H.E. News - U.S.A.

Georgetown University - Pre-College Online Program

This fall, Georgetown University is offering online courses to help students ages 13 and older discover their passions before college and explore future majors or careers.


Established in 1789, Georgetown is ranked among the top U.S. universities. We follow the Jesuit tradition of cura personalis—care for the whole person. Students deserve the opportunity to develop their own talents and dreams, and we believe our program of Pre-College Online Courses will help them do that.


Explore Georgetown University Pre-college Online Programs


Posted: 30 Sep 2021

University of California - Various Campuses: Update on use of SAT/ACT


In a newsletter to HE Counsellors on 16 June 2021, UC announced that:
UC will not consider SAT or ACT test scores when making admissions decisions or awarding scholarships for fall 2022-2024 applicants.  If a student chooses to submit test scores as part of their application, they may be used to fulfil the English subject-matter requirement or for course placement and advising after students are admitted.

Posted: 16 June 2021

EducationUSA Announcement: Test Optional Policy by Brown University

EducationUSA announcement: As we help student navigate the challenges of Covid-19 and make the best applications and testing decisions, many universities have adopted a "test-optional" application review policy.  This trend seems to have grown during the pandemic.  To clear some confusion, we invited the U.S. Admissions Director from Brown University to discuss how the test-optional policy affected their application review last year and how it will be used in the upcoming application cycle.

You can view the seminar here.

Posted: 23 April 2021

EducationUSA Talk - Cantonese

A recording of our Ming Pao Education Fair talk in Cantonese is available! We covered U.S. admissions, application procedures (especially under COVID), high school completion programs, personal statements and improving your CV… 

Check out the video here.

Posted: 23 April 2021

MIT is suspending their SAT/ACT requirement for the 2021-22 application cycle

MIT's Admission Office announced on 6 April 2021 that due to the ongoing pandemic, they will suspend their SAT/ACT testing requirement for next year's application cycle.

Read full article here.

Posted: 7 April 2021

UC Berkeley is “Test-free” for 2022  

Today, we are reaffirming our commitment to offering a test-free environment, and Berkeley will be test-free for the Fall 2022 admissions cycle. Current juniors considering applying to Berkeley should be aware that we will not require or use SAT/ACT exam scores in any part of our admissions process. This includes the holistic review process, selection, and scholarship consideration. We look forward to creating a more accessible admissions process through the continuation of this policy. 

Learn more about Berkeley's exam policy on our freshman policy changes webpage and our recent announcement.  

Posted: 10 February 2021

UC Santa Barbara - SAT/ACT Policy Update

UCSB will not consider SAT or ACT test scores when making admissions decisions or awarding Regents and Chancellor's scholarships for fall 2022 applicants, regardless of the outcome of UC's current litigation surrounding the use of exams in selection (for details on the UC system, visit the UC Exam Requirement page). Dr. Susannah Scott, Chairperson of UCSB's Academic Senate and Professor of Chemical Engineering, released the following statement regarding our decision, "UC Santa Barbara's Academic Senate oversees admissions policy. Recently, the Senate's Committee on Admissions, Enrollment, and Relations with Schools (CAERS) voted to continue to implement UC's test-free policy for UC Santa Barbara's 2022-23 admissions cycle. Our Academic Senate feels that continuing, widespread lack of student access to testing facilities and the associated inequities of standardized testing at this time warrant a continuation of the UC-wide test-free admissions mandate at UC Santa Barbara." 

Posted: 9 February 2021

Binghamton University Honors programs for international students


Binghamton University Scholars Program

A small number of incoming first-year students are invited each year to join the Binghamton University Scholars Program, which provides exceptional students with opportunities to be mentored by top-level administrators and faculty, showcase their work locally and nationally, and enjoy unique access to graduate assistantships and specialized internships.

First-year Research Immersion Program

Binghamton's First-year Research Immersion (FRI) program is a ground-breaking research opportunity that offers academically talented, first-year students the chance to start building a lifelong career in the sciences. Students in FRI work alongside faculty who are tackling high-impact issues — from developing clean energy to understanding climate change to preventing Parkinson's disease.

PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Scholars Program

PwC Scholars is the honors program in Binghamton’s School of Management and provides students with unparalleled leadership and networking experiences that prepare them to enter the business world as distinguished professionals. A hallmark of the program is a 10-day international trip, in which students travel to various cities and explore the country's culture and foreign business practices. Past trips have included Spain, Japan, Italy, South Africa and China.

Source Project

The Source Project is among the very few programs in the nation that offer research experiences in the humanities and social sciences to first-year students. Guided by experience faculty, students choose from six research streams that tackle topics of major importance in our world today such as disinformation and pandemics. Students produce original projects, learn how to communicate and disseminate the relevance of what they have found.

Summer Scholars and Artists Fellowships

The Summer Scholars and Artists program offers financial awards to students conducting special research, scholarship or creative activities during the summer. With guidance from faculty mentors, students have written novels, studied the brain, created documentaries and explored architecture. 

Posted: 5 February 2021

Emory University - Remains test optional for another year

The coronavirus pandemic continues to impact the availability of SAT and ACT availability for students around the world. For this reason, Emory University has extended its test optional policy for another year. This impacts all applicants who plan to enroll as first-year or transfer students in Fall 2022.  

Like last year, this policy applies to both entry points of Emory University, Emory College of Arts and Sciences and Oxford College, all decision plans, and all merit scholarship consideration.

New this year, the policy will apply to transfer students who wish to start in the Fall 2022 semester. Our hope is that transfer applicants for Fall 2021 will have had the opportunity to test before the pandemic.

Summary of the test policy:


Posted: 5 February 2021

NCAA Webinar on International Eligibility in response to COVID-19


The NCAA Eligibility Centre held a webinar earlier for student-athletes interested in playing at the collegiate level. A recording of that event, which focused on the Eligibility Centre’s COVID-19 response and the impact on International initial-eligibility requirements, is available here . Please note that this information is for international students only.

The webinar is about 60 mins and covers eligibility special measures that are being put into place for the students looking to register for the 2021/2022 academic year.

Any questions, please email NCAA international enquiries directly on ec-international@ncaa.org

The following FAQs document may also be of assistance to AFEC schools as well the COVID communications document also below.

http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/eligibility_center/COVID19_Fall2021_Public.pdf

http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/eligibility_center/EC_COVID_Comm.pdf

Posted: 2 February 2021

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences (MCPHS) - Updates


Our regular decision deadline for first-year student is fast approaching, and we don’t want them to miss out on the opportunities an MCPHS degree can give them. Important things for your students to know:


Review our application planning guide to help your students navigate the application process. For one-on-one help or to answer any questions your students may have, reply to this email, and we’ll connect you and your student with an MCPHS admission counselor.

Posted: 27 January 2021

UC announces plans for Fall 2021 instruction

The University of California has announced that it is planning for a return to primarily in-person instruction systemwide starting Fall 2021, enabling prospective and current students as well as their families to understand our goal well in advance amid the uncertainties of the pandemic.

"As the University continues to monitor the evolution of the pandemic, we are also carefully planning a safe return to in-person classes," said President Michael V. Drake, M.D., who made the decision in consultation with the 10 UC chancellors.  "Current forecasts give us hope that in the Fall our students can enjoy a more normal on-campus experience".

Specific plans for resumption of Fall classes, including additional safety measures and starting dates, will be announced by individual UC campuses as they continue to coordinate closely with local public health agencies and follow all local and state health guidelines.

Read the press release.

Posted: 21 January 2021

Rutgers University - Update

Test Optional for 2022
Submission of SAT and ACT test scores is optional for students applying for spring or fall 2022 admission. Please note these exceptions.

For students who are required to submit an English proficiency examination, we will continue accepting additional tests, including the Duolingo English Test and the TOEFL IBT Home Edition.

Rutgers is still accepting applications
Students will be considered on a space-available basis and are urged to submit all required credentials as soon as possible.

