January Term (J-Term), Winter Term, Jan Plan, Winter Study — all these terms refer to the 4-1-4 academic calendar offered at some colleges and universities. The 4-1-4 academic calendar is an innovative approach to structuring the academic year, designed to enhance student learning and flexibility. But what exactly is the 4-1-4 academic calendar, and what are the advantages and disadvantages of this system?
The college admissions season is flying by, and before you know it early admission decisions will be released. Here’s our annual list of early admission decision notification dates!
Beginning last year, the college admissions cycle feels like more of a return to “normal.” After two years of primarily virtual college tours, many schools reopened their campuses for visitors. While remote during the COVID-19 pandemic, students applying during the 2023-24 admissions cycle have spent most of their time in high school attending in-person classes.
However, some of the college admissions changes brought about by the pandemic remain. Most notably, many schools are maintaining test-optional admissions policies. Students also still have the option to discuss how the pandemic impacted their admissions process in the Common App’s optional section.
Amidst the whirlwind of classes, extracurricular activities, and social dynamics, high school counselors play a crucial role in supporting students. They are not just there to help with academic planning and college applications — they also provide guidance on personal and social issues, helping students develop the skills they need to succeed in school and life.
With senior trips, prom, and other year-end festivities on the horizon, a general lackadaisical attitude can spread, lengthening social time and shortening study time. Many know this phenomenon as “senioritis.” Students work less, play more, and — if they’re not careful — can risk their academic futures.
If you have started researching schools for your college list, you may wonder about the pros and cons of community colleges versus four-year colleges. Both types of colleges offer unique benefits and challenges that can shape your educational journey and future career. Learning the advantages and disadvantages of these options can help you decide which path is right for you.
ACT and SAT scores are a critical factor in college admissions for several reasons. Because grading systems can vary widely, standardized tests are a common metric colleges can use to compare students from different high schools and educational backgrounds.
Stressed about college application deadlines? Here are 5 tips to help you finish your applications strong.
The first members of the college class of 2028 are in! Here’s our breakdown of the early admission rates for the class of 2028. We will continue updating this post as more information becomes available!
The University of Virginia is one of the most competitive and exclusive public universities in the country. It was famously founded by one of the Founding Fathers, Thomas Jefferson, in 1819 in the beautiful city of Charlottesville, Virginia. UVA boasts a beautiful and sprawling campus that those in the know lovingly call “Grounds.” A campus quad is located within Grounds, known as “the Lawn,” where students attend classes, participate in student activities, and keep UVA traditions alive.
Bowdoin College is a small liberal arts college in Brunswick, Maine, just northeast of Portland. It does not offer professional track majors but has robust liberal arts offerings including a renowned environmental studies program. It is consistently ranked as one of the top 10 liberal arts colleges in the country by U.S. News and World Report.
