All Questions & Answers Articles

How does early decision and financial aid interact with each other?
questions & answers

Should You Apply Early Decision or Early Action When Financial Aid Matters?

By Lynell EngelmyerLast updated on May 13, 2021
Many students and families make difficult decisions when choosing whether to apply Early Decision or Early Action. Particularly, what kind of financial commitment are you making by applying during one of these windows? What if the college doesn’t offer you enough financial aid to make it an affordable option? How does the relationship between early …
A pair of glasses sitting on top of a journal.
questions & answers

How Many Times Should I Take the ACT or SAT?

By Jessica VelascoLast updated on January 8, 2021
First: There is no magic number for how many times a student should take the ACT or SAT. For some students, taking the test once may be enough. For others, they may need to take the test twice or even three times. There are no penalties for taking the tests multiple times or choosing to …
A student writing in a notebook with an orange pen.
questions & answers

Should I Take IB Classes in High School? How to Determine if International Baccalaureate Courses Are Right For You

By Jessica VelascoLast updated on February 10, 2020
International Baccalaureate, or IB, classes, are a bit like AP classes, but not entirely. It depends on a lot of factors if you should take an IB class in high school. We’ll highlight those factors below. Students may be confused when they have the opportunity to choose between IB and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Here …
Students in a marching band lined up, holding their instruments.
questions & answers

How Many Extracurricular Activities Should I Be Doing? Is More, More? Or Is More, Less?

By Carlos CanoLast updated on January 14, 2020
A common conversation I have with prospective students and families is related to extracurricular activities. Parents rightfully boast about their child’s involvement with this, that, and the other. Meanwhile, the student worries that they either doing too much or not enough. The latter thought from the student can become a troubling one as it causes …
This diagram shows the process of applying to a college early action and the possible outcomes.
questions & answers

Is Early Action Right for Me?

By Olivia PittmanLast updated on October 8, 2020
A number of colleges give prospective students the option to apply early action. Early action (EA) is a non-binding program which allows students to receive admissions decisions in December rather than April. Unlike early decision, applying early action is not a commitment to a single college. Is EA right for you? Applying Early Action can …
Chart shows the differences at a number of colleges and universities in admission rate for students that apply regular decision versus those who apply early decision.
questions & answers

Should I Apply Early Decision to College?

By Olivia PittmanLast updated on June 16, 2020
Prepared students with a single first choice college may consider applying early decision. Early decision is binding–meaning if you apply and are accepted early decision to a college, you are expected to go there, with almost no exception. There are a lot of reasons students apply this way. Many believe it’s easier to be accepted …