College Admissions Guides
Useful articles on every aspect of the college application process to maximize your chances of getting into your dream school.
College Admissions News
A readable daily digest of college admissions news — testing policies, financial aid, federal enforcement, and enrollment — with Test Ninjas analysis of what it means for applicants.
Common App direct admissions grows to 234 colleges for 2026-27
Starting in September, 234 colleges — up from 215 last cycle — will proactively offer admission to eligible first-gen and low- and middle-income students through Common App, often before they've applied.
DOJ whistleblower says antisemitism probes into Harvard, Brown, and Columbia were predetermined
A former DOJ civil rights attorney alleges the Title VI investigations behind this year's Harvard, Brown, and Columbia settlements had predetermined outcomes. Raskin is now demanding records — including on Cornell.
Trump administration's antisemitism lawsuit against Harvard is dismissed
A federal judge threw out DOJ's Title VI suit seeking nearly $1 billion from Harvard, ruling the antisemitism incidents cited were too isolated to show ongoing noncompliance.
International enrollment projected to fall 9.5% this fall, costing $3.4 billion
NAFSA projects about 111,000 fewer international students will enroll in 2026-27. What the drop means for domestic applicants and tuition-dependent schools.
Judge lets antitrust suit over early decision proceed against 32 colleges
A federal judge ruled the Sherman Act case against 32 elite colleges' early-decision practices can move into discovery. What it does — and doesn't — change for applicants.
DOJ finds Duke Law School illegally used race in admissions
DOJ says Duke Law used essay tags tied to race to favor Black and Hispanic applicants over stronger-scoring white and Asian applicants. What it means for law school applicants.
Where enrollment stands as fall 2026 approaches
About 61% of colleges expect to hit fall 2026 enrollment goals, but small schools are far less confident — and Test Ninjas’ take on what that means for applicants.
Rice expands free tuition to families earning $200K or less
Starting fall 2027, Rice will cover tuition for families up to $200K. What this affordability move means for upper-middle-income applicants.
Pace of college closings picks up, with more projected
More than 440 private colleges may be at elevated closure risk. How to read acceptance rates as a warning light — and protect your college list.
Homeland Security limits how long international students can stay
DHS ends duration of status for F and J students with four-year caps. What international applicants should ask before choosing a U.S. program.
UC expedites timeline on whether to restore SAT/ACT
UC sped up its testing review toward a June 2027 recommendation. Why Test Ninjas still says prepare for the SAT/ACT now.
Yale faces backlash for talks with DOJ over admissions
Yale confirmed DOJ negotiations over alleged race discrimination in admissions. What federal scrutiny means for how you build an application.
Five takeaways from new international student enrollment data
Most U.S. campuses saw fewer international applications in 2025–26. What softening inbound demand means for domestic and international applicants.
Yale seeks Trump administration deal amid sprawling investigation
The Times reported Yale pursuing settlement talks as DOJ scrutiny expanded to undergraduate and law admissions. How applicants should respond.
Michigan keeps early decision despite faculty opposition
U-M kept binding early decision after a Faculty Senate vote to pause it. When ED helps — and when it is a trap for aid-sensitive families.
Columbia reinstates SAT/ACT for the 2027–28 cycle
Columbia — the last Ivy still test-optional — will require scores starting August 2027. Why the testing comeback is now complete at the Ivies.
DOJ investigates 15 more medical schools over race in admissions
After UCLA and Yale findings, DOJ opened 15 new Title VI probes into medical-school admissions. What pre-meds should change in their preparation.
Yale requires SAT or ACT again, ending test-flexible policy
Yale ended AP/IB substitution and will again require the SAT or ACT. Why a common yardstick is back — and what that means for your testing plan.
2026 FAFSA completion rate hits a record high
The Class of 2026 set FAFSA completion records. Why filing early still matters — and how universal FAFSA states are changing the game.
