Top Tier Admissions
In my years as a classroom teacher and school counselor, I spent a morning every October proctoring the PSAT. I passed out test booklets, answer sheets, and No. 2 pencils while reading a script of directions and reminding students to fill in bubbles completely so that scores would be accurate. In more recent years, I […]
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 […]
Big changes are underway for the ACT—and if your teen is testing this year or next, it’s critical to understand how the rollout of the Enhanced ACT could affect their scores, testing strategy, and college admissions journey. While many core skills remain the same, the format, pacing, and scoring are evolving in ways that require […]
The ACT—like its counterpart, the SAT—has long served as a key indicator of academic readiness for college-bound students, despite the growing number of test-optional policies. As we move into the 2025 testing season, a year already marked by significant shifts in higher education, the ACT itself is also undergoing notable changes. It’s important for prospective […]
In college admissions, the term “grade inflation” is frequently used. It refers to the trend of teachers awarding higher grades for the same level of work over time. As a result, grades become less meaningful, making it harder for colleges to determine what truly constitutes A-level work. THE RISE OF THE HIGH SCHOOL GPA Colleges […]
The Senior Year Roadmap
Every deadline from August to May – test dates, applications. decisions – in one place. Signup to download the full 9-page Senior Year Roadmap (PDF)