Should I Attend One of the Seven Sisters Colleges?

The Seven Sisters schools

If you're looking to apply to an elite liberal arts school, you’ll eventually come across the Seven Sisters schools. We will discuss with you what institutions fall in this group, and give you our thoughts and tips for admission into one of these colleges.

Are you looking to get accepted into an elite liberal arts college, but do not know the importance of the Seven Sisters colleges? Join us as we explain what the Seven Sisters colleges are, the benefits of attending one of these institutions, and review tips to get accepted into these schools.

What is the Seven Sisters’ colleges?

The Seven Sisters colleges consist of seven historically all women's colleges in the Northeastern United States:

• Barnard

• Bryn Mawr

• Mount Holyoke

• Radcliffe (Now part of Harvard)

• Smith

• Vassar

• Wellesley

The name comes from Roman Mythology, where the Seven Sisters were the seven daughters of Titan and Pleione. Between 1837 and 1889, the goal was to provide post-secondary education opportunities for women at a similar caliber to what men were getting at institutions like Harvard and Yale. Additionally, their ambition was to fill faculty and administrators positions with women. These values continue today, with at least one of the schools, Wellesley, never having a male president. Formerly, with all-male schools like Harvard and Amherst going co-ed, some women's colleges began to think about integrating. Radcliffe then decided to merge with Harvard and no longer exist as an independent undergraduate college. One of the schools, Vassar, was offered a similar partnership with Yale, however, they turned it down and decided to go co-ed on their own.

The rest of the schools remained women's colleges but, each of the remaining five non-co-ed colleges has exchange programs with nearby co-ed institutions that allow students to take classes outside of their school. The intercollegiate academic programs on campus vary widely from school to school. For example, Barnard has a close partnership with Columbia University. There's a lot of crossover between these two schools. However, while Wellesley has an exchange program with MIT, Babson, and Olin, there aren't a lot of non-Wellesley students in classes, because of distance between them.

Why should I apply to a Seven Sisters college?

1. Get an elite liberal arts education

   If you go to a Seven Sisters college, you'll get a lot of benefits which include small class sizes, great student-faculty ratios, and a strong focus on academics. You'll be encouraged to take classes outside of your school to expand on your academic horizons. The schools have partnered with nearby institutions that allow you to take classes there as well. If you want to take co-ed classes or are interested in a different learning environment, you'll get a more diverse academic experience with these partnerships.

2. A higher chance of admission

   The Seven Sisters colleges are less selective than comparable co-ed schools. Here's a list of the top five liberal arts colleges in the country and their admission rates.

   School Name Admission Rate

   Amherst 12.8%

   Bowdoin 8.9%

   Swarthmore 9.0%

   Wellesly 19.5%

   Williams 12.6%

   Wellesley can double the admissions rate of comparable colleges. Why are admission rates high? Because the pool of potential clients is cut in half since all the remaining schools (except Vassar), doesn't accept male applicants. Instead of competing against 8,000 students, you might be competing against 4,000 students, which means you'll have a higher percentage of getting accepted.

3. Form a life long network

   If you attend a Seven Sisters school, you'll gain access to a strong alumnae network that stretches beyond the individual institution you attended to include all who attended the Seven Sisters schools. Benefits include professional connections during your job searching, getting tips on housing, settling in a new location after your undergraduate or graduate terms, and connecting socially in a place where you might not know anyone.

4. Learn in a women's-centered environment

   Going to an all woman's school may be unthinkable to some or seem archaic in the 21st century. One of the most valuable features of the Seven Sisters schools is that they empower the importance of women taking leadership roles and succeeding in the world.

5. Being in an LBGTQ+ friendly environment

   The Seven Sisters schools include a robust LGBTQ+ culture on campus. This case varies from school to school, and that's not to say that they aren't socially conservative because they can tend to be. The overall environment at the schools is generally socially progressive and LGBTQ+ friendly. If this is something you don't care about, you'll still have a great experience at these institutions. If it is important to you to be in an environment where LGBTQ+ is not just safe, but celebrated, then you should consider applying to one of these institutions. If you don't want to attend a school where LBGTQ+ students and culture play a role in campus life, then it won't be a fit for you.

   Four tips to get into one of these colleges

   Now that you've learned about these schools, you might be thinking about how to get accepted. Here are four tips to get admitted into these schools.

   1. Excel in school

   You can't slack off academically. A strong GPA, test scores, and letters of recommendation are needed to get admitted. Since the alumane networks are crucial, the expectation is that if you're accepted and attend one of the schools, you'll be a part of the community. Admission officers at these institutions want to be sure you exemplify the quality of a Seven Sisters student. They don't care about your grades; they care about how you interact with teachers and students. You don't want the recommender to write something impersonal like, "Kristine was a good student who succeeded academically in my class." So find a teacher willing to take the time to write an excellent letter of recommendation.

   2. Do intensive research on the institution(s) you’re interesting in applying to

   The Seven Sisters schools have a "why" component to their application. In other words, “Why are you interested in attending our institution.” They ask this because admission officers care about your reasons for applying and wanting to be part of the community. Do your research! Do not write an essay for Vassar and expect it to work for every Seven Sisters school. Look at what makes that particular institution unique and highlight the aspects that you value in your "why" essays. Researching the school will not only increase your chances of getting accepted, but you'll also learn if the school is a fit for you.

   3. Be thrilled that you're applying to a Seven Sisters school!

   You do not want to overemphasize, but you should not shy from stating that attending a women's college is appealing to you. These schools are well aware of their history and what they stand for. Stating what you specifically value from their history and/or traditions will help your chances of influencing admissions officers. If you cannot find anything that you value at a school, then you shouldn't apply.

