Most colleges do not consider AP scores in the admissions process, but showing mastery of the AP material with a high score can help colleges assess a student's readiness for college-level work (some colleges will even accept them in lieu of SAT/ACT scores).

Keep in mind that your grades and performance in AP classes throughout the year always matter, and a high AP score will not "erase" poor performance in a class.

What Is a Good AP Score? It differs by college--some colleges will award college credit for a score of 3 (the lowest passing score) or higher, while others may only give credit for a score of 4 (or 5). Colleges generally post this information on their websites so you can see (before you potentially self-report scores) what scores a particular college values.

When to Report AP Scores

• You can self-report your AP scores on college applications (Common App, Coalition, etc.).
• Only report scores you want to (unless you are applying to one of the minuscule number of colleges that requires all test scores at the time of application)
• Official AP score reports are typically only required after you commit to a college (senior year). This is when you should send official scores via the College Board for potential college credit or placement.

If you're stressing about picking the "perfect" college major because you think it'll lock in your entire future—take a deep breath. Here's the truth: your major is not your career, and it doesn't define who you are or what you'll do forever.

So, What Is a Major, Really? A college major is just a subject you choose to focus on during your time in college. It gives you some depth in one area—like biology, history, computer science, or English—but it's not a life sentence. It's more like a launchpad.

Majors Don't Equal Jobs Let's bust a myth: Most people don't end up working in a field that directly matches their major. History majors become lawyers, philosophy majors go into tech, and English majors end up in marketing, business, or even coding. Why? Because employers care more about your skills, experience, and how you think—not just the name of your degree.

You're Gonna Grow (a Lot) The person you are at 17 is not the person you'll be at 22 or 30. You'll discover new interests, strengths, and goals over time. College gives you the freedom to explore, change your mind, and try different paths. That's not a failure—it's part of the process.

When it comes to paying for college, many families hope that merit aid (this is gift money awarded by colleges that does not need to be repaid AND is generally not based on financial need) and outside scholarships will significantly reduce costs. However, there are several myths surrounding merit aid that can lead to unrealistic expectations. Here are a few:

Myth 1: High Achieving Students Always Get Full Scholarships From Colleges

Reality: While colleges do award merit-based scholarships to students with strong academics, full-ride scholarships are rare. Most merit aid covers only a portion of tuition, and some colleges do not offer merit aid at all, focusing instead on need-based financial aid. And with high school grade inflation at an all-time high, a report card filled with A’s is more common than ever.

Myth 2: Merit Aid and Scholarships Are Only for Straight-A Students

Reality: While GPA is important for many merit awards, many colleges consider other factors such as leadership, extracurricular activities, community service, and special talents. Some schools may offer merit aid based on specific interests, career goals, geographic location, or any other factor that makes a student appealing to the college. Ultimately, merit offers are a discounting method colleges use to entice students to attend their college over other options.

A Game Design major is perfect for students passionate about creating interactive digital experiences. This field blends art, storytelling, programming, and game mechanics to develop engaging video games. Students in this major typically study game development, animation, coding, user experience (UX), and narrative design, often working in teams to build playable projects. With the gaming industry growing rapidly, careers in game design can range from game designer and programmer to level designer and producer.

Some Top Undergraduate Game Design Programs in the U.S.

1. University of Southern California (USC)
2. University of Utah
3. DigiPen Institute of Technology
4. Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)
5. New York University (NYU) – Game Center
6. Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)
7. Michigan State University
8. Northeastern University
9. Drexel University
10. Columbia College Chicago

Choosing the right college is a big decision, especially if you're on the pre-med track. While smaller colleges offer their own advantages, attending a large research university can provide unique benefits that help set students up for success in medical school and beyond. If you're considering a big university for your pre-med journey, here are some key reasons why it might be the right choice for you.