DOJ accuses Yale medical school of illegally using race in admissions
DOJ alleged Title VI violations at Yale School of Medicine. How federal spreadsheet logic is reshaping elite professional-school applications.
As the U.S. enrolls fewer international students, Asia gains
Spring 2026 foreign enrollment fell sharply at many U.S. campuses. What that shift means for domestic seats and multi-country application strategies.
DOJ finds UCLA medical school illegally used race in admissions
DOJ’s UCLA Med finding shows how aggressively racial proxies are being investigated — even in Prop 209 California. Practical advice for applicants.
Education Department probes Smith College over admitting trans women
OCR opened a Title IX investigation into Smith’s admissions policy. Why women’s-college applicants should track policy changes semester by semester.
Yale accepts 4.2% of applicants for the Class of 2030
Yale admitted 2,328 of 54,919 applicants on Ivy Day. Why a 4.2% rate is math, not a verdict — and how to build a list that survives it.
460+ Scholarships to Apply for in 2026–2027
The web's most comprehensive, up-to-date scholarship list for 2026–2027: 469 vetted scholarships across full-ride, STEM, need-based, minority, women, military, state, and niche awards — each with its official application link and deadline.
2026 College Application Deadlines: Ivy League, Top Schools & More
Complete list of 2026-2027 college application deadlines including Early Decision, Early Action, and Regular Decision for Ivy League, top national universities, UCs, and more.
How to Start Writing Your College Admissions Essays
Learn how to brainstorm, choose topics, structure, and write compelling college admissions essays including the Common App personal statement and supplemental essays.
How Long Should Your College Essay Be?
Learn about typical college essay lengths, word count guidelines for Common App and supplemental essays, and practical tips for staying within limits while writing a strong, engaging essay.
How to Avoid Getting College Essays Flagged by AI Essay Detectors
Learn the 12 signs that make essays look AI-generated and follow our 5-step editing process to write authentic college essays that pass AI detectors.
Do Colleges Check for AI in Application Essays?
Learn about AI detection in college essays, how to avoid being flagged by AI detectors, and tips for writing authentic, original application essays that reflect your true voice.
Trump administration blocks Harvard from enrolling international students
The Trump administration has blocked Harvard University from enrolling international students, citing concerns about the university's ability to admit foreign students.
Getting Into Ivy League Schools
A complete roadmap to gaining admission to Ivy League and other top-tier universities, with expert advice on academics, testing, essays, extracurriculars, and more.
NYU Website Hack Reveals Alleged Test Score Data
Details about the March 2025 NYU website hack that exposed alleged student test scores and raised questions about admissions practices.
California Breaks Ground by Ending Legacy Admissions at Private Universities
California has enacted a law that prohibits private colleges and universities from giving preferential treatment to applicants with familial ties to alumni or donors.
Research as a Game Changer in College Applications
Learn how engaging in independent research projects can make a significant impact on your college application, boosting your chances of admission to top-tier institutions.
Comprehensive College Application Checklist and Timeline
A step-by-step guide to help you navigate the college application process from freshman year through senior year, ensuring you are organized and prepared.
Princeton's Class of 2027 vs. Class of 2028: A Comparative Analysis
An in-depth comparison of Princeton's Class of 2027 and Class of 2028, highlighting key changes in diversity, financial aid, and class size.
The Impact of Affirmative Action: A Comparative Analysis of MIT's Demographics Before and After the 2027 Decision
Explore the changes in MIT's demographics following the 2027 Supreme Court ruling that ended race-based affirmative action, and what it means for the future of diversity in higher education.
How to Ask for Letters of Recommendation for Your College Application
A step-by-step guide to securing strong letters of recommendation for your college application process.
6 Overrated College Application Extracurricular Activities
Learn which college extracurricular activities might be overrated for your college application and which ones to prioritize instead.
7 Real College Application Essays
Read real Common App essays students wrote to get into their dream schools.
College Essay Idea Brainstorming
Techniques to help you come up with the most meaningful and impactful college application essays.
