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5 College Admissions Mistakes Even Strong Applicants Make — And How to Fix Them

Every year, talented students with high grades and scores, many extracurricular accomplishments, and worthy volunteer contributions begin the college application process feeling confident, only to be surprised by disappointing admissions outcomes. Understanding the most common college admissions mistakes is the first step — because all too often, it’s not a lack of achievement that holds […]

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Deferral Is a Second Chance, Don’t Waste It

College application volume through the Common App has risen by nearly 94% since 2020 with over 10 million applications submitted in the 2024-25 cycle. Following this increased competitiveness, more college-bound seniors than ever are taking strategic advantage of the early application rounds, which can be a win-win for both students and colleges. For colleges, with […]

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Application Strategy college admissions college planning college rankings

ROI in College Admissions

A new billboard welcomes students driving into Boston for college visits: “Bentley University – Top 1% in ROI.” In a city dominated by some of the most sought-after schools in country— Harvard, MIT, Northeastern, Tufts, and Wellesley—Bentley’s declaration reflects a national trend that prioritizes the return on investment (ROI) of college over more nebulous qualities […]

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Digital SAT or Enhanced ACT? Your Questions Answered

With the launch of the digital SAT in March 2024 and the more recent updates to the ACT in April 2025 (both of which introduced significant changes to test formats) the standardized testing landscape is more uncertain than ever. At Top Tier Admissions, we’ve received a steady stream of questions about these shifts, so we’re […]

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What You Need to Know About the New AP Exams

As students review, prep, and caffeinate their way through AP exam season and other end-of-school-year demands, it is worth stepping back to look at recent developments in the AP world—and what actually matters most about APs. Unlike the ACT or SAT which can be easily retaken, AP exams are offered just once a year, making […]

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