1. Access to Cutting-Edge Research Opportunities

Medical schools value applicants with research experience, and large universities typically have well-funded research programs in fields like biology, chemistry, neuroscience, and biomedical engineering. With major grants and faculty conducting groundbreaking studies, undergraduates often have the chance to get involved in research labs early in their college careers. Hands-on lab experience can give you a competitive edge when applying to medical school.

2. Abundant Clinical and Volunteer Experiences

Large research universities are often located near major hospitals, medical schools, and healthcare facilities. This proximity allows pre-med students to access internships, shadowing opportunities, and volunteer positions in clinical settings. These experiences are crucial for demonstrating a commitment to medicine and understanding patient care before applying to medical school.

If you're a high school student considering a future in medicine, you've probably heard that big research universities are the best choice for pre-med. While large institutions have their advantages, smaller colleges can offer a unique set of benefits that might actually give you an edge when it comes to medical school admissions. Here's why a smaller college might be the perfect place to launch your pre-med journey.

1. Closer Relationships with Professors

Classes are typically smaller at smaller colleges, meaning you won't be just another face in a huge lecture hall. This allows you to build meaningful relationships with your professors, who often double as your advisors and mentors. These connections can lead to stronger recommendation letters, better research opportunities, and valuable guidance throughout your pre-med path.

2. More Personalized Pre-Med Advising

Many small colleges offer dedicated pre-health advising programs that give students individualized attention. Instead of competing with hundreds (or even thousands) of other pre-med students, you may receive more tailored support when it comes to course selection, MCAT prep, clinical experiences, and medical school applications.

Many top engineering programs are highly competitive, and admissions officers look for students who demonstrate both a strong academic background and a clear passion for the field. While high grades and test scores in math and science are important, many colleges also want to see students actively engaging in engineering-related activities before they apply. Hands-on experience, problem-solving skills, and a demonstrated interest in engineering can help set you apart from other applicants.

If you're a high school student considering an engineering major, spending your summer exploring the field can strengthen your application and give you a head start on essential skills. Here are five great summer activities to help you build experience and show colleges that you're a great fit for an engineering program:

1. Engineering Summer Programs Participate in pre-college engineering programs at universities (e.g., MIT’s Engineering Experience, Johns Hopkins’ Engineering Innovation). These programs offer hands-on learning in robotics, aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering.

2. Internships or Research Opportunities Look for local engineering firms, government agencies, or university labs that offer internships or research assistant positions. Even shadowing an engineer for a few weeks can provide valuable insight into the field.

Advanced Placement (AP) classes are considered more rigorous than standard high school classes because they are designed to be college-level courses. Still, there are difficulty levels even within the AP category. A couple of important notes about choosing AP courses before you keep reading:

• There is no definitive guide to ranking the difficulty of AP courses.
• The rigor of an AP class can depend on the individual student's background, strengths, and interests. What may be a challenging class for one student may be easier for another.
• An AP class's rigor can vary from school to school and from teacher to teacher.

That said, some AP classes are consistently noted to be among the most challenging coursework available to students.

The most difficult AP classes typically cover complex subject matter (often requiring students to be already advanced academically in a discipline), require extensive reading and analysis, and demand high critical thinking and problem-solving skills. These classes often have a heavy workload and require significant time and effort outside of class to keep up with the pace of the course. Some examples of AP classes that students often consider to be the most rigorous include:

Here are five summer activity ideas for high school students interested in majoring in business:

1. Internship at a Local Business: Seek out internships with local businesses, startups, or non-profits--they can provide hands-on experience in business operations, marketing, or finance while helping students build professional networks.
2. Entrepreneurship Project: Start a small business or a side hustle. This could be as simple as a lawn care service, private sports coaching, or a tutoring business. Students will develop skills in planning, management, and customer service.
3. Business Competitions and Camps: Participate in business competitions or attend summer camps focused on entrepreneurship or business. Many universities and organizations offer programs that include workshops, mentorship, and pitching opportunities.
4. Online Business Courses: Enroll in online courses related to business fundamentals, such as accounting, economics, or marketing. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Khan Academy offer free or low-cost courses that can enhance students' understanding of business concepts.
5. Shadowing a Business Professional: Arrange to shadow a business professional, such as a manager, accountant, or marketer, for a week or more. This experience provides insights into daily business operations and career paths in the business world.