As a reminder, students may select up to three schools when completing our application and we recommend they do so in order to maximize admissions consideration at Rutgers.

Spring Tours now available

Registration for virtual campus tours has begun and will run through April. These virtual tours are hosted by current students and take you through some of the ‘must-see’ places at Rutgers–New Brunswick.


In early February, admitted students can register for a virtual admitted student information session hosted by current students and admissions staff. This event allows admitted students to ask questions and learn more about their next steps.

Posted: 15 January 2021

George Mason University - Application Deadline Extended

GMU are extending their Regular Decision application deadline to 1 February 2021 to give students additional time to complete their applications.

For further queries, please contact: admissions@gmu.edu 

Posted: 14 January 2021

Johns Hopkins University - Updates

Early Decision II}
his year, Hopkins has added an Early Decision II option to our admissions process. Much like Early Decision I, Early Decision II is a binding agreement and will offer students an additional opportunity to indicate Hopkins as their top choice. As a reminder, students can apply to Hopkins through the Coalition for College Application or the Common Application.

Both our EDII and Regular Decision deadlines fall on Monday, January 4, 2021.

Each applicant now has access to their application portal where they will be able to check on the status of their required materials. Typically, materials will be processed within 2-3 business days after they are submitted. If you receive questions about materials or anything else, feel free to direct students to check their portal or email their regional admissions officer

Essay Tips for Students
As students finalize their applications, they may have questions about the supplemental essay—and we're here to help. Feel free to share these tips from our admissions committee with any students interested in applying:

"Don't try to write your essay based on what you think colleges want to hear. We're building a diverse and dynamic community of students through the admissions process, and are not looking for just one thing or one type of student. So choose something that's meaningful to you." —Savannah Miller, Admissions Counselor   Watch video.

Additional Essay Resources for Students
There's still time for your students to attend one of our Supplemental Essay Workshops on December 9 or 15!

In these workshops, admissions officers will analyze and compare Hopkins supplemental essay excerpts to help students understand the role of the supplemental essay and strengthen their writing in the application process. 

Posted: 7 December 2020

UC - Updates

Use of the SAT/ACT
UC will not consider SAT or ACT test scores when making admissions decisions or awarding Regents and Chancellor’s scholarships. If students choose to submit test scores as part of their application, they may be used to determine eligibility for the California statewide admissions guarantee, as an alternative method of fulfilling minimum requirements for eligibility or for course placement after they enroll.

For more information, visit our webpage on the examination requirement. 

UC Applications
Students are encouraged to...

Posted: 11 November 2020

Fordham University - Admission Updates

More details, check the Fordham University website.

Posted: 19 October 2020

University of Missouri - Updates

Here at Mizzou, we would like to provide you with some updates and resources to support you in your work.

In addition to what is shared here, we would also be happy to find a time to connect with your community and you can request a virtual visit using this form. 

Posted: 16 October 2020

UC San Diego - Udpates

FALL SHOWCASE: November 7, 2020
This virtual event will give your students an inside look at Triton life, including presentations on academics, student life and what makes UC San Diego so special! All prospective students and their families are welcome. Space is limited.

Virtual Resources for Students


Online UC San Diego Research Programs for High School Students
The UC San Diego Department of Bioengineering and UC San Diego Extension are pleased to offer online courses to high school students who are interested in exploring the field of Bioengineering.

Course offerings are based on fun, experiential, at-home activities that allow students to engage with hands-on research techniques. Students will learn how to plan exercises, gather and analyze results, and participate in post-lab discussions.

These programs provide general science and engineering foundations and enable a guided research project in collaboration with active UC San Diego researchers.

Browse all course offerings and enroll your student today!

Posted: 15 October 2020

Emory University - Updates

What does test optional mean at Emory?
This year Emory is truly test optional. Applicants can submit scores (or not), and we encourage applicants to know if they want to submit scores (or not) when they apply.

On the Emory section of the application, students will be asked: "Do you want test scores (SAT or ACT) to be considered in the review of your application for Emory University?" Students can simply answer "no.”

