Julian Chou

Elite Prep Branch Director

Elite Prep Branch Director since 2003; JD, Loyola Law School; BA, UC Berkeley

Articles by Julian Chou

College Admissions
Why Undergraduate Co-Op Programs Are Becoming More Popular
Many applicants focus on majors, rankings, and campus life when choosing a college.
November 4, 2026Julian Chou
ACT SAT
306 MORE Vocabulary Words You Must Know for the SAT & ACT
Having a strong understanding and ability to use a wide range of words accurately is important for students to achieve outstanding scores on standardized…
September 15, 2026Julian Chou
College Admissions
Engineering + Business: Combined Programs at Top U.S. Colleges
Combined engineering and business programs at seven US colleges, from Penn’s M&T to UC Berkeley’s M.E.T., and what sets each one apart.
September 2, 2026Julian Chou
College Admissions
How Your Major Choice Affects College Admissions
One of the most misunderstood aspects of the college admission process is the role of a student’s intended academic major.
August 27, 2026Julian Chou
College Admissions
College Essay Brainstorming: How to Find Your Best Story
Struggling to find a college essay topic? Use these college essay brainstorming questions to uncover meaningful stories from your everyday experiences.
August 25, 2026Julian Chou
College Admissions
Are College Supplemental Essays Disappearing? Why They Still Matter for Most College Applicants
Some colleges have eliminated supplemental essays, but most selective colleges still require them.
August 19, 2026Julian Chou
College Admissions
What Should You Write About in Your College Essay? How to Help Colleges Get to Know You
Not sure what to write about in your college essay? Learn how to choose meaningful experiences that reveal who you are beyond grades and activities.
August 17, 2026Julian Chou
College Admissions
Should You Take the ACT Science Test? What Students Need to Know Before Registering for the Enhanced ACT
With the introduction of the Enhanced ACT, the ACT Science section is optional and no longer contributes to a student's ACT composite score.
July 28, 2026Julian Chou
College Admissions
Could the SAT and ACT Return to UC Admissions? What High School Sophomores Need to Know
For the past several years, the University of California has operated under a test-blind admissions policy…
May 29, 2026Julian Chou
College Admissions
Waitlisted vs. Deferred vs. Rejected: What Each College Decision Really Means
Each spring—and sometimes earlier in the admissions cycle—high school seniors receive one of several different decisions from colleges.
April 2, 2026Julian Chou
College Admissions
How to Write a Strong Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) for College Waitlists
For high school seniors who receive a waitlist decision, one of the most common questions is: Should I send a Letter of Continued Interest?
April 2, 2026Julian Chou
College Admissions
How Many Students Actually Get Off the College Waitlist? Real Admissions Data Explained
What are the actual chances of being admitted from a waitlist? The answer varies widely by college and by year.
April 2, 2026Julian Chou
College Admissions
College Waitlisted? What High School Seniors Should Do Next
While it can feel frustrating or confusing, a waitlist decision does not mean the admissions process is over.
April 2, 2026Julian Chou
College Admissions
Colleges Still Accepting Applications in March: What High School Seniors Need to Know
By early March, most high school seniors have already submitted their college applications.
March 18, 2026Julian Chou