Class of 2019 ... Reaching for the Stars

Feeling the pressure to apply early to college? You’re not alone. With selective schools filling most seats before regular deadlines, early applications are more critical than ever. But is your teen truly ready? Here’s what the latest data shows—and how to decide if Early Decision or Early Action is the right move.

Once considered dependable “safety schools,” top public flagships are now anything but. In this post, we dig into the surprising numbers behind surging selectivity, why out-of-state applicants are feeling the squeeze, and how families can build smarter, balanced college lists that reflect the new admissions reality.

As sophomore year winds down, it’s the perfect moment to look ahead to standardized testing. This guide walks rising juniors through three simple steps—diagnostic testing, picking a first test date, and starting prep—so they can head into junior year with a clear plan and way less stress. Sophomore summer is where it all starts!