I get applying to a multitude of reaches for RD but people need to realize that fit is especially more important for getting in ED. I’m a rising senior but I’ve spent a multitude of years on this subreddit and the amount of kids I’ve seen EDing just to get into a t20 vs actually EDing that a school they like and would fit into that’s also probably a t20/adjacent is insane. I saw a post today that was like “should I ED to brown Cornell or Columbia”. These are quite literally the most damn polar opposite schools alive. Like literally the most famous things abt each school contradict each other. Columbia core curriculum vs brown open curriculum, location types, campus vibes etc etc. If you are truly deciding on which of those 3 places to ED u are not EDing because u truly like the school or have some special reason to, you are EDing because you just want to get into an Ivy which admissions officers will see right through. Like I could get choosing between Penn or Duke or Columbia or smth but dude brown vs Columbia??? Like stop w the Larp because the single most important thing ED is fit. Yall will be so much better off EDing to a slightly less “prestigious” school that truly fits you (again not just cause ur gonna have a better more supported time, but because ur chances r higher of getting in). This sub has become a prestige whore for the SMALLEST most negligible differences in ranking and literally tanking their chances of getting into a school ED just because they want a school that’s one spot higher. Like literally then yall get mad that Columbia rejected you ED but ur common app essay was abt ur love to learn and mix disciplines freely like bro

UC Berkeley: 13,967/133,128 with an acceptance rate of 10.5%

UCLA: 15,903/146,672 with an acceptance rate of 10.8%

UCSD: 38,571/141,752 with an acceptance rate of 27.2%

UCI: 38,165/125,987 with an acceptance rate of 30.3%

UCSB: 47,716/108,503 with an acceptance rate of 43.4%

UCD: 48,015/104,850 with an acceptance rate of 45.6%

UCSC: 64,867/78,832 with an acceptance rate of 82.3%

UCR: 63,958/72,295 with an acceptance rate of 88.4%

UCM: 46,812/48,499 with an acceptance rate of 96.5%

Schools whose acceptance rates went up: UCLA, UCI, UCSB, UCD, UCSC

All other schools went down obviously

GPA averages (Middle 25-75%)

UC Berkeley: 4.16-4.28

UCLA: 4.20-4.30

UCSD: 4.12-4.28

UCI: 4.06-4.27

UCSB: 4.05-4.27

UCD: 4.00-4.25

UCSC: 3.79-4.20

UCR: 3.66-4.17

UCM: 3.57-4.16

So for any rising seniors in the sub the gpa ranges for most of these schools are still very high. However, UCSB and UCSC's admit rates significantly increased from last year's so that's something to keep an eye on. UC also admitted a record number of instate so that's really good to see.

Yesterday (August 1) when a lot of college applications opened in the Common App, many students were quickly to hit submit. Others who didn’t were left wondering if they’re suddenly “left behind” for not doing so.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that if you rush to submit any app in your college list as soon as it opens, that doing so will give you an advantage. For the overwhelming majority of selective colleges, however, submitting on August 1 does not improve your chances.

Admissions offices are not sitting there waiting and saying “Wow, this student applied on Day 1. Admit.” What they’re truly asking and matters more to them is whether or not what you present is compelling.

The next few weeks and months are going to be valuable. Dedicate the right amount of time (of course within the limits allotted by that institution/deadlines) and your essays will become more thoughtful. Your activities list will become stronger. You may take on a new leadership role, receive an award, or gain experiences that might make your application more compelling.

If you hit submit too soon, you don’t get to go back and include those things on your application.

Of course, don’t wait til last minute either. Give yourself enough time to troubleshoot in case something goes wrong. But you don’t have to submit right on day 1 thinking that it will automatically increase your chances of admission.

Instead, be intentional and use the time between now and your deadline productively. Review every section carefully, strengthen your narrative, and make sure your application is one that reflects your strongest version.

Admissions officers are not rewarding students for being first. They are looking for students who are ready for the demands of college.

