Collegewise

Your teen may have spent years pursuing an interest, working a job, volunteering, or contributing to their school community.

But their college application Activities section provides limited space to explain why those experiences mattered.

Our Collegewise Guide to Activities shows families how to turn a list of titles and responsibilities into a clear story of commitment, growth, leadership, and impact.

Inside, you’ll find real examples, helpful checklists, language templates, and step-by-step guidance for both the Common App and UC application.

Click the link below to download your free copy, and share this post with another family preparing for college applications!

https://go.collegewise.com/collegewise-guide-to-activities?utm_name=sked&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_content=sked_6a32faaf91e6ea44da0959f0

🎓 Standardized testing is back in the admissions spotlight.

Two major updates are worth noting:

• Columbia announced that Columbia College and the School of Engineering will reinstate required SAT or ACT scores beginning in August 2027, for students applying in the 2027-2028 admissions cycle. Columbia will remain test-optional for the upcoming 2026-2027 cycle.

• The University of California is launching a faculty-led, data-driven review of admissions policies, including whether standardized testing should be required again. UC leadership is expected to receive an update in July.

Together, these updates point to a larger trend: colleges continue to reevaluate the role of SAT and ACT scores after years of test-optional and test-blind policies.

For students and families, the takeaway is not to panic. It is to prepare.

Even for schools that remain test-optional, submitting a strong score can help demonstrate academic readiness. And as policies continue to shift, students should plan early, track college-specific requirements, and avoid assuming that today’s policy will stay the same tomorrow.

Staying informed and flexible is an important part of a successful college application strategy.

Next week, we’re hosting two exclusive webinars for parents who want to feel more prepared for the future of college admissions and better equipped to support students with ADHD through the process.

Join us to:

🤖 Understand how AI and shifting demographics are changing admissions strategies
💡 Learn what trends experts are seeing in admissions right now
🎓 Help your teen navigate college planning with ADHD
📌 Get expert advice tailored to your student’s unique needs

Reserve your spot through the link in the comments!

ACT test day is tomorrow! 📅

Get some rest, eat a good breakfast, and give yourself plenty of time in the morning.

You’ve prepared for this. Now go show what you know.

Good luck from all of us at Collegewise! 💙

How can families tell whether a college will be a safe, supportive, and affirming environment for an LGBTQIA+ student? 🏳️‍🌈

The answer often requires looking beyond academics, cost, and location.

Our latest blog shares practical ways to evaluate a college’s campus culture, policies, and resources, including the green flags students can look for as they build their college lists.

It also answers common questions about the application process: Why does the Common App ask about pronouns? Should a student discuss their identity in their college essay? What factors can help a student find a community where they genuinely feel like they belong?

Whether you are an LGBTQIA+ student or an ally supporting someone through the process, this guide offers a thoughtful starting point.

👉 Read the full blog below:

https://collegewise.com/blog/navigating-the-college-search-and-application-process-as-an-lgbtqia-plus-student?utm_name=sked&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_content=sked_6a2abcccfd68eed41a4b2d80

Counselor Spotlight: Meet Emily Stevenson! 👋

Emily knows the college process from every angle, whether evaluating applications or guiding students through the uncertainty of admissions. As both a counselor and endurance coach, she brings a mix of thoughtful strategy, steady encouragement, and genuine advocacy to help students recognize their strengths, trust their path, and move forward with purpose.

Swipe through to learn about Emily’s admissions background, the schools her students have gone on to attend, her life as a runner and coach, and the advice she wants every student to remember as they navigate the application process!

👉 Ready to start your college journey with an expert like Emily? Click the link in the comments to learn more about our counselors!

Good luck to everyone taking the SAT tomorrow! You’ve studied, practiced, and prepared. Now it’s time to trust yourself and do your best. You’ve got this! ✨

What actually makes a college application stand out? 📁

Join Collegewise for a free webinar to walk through real examples of successful Common App and UC applications. We’ll show what works, what doesn’t, and how students can make stronger choices before application season begins.

You’ll learn how to:
• Understand the key differences between the Common App and UC application
• Present your student’s activities, awards, and recommendations with more impact
• Choose essay topics that feel authentic and strategic

📅 Tuesday, June 9
⏰ 4 PM PT | 7 PM ET

🎟 Register now through the link in the comments!

Is UC Irvine on your teen’s college list?

With more than 124,000 first-year applications last year, UC Irvine is one of the more selective campuses in the UC system. But the overall acceptance rate does not tell the full story.

The latest data shows:
🏠 22% acceptance rate for California residents
✈️ 44.5% acceptance rate for out-of-state applicants
🎓 29% overall acceptance rate

Why is there such a large difference? And does applying from out of state actually make admission easier?

Our latest blog takes a closer look at the numbers and explains what families should know about GPA expectations, major selection, PIQs, transfer admissions, and the factors that may shape a student’s chances.

👉 Read the full blog here:

https://collegewise.com/blog/uc-irvine-acceptance-rate?utm_name=sked&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_content=sked_6a2177bd4d07bed0b62a4389