Here at The College Sage, we like to do the hard work for you. Over the course of this summer we have kept track of any changes that have occurred with the college application process. As a way to keep everything in the same place, we’re going to compile all of our new news into this blog!
First, University of Florida. Recently they just introduced an Early Action admissions plan, with the due date being October 15. For more information refer to this link: https://admissions.ufl.edu/apply/freshman/deadlines
Next, University of Michigan changed the way that students apply for business school majors. Now, UMich will be allowing a first-year admitting unit that allows incoming freshmen to directly apply to the business school. In order to do this, you must select the “Stephen M. Ross School of Business” within the U-M college or school to which you are applying section within the Common Application. Lastly, you must also complete the other parts of the application, including the essays and the Ross Admissions Portfolio. The deadlines for the business school are EA-Nov 1 or RD-Feb 1. Students will be notified of their decision between late January and mid-April. For more information check out this link: https://michiganross.umich.edu/undergraduate/bba/admissions/first-year-applicants
North Carolina State University introduced a new test-optional policy. If students have a GPA below a 2.8, they will now be required to submit their test scores. However, if their GPA falls above a 2.8, they are not required to submit their scores. NC State also announced that their supplemental essays will remain the same as last year. Check out this link for more info: https://admissions.ncsu.edu/apply/first-year/application-review/#:~:text=We%20are%20test%20optional%20for,about%20test%20score%20consideration%20here.
Duke University announced that they are changing how they score applicants. They are no longer assigning numerical ratings to applicants’ standardized test scores and essays. The point system will still be in effect for curriculum strength, academics, recommendations, and extracurriculars. Due to the rise of AI, Duke has decided to no longer assume that student’s essays are an accurate representation of their writing prowess however they will continue to use the essays to better understand the character and personality of each applicant. Even though Duke is test optional and test scores are no longer a part of the point system, the school will still consider your scores if you choose to submit them. For more information see this link: https://www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2024/02/21/duke-stops-assigning-numeric-values-essays-test-scores#:~:text=Duke%20University%20enacted%20big%20changes%20to%20its%20admission%20practices%20this%20application%20cycle.&text=Duke%20University%20is%20no%20longer,email%20to%20Inside%20Higher%20Ed.
Next, we have a few schools that are now going to be requiring test scores for the 2024-2025 common applications. These schools include Dartmouth, Brown, UT Austin, Yale, and Harvard.
Stanford University announced that while they have no changes for this year, beginning in 2025-2026, test scores will be required.
Is this high schoolers getting into the college business or colleges getting into the high school business? The University of Pennslyvania’s Business School, Wharton, announced that they will now have a dual enrollment program for high schoolers. The program is online and covers various topics taught in Wharton’s business curriculum. Students will be able to gain college credit, gain insight into the college academic experience, and learn topics that aren’t usually covered in high schools. There are five sessions; two summer, two fall, and one spring. In order to be considered you must apply by the deadline, have a minimum of a 3.5 unweighted GPA, and complete the required essays. More information about admissions deadlines is linked here: https://globalyouth.wharton.upenn.edu/pre-baccalaureate-program/admissions/ Some of the courses that are taught in these sessions include: Consumer Behavior, Principles of Management, Introduction to Financial Markets and the Global Economy, and Introduction to Statistics and Data Science.
Last but not least, University of Chicago introduced a summer student early notification (SSEN) which is available for any high school student who is entering their senior year and who also participated in a UChicago summer session program during any of their high school summers. However, keep in mind that this admissions plan is binding, just like Early Decision, but it allows students to get a decision back earlier. The deadline to apply SSEN is October 15, and students should hear back within 3 weeks of submitting their applications. For more information check out this link: https://summer.uchicago.edu/admitted-students/ssen
We hope this information finds you well on your application to-do list! It helps to be prepared and aware of new changes when applying to colleges. As always, The College Sage is here to help, so contact us at thecollegesage.com to stay in the loop with new updates and changes.