   4. Do not call it an “All-Girls school”

   When you begin your "why" essay, do not call these “all-girls school”; call it a women's college. It's minor, but its a useful tip to keep in mind if you're applying to any of the Seven Sisters schools. Using the term "all-girls school" demonstrates to them that you have not done much research on that college. Make sure to review all of your application materials to remove any instances of that language. This small change can create a more positive impression.

Will students get into college because of the Coronavirus?

College Acceptance

As a result of the pandemic, will it be more easy to get accepted into a school? Let’s go through some tips on how to get accepted during this new-normal.

COVID-19 has changed the college admissions process temporarily and potentially for the long-term. Will it be easier for students to get accepted into college due to these changes? There is not a concrete answer to this question, however, there are several changes to the college admissions process that will make it easier for students. We'll cover the following:

• Explaining changes to college admissions for Fall 2021

• The aspects of the admissions process analyzed for acceptance into college.

• Four tips for getting into college during Fall 2021

Let’s get started!

How has the Coronavirus pandemic has altered the admissions process?

This pandemic has altered the college admissions process for Fall 2020 in some significant ways. Several schools are extending those changes into Fall 2021. To help you get an idea, let's review the facts. The biggest challenge colleges have faced has been the decision for schools to get test-optional for the Fall 2021-2022 admissions cycle, with some colleges choosing to adopt a permanent test-optional policy. Test-optional means that a college won't require you to submit your test scores as part of the admissions process.

Another change in the college admissions process involves international students. International students planning to apply to U.S. colleges will see a significant decrease. According to Brent White, Arizona’s vice provost for global affairs is doing worst-case scenario. “The worst-case scenario is students can’t travel, they can’t get visas, they’re reluctant to come because they want to stay close to home. I think those factors are going to join together to mean that everyone is going to see significant declines in the number of international students,” he said.

Families have seen changes in their financial situation due to the Coronavirus. Many of these families are unable to send college-bound students this year. Many graduates are considering taking a gap year or enter the workforce directly after high school.

In general, these three changes could place Fall 2021 college applicants at an advantage for the admissions process. Let's look at how these changes could play as advantages.

How getting into a college might be easier to get into this year

Before we start, there is a crucial point to remember. We're making educated guesses based on the data and information we have available. Here are three ways students can get into college this year:

1. Many schools are going test-optional

   Universities have adopted a test-optional policy. University of California and Cal Tech are extending the policies into 2021 and beyond. Students who don't submit their scores should not be affected during the admissions process. In other words, at some schools, you can get accepted without submitting your test scores. How will this admission be easy? If you're applying to test-optional schools this fall, you don't have to take the SAT or ACT. You don't have to worry about whether your test scores are high enough or if your scores will prevent you from getting accepted. Keep in mind that test-optional schools may require test scores if you're applying for programs, grants, or scholarships. Make sure you do your research before you decide to skip the tests entirely.

2. Few students are applying for Fall 2021

   This decrease is because international students may find it impossible to travel to the U.S. due to global pandemic, and many students are dealing with financial hardships. If fewer students are applying to schools, admissions officers still hope to admit a new class of freshmen that is comparable in size to those of the past years, it shows that the competitiveness of many schools may decrease next year. Currently, we don't think this change will be universal. Highly competitive schools like MIT, Yale, and Harvard will likely continue to have low acceptance rates. However, state schools or smaller colleges will be less stringent in terms of the application process.

3. Schools will Accommodate students with extenuating incidents

   The fact that colleges and universities are approaching this year's college application process with an open mind is reassuring. Some colleges have chosen to be lenient with paramount aspects of the application process, like AP test scores and senior class grades, to accommodate applicants who have experienced academic issues due to the pandemic. They will be flexible about deadlines for submission of critical documents, including letters of recommendation and official transcripts. For example, the University of California has gone test-optional for 2021, and they're allowing students to start classes without a transcript on file. A transcript must be submitted sometime during the Fall semester. Schools are handling these issues differently. Be sure to check with your school for specific information.

   Four tips for applying to a school in Fall 2020

   Now that you know what college admissions will be looking at this Fall, you can adjust your application process to take advantage of these changes. Following these five tips can help you navigate this process with ease.

   Tip 1: Write Amazing Application Essays

   College application essays are paramount to your application. Essays give you a chance to show the person behind the list of accomplishments, test scores, and grades and make a case of why you will be an addition to a school's incoming class of freshmen.

   However, if you apply to schools that have chosen to go test-optional this fall, your essays become crucial. Taking away SAT/ACT scores won't hurt your chances of getting admitted. Not including them means colleges will consider other parts of your application even more closely.

   Every part of your Fall 2021 college application needs to be great- especially the essay portion. Use your essays an opportunity to advocate how will you succeed academically in creative ways, especially if other parts of your application have been affected by the Coronavirus.

   Tip 2: Ask for letters of recommendation at an earlier time

   You will likely need letters of recommendation for your applications. It’s crucial to reach out to your teachers as soon as possible. Reaching out early to your teachers' will increase the chances that they'll write thoughtful letters at your request. Like the application essays, letters of recommendation are a very critical part of your application, especially if you don't submit your test scores. If your test scores are absent, these letters can testify to your academic potential and track record as an excellent student.

   Tip 3: Provide details of your grades

   Students might be worried about how their high school will handle their final grades and GPA during the pandemic. They think that might put them at a disadvantage. Some concerns include a high school's choice to adopt a pass/fail model for Spring 2020. Students should provide a brief explanation on any part of your application that you feel as weak. For example, you might consider how your high school calculated grades during COVID-19 and how that impacted your GPA. Most schools provide additional information space that allows you to explain these circumstances. An honest response will give college admission officers a better sense of how your application has been affected by the Coronavirus.