SAT and ACT Scores For University of Georgia
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for University of Georgia, a top public university based in Athens, Georgia.
SAT and ACT Scores For Wake Forest
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for Wake Fores University, a private research university in North Carolina.
SAT and ACT Scores For Northeastern University
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for Northeastern University, a private research university in Massachusetts.
SAT and ACT Scores For Boston College
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for Boston College, a top private college in Massachusetts.
SAT and ACT Scores For UNC Chapel Hill
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a top public university in North Carolina.
SAT and ACT Scores For Washington and Lee University
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for Washington and Lee University, a top private liberal arts college in Virginia.
SAT and ACT Scores For Middlebury
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for Middlebury College, a top private liberal arts college in Vermont.
SAT and ACT Scores For University of Florida
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for University of Florida, a top public university based in Gainesville, Florida.
SAT and ACT Scores For Boston University
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for Boston University, a private university in Massachusetts.
SAT and ACT Scores For Wellesley
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for Wellesley College, a top private women's university in Massachusetts.
SAT and ACT Scores For Emory
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for Emory University, a top private university in Atlanta, Georgia.
SAT and ACT Scores For Barnard College
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for Barnard College, a private women's college in New York City.
SAT and ACT Scores For Tufts
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for Tufts University, a top private research university in Boston, Massachusetts.
SAT and ACT Scores For Swarthmore
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for Swarthmore College, a top private liberal arts college in Pennsylvania.
SAT and ACT Scores For Williams
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for Williams College, the top private liberal arts college in Massachusetts.
SAT and ACT Scores For Davidson College
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for Davidson College, a top private liberal arts college in North Carolina.
SAT and ACT Scores For UVA
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for University of Virginia, the top public university in Virginia.
SAT and ACT Scores For Bowdoin College
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for Bowdoin College, a private liberal arts college in Maine.
SAT and ACT Scores For Georgia Tech
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for Georgia Institute of Technology, one of the nation's top STEM schools
SAT and ACT Scores For Notre Dame
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for University of Notre Dame, a private Catholic research university in Indiana.
SAT and ACT Scores For USC
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for University of Southern California, one of southern California's best universities.
SAT and ACT Scores For Claremont McKenna College
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for Claremont McKenna College, a fine liberal arts college in southern California
SAT and ACT Scores For Carnegie Mellon
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for Carnegie Mellon University, the STEM powerhouse of Pittsburg.
SAT and ACT Scores For Pomona
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for Pomona College, one of the best private liberal arts schools in the world.
SAT and ACT Scores For Caltech
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for Caltech, the jewel of Southern California and known for being nearly impossible to get into
SAT and ACT Scores For Washington University in St. Louis
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for Washington University in St. Louis, the top school in Missouri.
SAT and ACT Scores For Northwestern University
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for one of the top universities in Illinois - Northwestern.
SAT and ACT Scores For Vanderbilt University
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for the number one school in Tennesssee - Vanderbilt University.
SAT and ACT Scores For Duke University
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for one of the most academically and athletically competitive colleges on the Eastern Seaboard - Duke University.
SAT and ACT Scores For Georgetown
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for Washington D.C. powerhouse Georgetown University.
SAT and ACT Scores For Harvey Mudd
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for Harvey Mudd College, one of the best private liberal arts schools.
SAT and ACT Scores For Brown University
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for the best school in Rhode Island and Ivy League member - Brown University.
SAT and ACT Scores For Rice University
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for the most selective university in Texas - Rice University.
SAT and ACT Scores For Dartmouth
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for one of the most selective Ivy Leagues - Dartmouth College.
SAT and ACT Scores For Cornell
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for Ivy League and architecture/engineering goliath Cornell University.
SAT and ACT Scores For Stanford
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed the top school on the west coast - Stanford University.
SAT and ACT Scores For Harvard
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for the oldest and most prestigious American university - Harvard.