In answering "no," the admission committee will not take any test scores into consideration at all. Even if test scores come to us as self-reported scores on the application. Even if scores are shared on the high school transcript.

How will Emory review applications without test scores?
For many years, test scores have not been a large part of our holistic review process. This year will simply take the review a step further.

We will lean more heavily on other application materials, including personal statements, short answer questions, letters of recommendation, high school transcript, and, where available, alumni interview feedback.

We will continue to look for students who have:


What if a student changes their mind?
If an applicant changes their mind about being test optional, they may update their test optional answer in their Emory applicant portal. The deadlines for those changes are based on decision plan and provided to the student via email and in their applicant portal. The deadlines allow as much time as possible for the student to adjust their choice in consideration of our committee review timeline.

How will scores be used if the student wants it?
As in prior years, we believe standardized test scores demonstrate academic preparation. For students who choose to submit scores, we will view the scores within the context of their application.

We will continue to superscore the SAT and, this year and in future years, we will also superscore the ACT. We accept both self-reported and official scores.

How can I support my Emory applicant?  

Will Emory stay test optional?
At this point, a final decision has not been made. Emory is taking this year as an opportunity to re-examine its selection process, study indicators of academic promise, and assess how we can further advance equity and access. We continue to be committed to the thoughtful, student-centered practices that have guided our work for decades.

Posted: 7 October 2020

University of Iowa - Updates

Scholarships
International students who apply for admission will automatically be considered for our International Distinction in Education Award (IDEA), which ranges in value from $500 - $10,000 per year. Scholarship selection for IDEA is competitive and is based on a holistic review of all application information, high school marks/grades, and ACT or SAT scores. There is no separate application for scholarship consideration. For more scholarship details, please visit our website.

Update on ACT/SAT Requirements
The University of Iowa is not requiring ACT or SAT for Fall 2021 applicants due to the limited access during the pandemic. If students have a chance to take a test between now and next May, please do so, since it will not hurt students in the admission decision process, but just might help students by giving us one more piece of information about academic ability.

Application Deadlines
- May 1 - deadline to apply for summer or fall semester
- October 1 - deadline to apply for spring semester

Posted: 30 September 2020

Binghamton University - Updates

Test Optional
Binghamton will not require standardized test scores for spring 2021, fall 2021 and spring 2022. We believe our test-optional policy ensures equitable access for all prospective students. Please let your students know of this change as they explore Binghamton. Note: International applicants are required to submit a test demonstrating English proficiency. Binghamton accepts TOEFL iBT, IELTS, Duolingo.

Virtual Open House
Our admissions team has been hard at work planning two virtual fall open houses with plenty of sessions for students to build their own schedule around what matters most to them.

The first virtual open house runs from Oct. 11-17 and the second is Nov. 8-14 (sessions are identical). Invitations coming soon!  Additionally, we encourage your students to check out our full array of interactive virtual events students can attend from the comfort of home.

Posted: 28 September 2020

UCLA Undergraduate Admission - Updates

Engagement Opportunities
We will offer a number of virtual events for counselors and students throughout the fall including Counselor Coffee Chats, info sessions and tours, and our Open House. We hope that you and your students are able to take advantage of some of these programs to learn more about our process and all of the opportunities available to students at UCLA. We will send more information before each event, but key resources and events are listed below:

Admission Requirements
In light of COVID-19 and the move to remote instruction, the University of California has made adjustments to admission requirements. Detailed information about these changes, such as consideration of Pass/No Pass and Credit/No Credit grades, can be found online.

Application Advice
Based on questions and feedback from you, we’ve compiled advice and tips for all applicants. We recognize the impact of COVID on all aspects of the admission process, and we’d encourage you to share this document with your students and families.