1. Get More Sleep: Prioritize at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night to improve focus, energy, and overall health.
2. Build Strong Relationships with Teachers: Spend time getting to know your teachers by attending office/tutoring hours and participating in class to gain valuable mentorship and future recommendation letters.
3. Read More: Commit to reading a mix of fiction and non-fiction books to expand your knowledge, improve vocabulary, and enhance critical thinking skills.
4. Stay Organized: Use planners, digital calendars, or apps to keep track of assignments, deadlines, and extracurricular activities, reducing stress and staying on top of responsibilities.
5. Try Something New: Step out of your comfort zone by joining a new club, taking up a hobby, or volunteering, which can lead to new passions and experiences.
6. Give Back: Engage in community service or volunteer work to develop empathy, leadership skills, and a sense of social responsibility while positively impacting others.
7. Research Colleges: Explore different colleges and universities to find the best fit for your academic and personal interests.
8. Prioritize Self-Care: Focus on overall well-being by incorporating regular exercise, a balanced diet, mindfulness practices, and activities that promote mental health, such as meditation or journaling.
9. Practice Time Management: Learn to effectively balance schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and personal time to reduce burnout and enjoy a well-rounded high school experience.
10. Reflect on Goals: Regularly assess your personal and academic goals, adjusting them as needed to stay motivated and on track for college readiness.

Visit the College Website

• Go to each college's official website.
• Look for sections like "Admissions," "Visit Campus," or "Prospective Students."
• Many schools have online calendars where you can see tour dates, open houses, and special events.

Create an Account or Register

• Some colleges require you to create an account on their admissions portal to register for visits.
• Follow the instructions to sign up for a campus tour, information session, or open house.

Contact the Admissions Office

Call or email the admissions office directly if you can't find the information you need online. They'll help you book a tour and answer any questions.

Plan Ahead

• Schedule visits early, especially for popular colleges. Fall and spring dates fill up quickly!
• Consider visiting on weekdays when classes are in session to get a realistic feel of campus life.
• If tours are full when you can visit a campus, you should still pop by the admissions office--ask for a map, say you are going on a self-guided tour, and fill in the contact card. Sometimes, a student will be available to take you on a tour, or an admissions rep will be available to say hello.

When people think of 529 savings plans, the first thing that comes to mind is saving for college tuition. While that's a primary benefit, 529 funds are much more versatile than you might realize. Changes to legislation have expanded their potential uses, making them a powerful tool for families planning for education costs. Here are some of the ways you can use 529 funds beyond traditional tuition payments.

K-12 Education Expenses Thanks to changes in tax laws, 529 plans can now be used to pay for up to $10,000 per year in tuition for elementary, middle, or high schools. This applies to private, public, and religious institutions.

Apprenticeship Programs If your child opts for a hands-on learning path, 529 funds can cover costs related to qualified apprenticeship programs. These programs must be registered with the U.S. Department of Labor, but eligible expenses can include tuition, fees, books, and required equipment like tools.

Student Loan Repayment A newer provision allows up to $10,000 per beneficiary (and $10,000 for each of their siblings) to be used for student loan repayment.

Room and Board 529 plans can be used for on-campus housing and some off-campus arrangements, provided the expenses don't exceed the college's published cost of attendance.

Colleges with rolling admissions evaluate applications as they are received rather than waiting until a set deadline to review all applications. These schools typically have a wide application window, sometimes stretching from early fall to late spring. Admissions decisions are often issued within a few weeks, allowing students to know their status much earlier than traditional decision deadlines. Some of the benefits include:

Early Answers, Less Stress Receiving an acceptance early in the application cycle can alleviate anxiety. Knowing you're admitted to at least one college allows you to focus on other applications with greater confidence.

