Will Using the Common Application Platform Impact My Chances of Admission?

college admissions interview

Due to the high stakes involved in the college application process, many students and families are concerned that using the Common Application platform to write and submit application materials like the activity list, essays, recommendation letters, and more, can adversely affect a student’s chances of admission. The fear is that colleges give more attention, and […]

New Partnership for HBCU Test Prep with Livius

HBCU Connect and Livius have partnered for online HBCU test prep.

Livius will provide college application and test prep services to college-bound member students and visitors of HBCU Connect. HBCU Connect is a network and platform serving recruits, students, and alumni of historically Black colleges and universities. The new HBCU test prep partnership between the two organizations was announced this week by Neil Khaund, CEO of […]

Livius Partners with Athletic Associations for Free College Prep

Livius will bring free college prep to student athletes.

Neil Khaund, CEO of Livius, this week announced partnerships between Livius and three separate athletic associations serving high school students. Livius will work with the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA), the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association (VISAA), and the District of Columbia State Athletic Association (DCSAA). These partnerships will bring Livius-backed free college prep services […]

Harvard & Ivy League Test Optional Admission Changes

The Harvard test optional announcement raises questions.

In mid-June, Harvard announced an amendment to their admission process, making SAT/ACT scores “optional” as part of their college applications this coming year. The remaining Ivy League universities followed the Harvard test optional admission announcement. This included a reversal from Princeton University, which initially stated they would not be making test scores optional for 2025 […]

Online Learning and COVID-19: How Do Colleges Adjust?

COVID-19 is affecting education at all levels, and online learning is one solution.

For high school juniors and seniors, preparing for college can be stressful. As schools switch from in-person to online learning due to the coronavirus pandemic, this stress may be compounded by the fact that colleges are physically closed. Your carefully constructed college timeline might seem in jeopardy. However, there are ways to adapt to these […]

ACT Update: Online Testing Plan

The ACT online test is coming in September.

We’ve been carefully monitoring ACT, Inc. for updates to the exam in light of ongoing changes from COVID-19. After this week’s latest announcement, here’s a summary of what’s going on regarding ACT online testing. What Did ACT Announce? On Thursday, June 18th, 2020, ACT, Inc. announced that they were postponing the September roll out of […]

COVID-19 and Your College Application Essay

The college application essay allows students to explain this year's obstacles.

Lately, I’ve been asked during our regular webinar series is how COVID-19 will affect or change the college admissions process. Students are worried that their application will suffer because their summer plans are cancelled. Parents are wondering whether standardized test scores will now be less of a requirement. Families ask whether they should use the […]

Choosing Classes for Next Year: What to Consider

Choosing classes for next year can be a stressful process for students.

As the academic year comes to a close, many students are faced with the challenge of choosing classes for next year. Students will often feel pressured and influenced, even unconsciously, about their selection. This pressure comes from comments from teachers, conversations with guidance counselors, and suggestions from a family member or friends. Let’s discuss how […]

College Board Abandons Autumn SAT Test Online Plans

College board has abandoned SAT test online plans.

On June 3rd, the College Board posted a blog on their website regarding remote testing for this fall. It was only one month after they announced the new September test date. Previously, College Board guaranteed the fall test dates would happen, no matter what. They would be prepared to deliver the SAT test online, remotely […]

What GPA Do I Need?

Know your goal GPA for college admissions.

“What GPA do I need?” This, in addition to “What SAT score do I need?” is perhaps the question I am asked most. In May, as another school year ends, many families will sit down to review the year’s academic performance. They will also compile a list of colleges and universities that best align with […]

College Video Tours: A Guide to Your Virtual College Visit

College video tours are a convenient, affordable way to check out schools on your list.

Under normal circumstances, every fall and spring, high school juniors and seniors complete college visits. However, the COVID-19 pandemic is having effects on all aspects of education. As a result, lots of educational institutions are going online, and not just for classes. In-person activities, including college visits, are canceled for the foreseeable future. Fortunately, there […]

What to Do Now that Summer Programs Are Cancelled?

What do students do with summer education programs cancelled?

In our experience working with hundreds of thousands of students from different geographic, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, what we can definitively tell you is that the landscape of college admissions has become increasingly more competitive with every passing year. This doesn’t even factor in admissions complications due to coronavirus. A good GPA and solid SAT […]