   Tip 4: Work on the Common and Coalition App Personal statements

   Plan your statements in a way that will showcase your traits, experiences, or activities. Keep in mind that many students may write about challenges due to Covid-19. Applications (like Common App or Coalition App) have added a special COVID-19 section where you can explain how the pandemic affected your grades, extracurriculars, or other parts of your application. If your app has that space, make sure you limit your discussion of COVID-19 for that section. It's important to start these statements early so you can edit them properly.

   The team at Link Educational Institute will keep you up-to-date on any other changes we see on the horizon.

Early Releases for the 2020-2021 Supplemental Essay Prompts

2020-2021 Supplemental Essays

Looking for the newest supplemental essays? We’ve got you covered. Join us as we discuss what schools are expecting on the essay portion of your college application.

Colleges across the United States are releasing their supplemental essays in advance of the application deadlines. This will allow students to get a head start on their college applications. Applicants will need to work diligently on their essays to share information about their meaningful experiences, activities, leadership, community engagement, and intellectual experiences.

You might be asking yourself,  should I still write an essay with the pandemic going on? The answer is- YES. Admissions officers want to see that you've done your research and can make a case for why you would be a fit for that school. At Brown University, for example "admissions officers ask students to “Tell us about an interest that excites you, and how you would use our Open Curriculum to pursue it." Cornell University asks applicants to respond to an essay question that corresponds to the school to which they are applying. The University of Chicago has the most creative supplemental questions. They offer seven options for the extended supplemental essay. One irrelevant question is, "What can be divided by zero?"

Students should not slack off this summer. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the essay prompts, you are not alone. Link is here to help. Work on improving your supplemental essays during this time. Here are platforms and essay prompts that students should take advantage of as they start developing their essays.

Various Application Platforms

• 2020-2021 Coalition App (App Now online)

• 2020-2021 Universal College App

• 2020-2021 Common App (launches August 1st)

Students interested in Georgetown must complete and submit the Georgetown application, which initiates an alumni interview and gives you access to the application platform. The UC Colleges use their distinct application for the nine campuses.

2020-2021 Essay Prompts

• Babson College

• Boston College

• Brown University

• Cornell University

• Duke University

• Georgetown University

• John Hopkins University

• Trinity College

• Tulane University

• University of California

• University of Chicago

• University of Colorado Boulder

• University of Georgia

• Umass Amherst

• University of Michigan

• UNC Chapel Hill

• UT Austin

• University of Vermont

• University of Virginia

• University of Washington

• University of Wisconsin

• UW- Madison

• Wake Forest

• Yale University

Link Educational Institute will continue to update this list as more supplements are released. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to us. Let us assist you during this tough journey.

What College Applicants Can Expect for the 2020-2021 school year

Are you worried about standing out in the college application process?

Three hundred deans from different schools will give you insight on what to expect for the 2020-2021 school year.

Are you stressing about the college application process for your student? If so, don't worry. Valerie Strauss from the Washington Post has written an article about what the admissions deans from schools around the country want to see in the college application process. Click below to read.

 https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2020/06/29/more-than-165-college-deans-explain-what-they-want-dont-want-see-applicants-covid-19-era/  

4 Steps to get accepted into UC Berkley

Getting accepted into UC Berkley

We'll give you crucial tips on getting accepted into UC Berkley.

Getting accepted into UC Berkley can be tough. How tough is it to get into Berkley? UC Berkley received 87,394 applicants in 2019-2020. 14,668 applicants were accepted, for an acceptance rate of 16.7%. Based on these statistics, Berkley is a strongly competitive school. We'll discuss four steps to get into Berkley and how to maximize your chances of getting accepted.

1. Create an Account

   First, create an applicant account. You are filling out simple information. This step should take a few minutes to complete.

2. Finish the UC application

   Sections of the application consist of:

   Enter information about which UC school you're applying to and what you plan to major in.

   Fill out your eligibility for scholarships

   Answer demographic questions

   Fill out your academic history (the classes you took, grades you received, if they were in honors or AP, etc.)

   Fill out the information on extracurriculars and awards received.

   Report your standardized test scores if applicable.

   You have eight personal questions, and you'll need to answer four of them. Your response needs to be 350 words or less. For prompts, click here.

3. Pay your admission fees, and submit an application

   Once you finish your application, you can submit it as long as it's between November 1st and November 30th. A $70 application fee is required when you apply to any of the UC schools ($80 if you're an international student). If you apply to two schools, you'll pay a total of $140-$160.

4. Submit standardized test scores

   UC Berkley has gone "test-optional" for 2021 due to COVID-19. Test-optional means that your SAT and ACT scores won't be required, but you can submit them if you wish. Not submitting test scores won't affect them in the admissions process. UC schools (including Berkley) will be phasing out the standardized testing requirements for in-state students to drop the standardized testing requirements by 2025.  There are exceptions to this rule, especially for international, out-of-state students, and students looking to obtain scholarships. For more information about testing, changes, click here.

   How to get into Berkley

   Berkley wants top students, so make sure you have a perfect application. Berkley will look at five important categories when evaluating applications.

   Classes

   The classes you take in high school are crucial for your college application.  The classes you take in high school are crucial for your college application.  Two things admissions officers take into consideration: the courses you took and how difficult they were (aka “rigor”). Admissions officers want to make sure you've taken the classes needed as prerequisites to succeed as a college student. Remember that the A-G courses are the minimum requirements to get accepted. A-G requirements consist of a sequence of high school classes that students must complete to be admitted into a UC school. For more information, click here. Most applicants will go well beyond these requirements. Some majors, particularly math or science, recommend additional classes before you begin college.