SAT and ACT Scores For MIT
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for the most famous STEM school in the world - Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
SAT and ACT Scores For UPenn
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for Ivy League and finance titan University of Pennsylvania.
SAT and ACT Scores For Columbia University
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for Columbia University, the crown jewel of New York and one of the most selective Ivy League schools.
SAT and ACT Scores For University of Washington
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for University of Washington.
SAT and ACT Scores For University of Michigan
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for University of Michigan - Ann Arbor.
SAT and ACT Scores For UC Berkeley
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for California's STEM powerhouse UC Berkeley.
SAT and ACT Scores For Yale
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for entry into one of the most selective Ivy League schools - Yale University.
SAT and ACT Scores For University of Wisconsin
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for entry into the University of Wisconsin - Madison.
SAT and ACT Scores For UCLA
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for entry into University of California - Los Angeles, one of california's most selective colleges.
SAT and ACT Scores For UT Austin
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for entry into University of Texas - Austin, Texas' top public college.
SAT and ACT Scores For University of Chicago
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for entry into econ and math powerhouse University of Chicago.
SAT and ACT Scores For Purdue University
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for admissions to Purdue University.
SAT and ACT Scores For Princeton University
Find out the SAT and ACT scores you need to get into the prestigious Princeton University.
SAT and ACT Scores For University of Minnesota
Find out the SAT and ACT scores you need to get into the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.
SAT and ACT Scores For NYU
Find out what SAT and ACT scores you need to get into the world-famous New York University.
SAT and ACT Scores For Johns Hopkins University
Find out the SAT and ACT scores you need to get into biology and medicine powerhouse Johns Hopkins University.
SAT and ACT Scores For Amherst College
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for Amherst College, one of the most selective liberal arts colleges in the United States.
SAT and ACT Scores For University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for UIUC, a top public research university known for engineering and computer science.
SAT and ACT Scores For William & Mary
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for William & Mary, one of the most prestigious public universities in the country.
SAT and ACT Scores For The Ohio State University
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for Ohio State, one of the largest public research universities in the United States.
SAT and ACT Scores For UC Irvine
See enrolled student SAT and ACT score ranges for UC Irvine. Note: UC Irvine is test-blind and does not consider scores in admissions.
SAT and ACT Scores For UC Santa Barbara
See enrolled student SAT and ACT score ranges for UC Santa Barbara. Note: UCSB is test-blind and does not consider scores in admissions.
SAT and ACT Scores For UC Davis
See enrolled student SAT and ACT score ranges for UC Davis. Note: UC Davis is test-blind and does not consider scores in admissions.
SAT and ACT Scores For Villanova University
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for Villanova University, one of the most selective Catholic universities in the United States.
SAT and ACT Scores For Tulane University
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for Tulane University, a highly selective private research university in New Orleans.
SAT and ACT Scores For Virginia Tech
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for Virginia Tech, a top public research university known for engineering and technology programs.
SAT and ACT Scores For University of Miami
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for the University of Miami, a prominent private research university in south Florida.
SAT and ACT Scores For Florida State University
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for Florida State University, a top public research university in Tallahassee.
SAT and ACT Scores For Texas A&M University
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for Texas A&M University, one of the largest public research universities in the country.
SAT and ACT Scores For Colby College
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for Colby College, one of the most selective liberal arts colleges in the United States.
SAT and ACT Scores For Hamilton College
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for Hamilton College, a highly selective liberal arts college in upstate New York.
SAT and ACT Scores For Wesleyan University
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for Wesleyan University, a selective liberal arts university and member of the Little Three.
SAT and ACT Scores For University of Maryland
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for the University of Maryland, College Park, a top public research university near Washington, D.C.
SAT and ACT Scores For Clemson University
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for Clemson University, a respected public research university in South Carolina.
SAT and ACT Scores For Penn State
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for Penn State, one of the largest and most well-known public universities in the United States.
SAT and ACT Scores For NC State
Get the SAT and ACT scores needed for North Carolina State University, a top public research university known for engineering and STEM.