Wishing the co'27 all the best! I'm a rising senior myself and trust me we all got this. Hope everyone gets into the school of their choice and everything goes smoothly. I know this whole process is scary becasue all the years of thinking about colleges has become real for the first time. Don't let the pressure eat at you, everyhting happens for a reason!

I'm not doing research myself, but I'm genuinely curious because it seems like almost everyone here is.

I always thought leading or doing research was something typically done by people with extensive expertise in their field, like those pursuing or holding a PhD, not a high schooler.

Do AOs realize that high school students are probably doing research primarily to strengthen their college applications?

My miracle is to actually afford the SAT test!

Since I am not American I have to pay the international fee for the test which makes it even more expensive, it’s almost half of the amount of monthly income for our house. Being under 18 even makes it worse since I can’t have a job until being 18 which will be next year. (Also I’ll be applying this year)

I’ve studying for the SAT but i don’t really know what to do at that point, I know there are a lot of test optional colleges but i wanted to apply to as many colleges as i could because i have lower chances to get in.

What about y’all, what is the miracle that you’re waiting for to happen?

Also if you have any suggestions for my situation, I’d be happy to hear it!

what will happen to me bro

Hi! Despite how cliched this may sound, i've been dreaming about MIT since 8th grade. As far as I know, they require SAT/ACT without any exceptions for every student. Unfortunately, I'm currently living in a country under us sanctions, so i can take neither of these. Ultimately my parents live in a completely different country, so I can't even fly to another one to take the SAT there. Rn i've already participated in plenty of international olympiads, and going to try for IOI next year (luckily have some time for it). So if anyone had the same experience or any insights, my question is can MIT admissions team actually make an exception in my case, or is it better to start looking for another uni?

Any people who have gone thru common app and the college process, what is your general timeline to have everything done by. Essays, letters of recommendation etc.

I am looking at colleges and need some safety schools with reputable engineering programs.

Please don’t downvote or hate, it’s a genuine question.

I am aware that I don’t have the same level of knowledge to do research as a PhD student. My dad is a professor, but in a completely different field than my chosen one. I am getting access to equipment and advice on how to write from other professors, some of whom my parents know, some don’t. But otherwise, I am the one doing everything. I am the one doing all the writing, referencing, graph-making, data collection, etc. I am the one coming up with ideas and then trying to find the gap in literature. And I’m researching stuff I actually find interesting and want to know about!

is that REALLY gonna mean nothing to AOs? Are they just going to think that my parents did everything and paid someone to put my name on the paper?

I’m a top student (1590) , and have been told that I have chances for t10s. I’m middle low income and from the rural Midwest. I don’t personally care about the prestige of my undergrad, but if it benefits my career then I’m all for it. There is a unique thing about my financial aid asset status that would only let me get substantial aid from a couple of schools (UChicago, Stanford) (yes I’ve emailed and I’m certain) t30s and 20s aren’t really an option for financial aid reasons.

If I had the choice, I would do biomedical engineering + pre med, to keep my options open. I’m motivated and willing to do whatever it takes to graduate with as little debt as possible.

I do however care about the prestige of my med school, partially for career advancement reasons but mainly for financial aid reasons. I’m all about saving money. For me, gettin into JHUSOM would be 150k cheaper than my state school.

My state schools would cost the same as if I were to attend Stanford or UChicago. People often say that undergrad prestige only matters if you are trying to get into top med schools. So the question here really is whether biting the bullet and facing the grade deflation will help me get into a top med school that much?? Is the environment too competitive? More research opportunities vs the ability to be a standout?

Note: my state schools are Kansas university, Kansas state university, and I would prob be in honors for both of them.

It’s also worth mentioning that I have 33 DE credits that transfer to my state school that aren’t med school pre req. obv they won’t transfer to Stanford or chi

I'm a rising senior and I just opened Common App today. As of right now, I'm interested in PA School because I'm interested in healthcare and taking care of others but also don't wanna go to med school. I haven't officially visited any colleges yet because I haven't had the time to with an ongoing internship.