Flexible Deadlines Rolling admissions colleges often accept applications long after traditional deadlines have passed. This flexibility is helpful if you need to adjust your plans or apply to additional schools later in the cycle.

Increased Admission Chances Applying early to a rolling admissions school may boost your chances, as spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. This is particularly beneficial for competitive programs within these colleges.

Building a Balanced College List A well-rounded college list includes a mix of reach, target, and likely schools. Rolling admissions schools are often ideal as "target" or "likely" options, offering reliable choices while keeping your options open.

For students and parents planning for college, figuring out how to reduce costs is at the top of many families' minds. One way to do this is by qualifying for in-state tuition, which is generally much lower than out-of-state rates at public colleges and universities. However, establishing residency and getting in-state tuition is nearly impossible in most states (which rely on those higher out-of-state tuition dollars to operate). Here are some general guidelines and information about reciprocity programs, which have their own set of restrictions.

General Requirements for In-State Residency

While the specifics vary by state, most states consider factors like residency duration, financial independence, and primary intent to reside. The steps typically include:

• Residency Duration: Living in the state for a minimum period (usually 12 consecutive months).

• Demonstrating Intent: Obtaining state-issued IDs, registering to vote, and paying state taxes can help prove you're a resident for reasons beyond education.

• Financial Independence: Many states require students to show they are not financially dependent on parents living out-of-state.

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Colleges love leaders. Some of them even ask students to write a whole essay about how they demonstrate leadership. For students who aren't the captain of the soccer team or the class president, this essay can strike fear in their hearts. But before you panic, consider a broader definition of leadership! Here are some examples:

Leadership in Class: Maybe you always speak up in class, lead group discussions, or take charge during class projects. Perhaps you demonstrate leadership by tutoring other students in a subject or being the first to ask a question. Sometimes a leader sits back and observes before offering an opinion.

Leadership at Work: Do you get asked to watch over things if the boss steps out? Have you been asked to train anyone or supervise another worker? Any sort of a job teaches you critical leadership skills like time management, customer service, and responsibility.

Leadership at Home: Are you responsible for getting younger siblings to and from school? Did you have to help someone get their schoolwork done while your parents worked on Zoom all day? COVID and quarantine gave us all a crash course in flexibility and resilience, hallmarks of great leaders.

Your work isn't done once you finish the main Common App personal statement. Many colleges require one or more supplemental essays to help them get to know students better. Some of the most frequent supplemental essays include questions about intended major or future career goals; essays asking students to go into detail about a significant extracurricular activity; and responses asking students why they want to go to school "X."

This last one (often called a "Why this College" essay) helps colleges identify the students who are truly interested in their college (aka, likely to enroll), versus those who just checked another box off on the Common App. It also helps colleges (and you!) think about "fit,"—so use this as an opportunity to discover how you might contribute to or flourish in a given college environment. Some things to keep in mind before tackling this type of essay:

• If you have any interest in a college, you should write every suggested/optional essay*; if you don't, it's the first clue to admissions officers you aren't serious about the school.
• Don’t be vague. Language about "expanding your worldview" and "meeting new people" might sound great, but phrases like this can apply to any college experience, so be sure your essay isn't filled with them.
• Visit the school (in person if you can, but official online info sessions also count). This is the best way to gather information for those all-important “Why this College” essays and speak with authority on the vibe and culture of the school.
• Read the website. And the missions statement. And the departmental page for your intended major. And the course offerings. And the activities and clubs page. You get the idea—research the school, so you can be specific in the essay. "Beautiful campus" and "amazing cafeteria" don't count as specifics.

AP, IB, and Dual Enrollment classes are advanced courses that are offered in high schools and are designed to provide students with the opportunity to take college-level classes and (possibly) earn college credit while still in high school.