    For instance, if you want to major in chemistry, you have to take one year of chemistry, one year of physics, four years of math, and two to three years of a foreign language. It's best to take classes you plan on majoring in. The admission officers will take a look at the rigor of your classes. If your school offers AP, Honors, or IB, you should take these classes. Take as many as you can without overloading yourself and maintaining a high GPA. Taking these classes shows you are focused on your studies and have the ability to deal with pressure. Berkley mentions they look at the "quality of your senior-year program," so don't slack off by getting “Senioritis” and taking easy classes.

   Grades

   Taking the classes that Berkley wants is not good enough; you need to do well in them. Grades and overall GPA are crucial for your Berkley application. You need to have at least a 3.0 GPA in your A-G Classes if you’re a California resident or a 3.4 GPA if you’re a non-resident. This requirement counts not only for Berkley but for any UC College in general. You can’t get a grade of C or lower in any of your classes. To give yourself the best chance of getting accepted into Berkley, you should have a GPA of 4.3 or higher. Your GPA needs to be higher than the majority of accepted students. To get a GPA of 4.3 you’ll need to get A’s in most of your classes and take advanced courses like Honors or AP.

   Test Scores

   Due to COVID-19, UC Berkley is going test-optional for students for the Fall 2021 application cycle. It will be changing its testing policies for in-state students in Fall 2022 and beyond. To learn more, click on this article. There is no SAT or ACT score to get into Berkley, but you'll want to aim high if you do have a chance of taking the exam. The score range for accepted students getting into Berkley is between 1350-1540 in 2019. The ACT is between 30 and 35. You want to aim for the higher end of this range. Berkley also requires the essay/writing section of the SAT and ACT.  Even though Berkley doesn't require any SAT Subject Tests or AP scores, having at least a few of these will strengthen your application by showing you can score well. You should submit three subject Tests or AP scores, with at least one related to what you want to major in.

   Essays

   You'll have to answer, four of the UC personal insight prompts, your responses should show:

   Who you are

   What you can contribute to the Berkley community

   What causes/topics/hobbies are important to you

   What are your intellectual interests

   Whatever your story is, this is what Berkley wants to hear, and it's the best place in your application to show them who you are. Put in the time and thought into your responses.

   Extracurriculars

   Your extracurriculars are a crucial part of your college application. Extracurriculars show your leadership skills and areas of interest. Have your extracurriculars stand out by showing admissions officers you’re passionate about them, have dedicated significant time to them, and have taken a leadership role.

   Berkley is looking for certain factors in extracurriculars such as:
   

   Talents, awards, or achievements

   Leadership experience

   Significant achievements that demonstrate a student's promise for contributing to the

   campus.

   Examples of strong extracurriculars consist of:

   Intensive study and exploration of other cultures

   Significant community service

   Participation in student government

   Any extracurricular that you're passionate about is great to include in your application. Even if you send additional materials, such as a portfolio, Berkley won't consider it, so be sure to do a good job describing your talents and accomplishments in your application. You can use the Additional Comments box in the Personal Insights section for information you feel is relevant for Berkley to know about you or your situation and does not belong in any other area. This can include personal health information, difficult situations that resulted in a lack of extracurriculars or low grade, and/or unusual grading circumstances of a school or situation.
   

How to get admitted into an Engineering School

Interested in Engineering schools?

Do you have a student that wants to major in engineering? If so, join us as we review information on how to get admitted into these schools.

If you're a student looking to major in engineering, here's one thing you should keep in mind. Engineering schools won't look at your application the way an average school does. Join the team at Link Educational Institute as we give you an insight on how to get into these schools.

Application changes to Cal Tech because of of COVID-19/Coronavirus

As you know, many colleges have temporarily stopped requesting the SAT and ACT scores. Cal Tech is now to be included amongst the schools because they want to make the admissions process as fair and equitable as possible. Test scores won't be required for the next two admissions cycles. The admissions office will focus on the rigor of classes students take and the grades they received.

SAT Math scores

Traditionally, students need to have a strong math score to get into an engineering school. A score of 800 is ideal, but getting a 700 will give you a chance to get accepted in an engineering school. The difference between 700 and 800 is substantial. MIT admits the top 0.1% or better. A score of 700 will put you in the top 8%. In summary, you should be close to getting an 800 in the math section. If you are missing fundamental math skills, then you should look at different engineering schools that are close to your score range. 

Show off your math skills

Even if you get an 800 in the math section, you won't be automatically accepted. That's because the SAT has a ceiling in math. So, if you know Pre-Calculus, you can get an 800 but students should show off more of their math skills in other ways. Students should show off more of their math skills. SAT Math IIC- this content is more advanced, and you want to do well in this portion. Take IBMath, AP Math courses or college courses to show off your math skills.

Did I mention math?

The admissions office is paramount on the math portion of the test. If you follow these things, you will be a competitive candidate for MIT and Caltech.

• Score well on a math competition. If you score well on the AIME, you will be a competitive candidate.

• Students should score well in a science or math competition. If you win a contest, then your chances increase (e.g., International Biology Olympiad). This competition includes Informatics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics.

• Enroll in a prestigious math/science camp like RSI.

  Programs like AIME and RSI are well-known by top colleges, and you should aim for these programs. Close relatives of these brands are not the same.

These engineering schools have admissions rates of 10% or less. A 50% admission rate is guaranteed if a student falls into that category. Students can get accepted as long as they don't get complacent and continuously challenge themselves to achieve in STEAM subjects.

