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Applications & Essays

Lower Test Scores Can Still Strengthen Your College Application. Not Sending It May Even Hurt Your Chances. The Full Guide On When You Should Submit Your SAT or ACT Scores

Think your SAT or ACT score is too low to submit? Not necessarily. A score below a college’s typical range can still provide valuable information when admissions officers consider the context in which you earned it. We look at what score ranges actually mean, surprising Dartmouth research on test-optional admissions, and how to decide whether to submit, retake, or spend your limited application time somewhere else.

Read article SEP 24, 2026

Featured

Applications & Essays

Writing Tips: You’re Answering Your Dream College's Supplemental Essay (s) the Wrong Way (Probably...)

The 2026/2027 admissions season is changing, and last year’s application checklist is no longer enough. From essays that accidentally tell the same story 10 times to college lists built around acceptance rates instead of actual fit, small decisions can have bigger consequences than you think. Here are the first 3 of our 6 tips for building a stronger application. And yes, you’ll want Part 2 before deciding you already have this figured out!

Read article SEP 23, 2026