AP (Advanced Placement) classes are created by the College Board and offer high school students the opportunity to take college-level courses in a variety of subjects, such as English, math, science, and social studies. AP classes culminate in an AP exam, and students who score well on the exam may be able to earn college credit or advanced placement in college courses.

Because AP courses all include the same material (students across the nation are sitting for the same exam), colleges appreciate the standardization and understand the mastery needed to score well on the exams. It is why most colleges, whether public or private, will give credit for high scores on these exams.

IB (International Baccalaureate) classes are part of the larger IB program, which is offered in many high schools and is recognized by universities around the world. Students who complete the IB program may be able to earn college credit or advanced placement in college courses. Students applying to international colleges, in particular, may want to look into taking IB classwork, though it is not offered as widely as AP classes.

There is nothing like the first offer of admission from a college (any college!) to take stress levels down in seniors--hearing back earlier is one of the key reasons I advise hitting those early/priority deadlines whenever possible. And adding at least one college with rolling admissions (meaning that colleges review applications and return decisions as they come in, often within weeks instead of months) is another way to alleviate a lot of stress in the admissions process.

Here are some fantastic rolling admissions options to consider when building your college list (this is by no means exhaustive):

• Arizona State/University of Arizona/Northern Arizona
• University of Oregon/Oregon State
• University of Pittsburgh
• University of Alabama
• University of Oklahoma/Oklahoma State
• University of Indiana
• Michigan State
• U of Houston/Texas Tech/University of Houston/Texas State
• University of Mississippi
• Montana State
• Coastal Carolina
• East Carolina University
• University of Wyoming
• Colorado State

You can find even more rolling admit colleges here. (Scroll down the page for the whole list.)

Since many colleges have gone permanently test-optional, you may think that you can just take this off of your worry list altogether. But, should you? Here are some reasons to take the ACT or SAT--even if many colleges on your list are test-optional.

• If you do well, a test score can be another element for colleges to determine college readiness. If you go to a high school that doesn't offer AP coursework or is lesser-known to a college admissions rep, having a score becomes a more significant piece of your application.

• Some colleges are still using test scores for scholarship purposes, even if they are test-optional. While they may still evaluate students without test scores for merit, many admit that the process is much more competitive without a score. In general, large public universities are more likely to have these sorts of policies than smaller liberal arts colleges.

• Specific fields of study or honors programs may want test scores (nursing programs often require them, for example). If you are going into business or a STEM field, a test score can play a more important role in admissions than it might for humanities majors.

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College admissions decisions can appear so arbitrary (even though they aren't), that many students feel that the process is entirely out of their hands. Not so! While much of the process is beyond your control or even knowledge (schools rarely announce that they need more chem majors but fewer business majors in a given year, for example), there are plenty of ways you can retain agency. Building a balanced list of schools you like is critical, as is dedicating time to writing thoughtful essays and putting together a coherent application.

Another way to help ensure that schools know you are interested is to Demonstrate Interest. This is a piece of the process that students cannot afford to skip. As schools decide whom to admit, part of the calculation at some institutions is trying to extend offers only to students they think will actually come (it's called yield protection). So if you haven't attended a virtual session, opened an email, or even visited the website, you may get put in the "unlikely to come" bucket, which may mean ending up in the "not-admitted" bucket.

Ways to demonstrate interest:

• Visit campus
• Get on the school's mailing list (open emails and click on the links!)
• Attend available webinars & school visits
• Apply early
• Run the Net Price Calculator on the website

Students generally have until May 1 to officially decide on a college, which means most seniors are busy evaluating offers and considering their options.

If you still aren't sure where you want to go, here are some tips for helping you decide:

Look at the Bottom Line: College is expensive, so look at your merit and financial aid awards carefully, and compare total costs across all four years. And If students or parents are taking out loans to pay for college, calculate the interest those loans will accrue and what monthly payments will be after graduation. Many financial experts recommend that students not take on more debt than their expected first-year salary.

