitive admissions year yet, many of the students we had the privilege to work with were overjoyed to receive admission offers. These students approached the process with reflection, purpose, and persistence, building thoughtful applications that aligned with their goals. Their success reminds us that while the path isn’t easy, it is absolutely possible—with the right plan and a clear sense of direction.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of building a college list around prestige. For many students, that means stacking the list with reach schools—those with low admit rates and big-name reputations—while treating match and possible schools like afterthoughts. But here’s the thing: a balanced college list isn’t just a safety net—it’s a strategy for success. With so much unpredictability in admissions, especially at public flagships and highly selective schools, having a thoughtful mix of options ensures good news come spring. A balanced list doesn’t mean lowering your goals. It means expanding your options, aligning with your future, and making sure that when spring comes around, good news is part of the equation.

In a year when UT Austin saw a surge in competitive applications, one student stood out not because of a flashy resume—but because of the deeply personal way they connected their real-world experiences to their future goals.  This is the story of a student admitted to UT’s College of Natural Sciences as a public health major, a pathway that is often overlooked in favor of more traditional pre-med routes. But this student’s thoughtful application, grounded in service, reflection, and science, made a lasting impression.

In a year when UT Austin saw record-breaking applications, one student stood out—not with flashy awards or viral inventions, but with four years of focused effort, academic rigor, and steady leadership. This case study tells the story of a mechanical engineering applicant to the Cockrell School of Engineering, one of the most competitive programs in the country. This student wasn’t an auto-admit. But they built their case from the ground up—brick by brick, project by project, and recommendation by recommendation.

In this year’s ultra-competitive UT Austin admissions cycle, the most successful applicants didn’t just have high test scores—they had stories. They showed initiative, reflected deeply on their experiences, and demonstrated clear fit to their first-choice major.  This case study highlights one of those standout applicants: a student admitted to the McCombs School of Business who didn’t take the traditional business path. Instead, their journey included a career pivot, a coffee shop job, and an unexpected entrepreneurial venture—all tied together by curiosity, initiative, and thoughtful reflection.

Standardized testing is making a strong comeback in college admissions. A growing number of top colleges, including Ivy League institutions, have reinstated test requirements, and even test-optional schools are favoring applicants with strong SAT or ACT scores. With this shift, juniors must take a strategic approach to testing, aiming for a score in the top quartile of their target schools. April is a crucial month to finalize test prep plans, register for upcoming exams, and ensure students are on track to submit their best possible scores.

One of the biggest trends in this year’s college admissions cycle is the resurgence of standardized test scores as a meaningful input in admissions decisions. A growing number of top colleges, including several Ivy League institutions, have reinstated test requirements, and even at test-optional schools, strong SAT and ACT scores can significantly boost an application. With this shift, sophomores and their families should take a proactive approach to standardized testing. April is the perfect time to map out a game plan, ensuring your student is on track for success.

Choosing the right college is one of the most significant decisions you'll make. It’s a choice that affects your education, career opportunities, social experiences, and financial future. With so many factors to consider, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But take a deep breath—this is an exciting moment! The good news is that there’s no single “right” choice. The best decision is the one that aligns with your values, goals, and future aspirations.  Most colleges and universities set a final decision deadline of May 1 of a student’s senior year. It’s essential to compare options thoroughly but also to make a timely decision to secure your spot. This guide will walk you through a step-by-step approach to choosing your college with confidence and excitement!

When it comes to pursuing a degree in data science, most students immediately think of prominent schools like Stanford, MIT, or Harvard. However, numerous hidden gems across the U.S. offer exceptional data science programs with impressive curricula, practical training, and high acceptance rates. Here’s a closer look at eight outstanding yet often overlooked schools perfect for future data scientists:

Considering a major in Data Science? You're not alone. Data Science is one of the most exciting and rapidly growing fields today, combining mathematics, statistics, programming, and problem-solving skills to uncover meaningful insights from large datasets. In fact, Data Science has recently become the most popular major at the University of California, Berkeley, reflecting its increasing demand and relevance.

Applying to college is one of the most stressful experiences for high school students today. Research shows that 76% of students view the process as a life-defining moment, and 73% worry that even a small mistake could negatively impact their chances of admission. With increasing academic expectations, social comparison, and the overwhelming amount of advice available, it’s no surprise that the admissions process can lead to heightened anxiety, depression, and even disordered eating patterns. While some level of stress is expected, it’s critical to recognize when it becomes a serious concern—and to take action to protect teen mental health.

For high school seniors, the weeks leading up to college decisions can be some of the most stressful of their lives. After months—sometimes years—of planning, testing, essay writing, and extracurricular commitments, students find themselves in a nerve-wracking waiting game. The increasingly low acceptance rates at the most competitive colleges only heighten this anxiety, making the process feel more like a lottery than a reflection of a student’s effort or potential. With mental health concerns on the rise among teens, it’s crucial to recognize the impact of this admissions pressure and explore ways to support students during this critical time.