Standardized Testing
In March, the University of California system announced it would be test optional for fall 2021. However, a recent preliminary court ruling precluded use of SAT or ACT in admission decisions. However, legal counsel at UC is actively responding to this case. As of publication of this newsletter, UCLA remains test optional, including all subject tests (even for Engineering students), and the essay/writing section is no longer required. We want to reiterate that submission of a test score is NOT required, and optional means optional! Safety of students is more important to us than a test score. We have highlighted this on our website for all students, families, and counselors to see.

We will continue to review all applications holistically, and testing has always been one of many factors considered in our review process. No applicant will be disadvantaged in any way for not submitting an SAT or ACT score.

English Proficiency Note: For applicants whose language of instruction has not been English for the last three years of their high school education, an English language proficiency exam is still required. This can be demonstrated through TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test (DET). Information about English language proficiency can be found here.

New Majors and Minors
We are happy to announce a new major, B.A in Education and Social Transformation, which prepares students to analyze current issues in education through a social justice lens and to emerge as effective advocates for positive change. In addition, we have new minors in Brain and Behavioral Health and Pilipino Studies.

We will remain in touch for future events and updates. Since you are receiving this message, you're already in our directory and we have included a personalized link to view and update your account. If you have colleagues that are not yet in our counselor network, we encourage them to join as new member here.





Stony Brook University - Updates

For your convenience, a series of important links to our website can be found below:

If you need additional information or have any questions about Stony Brook University, please feel free to email us at enroll@stonybrook.edu or text us at (631) 364-0455.

Posted: 16 September 2020

The University of Chicago - Upcoming events

UChicago Events to Check Out (all times are noted in US Central Daylight Time (CDT)—register in advance using the links below!)

Posted: 15 September 2020

Bryn Mawr College Virtual Visits and Virtual Interview Day

Bryn Mayr is now offering multiple opportunities for students and families to connect with us during this fall. Click here to learn more and register for an event. For the virtual visit tips and tricks for navigating virtual visits this fall, please click here.

Our first Virtual Interview Day is on September 30. Interviewing is a great way for students to tell us more about themselves while also learning more about us! We hope you will participate in the event.

Students who participate in the Bryn Mawr College Virtual Interview Day will interview with one of our amazing alumnae/i. Our alumnae/i interviewers are a dynamic group of volunteers who love sharing their Bryn Mawr experiences with prospective students. Register here.

Posted: 15 September 2020

University of Southern California - Update

Discover USC Online
To help students get the most out of their college exploration, we have created personalized Discover USC sites with information and materials tailored to each individual student who has expressed interest in USC. Links to these sites are emailed out—tell your students to check their inboxes! If any student has not received a link, have them fill out this form and we’ll send them one.

Virtual Programs
Prospective students are encouraged to check out the wide array of virtual programs we have created to introduce them to USC—including first-year information sessions, regional student panels, both live and self-paced online tours of campus, and student ambassador panels in which current USC students share their experiences. 

Test Optional Policy
We have an important change for the upcoming application cycle: Applicants to the 2021-2022 academic year are not required to submit SAT/ACT scores, although they may still choose to do so if they wish. Please see our website for more information. 

Posted: 14 September 2020

Northwestern University - Update

We have shifted to a test-optional policy for the coming cycle. We imagine it’s becoming difficult to parse the variations of test-optional unfolding across the college admission landscape, so we invite students to visit our online FAQs for specifics on how to approach their Northwestern application. But the bottom line is simple: Northwestern applications for the coming cycle can stand strong without any external exam scores, and our review process will remain grounded in a holistic approach coupled with a commitment to college access.

Posted: 14 September 2020

University of Missouri - Updates

We invite you to explore the many opportunities we offer in academics and hands-on learning along with a vibrant student life experience on our beautiful campus in Columbia, Missouri. Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can be a resource to students. 

Posted: 10 September 2020

University of Pennsylvania - Virtual Ways to Connect with Penn This Fall

While we won't be able to participate in virtual high school visits this fall, we are excited to share a variety of opportunities for students, families, counselors, and teachers to engage with Penn. Please check our Visit Penn website and YouTube Channel regularly as additional programs and resources will be posted throughout the fall.