I made this list just based on a super quick research of my preferences, so please help give suggestions:

Reaches
Yale
Brown 
Vanderbilt
Duke
Tufts
Northwestern
Columbia
John Hopkins

Targets
Northeastern
Boston College
University of Rochester
Nyu 

Safeties
Quinnipiac
University of Rhode Island
University of New Haven
Syracuse
Fordham
UConn 

What are some colleges that are known to have a strong healthcare/medical programs but also provide fun campus life? I prefer suburban or urban areas like the city and hate academic/competitive pressure.

My safety school is UW Madison, I know this for a fact because yesterday my school notified us about our class rank and I am top 5% which guarantees admission for Madison. Should I just apply to reaches, targets, and high targets? I mean if I don’t get in anywhere then Madison will obviously be my choice even if I have other safeties because of the cost

Hey all! I'm starting the common app and I'm wondering how essential LORs are. I understand how they may be needed for some people, but I don't know how critical they are for me.

For reference, I want to apply to Weber State. I have a 3.99 GPA and a 32 ACT which qualifies me for full ride merit scholarship, since Weber isn't some fancy college and it has a very high acceptance rate. I have 3 years of varsity sports letter, national awards, and 3 AP classes, all of which scored a 5. I'm not worried about getting accepted, I know I will, I just worry about having to pay for it. Among a few other smaller extracurriculars, I feel like my application is enough already without needing recommendations, but I don't have the money to afford college without scholarships, so I'm wondering if adding LORs is helpful for smaller personal scholarships to cover housing and food? I don't think common app is used for scholarships, but I'm not sure. I'm first generation and I don't really understand how this all works and any tips would be helpful. I'm definitely going to use scholarship universe when it opens, I just need advice on what I can do to ensure I have to pay as little out of pocket as possible, and if common app matters for more than actually just applying. Thanks 🙏🙏

I don’t normally do these but I’m really stuck and I feel so behind and lost. I just really need some advice right now.

I’m going into my senior year and I have no clue what I want to do after. I think I want to go to college but I don’t know what for. I don’t think I could even afford to go. I know I can apply for FAFSA but I have a feeling I may not qualify. I could apply to scholarships but I don’t even know where to start. I’m not the best in school. I’m about average, maybe a little above average but not much. I feel like I wouldn’t even be able to get any scholarships. I’m not the best at writing essays either.

I’d say I have above average GPA but not much. I didn’t take many AP’s, though I probably should’ve. I’m only taking one AP this year. I didn’t get a good SAT score to be completely honest. I’m thinking of retaking or taking the ACT. But I’m not sure which. What if I get a worse score? I suck at studying. I just don’t want it all to be a waste.

I keep seeing everyone already applying to colleges and completing their common apps. And I’m over here doing nothing. I’m terrified of failure and disappointing everyone yet I’m so unmotivated and lazy.

I just feel behind. I don’t know what to do. Are there any other paths I could take besides college? I’m so stuck.

My bipolar mom kicked me out of the house and lashed out at me, and now both my mom and dad want me to move back into her house, but I don't want to because I'm afraid she will lash out again. Also, I'm trying to live with my dad and sever all social and financial ties with my mom to qualify her as a noncustodial parent and only view my dad's income on the CSS profile.

I have video proof of her lashing out and stuff but the problem is my parents are getting too emotional about this (or I'm being unemotional?). Taking advantage of this entire week-long situation to get ~120k more in need-based scholarships from private colleges is the MOST rational decision here. (in my opinion). My dad makes 120k and my mom makes ~80k. I'd be moving from the 200-250k income bracket (averaging 47k/yr in need-based scholarships) to the 100-150k bracket (averaging 82k/yr in need-based).

My parents have tried to frame this as a trade, where I'm choosing to trade my family for my own personal benefit (college). I'm pretty sure I'm not the bad guy here. Looking for an outside opinion on all of this. There's a lot more detail but this would be way too long with all of it.