The college admissions process can often feel like a race to accumulate achievements, but the most compelling applications go beyond a list of activities. Colleges seek students who demonstrate depth, commitment, and a clear sense of purpose.  This case study follows a Class of 2025 student we worked with —a methodical thinker with a strong academic foundation, deep leadership in marching band and DECA, and a focused interest in business. Rather than stretching themselves thin across numerous activities, this student dedicated their time to a few key commitments, making a lasting impact through leadership and mentorship. By staying true to their interests, challenging themselves academically, and reflecting deeply on their experiences, they built an application that stood out to admissions officers at a highly competitive liberal arts college with a strong business program.

The college application process often feels like a checklist—grades, test scores, extracurriculars—but the most compelling applications go beyond the résumé. This case study follows a Class of 2025 student we worked with who entered the process with strong credentials but no clear academic direction. Through self-reflection and intentional choices, they shaped an application that told a cohesive, authentic story—ultimately leading to early admission at an Ivy League university.

Early admissions results from this year reinforced an important message: students who built a balanced, well-researched college list had the best outcomes. While many students felt pressure to focus only on highly selective schools, those who applied to a thoughtful mix of reach, possible, and match schools gave themselves the best chance of success—and the most exciting options in the spring.  A well-crafted college list isn’t just about applying to prestigious schools—it’s about finding the right environment where a student can grow, thrive, and be happy. This year, students who took the time to explore and plan ahead saw the strongest results. Those who applied only to highly competitive colleges often found themselves with more stress and fewer options than they had hoped for.

So many of the students we were lucky enough to work with this year achieved their dream of being admitted to The University of Texas at Austin—and for most of them, that journey started well before junior year. The students who stood out in this competitive admissions cycle were the ones who began preparing as early as 9th and 10th grade. With over 90,000 applicants vying for limited spots, UT Austin’s holistic review process looks beyond grades and test scores. Admissions officers want to see a four-year story—one that demonstrates academic growth, meaningful involvement, and a clear fit for a student’s first-choice major. For the students we worked with, starting early meant they had the time to build strong academic records, explore major-related activities, and craft applications that truly reflected their strengths and passions.

So many of the students we were lucky enough to work with this year achieved their dream of being admitted to The University of Texas at Austin. With over 90,000 applicants and a competitive holistic review process, UT evaluates students through the lens of their first-choice major—meaning it’s not just about strong grades and test scores, but about how well a student’s application aligns with their intended field of study.  For many of the students we worked with, a clear fit-to-major strategy made all the difference. They carefully selected coursework, participated in major-related extracurriculars, and used their essays and expanded resumes to tell a compelling story about their academic and career aspirations. Here’s how they did it—and what future applicants can learn from their approach.

The students we were lucky enough to work with this year poured their hearts into the college application process, and for so many of them, that dedication paid off with the ultimate reward—an offer of admission to The University of Texas at Austin. As one of the most competitive public universities in the country, UT evaluates applicants on a holistic scale, but two factors consistently made a difference: academic rigor and strong test scores. Students who challenged themselves with advanced coursework and prepared strategically for standardized testing demonstrated that they were ready for UT’s academic demands, particularly in competitive majors like Business, Engineering, and Computer Science. This year, UT Austin required SAT or ACT scores, making test performance a key part of the admissions process. At the same time, students who aligned their course selection with their first-choice major showed admissions officers that they were not only academically prepared but also deeply invested in their field of study. Through thoughtful course planning, test preparation, and hard work, many of the students we worked with strengthened their applications and earned a place at UT Austin. Here’s a closer look at how they did it—and what future applicants can learn from their approach.

Is your bright, capable teen struggling to reach their potential in school? You may notice their backpack overflowing with crumpled papers, completed assignments that never make it to the teacher's desk, or the last-minute panic when they realize a major project is due tomorrow. These aren't likely signs of laziness or lack of intelligence—they could indicate executive function challenges.

Academic challenges are inevitable for all students, but for neurodivergent learners, these obstacles can feel particularly daunting, especially as the pace picks up in the spring semester. Educational experts recognize that these moments of struggle are actually valuable opportunities for growth. James Nottingham's concept of " The Learning Pit ,” highlighted in, describes how students must sometimes journey through confusion before emerging with deeper understanding. When students climb out of this pit themselves, they develop the resilience essential for long-term academic - and life - success. The key is providing them with the right tools to navigate this journey independently.

This year’s early admissions cycle reinforced a clear message: students who saw the best outcomes were strategic, demonstrated initiative, and told compelling personal stories. The students we were lucky enough to work with weren’t just strong academically—they had a well-researched college list, meaningful extracurricular experiences, and essays that reflected their authentic selves.  As competition remains intense, students applying next year should focus on rigorous academics, purposeful extracurriculars, and a thoughtful application strategy. By approaching the process with clarity and intentionality, they can maximize their chances of being overjoyed with their results—just like so many of the students we had the privilege of working with this year.

Starting the path to medical school begins in high school. Students interested in becoming doctors should focus on excelling in science and math classes, while also developing strong writing and communication skills. Gaining hands-on experience by volunteering in healthcare settings, participating in research, and serving the community will help build a solid foundation for a future in medicine. Taking on leadership roles in clubs or sports helps develop the teamwork and decision-making skills that are crucial for medical school.