Five Application Tips To Get into a UC School

How to get into a UC School

The team at Link will give you tips on submitting your UC application on time.

If you're applying to one of the UC schools, you want to make sure the application is correct. The team at Link will guide you through the process of applying for a UC school from start to finish. Learn about which documents you need to complete the application.

Crucial information about the UC Application

It's paramount to know important information about the UC application early. You need to have enough time to gather and submit your materials before the deadline.

Where to get the UC application: Get the UC application here. This application applies to all UC schools. No matter your choice, you need to complete this application.

When to submit the application: It's the student's responsibility to know when the application deadlines are.  If you miss a deadline, you won't get that far.  Here are the University of California application deadlines.

---

Date Action

Aug 1st UC Application opens

October 1st FAFSA and Cal Grant verification form open for applicants.

Nov 1st- 30th Period application can be submitted online.

December Self-report December scores

Jan- Feb Submit official December test score results

Mar 1st Admissions decisions begin to be sent out.

Mar 2nd Financial Aid Applicants due

May 1st Reply date for all accepted first year students

Jul 1st Admitted students must have submitted their final high school transcript

---

Based on the chart, the most important date is November 30th. You have to submit your application by this day. Admission officers have used these administrative tests for years; now, these tests have options. The University of California doesn't accept late applications. Don't miss this deadline!

How to apply to a UC school

There are five steps to apply to UC schools. The earlier you begin, the more time you'll have to complete the application before the deadline.

1. Create an account

• To apply to a UC school, you need to create an account. This step will only take a few minutes since you need to fill out simple information such as email, name, the semester you want to start, and if you're applying as a freshman or a transfer student.

• 2. Complete the UC Application

  The application consists of eight sections:

  About You

  You will answer questions such as your birth date, contact information, which languages you speak, your family's income if you are a resident of California.

  Campuses and Majors

  There are nine UC schools, and students can apply to as many as they want. Each UC school you apply to requires an application fee of $70 ($80 for international students). Here are the schools:

• UC Berkley

• UC Davis

• UC Irvine

• UC Los Angeles

• UC Merced

• UC Riverside

• UC Santa Barbara

• UC Santa Cruz

• UC San Diego

Next, select your major. If you're applying to multiple schools, you'll need to do this separately for each school since they have different majors. For instance, if you apply to the University of Los Angeles, you need to rank the colleges to see which is the best fit for you.

Academic History

You'll need to enter information about the high schools you attended, the classes you took in high school if they were honors or AP, and the grade you received. It's like entering information on your transcript.

Test Scores

Test scores can still be reviewed and submitted even though they are test-optional. UC schools accept SAT and ACT scores, but you don't need to take the optional essay section. You can also report your SAT Subject Test, AP, and IB scores. If you're an international student, you can submit any scores of international exams you took.

Activities and Awards

You'll discuss the activities you participated in outside of the classroom. Here are six categories:

1. Coursework other than A-G

2. Educational Preparation Programs

3. Awards and Honors

4. Extracurricular activites

5. Volunteer and community service

6. Work experience

   For each category, you can add up to five classes, activities, jobs, awards, etc.

   Scholarships and Programs

   You'll select eligibility for different scholarship opportunities, such as ethnicity, career plans, and work experience. There are ten categories with multiple characteristics. You can choose only once. You can also apply for the Educational Opportunity Program in this section.

   Personal Insights

   You'll answer personal statement questions. There are eight questions, and you have to answer only four of them. The response needs to be 350 words or less. Write your essays in a word document to make it easier to review them, then paste it into the application.

   Here's the essay prompts:

   1. Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes or contributed to group efforts over time.

   2. Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side.

   3. What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time?

   4. Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced.

   5. Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement?

   6. Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.

   7. What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?

   8. Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you stand out as a strong candidate for admissions to the University of California?

      3. Submit your application and pay fees

      Once you finished each section of the application, you can submit it, if it's between November 1st and November 30th. When you apply, you'll need to enter some demographic information and your state of legal residence. The application will be submitted once you pay the fee.

      4. Submit Your Standardized Test Scores (optional)

      If you decide to take the tests and submit those scores, you'll submit your test scores when you fill out your application, but you also need to send official score reports.

      5. Complete Additional Materials (optional)

      Some students won't need to submit additional materials, but some will. It depends on the college and major. Some students won't need to submit additional materials, but some will. It depends on the college and major. For instance, students majoring in arts will have to submit a portfolio

The University of California drops the SAT/ACT Scores: What does it mean for you?

SAT and ACT scores dropped for the University of California

The team at Link can assist students and parents with their questions in regards to this change.

In May of 2020, the Board of Regents for the University of California (UC) voted unanimously to stop the SAT and ACT requirements as part of admissions applications for California residents. If you're a California student applying to a UC school, you won't be required to submit your SAT or ACT scores. However, before you get excited, there's some crucial information you should know.
 

Why is the UC Making this change?

The SAT and ACT requirements have been dropped to create a fair admissions process for students faced with the Coronavirus pandemic. According to the Board of Regents, moving away from the current standardized testing model will give students a fairer evaluation of their applications. According to the University's press release, the UC System began researching this change in 2018. Here's their official statement:

“Today’s decision marks the culmination of a two-year, research-based effort by UC to evaluate the value and use of standardized tests in admissions. That process began in July 2018 when President Napolitano asked the Academic Senate to evaluate whether the University and its students are best served by current standardized testing practices. The Academic Senate convened the Standardized Testing Task Force (STTF) in January 2019 and their findings were finalized and presented to the president in April 2020.”

So while the UC announced this decision last week, it's been in the works for a while.

