Navigating the College Application Process: A Guide for High School Juniors Starting in April

As high school juniors approach the final stretch of their secondary education, the prospect of college looms on the horizon. With the college application season fast approaching, juniors need to lay the groundwork for a successful outcome. While students won’t be submitting college applications until October or November at the earliest, we advise students to start preparing for the next part of the process this spring. Here's a checklist of what high school juniors should be doing starting April of their 11th grade.

Trends in College Admissions in 2024

The process of admission to colleges and universities in the United States is constantly changing. From frequent changes in standardized test policies to the effects of an increasingly large applicant pool, the factors that affect college admission are often hidden and difficult to navigate. Here are five of the most important new trends in college admissions that college-bound students should be aware of.

The End of Test-Optional Policies in College Admission?

What do Yale, Brown, Dartmouth, MIT, the University of Georgia, Georgetown, Purdue, and Georgia Tech have in common? All of these selective colleges and universities have reinstated standardized test requirements that were suspended during the coronavirus pandemic.

Students, Resources, SAT, ACT, College AdmissionsElite PrepMarch 9, 2024Comment

The Paper SAT vs. the New Digital SAT

It’s finally happening. The SAT is going fully digital starting in 2024 for students in the United States. The 3-hour paper-and-pencil SAT is being streamlined into a computer-based test that’s just under 2 hours and 15 minutes. Here’s what you need to know about the new digital SAT.

SAT, Test PrepElite PrepJuly 7, 2022 Comments

College Board Ends SAT Subject Tests and SAT Essay

Earlier this week, the College Board announced some major changes to their suite of college application tests. Here's how students should respond.

SAT Subject Tests, SATJason Vande BrakeJanuary 20, 2021College Board, SAT Essay Comment

What You Need to Know About UC's Decision to Eliminate the SAT/ACT Requirement (Updated September 3, 2020)

While "UC drops the SAT and ACT" is the headline, the details are slightly more complex and worth delving into.

College Admissions, ACT, SATElite PrepSeptember 3, 2020University of California

How Long Do I Need to Study to Be Ready for the SAT/ACT?

Preparing for the SAT or ACT can lead to great score increases and a higher chance of getting into colleges. The question is not whether to prepare, but how long the preparation will take. Here’s a roadmap for anticipating your own study time-frame.

ACT, SATElite PrepApril 27, 2020Comment

The June SAT Has Been Canceled . . . Now What?

The College Board has officially cancelled every SAT scheduled for the spring semester. What should you do now? How will college admissions be affected? Let's try to address a few of your questions here.

ACT, SATElite PrepApril 17, 2020COVID-19Comment

UC Temporarily Suspends SAT Admission Requirement in Response to COVID-19

The University of California’s announcement that they will temporarily suspend the SAT application requirement has left many high school juniors with questions. To help clarify things, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions and provided answers.

College Admissions, SAT, ACTElite PrepApril 1, 2020University of California