Posted: 10 September 2020

USC - New Viterbi Virtual Events

It seems like more students each year are interested in STEM fields. Your students may have a STEM/STEAM program and want to make sure they are led in the right direction. To assist with this, we have a number of new virtual events. These events will consist of admission information, faculty roundtables, and student hosted live chats. To register for these events, please go to viterbi.live/events.

In these programs we will discuss high school preparation for our programs and the ways our engineering education is preparing students to address the complex technical, social, and ethical questions raised by emerging technologies of the future. 

Posted: 10 September 2020

Wilkes University

Application Now Open for Spring/Fall 2021
Our application for Spring 2021 and Fall 2021 is now open! Have your students use our fee waiver code, Apply Now, when completing their application. We also accept the Common Application.
View Application Details

Scholarships for Undergraduate Students
International student merit scholarships are based on previous academic performance. Scholarships are awarded at the time of admission decision after all required materials has been received.
Learn More

Experience Wilkes, Virtually
Our current students, expert faculty members and recent alumni have come together to create a virtual experience to introduce prospective students to the Colonel community! You can also check out what campus life is like as a Colonel.
Learn More

Virtual Events, from Anywhere in the World
'Visiting' Wilkes University has never been easier. We have countless ways that internationsl students, counselors and agents alike can experience all that we have to offer at Wilkes. Attend one of several virtual information sessions, tune in to our WilkesLIVE on Instagram, or experience our Virtual Tour.
Experience It Now


Posted: 10 September 2020

George Mason University - Updates

High School Visits and Fairs:

Our Admissions staff will not be traveling to any high schools or college fairs in person as we are joining in on the effort to help slow the spread of coronavirus. Due to that, we are hosting Virtual Information Sessions and 1-on-1 appointments every week for your students to sign up and meet with our staff, and learn about the application process and life as a Mason student. Your students can also visit our Virtual Campus Experience website. It contains a wealth of knowledge regarding student life, campus tours, info sessions, and more.


SAT/ACT Scores:

We know many students were not able to take standardized testing earlier this year due to test cancellations and access barriers throughout the United States and abroad and will not have many opportunities to take these exams before the Early-Action Deadline on November 1, 2020.

We understand the stress that this causes and want to reassure them that this will not negatively impact their admission to George Mason University.

Our institution has offered a Score Optional policy for many years because we believe that a student's ability to be successful in college is not necessarily reflected in the performance on standardized tests. Score Optional Consideration provides an opportunity for your students to be considered for admission without submitting standardized test scores. For more information on our Score Optional policy, click HERE or your student can reach out their Admissions Counselor.


Virtual Events:

This fall we are hosting a variety of Admissions Virtual Events for both juniors and seniors to assist them in their college search.

While we are disappointed we can't have you and your students visit our beautiful campus community, your students will have the unique opportunity to register for webinars and live streamed events on our Fall 2020 Admissions Events website. 

Posted: 7 September 2020

Columbia University - Undergraduate Admissions Resources

Posted: 3 September 2020

Carnegie Mellon University - Remote Opportunities for Prospective Students

See link for all of Carnegie Mellon’s remote opportunities for prospective students.

https://admission.enrollment.cmu.edu/pages/cmu-online-visit 

Posted: 28 August 2020

Northwestern University

Students and counselors can sign up for information sessions, student panels, and more here. To watch one of our past programs, we recommend visiting and/or subscribing to our YouTube channel.

Registration for international-specific programs through our office (several in collaboration with other universities) can be found here in the coming weeks.

Beyond this, we’ll also be participating in several large international fairs. Should your students want to connect with a current international student at Northwestern, they can reach our Global Wildcats at globalwildcats@u.northwestern.edu. 

Posted: 25 August 2020

Cornell Engineering - Virtual Visit

Cornell Engineering has a Virtual Visit website that will allow prospective students and their families to explore Cornell Engineering from wherever they are. On our site, students can learn about our undergraduate program, view an information session, take a virtual tour of the Engineering Quad, and meet current students. They will also find our blog, answers to our most frequently asked questions and the opportunity to hear in-depth information from staff across the College of Engineering about what makes Cornell Engineering unique.

