I'm back! Summer is a busy time for me as I'm meeting with students during the day and everything else fades into the background. I'm excited to return with updates on what's been happening in the testing world.

Current Events

The ACT is Changing

The ACT announced changes due to begin in Apr 2025 and become permanent in Sep 2025. This change is irrelevant for the Class of 2025 and not immediately important for the Class of 2026.

The test prep community's recommendation so far? Don't worry about it right now. These changes seem ill-conceived and logistically challenging. Some version of them will likely happen, but we're not optimistic about the timeline presented or how colleges will react.

Stay tuned, but stay the course for now.

A Test-Optional Manifesto

While this is targeted for colleges in the Southeast, this presentation on test-optional policies from my colleague Brian Eufinger of Edison Prep in Atlanta, Georgia is the best I've seen on the topic. If you're interested in how colleges actually think about testing, look no further.

College Applications

For the Class of 2025, the college applications process is approaching quick.

For the Class of 2026, bookmark these resources for the future!

An Overview

US News has a comprehensive guide to the college applications process that should be your starting point. I'll highlight the most relevant steps below.

Know the Deadlines

Make a list of all application deadlines for your student's list of schools. These will vary widely by school, but the first deadlines begin around Nov 1 and continue into Jan and Feb of next year.

Common App

If your student is applying anywhere besides state schools, they'll need to complete the Common App.

Besides the standard criteria (list of activities, transcript, standardized test scores, etc.), certain schools will also ask for letters of recommendations and essays.

Snag those Letters

College Board covers the when, who, and how of getting those letters of recommendation

Nail the Essay

Mike Bergin of Chariot Learning shares 7 steps to an amazing college essay in this blog series.

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Other Stuff

Upcoming Deadlines

Sep 14, 2024 ACT Late Registration: Aug 25 (Sunday!)

Pathway Prep Oct 26 Small Group Course Registration: Sep 13

Oct 26, 2024 ACT Late Registration: Sep 20

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Until next week,

Alex Pint
913.991.8217

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