Several years into the test-optional era, a clearer picture has emerged. While many colleges remain test-optional, research and admissions outcomes suggest that standardised test scores continue to provide meaningful information about student preparedness and academic success.

One in four high school students applying to college this year will use AI to help write their college application essays and resumes. Most families hear that and assume the admissions process has become even more unfair, more confusing, and more impossible to navigate. But this admissions cycle revealed something more useful for parents to understand: the rise of AI may actually make authentic students easier to recognize.

When families talk about wanting a prestigious college, they usually have a specific picture in mind. Understanding what that picture actually includes, and what has happened to those schools in recent years, is the best place to start when building a list that works.

Downtime and boredom can be particularly useful for teenagers: although many, particularly students at high-achieving schools, can feel as though they need to fill their time with a wide range of activities, there are benefits to having down time, and even experiencing boredom.

AI is rapidly reshaping the job market, challenging long-standing assumptions about which academic paths lead to stability and strong career outcomes. While STEM and AI-related fields continue to grow, ROI varies, and personal fit, self-awareness, and transferable skills remain essential.

From internships and co-op programmes to community engagement and faculty-led projects, experiential learning is transforming how students learn at university. Discover why hands-on education is increasingly valued by students, families, and employers—and how to spot universities that do it well.

Dutch universities offer a wide range of academic models, from US-style liberal arts colleges to specialised technology-focused research institutions. This article takes a closer look at University College Utrecht, University College Roosevelt, and Eindhoven University of Technology—highlighting who each option suits best, how admissions work, and what UK students should consider when applying.

How can parents prepare children for a future shaped by AI—a world even experts struggle to predict? This article explores the essential traits kids will need to thrive: adaptability, creativity, critical thinking, and more. The future may be uncertain, but we can still help launch them with purpose and resilience.

From navigating misinformation and online identity to building practical digital skills, digital literacy is now essential for university success and employability. Explore how students can develop digital discernment, confidence, and capability in an increasingly digital world.

Your GPA isn’t your golden ticket to university—your story is. Admissions officers look beyond numbers to see your choices, growth, and context. Learn how to build an academic profile that reflects your strengths and potential, not just a transcript. It’s time to rethink what “impressive” really means.