THE APPLICATION AUTHORITY BLOG

What is Early Decision? Early decision is an application option that allows students to apply early and receive an admissions decision early, usually by December. Students are only allowed to apply Early Decision to ONE school and upon acceptance to your Early...

Most competitive schools utilize holistic review processes, which means grades and test scores are no longer the biggest determining factor in admissions. With holistic review, the influence of gr ades and test scores has a limited impact, instead a student's overall...

Harvard is taking bold steps to change the college admissions process by shifting focus from academic achievements to "to focus on meaningful ethical and intellectual engagement." This is part of a two-year campaign by Harvard that consists of three major goals:...

This week, the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Scholarship notified three graduating high school seniors that they received a full-ride to their college of choice. One of the "most generous scholarships in America," the Coolidge Scholarship is awarded to three students...

With each passing year, test scores are a less significant part of the college application. Simultaneously, the qualitative portions of the application grow in importance. More students than ever before achieve perfect SAT scores, and those with perfect scores get...

The list of test-optional college and universities in the United States continues to grow.With the SAT and ACT becoming more obsolete, qualitative application elements, such as essays and recommendation letters, are becoming increasingly important. Why are schools...

There are many myths surrounding college admissions. If a college applicant believes these myths, it can cost him/her admission into competitive programs, money, and/or significant time. Here, we debunk five myths related to college admissions and college...

How do admissions officers read your application? The process varies slightly per school (see two links included below), but the general process is as follows: 1. School Profile and Transcript School Profile: Strength of school curriculum, percentage of students who...

Admission into elite schools in the United States is more competitive than ever. There are several factors driving this increase in competition: 1. Common Application - lower barrier to submitting multiple school applications. 2. Increase in International Applicants...

Whether you are applying to college, grad school, a specialty program, or a professional board position, your "extracurricular" involvement matters. In fact, many schools have started referring to extracurricular activities as "co-curricular" activities to emphasize...

How can universities help student entrepreneurs gain access to capital? Should universities invest directly in startups? UC universities now have the ability to invest directly in companies that start on their campuses. This "direct-investment model" is relatively new...

It can be incredibly challenging to craft and submit a stellar education application. Contrary to logic, one of the main barriers to submitting your best application is your brain. Overthinking, being overly critical, and failing to assess yourself holistically and...

Poets and Quants just released their annual list of undergraduate business schools to watch. This year, the list includes (in no particular order): 1. Carnegie Mellon (Tepper) 2. Washington University (Olin) 3. Lehigh University 4. University of Michigan (Ross) 5....

Business Insider just released an article that compiles business advice from 14 incredibly successful CEOs and entrepreneurs; how does this apply to you? We think billionaire Mark Cuban best summarizes our application philosophy: "Do the work. Out-work. Out-think....

The world's best undergraduate business schools have no choice but to adapt and innovate; changes in student interests, technology, and business trends (to name a few) have forced business schools to make subsequent updates to their programs. Poets and Quants recently...

As flock animals, sheep are inherently inclined to follow a leader and stay in line. While you may be inclined to follow someone else's outlined path during the college admissions process, doing so is a huge mistake. Most colleges don't use a strict formula to assess...

You have a lot on your mind when you're applying to college; do you really need to worry about your social media accounts? With the burgeoning increase in "social media consulting companies," it's natural for you to consider what to do with your accounts. Do you...

Selecting a college is one of the biggest steps you will take in your young adult life. It is an important decision that requires thoughtful attention and time. Take the time to visit each school and get a feel for the campus. There is so much to be learned from...