--- title: "College Admissions and Test Prep Blog | Elite Prep" description: "Admissions guides, test strategy and study advice from Elite Prep instructors and counselors." url: "https://eliteprep.com/blog/" image: "https://media.eliteprep.com/blog-library-gradient-webp-card.jpg" language: "en" source: "eliteprep build" --- ![Four students talking over their notes in a library](https://eliteprep.com/media/blog-library-gradient-webp-w1600.webp) # Blog Admissions guides, test strategy and study advice from Elite Prep instructors and counselors. - ![A row of worn hardcover books standing upright, seen close-up from their page edges](https://media.eliteprep.com/unsplash%2Bbooks%2Bworn%2Bpages-webp-w400.webp) [ACT](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/act/) [SAT](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/sat/) ### [306 MORE Vocabulary Words You Must Know for the SAT & ACT](https://eliteprep.com/blog/2026/9/14/306-vocabulary-words-you-must-know-for-the-sat-and-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, 2026 - ![Engineering students in safety glasses working at a machine in a university workshop](https://media.eliteprep.com/unsplash-image-omrpeqLz6Po-webp-w400.webp) [College Admissions](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/college-admissions/) ### [Engineering + Business: Combined Programs at Top U.S. Colleges](https://eliteprep.com/blog/engineering-business-combined-programs-at-top-us-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, 2026 - ![Student holding textbooks](https://media.eliteprep.com/iStock-813019744-webp-w400.webp) [College Admissions](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/college-admissions/) ### [How Your Major Choice Affects College Admissions](https://eliteprep.com/blog/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, 2026 - ![Student Leaning Over Railing](https://media.eliteprep.com/iStock-1457595993-webp-w400.webp) [College Admissions](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/college-admissions/) ### [College Essay Brainstorming: How to Find Your Best Story](https://eliteprep.com/blog/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, 2026 - ![Student and tutor working on college supplemental essay](https://media.eliteprep.com/iStock-887448060-webp-w400.webp) [College Admissions](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/college-admissions/) ### [Are College Supplemental Essays Disappearing? Why They Still Matter for Most College Applicants](https://eliteprep.com/blog/college-supplemental-essays-disappearing/) Some colleges have eliminated supplemental essays, but most selective colleges still require them. August 19, 2026 - ![A smiling student sits with classmates around a laptop in a bright classroom](https://media.eliteprep.com/iStock-1010059710%2B%281%29-webp-w400.webp) [College Admissions](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/college-admissions/) ### [What Should You Write About in Your College Essay? How to Help Colleges Get to Know You](https://eliteprep.com/blog/what-should-you-write-about-in-your-college-essay/) 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, 2026 - ![Students seated in a row at a long desk writing with pens on papers during a test](https://media.eliteprep.com/FAQs%2Babout%2Bthe%2BACT-webp-w400.webp) [College Admissions](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/college-admissions/) ### [Frequently Asked Questions About the ACT](https://eliteprep.com/blog/frequently-asked-questions-about-the-act/) The Enhanced ACT is the current version of the ACT college admissions test. It consists of three required sections that determine your ACT Composite Score… July 28, 2026 - ![Students working on laptops at desks in a classroom, with a periodic table poster on the wall](https://media.eliteprep.com/should-you-take-ACT-science-test-webp-w400.webp) [College Admissions](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/college-admissions/) ### [Should You Take the ACT Science Test? What Students Need to Know Before Registering for the Enhanced ACT](https://eliteprep.com/blog/should-you-take-the-act-science-test/) 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, 2026 - ![Split image: a university campanile tower among trees, and hands typing on a laptop with multiple-choice A B C D answer bubbles overlaid.](https://media.eliteprep.com/UC-SAT-Faculty-webp-w400.webp) [College Admissions](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/college-admissions/) ### [Could the SAT and ACT Return to UC Admissions? What High School Sophomores Need to Know](https://eliteprep.com/blog/could-the-sat-and-act-return-to-uc-admissions/) For the past several years, the University of California has operated under a test-blind admissions policy… May 29, 2026 - ![Two smiling students hugging while holding phones, with text "Congratulations Class of 2026!"](https://media.eliteprep.com/Congratulations%2BClass%2Bof%2B2026%2BElite%2BPrep-webp-w400.webp) [College Admissions](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/college-admissions/) ### [Elite Prep Class of 2026: Record-Breaking College Acceptances and Expanding Opportunities](https://eliteprep.com/blog/elite-prep-class-of-2026-record-breaking-college-acceptances-and-expanding-opportunities/) The Class of 2026 at Elite Prep has reached a new milestone, achieving our strongest college admissions results to date. April 14, 2026 - ![A miniature black graduation cap resting on the corner of a stack of books](https://media.eliteprep.com/iStock-2165826700-webp-w400.webp) [College Admissions](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/college-admissions/) ### [Waitlisted vs. Deferred vs. Rejected: What Each College Decision Really Means](https://eliteprep.com/blog/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, 2026 - ![A student in a blue top writing in a notebook at a desk beside an open laptop](https://media.eliteprep.com/iStock-638656670-webp-w400.webp) [College Admissions](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/college-admissions/) ### [How to Write a Strong Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) for College Waitlists](https://eliteprep.com/blog/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, 2026 - ![A line of students standing by a window, one holding a clipboard and pen while others wait.](https://media.eliteprep.com/iStock-2044487253-webp-w400.webp) [College Admissions](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/college-admissions/) ### [How Many Students Actually Get Off the College Waitlist? Real Admissions Data Explained](https://eliteprep.com/blog/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, 