Will the UC stop requiring the ACT and SAT?

Before you contact College Board or ACT to cancel your test, the UC is phasing out test scores for California residents between now and 2025.

UC becomes test-optional for California students in 2020 and 2021

Students in California applying to UC schools in Fall 2020 and Fall 2021 will have the option of submitting their SAT or ACT scores. If you submit your scores, counselors will look at them and factor it into their admissions decision. UC schools will eliminate the SAT and ACT writing sections in Fall 2021. The scores won't play a role in the admissions process as of 2021.

UC Becomes Test-Blind for California Students for 2022 and 2023

In the Fall of 2023 and 2024, UC schools will be “test blind”. Test blind means that the UC schools won't consider California students' SAT or ACT scores as a part of the admissions process at all. Schools may ask students to submit ACT or SAT scores to determine other criteria, like which classes students are eligible for or if a student is eligible for scholarships.

UC eliminates the SAT and ACT for California students in 2025.

By 2025 the SAT and ACT will be eliminated for California students. All prospective California students will take a UC-specific standardized test that's in development. More information about the new UC test will be discussed in this article below.

A brand new UC exam will take the place of the SAT and ACT

The UC plans to replace the SAT and ACT with its standardized entrance exam by 2025. While the details are slim at the moment, we do know that UC wants to create an entrance exam that "aligns with the content the University expects students to have mastered college readiness." UC is creating a test that potential students will have to take that is a better evaluation in deciding if they are ready for college. The UC system has stated that this test will be available to California private, public, and homeschooled students. It's unclear whether all California students will take the test as part of the mandatory state-wide testing or if there will be a fee.

Will SAT or ACT scores still be submitted to out-of-state or international students?

As of right now, the UC system isn't sure whether they will waive the SAT and ACT Test for international or out-of-state students. That means out-of-state and international students will have to submit their scores as part of the admissions packet. The UC has said that it will reevaluate testing requirements for non-California residents, but as of now, international students will have to take the SAT or ACT

Should the ACT or SAT still be taken if you're applying to a UC?

California students who are applying to a UC between now and 2025 may be wondering if they should still take the standardized tests. Here are some questions to decide if your student should take the SAT or ACT exam.

Are you applying in the Fall of 2021 or 2022?

UC schools will be transitioning to being test-optional in 2021 and 2022. Submission for the 2021 or 2022 test scores will still be considered. So what does this mean? If you're worried your application won't stand out from the crowd, submitting stellar test scores could help you earn admission into your dream college.

Are you registering for scholarships?

While the UC system is phasing out standardized test scores as part of the admissions, however, schools may still use the standardized test scores to determine if you're eligible for scholarships or awards. If you're hoping to receive a scholarship from a UC school, you should still take the SAT or ACT.

Does the program require the SAT/ACT for course placement?

Departments, programs, and/or schools may still use the standardized test scores to determine which courses students would take as freshmen. That way, schools can make sure you are enrolling in classes that will set you up for long-term success! To know if your program requires SAT or ACT scores for placement, check out the departmental website. If you're still unsure about whether you need test scores for course placement, contact your admissions counselor.

Are you looking for a guaranteed California Statewide Eligibility Admissions? 

If you plan to take advantage of the California Statewide Eligibility Admissions Guarantee, then you must take the SAT or ACT since test scores are part of the program's evaluation criteria. Students from California that graduated in the top nine percent and were denied admissions to their first UC college will be admitted into another UC college if there's still some space; this is the California Statewide Eligibility Admissions Guarantee. For instance, if you apply to UC Berkley and don't get in, the Eligibility Admissions Guarantee will ensure that you earn admission on another campus if there's space. You can learn more about the California Statewide Eligibility Admissions Guarantee here.

Are you applying to one of the Non-UC schools?

If you're planning on applying to Non-UCs or schools in other states, then you should still take the ACT or SAT. Even though the UC system is phasing out scores, most schools still use standardized test scores as part of their admissions process.

Will other California public colleges eliminate the SAT or ACT? What about private schools in California?

As of this moment, no other California universities have indicated they are moving away from the SAT or ACT requirements. We will keep you up-to-date if any changes come up regarding this change.

What is a Priority Deadline? Is this important in 2021 and 2022? (Updated)

Priority Deadline

Should I apply for a priority or a regular deadline in 2021? The Link team will answer your questions in regards to the college admissions process.

What’s a priority deadline? Is it different from a regular deadline? Is it mandatory to apply for a priority deadline? Will, it hurt your chances if you don’t apply for it? The team at Link will assist you with these questions and how to make these priority deadlines work for you and your student.

Can You Tell Me What Is A Priority Deadline?

If a student applies after this deadline, the application will be accepted, but it won't be a top priority. Students can submit these applications before a school’s regular deadline. Applications submitted before the deadline will get their application looked at immediately by that specific college admissions team. For instance, let’s say a college has a priority deadline of November 1st. If you apply after November 1st, the application will still be looked at, however, your documentation won’t be reassessed until the college admissions team looks at the applications submitted before the November 1st deadline.

Are colleges accepting Rolling Admissions?

Rolling admissions consists of students applying as long as there are still spots available. Even though students have more time to apply for rolling admissions, priority deadlines, can help a student get their classes for their first year. If a student applies by the priority deadline, the student will receive their decision regarding the priority deadline earlier, along with a specific date. 

Comparing priority deadline with other specific deadlines

Here are some definitions.

Regular Deadline: The final date you need to submit your application if you want to get accepted.

Early Decision: If you apply early by November 1st, and you're accepted, you will have to go to that school. Statistics generally show that students who apply by this deadline will give the student a great chance of getting accepted.

