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College Rankings Explained: U.S. News vs. Time

As a young teen, I often went on family outings to the now nonexistent bookstore, Borders. While my siblings wandered off to peruse the fiction and sports sections, I usually found myself wandering in the direction of the college guidebooks and U.S. News & World Report college rankings list (perhaps I was always headed in […]

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Why Spring Is the Most Strategic Season in College Admissions

Most families wait for summer to start planning. Here’s why the families who move now arrive there with a meaningful advantage. Each spring, we see the same pattern. Strong students — rigorous coursework, meaningful activities, real capability — moving through the season with no clearly articulated direction guiding their efforts. Busy, but not purposeful. Doing […]

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Regular Decision Notification Dates: Class of 2030

The regular decision phase of college admissions often feels like the longest stretch of the journey. Applications have been submitted, interviews are completed, and now begins the hardest part: waiting. Regular decision notification dates vary by college, but knowing when decisions are typically released can help you stay organized, manage expectations, and reduce anxiety. Below, […]

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Get to Know College Admissions Expert, Sam Joustra

At Top Tier Admissions, our counselors bring decades of experience, deep knowledge of the admissions process, and a personal commitment to every student they work with. In our Counselor Spotlight series, we’re introducing you to the incredible individuals behind our high-touch, expert guidance. Learn more about their unique backgrounds, educational philosophies, and what inspires them to help students reach […]

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Class of 2030 Early Application Trends: Reading the Tea Leaves

The early admissions season, which spans from mid-October to mid-February, is proving once again to be a volatile landscape for applicants. While transparency remains a challenge as several elite private universities continue to withhold real-time data, the publicly available numbers for the Class of 2030 reveal a clear theme: the test score requirement is a […]

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