Take note…ED admit rates are falling.

Sad signs of the times…and only the beginning. Declining demographics, especially throughout New England, and reduced interest in attending U.S. colleges by international students augers ill for modest private colleges. It is sad, because there is a place for these small, suppportive and niche schools that serve average students who are at the core of an educated society. Their demise is not good for future generations.

This is another fundamentally important article on the subject of college admissions. It is clear, concise, comprehensive and compelling. I hope that everyone related to the college admissions process will study this remarkable example of thoughtful and constructive analysis. Well done, once again, Brennan!

This is excellent news for all kinds of reasons. Our thanks to to the NMSQT Board for broadening access to the National Merit Scholarship Program.

This is another impressive step by Northeastern to move from its traditional role of a local commuter college to a major force in international education and enhancement of the common goal of mutual respect and understanding among people and nations. Bravo!!

Trends and predictions for college admissions in 2020:

This is an important article, making the case for an extra year for boys and some girls who simply need more time to mature. We will always consider this option in our work with our students.

We have many misgivings about university rankings, but it is nevertheless interesting to review some that are well-researched and respected. This is one of them.

The woof and warp of the traditional tapestry of integrity has been stretched at top universities, perhaps as a reflection of today’s “Me first” concept of entitlement within certain levels of contemporary society…just sayin’.

You might be a helicopter parent if…

This is an important message by the CEO of our professional organization that takes a firm position on the absolute integrity required as Independent Educational Consultants. That there are charlatans out there is inevitable but the IECA takes aggressive action to eliminate it when it is within our reach.

This is an objective view of the college admissions process in the USA. Probably the best we have seen on the subject.

IVY LEAGUE SPRING-SPORT COMPETITION CANCELED BY COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS

The Ivy League decides to cancel all spring competitions, leaving student-athletes feeling betrayed, disappointed, and perplexed.

THE FULL STORY ON ADMISSIONS

The pandemic has generated a ‘new norm’ and major changes in expectations. This article discusses the dynamic, ambiguous and challenging scene within the college admissions world”

IVY LEAGUE COLLEGES REPORT DRAMATIC GROWTH IN EARLY ADMISSION APPLICANT POOLS

The WSJ is reporting a skyrocketing increase in early applications to the Ivies and other highly selective colleges. Early applications rose by 12% (BU), 18% (Duke), 22% (Brown), 23% (Penn), 29% (Dartmouth), 28% (Yale) 49% (Columbia), and 57% (Harvard). I suspect there will also be fewer spots due to the number of students who deferred last year, increasing the overall competitiveness. Hang in there Class of 2021! It will all work out in due time.

THE SECRETS OF ELITE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

As consultants, we hear a lot from college admissions officers about ‘shaping’ their incoming classes. Jeff Salingo explains exactly what that means, providing insight into how the admissions process unfolds.

DARTMOUTH SPORTS CUTS SHOW PANDEMIC’S MOUNTING TOLL ON COLLEGES

And the bad news continues with the cut of 240 college sports at various institutions, including Dartmouth, Stanford, and Brown.

PROF. SCOTT GALLOWAY TALKS TO ANDERSON COOPER – HOW THE PANDEMIC COULD DISRUPT HIGHER EDUCATION

This is a great interview with Stern’s School of Business Scott Galloway on how the pandemic will disrupt higher education. In addition to his predictions, I anticipate we’ll see huge increases in community college enrollment.

WHAT IS COLLEGE WITHOUT THE CAMPUS?

A great article that addresses potential changes in next year’s college admission process and varying options colleges are considering to open campuses next fall.

COLLEGE ACCEPTING 2020 AP CREDITS

It appears the vast majority of colleges will accept AP credits the same way they’ve accepted them in previous years. We’ve already counted more than 100 colleges who’ve confirmed that they will accept AP credits from the 2020 exams.

PENN REMINDS INCOMING INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS OF GAP YEAR OPTION AS CORONAVIRUS SPREADS

UPenn announced today that they are giving international students the option to take a gap year given the US Dept of State’s decision to temporarily suspend visa services. If other colleges & universities follow suit, then next year’s high school seniors may feel the impact as the decision could lead to even lower admission rates.

MAKING TEST OPTIONAL ADMISSIONS REAL

Finally, a sign of leadership on the part of an important segment of the higher education community. This chaotic situation, brought on by massive governmental failure in preventing the COVID-19 virus from invading pervasively and painfully, will have unmeasurable consequences throughout society for a long time.

THE TRUE MAGIC OF COLLEGE HAPPENS FOR JUST 2 OUT OF 100 STUDENTS

This article in the recent issue of FORBES connects with the purpose of an higher education as we reassess our priorities in the Age of COVIS-19, as it may well be called in the future.

WHAT ADMISSIONS DECISIONS REALLY MEAN

This is a lucid and important perspective on the consequential college admissions cycle this year. Implications TBD!

WORLD UNIVERSITY RANKINGS 2020

I have many misgivings about university rankings, but it is nevertheless interesting to review some that are well-researched and respected. This is one of them. It is preferable to be informed rather than ignorant.

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