The Truth Behind Test-optional Colleges
Understand what test-optional means and how students should approach them.
What Does the Supreme Court's Ruling on Affirmative Action Mean for Future College Applicants?
Let's break down the implications of the Supreme Court's ruling on affirmative action in the college admissions process.
College Admissions Overview
10,000-foot view of the most important factors in the college admissions process.
UT Austin Acceptance Rate
Understand the acceptance rate and key factors for UT Austin admissions, and learn how to improve your chances of getting in.
New York University Acceptance Rate
Understand the acceptance rate and key factors for NYU admissions, and learn how to improve your chances of getting in.
University of Minnesota Acceptance Rate
Understand the acceptance rate and key factors for University of Minnesota admissions, and learn how to improve your chances of getting in.
Johns Hopkins University Acceptance Rate
Understand the acceptance rate and key factors for Johns Hopkins University admissions, and learn how to improve your chances of getting in.
Princeton University Acceptance Rate
Understand the acceptance rate and key factors for Princeton University admissions, and learn how to improve your chances of getting in.
Purdue University Acceptance Rate
Understand the acceptance rate and key factors for Purdue University admissions, and learn how to improve your chances of getting in.
University of Chicago Acceptance Rate
Understand the acceptance rate and key factors for University of Chicago admissions, and learn how to improve your chances of getting in.
Yale University Acceptance Rate
Understand the acceptance rate and key factors for Yale University admissions, and learn how to improve your chances of getting in.
University of Wisconsin Acceptance Rate
Understand the acceptance rate and key factors for University of Wisconsin admissions, and learn how to improve your chances of getting in.
UCLA Acceptance Rate
Understand the acceptance rate and key factors for UCLA admissions, and learn how to improve your chances of getting in.
UC Berkeley Acceptance Rate
Understand the acceptance rate and key factors for UC Berkeley admissions, and learn how to improve your chances of getting in.
University of Michigan Acceptance Rate
Understand the acceptance rate and key factors for University of Michigan admissions, and learn how to improve your chances of getting in.
University of Washington Acceptance Rate
Understand the acceptance rate and key factors for University of Washington admissions, and learn how to improve your chances of getting in.
Columbia University Acceptance Rate
Understand the acceptance rate and key factors for Columbia University admissions, and learn how to improve your chances of getting in.
University of Pennsylvania Acceptance Rate
Understand the acceptance rate and key factors for University of Pennsylvania admissions, and learn how to improve your chances of getting in.
MIT Acceptance Rate
Understand the acceptance rate and key factors for MIT admissions, and learn how to improve your chances of getting in.
Harvard University Acceptance Rate
Understand the acceptance rate and key factors for Harvard University admissions, and learn how to improve your chances of getting in.
Stanford University Acceptance Rate
Understand the acceptance rate and key factors for Stanford University admissions, and learn how to improve your chances of getting in.
Cornell University Acceptance Rate
Understand the acceptance rate and key factors for Cornell University admissions, and learn how to improve your chances of getting in.
Dartmouth College Acceptance Rate
Understand the acceptance rate and key factors for Dartmouth College admissions, and learn how to improve your chances of getting in.
Rice University Acceptance Rate
Understand the acceptance rate and key factors for Rice University admissions, and learn how to improve your chances of getting in.
Brown University Acceptance Rate
Understand the acceptance rate and key factors for Brown University admissions, and learn how to improve your chances of getting in.
Harvey Mudd College Acceptance Rate
Understand the acceptance rate and key factors for Harvey Mudd College admissions, and learn how to improve your chances of getting in.
Georgetown University Acceptance Rate
Understand the acceptance rate and key factors for Georgetown University admissions, and learn how to improve your chances of getting in.
Duke University Acceptance Rate
Understand the acceptance rate and key factors for Duke University admissions, and learn how to improve your chances of getting in.