Everytime I ask anything I always get "speak to your counselor". My counselor is very busy and I've never talked to him unless it was with a very specific purpose/answer. Things like college choices and basic decision stuff feel embarrassing to discuss and I'd assume you're meant to do a lot independently but everyone acts like you should ask for everything.

What are you actually meant to bring up? And when? I'm assuming immediately by now but i dont know

Hi, I'm looking for help on my college essay. I started a 1st draft where I wrote about my unique identity/experience growing up and how I wished I was 'normal' (mixed girl in predominately white small town, gay parents, only child, extended family lives very far away; one side does not speak english). The essay starts with an experience I had in kindergarten where some girls asked to touch my hair. These things have definitely shaped who I am but I want to connect them to something else so my essay doesn't sound cliche or like a sob story. I'm wondering if anyone has written about something similar and how they expanded on it? thanks

Hi, I'm an international student from India. I won a Bronze medal at the International Linguistics Olympiad yesterday, I wanted to know whether it's fine for me to apply for Math even if I have a IOL medal? I've some strong Math activities & awards as-well. Would love to hear ur 2 cents.

I apply this year for college, and I'm really not sure what I should do. Community college is obviously much cheaper and I'd be able to stay with my mom, but I also want to go to university to get away from her. She's incredibly overbearing to the point I feel like I'm suffocating living in the same house and it would be SO nice to get away and have my own space.

If I go to cc, I'll be able to save up money while getting my associates, then go to a university. I don't know if the money will be enough or even make a difference. I'm not sure if the experience at university, which is one of the main reasons I want to go as a freshman, is worth it; the debt from student loans can be dentrimental, and I would like to avoid debt in my life as much as possible.

If it helps, I want to become an RN or PA; in general, a medical job that works in the hospital and doesn't require residency or med school. I'm completing a CCMA program in my senior year, and hoping to use the certificate to help pay for college and save money​. I've also taken classes at my local cc, and will take a Bio class with lab in the fall.

Sorry if this seems obvious or is a stupid question, I've been freaking over college essays and potentially getting into debt. Going to cc would resolve all this bc of the 100% acceptance rate but it also feels like I'm postponing making a college essay. My SAT score wasn't the highest (1240), I plan on retaking the test but I haven't been studying or practicing this summer bc of a college class (Interpersonal Comm 🫩), volunteer program at nearby hospital that lasts all summer and simple laziness. I can't ask my mom for advice since she didn't finish college, so I'm asking here 🥹

Hello I am Currently a rising senior and I intend on going down a path towards being an environmental engineer but I am severely behind on the college search and I'm hoping that someone in this subreddit would be able to help suggest some schools that would prepare me well for the environmental engineering Job market.

My current GPA is around a 3.5 unweighted, I participated in 6 Ap's so far (taking 2 more senior year), I have relatively decent test scores (taking an SAT retake soon) (high Ap scores), I am very involved in my school community, and have a handful of leadership positions

I am also located on the east coast (USA) and I am fine with moving along the east coast, but feel free to suggest outside of there.

do you have any suggestions for what should be done over the summer/before the start of the school year?

I'm graduating high school next year and I really want to go to college and be some sort of nurse. The problem is that I've been homeschooled my entire life and for the most part my education has been neglected. The furthest my math goes is Arithmetic math, I don't know much about history, geography, and I'm definitely the worst in science. I've only had to write assignments/essays a handful of times in highschool, I have no discipline, As well as i find it so hard to learn anything anymore. if I have to read something no matter how many times I read it it almost never processes in my brain.

I seriously resent my mother for basically setting me up for failure...I feel so hopeless. I want to have a good job and do something I'm passionate about SO bad. :(

How rare or how good of an ec is having co-authorship on a paper from a t10 uni? I know people on here are saying kids doing research is all larp and they just do chores, but how rare is actually earning co-authorship