Early Action: If you apply early, usually by November 1st, you'll receive a decision from admissions a month later. If the student gets accepted, you have until May 1st to decide if you want to go to that specific school or another one.

Priority deadlines are comparable to early action deadlines. For these deadlines, you just have to apply by that deadline. If you're accepted, the student can decide if they want to attend that college or look at other colleges. If you apply by the deadline, you'll get an earlier decision.  Some schools use early priority deadlines interchangeably, but it all depends on the college. Schools with rolling admissions use "priority deadlines". Other schools use "early action."  There is not much difference between the two.

What about an early decision? Priority deadlines and early decisions require students to apply before the deadline. Both can increase your chance of being accepted into a specific school.  Early decision is required. If a student wants to apply for an early decision to a school and they accept you, then you must attend. For priority deadlines, you can attend any school you want if you're accepted.

Students can still get accepted if they submitted a priority deadline after the registration, however, once a regular deadline passes admission officers will not accept it. Even if you give a good excuse you won’t be able to get your application seen. If a student goes in the route of a priority deadline they will have to apply to that specific’s school regular deadline. 

What are the schools with priority deadlines?

Here are some schools that are using priority deadlines and how they compare to regular application deadlines. Schools with priority deadlines tend to be larger public schools, although this isn't always the case. If a school has a regular deadline (rolling), that means it will accept applications until it fills all the spots for the freshman class.

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School Name           Priority Deadline

Harvard University November 1, 2021

Columbia University November 1, 2021

Massachusetts Institute

of Technology November 1, 2021

Yale University November 1, 2021

Stanford University November 1, 2021

California Institute of

Technology November 1, 2021

John Hopkins

University November 1, 2021

Northwestern

University November 1, 2021

Duke University November 1, 2021

Tufts University November 1, 2021

University of North October 15, 2021

Carolina at Chapel

Hill

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What happens if you apply before and after the priority deadline? 

We recommend you apply for a school’s priority deadline. If a student goes that route they not only have a chance to get into a specific college but also financial aid. There is nothing negative if a student applies by the priority deadline unless one overlooks college deadlines.

If a student applies after the priority deadline, the application will be accepted, but your chances of getting into that specific school will not be good because freshman slots will be filled up fast. If this is the case the application, won't be reviewed. It's rare for this to take place, but it's common for schools with priority deadlines for dorming, or economic aid to run out of spots for these two things. There's a chance you can get accepted, but you won't be able to dorm or receive economic aid. Try to make priority deadlines paramount.

Colleges that have dropped SAT/ACT Scores from 2020-2021 Admission (Updated)

July Update of the 2020-2021 Test Optional Admissions

Many colleges have begun conversations about transitioning their admissions teams to evaluate students without the benefit of SAT/ACT scores. Here are some insights on which colleges will become test-optional during their admission process.

Universities are aware that high school students will have difficulty taking the standardized tests before the application deadlines this year. Dozens of colleges have dropped the SAT/ACT requirements for the 2020-2021 school year. You might be asking yourself:

• Which colleges are dropping the standardized testing?

• Will colleges return to requiring standardized test scores in the future?

• If I have SAT or ACT scores, then should they still be submitted?

  We here at Link will assist you with your questions.

Colleges that aren't requiring SAT/ACT Scores for the 2020-2021 school year

Below is a chart of all the colleges and universities that are NOT requiring SAT/ACT scores for applicants for the 2020-2021 admissions cycle. Some inclusions are the University of California system, Cornell College, and Williams College. The list includes colleges that are test-optional and are dropping the SAT/ACT requirement. However, June brought even more college on the test optional wave, including Harvard.