Attend Admitted Student Events: Once colleges have admitted a student, they pivot quickly to trying to get them to enroll. Admitted student events are a fantastic opportunity to get a feel for campus life (especially if you have yet to visit) and meet some of your future classmates.

Focus on Your Criteria: You can look back at the criteria you set for yourself when this process started, but some of your "must-haves" may no longer seem so important. Now that you've grown and changed a bit, it might be time for a criteria list refresh. How do the colleges stack up against what you value at this moment in time?

UT-Austin recently announced some significant changes for the upcoming (2024-25) admission season. Juniors, this affects you!

First, UT-Austin will return to requiring standardized test scores from applicants. Here is the exact language:

“The University will continue to conduct a holistic review and will consider standardized test scores and other performance metrics in light of each applicant’s background, including the strength and rigor of their high school. Standardized test scores will not change the admissions decision for automatic admits, of course, but will be used to match applicants to their choice of majors and to indicate who might benefit most from the University’s student success programs.”

They also noted that their average SAT score was 1420; since last-year’s non-auto-admit rate was 11%, UT-Austin hopefuls will ideally have scores that are even more competitive than the average, especially for STEM majors.

Requiring test scores isn’t the only change. Here are the remaining updates:

Introduction of a new Early Action program. This optional deadline will require application submission by Oct. 15, with a guaranteed decision communicated to applicants by Jan. 15. The regular deadline for applications will remain Dec. 1, with a guaranteed decision communicated by Feb. 15.

At a time when the average GPA is higher than ever (a recent study found that 89% of all students were receiving As or Bs in the four core academic subjects), colleges (particularly competitive and highly competitive institutions), consider a number of factors to differentiate between applicants–extracurriculars are one of those factors.

This breakdown should help students evaluate the strength of their extracurricular pursuits.

Level One: The Highest Level of Achievement

Examples:

• Winning national-level awards in academics, sports, music, or other fields

• Being selected for highly competitive and distinguished summer programs

• Initiating and leading a club or organization that receives national-level attention

• Engaging in original research projects or contributing to publications

• Participation in scientific research, authoring articles, or presenting at conferences

• Securing internships at renowned companies, laboratories, or organizations (these internships are often highly selective, offering a unique chance to work alongside experts in the field)

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Building a balanced college list involves researching and selecting a diverse range of colleges that align with your academic, personal, and career goals (and with a range of admissions chances). Here are some steps to help you get started:

Self-Reflection:

• Take time to reflect on your interests, goals, and aspirations

• Identify your academic strengths and weaknesses

• Consider your preferred location, campus size, and extracurricular activities you wish to pursue

• Evaluate your family's financial situation and determine your budget for college

Research:

• Utilize college search engines and websites such as CollegeBoard, Naviance, or BigFuture to explore different colleges and universities

• Consider factors including academic programs, majors, minors, research opportunities, faculty, and available resources

• Look for colleges that offer a supportive community and align with your values (hint: read the college mission statement!

Consider Characteristics of Colleges:

In general, waitlists are torture for students. But they are a valuable tool for colleges to tweak their incoming class should their yield in a given year be lower than anticipated. Whether a college will need to utilize a waitlist may change from year to year (and colleges are generally looking to fill specific "gaps" when they select students from a waitlist), but there are some things you can do to ensure you are in the strongest position possible.

• When you receive notification that you have been waitlisted, you will usually be given instructions on how to accept your spot and details about how much additional information is welcome (or not). Be sure to follow these instructions carefully.
• Writing a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) is one of the most effective ways to improve your chances of getting off a college waitlist. This letter should be concise and sincere, reiterating why you believe the college is the best fit for you. In the letter, highlight any new achievements or accomplishments you have achieved since submitting your application. If the college is your first choice and you would enroll if offered a spot, this is the place to tell them! (Do not write this if it's not true--it can reflect poorly on you and the admissions officer who may have advocated for you.)
• If you have any new information that could strengthen your application, such as improved grades, recent test scores, achievements, or awards, send them to the admissions office along with your LOCI.
• If you have yet to visit the campus, try to squeeze in a trip or attend any events open to waitlisted students. For colleges that care about demonstrated interest, this extra effort will show the admissions office that you are serious about attending.