At Cornell Engineering, we offer a community of diverse students across our college and our campus. The College of Engineering is a hub of collaborative, problem-solving, and STEM-passionate students who expect big things from their educations and their futures.

Posted: 25 August 2020

University of Notre Dame - Update

Test-Optional Pilot Program

Notre Dame is offering this year's applicants the opportunity to choose whether or not to submit SAT and/or ACT scores as part of their application. To learn more, please visit our FAQs.

Exploring Notre Dame Up Close (but Virtually!)

While our office remains physically closed to hosting visitors and providing tours, the Admissions office is offering both Virtual Information Sessions and a very thoughtful Virtual Campus Tour. Wednesday's information sessions are specifically geared for international applicants, so we highly encourage your students to attend.

Notre Dame Writing Supplement Now Available!

Notre Dame's Writing Supplement for both the Common Application and the Coalition Application is now available for students to review and prepare their responses. Our Admissions counselors have written articles to assist students with their essay writing.

In Case You Missed It: Virtual Preview Days for Rising Seniors

Notre Dame hosted Virtual Preview Days, a series of presentations and panel discussions July 13-17 that were specifically geared toward rising seniors (Year 12/13) as they prepare for the college search and application process. The virtual panel discussions included International Student Experience at ND. You and your students can access the recorded content on-demand via the links provided.

Posted: 13 August 2020

Ursinus College - Update

Ursinus College is a private liberal arts college in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. 

Access Ursinus

Our Office of Admission invites students who are looking for information specifically relating to inclusion at our school to register for one of four Access Ursinus events. While all are welcome to attend, topics will focus on academics, student life, as well as the support and resources available to students from ethnically diverse backgrounds or students of color, first-generation college students, students who are of religious minorities, students who identify as LGBTQIA+, or those from families with limited financial resources. 

Virtual Events

Rev. Charles Rice Memorial Scholarships - Nominations welcome!

Ursinus awards the Rev. Charles Rice Memorial Scholarship to selected applicants who have meaningfully impacted issues of diversity and inclusion in their schools and/or communities, and who have achieved success in a rigorous high school curriculum. Students who are selected for the scholarship will receive awards of $35,000 per academic year. Starting this year, all students who apply to the college will be automatically considered for eligibility during the application review process. School counselors can also nominate strong candidates from their school by completing an online form. For more information and deadlines, please click here.

Posted: 11 Aug 2020

AcceptU Webinar - COVID & College Admissions: What You Need to Know About Applying This Year

Date: Thursday, August 13
Time: 9 pm EST
Register:  Here

Applying to college this year will be unlike applying in any other year in memory. With thousands of freshmen postponing their entry, how will this impact the Class of 2021? Should students submit standardized test scores or not? How should the COVID disruption be discussed in applications? What will happen with this year's early decision? Join our panel of former college admissions officers as we discuss the steps that this year's seniors can take to maximize their likelihood of admission in an unprecedented application cycle. 

Posted: 11 Aug 2020

UC Santa Barbara -  Update

Our Fall 2021 UC Application Tutorial playlist is now live!

This tutorial has tips and tricks on how students can best represent themselves in the UC Application.

Posted: 10 August 2020

Johns Hopkins University - Supplementary Essay Update

With applications going live, we want to introduce our new supplemental essay question: 

"Founded on a spirit of exploration and discovery, Johns Hopkins University encourages students to share their perspectives, develop their interests and pursue new experiences. Use this space to share something you’d like the admissions committee to know about you (your interests, your background, your identity or your community) and how it has shaped what you want to get out of your college experience at Hopkins. (300-400 words)"

This is a space for students to share more about their personal context, unique experiences, and perspectives. We wanted to leave it open to give them the freedom to share what's most important to them. 