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School Name Location

Adelphi College           Garden City, NY

Alabama A &M            Huntsville, AL

Alabama State University     Montgomery, AL

Albion College              Albion, MI

Alma College               Alma, MI

Amherst College             Amherst, MA

Austin Peay State University    Clarksville, TN

Auburn University        Montgomery, AL

Bethany College              Bethany, WV

Bismarck State College         Bismarck, ND

Bluefield State University        Bluefield, WV

Boston University              Boston, MA

Brigham Young University       Provo, UT

Case Western University          Cleveland, OH

Central College                Pella, IA

Cleveland State College         Cleveland, TN

Concordia University Texas       Austin, TX

Cornell University               Ithaca, NY

Cottey College                 Nevada, MO

Davidson College               Davidson, NC

Drury University                 Springfield, MO

Fairmont State University          Fairmont, WV

Franklin College                 Franklin, IN

Haverford College               Haverford, PA

Indiana University Kokomo         Kokomo, IN

Indiana University Northwest       Gary, IN

Indiana University Southeast        New Albany, IN

Indiana Wesleyan University        Marion, IN

Iowa Wesleyan University          Mt. Pleasant, IA

Jackson State University            Jackson, MS

Kent State University               Kent, OH

Kutztown University                Kutztown, PA

Lamar University                   Beaumont, TX

Limestone College                  Gaffney, SC

Lock Haven University               Lock Haven, PA

Longwood University                Farmville, VA

Malone University                  Canton, OH

Mansfield University                 Mansfield, PA

Marymount Manhattan College       New York City, NY

Midway University                  Midway, KY

Millersville University                 Millersville, PA

Millikin University                    Decatur, IL

Minnesota State University            Moorhead, MN

Mississippi State College               Clinton, MS

Newberry College                    Newberry, SC

Northeastern University                Boston, MA

Northern Kentucky University            Highland Heights, KY

Ohio University                       Athens, OH

Oregon State University                Corvallis, OR

Pomona College                       Claremont, CA

Portland State University                 Portland, OR

Rhodes College                        Memphis, TN

Rutgers University-Newark               Newark, NJ

Saint Vincent College                    Latrobe, PA

Southern Oregon University               Ashland, OR

St. Mary’s University                     San Antonio, TX

St. Thomas Aquinas College               Sparkill, NY

St. Thomas University                     Miami Gardens, FL

Savannah College of Arts and Design      Savannah, GA

Scripps College                         Claremont, CA

Southwest Baptist University                Bolivar, MO

Texas Christian University                  Fort Worth, TX

Thiel College                             Greenville, PA

Trinity University                          San Antonio, TX

Tufts University                            Medford, MA

Tulane University                          New Orleans, LA

University of Akron                        Akron, OH

University of Alaska Fairbanks               Fairbanks, AL

University of California, Berkley              Berkley, CA

University of California, Davis                Davis, CA

University of California, Irvine                Irvine, CA

University of California, Los Angeles          Los Angeles, CA

University of California, Merced              Merced, CA

University of California, Riverside              Riverside, CA

University of California, San Francisco       San Francisco, CA

University of California, Santa Barbara      Santa Barbara, CA

University of California, Santa Cruz            Santa Cruz, CA

University of the Cumberlands                 Williamsburg, KY

University of Dayton                          Dayton, OH

University of Mount Union                     Alliance, OH

University of Nevada- Las Vegas                Las Vegas, NV

University of Nevada- Reno                    Reno, NV

University of North Dakota- Grand Forks     Grand Forks, ND

University of Oregon                           Eugene, OR

University of Pittsburgh- Bradford                 Bradford, PA

University of Pittsburgh- Greensburg               Greensburg, PA

University of Pittsburgh- Johnstown                Johnstown, PA

University of Pittsburgh- Titusville                 Titusville, PA

University of Virginia- Wise                      Wise, PA

University of Washington                        Seattle, WA

Vassar College                                Poughkeepsie, NY

Washington State University Vancouver         Vancouver, WA

Wayne State University                         Detroit, MI

Western Michigan University                     Kalamazoo, MI

Westminster College                            Salt Lake City, UT

West Virginia State University                     Institute, WV

Williams College                               Williamstown, MA

Winthrop University                             Rock Hill, SC

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College Registration, Admissions and Deadlines

Do you have a student that wants to attend a UC School this Fall? We will recommend crucial tips that will help you submit your documents and get accepted. Read this article to learn more.  With the pandemic, you might be asking yourself, will there be deadlines that students need to follow to get accepted? The answer is YES- click here, to read more. Time is of the essence, so make sure you dot your I's and cross your T's.

As of today, more than half of the United-States' four-year colleges and universities have made the SAT or ACT exam optional for the upcoming admissions season, according to the National Center for Fair and Open Testing.

Will schools return to having standardized test scores required?

Some colleges will accept standardized test scores; some won't. The University of California college system has stated the lack of required SAT/ACT scores will be assessed over the next 5 years. You can listen to our CEO talk more about this in the explanation of the Current Market of College Admissions. Some colleges such as Trinity and Tuft University are using it is a trial period, and will keep the optional policy for three years before deciding whether to implement it permanently or not. Other colleges, such as the University of Oregon and Scripps College, have decided to become permanently test-optional.  However, some schools aren't committed to whether or not they'll continue the test-optional policy after the pandemic ends.

We do know that more and more schools are becoming test-optional. Schools are making an effort to attract more diverse applicants, and they do not want students to be held back by circumstances that are out of their control. Research has shown that students from more affluent backgrounds have higher SAT and ACT Scores. Colleges are dropping the standardized testing requirement, so students from more disadvantaged backgrounds aren't put at a further disadvantage during the admissions process. Over 1,000 colleges and universities in the U.S. are test-optional and test flexible. This number will likely grow over time.

If you have your SAT or ACT scores, should you still submit them?  

We may recommend students who are reasonably able to take the SAT or ACT go ahead with it depending on your circumstances and ambitions. Even if you're applying to a test-optional school, and do not need to submit the scores, we may recommend submitting the scores if a student is homeschooled, looking for scholarships, or applying to an Honors Program.

Out of the 1,050 schools who claim to be test-optional, fewer than 1 percent are “test-blind", meaning that they do not use SAT or ACT scores in admissions decisions. You need to know what test-optional means. When a college goes test-optional, it means the SAT or ACT scores aren't required, but they will still review and consider the scores as part of your application. However, this doesn't mean that the SAT and ACT scores are no longer accepted. Schools that are "test blind" will not look at standardized test scores at all. Test blind is a rare policy, and currently only, Hampshire College follows it. What does that mean for you? Even for test-optional schools, strong SAT or ACT scores will still help your college applications. You will lose out on a chance to make your application stronger if you don't submit your test scores. So, what do you do? Follow these guidelines:

Submit test scores if:

• You have strong test scores (at or around the 75th percentiles of admitted students to the specific school)

• You don't have strong test scores (AP Tests, SAT Subject Tests, etc.) to send.

• The college still recommends submitting scores if you can.

Don't submit scores if:

• You have low test scores (Percentile below 50th).

• You're confident if areas of your college application (GPA, class rank, extracurriculars, etc.) make up for lacked test scores.

• You have outstanding test scores from other exams (AP Tests, SAT Subject Tests, etc.) that will be submitted.

  If students can take the SAT or ACT Test, then they should submit scores if you think they will help you. They're a crucial part of admissions decisions, even if they are test-optional schools. Don't submit test scores if its a weak area of your application. Colleges won't hold it against you for not taking the standardized tests, however, you always want to strengthen your college application.