Visiting colleges is an integral part of your college journey. But too often, I hear students and families tell me their visits are primarily to a student's "reach" colleges. However, most students attend one of their "target" or "likely" colleges, making focusing your travel efforts on those colleges potentially a better return on your investment. Here are some other reasons you should make sure your college visits include a range of colleges for your student to explore:

• Time and resources: Visiting colleges can be time-consuming and expensive, especially if you have to travel long distances or take time off from work or school. If you only focus on your reach colleges, you may spend all your time and resources on a few schools.
• Limited perspective: Visiting only your reach colleges may mean missing out on experiencing different campus cultures, sizes, and locations that could better fit your personality and interests.
• Missed opportunities: Other colleges may offer you different benefits, such as merit-based scholarships, unique academic programs, or internship opportunities; focusing on your target and likely schools is where most students will find improved scholarship chances.
• Pressure: Only visiting reach colleges can put even more pressure on students during an already-stressful time. It's essential to remember that there isn't just one perfect college out there--you can thrive in lots of places!
• Regret: If you only focus on your reach colleges and don't get accepted, you may regret not visiting other colleges and miss out on opportunities to apply to schools that could have been a better fit for you. Visiting various colleges can help you feel confident in your college application decisions and prevent future regrets.
• Consider Demonstrated Interest: While it can impact admissions decisions at many colleges, not every school cares about Demonstrated Interest (aka, how much love you show the college during this process). Make sure you know which schools care about this to prioritize them on your college visit list. Tip: The majority of the most selective (aka, rejective!) colleges don't track demonstrated interest--they already know everyone loves them!

There is no “right” path or sequence of courses to take in high school since every high school (and student) is different. For example, some high schools offer a wide variety of AP or IB coursework, and others may offer very few. Others may focus more on providing Dual Credit/Dual Enrollment options.

One important thing to know is that colleges look at students within the context of their high school and what it offers. Your school’s grading system, coursework options, and much more are all part of the high school profile accompanying your college application. Students will not be penalized for not taking rigorous courses if unavailable! The flip side is that your application is unlikely to stand out if you are at a high school that offers a wide array of AP/IB/Dual Credit coursework and haven’t taken one.

Considering the following factors can help you make informed decisions about your high school coursework:

Your High School’s Graduation Requirements: Pay attention to the specific graduation requirements for your high school, including the number of credits needed in each subject area. A good rule of thumb for maximizing your opportunities is to take at least one class in the Core Academic Subjects (English, Math, Science, Social Studies/History, and Foreign Language) each year of high school.

You probably know that ApplyTexas A (the large essay) is required by A&M and UT, but both universities also have supplemental essays for 2024 applicants (this is you, rising seniors!). While UT Austin lists these prompts on their website, A&M has them a bit hidden away, so many students might not even know they need to prepare these essays. Here are all of the required essays needed for UT or A&M (minus any Honors/major-specific essays). Happy writing!

UT Austin Short Responses (250-300 words each):

1. Why are you interested in the major you indicated as your first-choice major?

2. Describe how your experiences, perspectives, talents, and/or your involvement in leadership activities (at your school, job, community, or within your family) will help you to make an impact both in and out of the classroom while enrolled at UT.

3. The core purpose of The University of Texas at Austin is, "To Transform Lives for the Benefit of Society." Please share how you believe your experience at UT-Austin will prepare you to “Change the World” after you graduate.

OPTIONAL: Please share background on events or special circumstances that you feel may have impacted your high school academic performance. (This one truly is optional; think of it like the additional info section on the Common App and only use the space if you need to!)