Score At The Top Blog

Most of the Common App is pretty straightforward to complete, but one question we hear quite often from our students is “How should I complete the Testing page?” Unfortunately, the answer isn’t straightforward.

You should fill in your test scores and dates on the Common App Testing Section based upon the type of scores you wish to self-report.

Topics: College Admission, Common Application, Test-Prep, College Application, Educational-Consulting

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The Coronavirus has affected almost everything – including college admissions (see here for an expansive view). The recent changes have been dizzying.

In the last two weeks, many colleges, some of them highly selective, have made the SAT/ACT test-optional for applicants – typically as a short-term trial (see below) – with Covid-19 being the proximate cause. For those colleges, waiving their test score requirement will go into effect for the 2020–21 admission cycle and will be evaluated in 2021 (or 2023 for a few) after the close of that cycle in order to determine whether to make the policy ongoing. Here’s our most recent listing of those schools and what they’ve reported about the duration of the change (in years):

Topics: College Admission, ACT/SAT, Educational-Consulting, Test Optional

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March and April are typically busy months in the college search for high-school juniors getting started and high school seniors making final decisions. The Coronavirus Pandemic has put a halt to that process from the closing of schools to canceled campus tours and SAT tests. Last night, I joined a panel of experts through a Zoom presentation about their thoughts on how students can navigate the search during this uncertain time.

Topics: News, College Admission, College Planning, Educational-Consulting, SAT

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It’s a certainty that the thoroughly unscrupulous, greedy firm that just got caught bribing officials, rigging test results, and fabricating athletic backgrounds in order to get students admitted to selective colleges isn’t the only one engaged in those practices. The concept of “consultant” may draw more than skepticism, but we unflinchingly acknowledge that in our 30+ year history, our college support has been exemplary in every way.

Topics: College Admission, Educational-Consulting

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How does a student “demonstrate interest” in a college? Like revealing any sort of love, it involves more than just a single expression. Something as simple as reading a college’s inquiring email, or clicking on a school’s link can be the first step in revealing that interest. But, that’s merely the tip of the iceberg, and expressing sincere interest nearly always involves more, just like in a relationship with another person.

Topics: College Admission, Educational-Consulting, Demonstrated Interest

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Now that college acceptance letters are gracing mailboxes across the country with life-changing news for high school seniors, it’s time for you to think very carefully about what your high school transcript will reveal when your turn comes to apply to college. These five elements of your high school life to date should guide your planning now: 

Topics: AP Exams, Educational-Consulting, AICE, ib, Course Selection

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First, relax, because there’s very little chance that you’ll pay full sticker price for your child’s college education; and if the costs are still too high, there are actions you can take to reduce them.

Topics: Ivy League, ACT/SAT, Test-Prep, Educational-Consulting, Financial, Financial Aid

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Part II: Square Pegs

In Part I, Round Holes, we considered how you should look at colleges – the criteria to bring to your search for happiness. In this part, we’ll ask you to get in touch with your gut feelings.

Topics: College Application, College Planning, Educational-Consulting

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Part I: The Round Holes

“I thought the ‘best’ college for me was the most selective - I was wrong”

Topics: College Application, College Planning, Educational-Consulting

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We put you in the shoes of college admissions officers, so that you can sense their point of view with these facts:

Topics: College Admission, College Application, College Counseling, College Planning, Educational-Consulting

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