Top Tier Admissions
Cornell University, an Ivy League institution in Ithaca, New York, has an undergraduate population of over 15,000 students. Effective for students applying for Fall 2026 and beyond, first-year applicants are required to submit standardized test scores. However, each of Cornell’s undergraduate colleges has its own requirements for admission and a distinctive set of majors — […]
Carnegie Mellon University, a private “New Ivy” institution in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is known for its engineering and computer science programs, as well as being the first college in the country to offer a degree in drama. CMU announced its School of Computer Science would once again require an SAT or ACT score, while the College […]
Over the past year, artificial intelligence (AI) has become an increasingly common tool in the college admissions process—especially when it comes to the personal essay. Students today are turning to AI platforms like ChatGPT, GrammarlyGO, and Claude to help them brainstorm ideas, generate outlines, and in some cases, even write full drafts. This rise of […]
The University of California (UC) system comprises 10 public universities located across the state, each with its own distinctive atmosphere and academic opportunities. Students can apply to any number of UC campuses using a single application. As part of this process, applicants must respond to four out of eight “Personal Insight Questions,” designed to give […]
As an astrophotographer, I track the seasons in the sky. Winter brings nebula season, when iconic sights like the Horsehead Nebula and the Cone Nebula take center stage. Spring shifts to galaxy season, with dark skies perfect for capturing the Milky Way and beyond. In admissions, we’re entering our own kind of season: college essay […]
Calling All Juniors!
Your August Edge Starts Here:
Application Boot Camp®
Complete your Common App and supplemental essays, build a school list aligned to your profile, and develop a clear admissions strategy—guided by the Top Tier Admissions team. In our 22 years running Boot Camp, our counselors have helped thousands of students earn admission to the country’s most selective colleges.