2026 - ![A high school student in a beanie and plaid shirt looks up thoughtfully from a laptop in a classroom.](https://media.eliteprep.com/iStock-2227835968-webp-w400.webp) [College Admissions](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/college-admissions/) ### [College Waitlisted? What High School Seniors Should Do Next](https://eliteprep.com/blog/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, 2026 - ![A smiling graduate in cap and gown holds a diploma tied with a red ribbon outdoors near city buildings.](https://media.eliteprep.com/iStock-graduate-1-webp-w400.webp) [College Admissions](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/college-admissions/) ### [Colleges Still Accepting Applications in March: What High School Seniors Need to Know](https://eliteprep.com/blog/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, 2026 - ![Four students meet around a table with laptop and notebooks, overlaid with the "Impact Change Makers" logo.](https://media.eliteprep.com/iStock-ImpactChangemakersBlogHeader-webp-w400.webp) [College Admissions](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/college-admissions/) ### [How to Build Real Leaders: 5 Things This High School Volunteer Club Gets Right](https://eliteprep.com/blog/how-to-build-real-leaders-5-things-this-high-school-volunteer-club-gets-right/) For many, the phrase "high school volunteer club" conjures images of students collecting canned goods or selling baked goods to fulfill the community service… February 4, 2026 - ![A frustrated student rests his head on his hand at a laptop, with a scribbled thought bubble above him.](https://media.eliteprep.com/iStock-2221012177-webp-w400.webp) [College Admissions](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/college-admissions/) ### [Deferred—but Not Done: What to Do If You’re Deferred from Early Decision or Early Action](https://eliteprep.com/blog/deferred-but-not-done-what-to-do-if-youre-deferred-from-early-decision-or-early-action/) A deferral means the admissions committee saw promise in your application but wants more context—often senior-year grades, updated achievements… January 19, 2026 - ![Two smiling students hugging outdoors at sunset, one wearing a backpack](https://media.eliteprep.com/iStock-College-Acceptance-Hug-webp-w400.webp) [College Admissions](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/college-admissions/) ### [Early Planning, Early Results: Our Students’ Early Decision & Early Action Acceptances](https://eliteprep.com/blog/early-decision-early-action-acceptances-jan-2026/) Each year, families ask whether applying early—through Early Decision (ED) or Early Action (EA)—can make a meaningful difference in college admissions. January 15, 2026 - ![Person typing on a laptop behind a digital overlay of a multiple-choice test with answers A, B, C, D checked](https://media.eliteprep.com/iStock-Laptop_Multiple_Choice-webp-w400.webp) [College Admissions](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/college-admissions/) ### [Why Public Universities Should Reconsider Requiring Standardized Tests](https://eliteprep.com/blog/why-public-universities-should-reconsider-requiring-standardized-tests/) The debate over standardized testing at public universities has become increasingly polarized. January 7, 2026 - ![Two students in blue scrubs study together at a desk with a laptop, textbook and cup of pencils](https://media.eliteprep.com/iStock-1480250304-webp-w400.webp) [College Admissions](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/college-admissions/) ### [A Guide to Accelerated/Straight Medicine Programs in the U.S.](https://eliteprep.com/blog/a-guide-to-accelerated-straight-medicine-programs-in-the-us/) Accelerated or straight medicine programs in the United States provide an exceptional opportunity for high school students to pursue their passion… November 18, 2025 - ![A group of students walking along a brick path toward a brick campus building on a sunny day.](https://media.eliteprep.com/iStock-1363688385-webp-w400.webp) [College Admissions](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/college-admissions/) ### [College Consortiums in the US: Connecting Students with a World of Resources and Learning Opportunities](https://eliteprep.com/blog/college-consortiums-in-the-us/) College consortiums in the United States offer students enriched academic and social experiences by pooling resources across member institutions. September 17, 2025 - ![Large crowd of graduates in caps and gowns and families filling a tree-lined campus walkway on graduation day](https://media.eliteprep.com/iStock-639416504-webp-w400.webp) [College Admissions](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/college-admissions/) ### [Choosing the Right University: Highly Selective Private University vs. Selective Public Research University](https://eliteprep.com/blog/choosing-the-right-university/) When selecting a university, students often face a crucial decision: should they attend a highly selective private university with a smaller undergraduate… September 12, 2025 - ![Closed iron gates beneath a sign reading "Michigan Stadium" and a blue scoreboard with a yellow block M.](https://media.eliteprep.com/iStock-1185062475-webp-w400.webp) [College Admissions](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/college-admissions/) ### [University of Michigan's New Binding Early Decision Application Plan – Is It Right For You?](https://eliteprep.com/blog/umich-early-decision/) The University of Michigan recently announced a new binding early decision application plan for first year applicants starting the fall 2026 admission cycle. September 10, 2025 - ![A runner in a Concordia singlet sprints past a FINISH marker on an indoor track as another athlete trails behind.](https://media.eliteprep.com/unsplash-image-uEQkwlI6Mzk-webp-w400.webp) [College Admissions](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/college-admissions/) ### [The College Athletic Recruitment Process: Navigating Divisions I, II, and III](https://eliteprep.com/blog/college-athletic-recruitment-process/) Understanding the differences between NCAA Division I, Division II, and Division III athletic programs is essential for students seeking athletic scholarships. July 16, 2025 [Browse every post by year →](https://eliteprep.com/blog/archive/) [Subscribe to the RSS feed](https://eliteprep.com/blog/rss.xml) ## Ready to Discuss Your Options? Each Elite Prep center sets its own class schedule and hours. Find the center nearest you and contact its staff for current schedules. 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