Vanderbilt University Acceptance Rate
Understand the acceptance rate and key factors for Vanderbilt University admissions, and learn how to improve your chances of getting in.
Northwestern University Acceptance Rate
Understand the acceptance rate and key factors for Northwestern University admissions, and learn how to improve your chances of getting in.
Washington University in St. Louis Acceptance Rate
Understand the acceptance rate and key factors for Washington University in St. Louis admissions, and learn how to improve your chances of getting in.
Caltech Acceptance Rate
Understand the acceptance rate and key factors for Caltech admissions, and learn how to improve your chances of getting in.
Pomona College Acceptance Rate
Understand the acceptance rate and key factors for Pomona College admissions, and learn how to improve your chances of getting in.
Carnegie Mellon University Acceptance Rate
Understand the acceptance rate and key factors for Carnegie Mellon University admissions, and learn how to improve your chances of getting in.
Claremont McKenna College Acceptance Rate
Understand the acceptance rate and key factors for Claremont McKenna College admissions, and learn how to improve your chances of getting in.
USC Acceptance Rate
Understand the acceptance rate and key factors for USC admissions, and learn how to improve your chances of getting in.
University of Notre Dame Acceptance Rate
Understand the acceptance rate and key factors for University of Notre Dame admissions, and learn how to improve your chances of getting in.
Georgia Tech Acceptance Rate
Understand the acceptance rate and key factors for Georgia Tech admissions, and learn how to improve your chances of getting in.
Bowdoin College Acceptance Rate
Understand the acceptance rate and key factors for Bowdoin College admissions, and learn how to improve your chances of getting in.
University of Virginia Acceptance Rate
Understand the acceptance rate and key factors for University of Virginia admissions, and learn how to improve your chances of getting in.
Davidson College Acceptance Rate
Understand the acceptance rate and key factors for Davidson College admissions, and learn how to improve your chances of getting in.
Williams College Acceptance Rate
Understand the acceptance rate and key factors for Williams College admissions, and learn how to improve your chances of getting in.
Swarthmore College Acceptance Rate
Understand the acceptance rate and key factors for Swarthmore College admissions, and learn how to improve your chances of getting in.
Tufts University Acceptance Rate
Understand the acceptance rate and key factors for Tufts University admissions, and learn how to improve your chances of getting in.
Barnard College Acceptance Rate
Understand the acceptance rate and key factors for Barnard College admissions, and learn how to improve your chances of getting in.
Emory University Acceptance Rate
Understand the acceptance rate and key factors for Emory University admissions, and learn how to improve your chances of getting in.
Wellesley College Acceptance Rate
Understand the acceptance rate and key factors for Wellesley College admissions, and learn how to improve your chances of getting in.
Boston University Acceptance Rate
Understand the acceptance rate and key factors for Boston University admissions, and learn how to improve your chances of getting in.
University of Florida Acceptance Rate
Understand the acceptance rate and key factors for University of Florida admissions, and learn how to improve your chances of getting in.
Middlebury College Acceptance Rate
Understand the acceptance rate and key factors for Middlebury College admissions, and learn how to improve your chances of getting in.
Washington and Lee University Acceptance Rate
Understand the acceptance rate and key factors for Washington and Lee University admissions, and learn how to improve your chances of getting in.
UNC Chapel Hill Acceptance Rate
Understand the acceptance rate and key factors for UNC Chapel Hill admissions, and learn how to improve your chances of getting in.
Boston College Acceptance Rate
Understand the acceptance rate and key factors for Boston College admissions, and learn how to improve your chances of getting in.
Northeastern University Acceptance Rate
Understand the acceptance rate and key factors for Northeastern University admissions, and learn how to improve your chances of getting in.
Wake Forest University Acceptance Rate
Understand the acceptance rate and key factors for Wake Forest University admissions, and learn how to improve your chances of getting in.
University of Georgia Acceptance Rate
Understand the acceptance rate and key factors for University of Georgia admissions, and learn how to improve your chances of getting in.