Essay Writing Resources

We also wanted to provide a few resources to support you as you advise your students on their application essay over the next several months:

Posted: 4 August 2020

Johns Hopkins University - Virtual Summer Open House

Date: 8-9 August 2020
Vrtual Sessions: 11:00-19:30, Eastern Time

Beginning today, students can register for our upcoming virtual Summer Open House. The program is a great way to discover what it's really like to be a part of the Hopkins community by connecting with current students, admissions counselors, alumni, and professors.

We're hosting several sessions throughout the weekend, giving students the opportunity to explore the topics and campus resources that will be most helpful in the college search process. 

Sessions include:

And more! Check out the schedule.

Posted: 30 July 2020

The University of Chicago Announces Stand Together Initiative

The University of Chicago is committed to helping all students, regardless of race, gender, socioeconomic status or religious background, succeed in higher education and beyond. To expand on this commitment to students, the University of Chicago is excited to announce UChicago Stand Together, a new initiative to increase educational access and accelerate career success for historically underrepresented communities.

Through collaboration and partnerships with community-based organizations, other institutions of higher education, and corporate partners, UChicago Stand Together reinforces educational and career opportunities for students of color and other underrepresented groups, supports organizations working to enhance access in education, and expands equitable and responsive pathways to college for students underrepresented in higher education.

Stand Together will launch during the 2020-2021 admissions cycle, beginning with the incoming Class of 2025, and includes: 

To read more about Stand Together, please visit: standtogether.uchicago.edu.

We are here to help if you have any questions or concerns. Please feel free to contact College Admissions at collegeadmissions@uchicago.edu. 

Posted: 29 July 2020

University of Maryland - Spring & Fall Application Requirements

UMD will be SAT/ACT optional for the Spring 2021 and Fall 2021 freshman application processes.

What does this decision mean for freshman students applying for Spring 2021 and Fall 2021?

Additional information regarding this change to our admission process can be found on our Future Terps updates page.

Posted: 21 July 2020

Bates College - New opportunities to connect with Bates

Live Guided Tours: Join current students for a live, multimedia, guided exploration of our beautiful campus. They’ll lead tour groups through the historic Quad, classrooms, our dining Commons, residential halls, and more!

Online Interviews: A Bates interview is meant to help students in their unique college search process. It’s their opportunity to connect one-on-one with a Bates community member, and to ask the deeper, specific questions that will help them determine if Bates is a good fit for their interests and aspirations. Interviews are optional and informational – meaning students are not evaluated in these conversations. Please note that online interviews are reserved for rising high school seniors and prospective transfer students, at this time. 

Virtual Explore Bates Open House Series: In addition to our regularly scheduled virtual programming, we’re excited to offer a series of opportunities to take a deeper look at the Bates student experience. Your students can meet campus experts on career preparation, community engagement, athletics, and more! 

Virtual Information Sessions: Every week day, Bates admission staff and students offer information sessions, hosted on Zoom, to provide greater insight to our campus, community, and holistic admission process. 

Virtual Tour: Get a 360° view of our campus any time with just a click of a button!  

Posted: 13 July 2020

Virginia Tech - College of Agriculture & Life Sciences

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Tech is currently offering virtual college visits that include personalized video calls where students can meet one-on-one with both myself and with an academic advisor in the program of their choosing.  

Students can schedule a Virtual Visit here: https://admit.vt.edu/portal/cals_daily

They can check out our applied STEM majors and college-specific offerings here: https://youwill.cals.vt.edu/

Posted: 9 July 2020

Emory University - Test Policy and Short Answer Questions

Emory University will not require standardized tests for applicants in the 2020-2021 year.

This policy applies to both entry points of Emory University, Emory College of Arts and Sciences and Oxford College, all decision plans (both Early Decision rounds and Regular Decision), and all merit scholarship consideration (including membership in any of Emory’s Scholar Programs). 

Summary of Emory University’s test policy for the 2020-2021 application:

The Office of Admission remains committed to a holistic application review that relies on an experienced committee of admission staff and faculty. As always, the admission committee will make decisions with the best information available and with as much flexibility as possible to consider applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.

Contact: admission@emory.edu

Posted: 8 July 2020