All Articles

In the U.S. college admissions process, interviews are not the sole deciding factor for admission—but they do offer admissions officers and alumni interviewers a rare opportunity to see the “real you” beyond your transcript, essays, and letters of recommendation. Whether it’s conducted by an alumnus or by an admissions representative, the purpose is the same: to understand your personality, assess your fit with the school’s culture, evaluate your genuine interests, and observ

What is USABO? USABO, short for the USA Biology Olympiad , is a premier national competition for high school students organized by the USA Biology Olympiad Foundation. It serves as the sole official pathway  for selecting students to represent the United States at the International Biology Olympiad (IBO) . More rigorous than AP Biology, USABO is designed to identify and cultivate top-tier talent in life sciences with international competitiveness. The competition evaluates no

In the increasingly competitive U.S. college admissions landscape, the “weight” of courses is now a key metric for admissions officers. For many high school students aiming for top schools, AP (Advanced Placement) is not just a way to challenge themselves academically — it’s an important way to demonstrate their identity, broaden their horizons, and stand out. 1. What are AP courses? AP stands for Advanced Placement, a program administered by the College Board, offering colle

Why Physics Competitions Matter in 2025 In today’s increasingly competitive STEM landscape, academic excellence alone is no longer enough to stand out. Universities now look for students who demonstrate genuine curiosity, analytical ability, and the courage to challenge themselves through rigorous competitions. One competition that perfectly embodies these qualities is the PhysicsBowl  — often referred to as the “Golden Standard”  for high school physics students worldwide.Wh

Middle school is a crucial stage where students transition from foundational learning to exploratory thinking and interdisciplinary application. Participating in the right competitions during this period can help develop core competencies such as critical thinking, creativity, teamwork, and public communication. It also lays a clear foundation for academic planning in high school and beyond. In 2025, a wide range of competitions will be offered by various organizations. This

GPA (Grade Point Average) is a foundational element in Ivy League applications. It often serves as the first filter through which admissions officers gauge an applicant’s academic consistency, rigor, and capacity to thrive in a challenging environment. However, no Ivy League institution officially publishes a fixed minimum GPA. Still, based on trends and competitive benchmarks, we can outline a realistic baseline and strategies for achieving it. Why No Official Minimum Exists

If you're serious about applying to top Ivy League schools like Harvard, Yale, Princeton, or Columbia, you need to face this fact: taking 10 or more AP classes in high school has become the unofficial baseline for competitive applicants. No Ivy League school publicly mandates a minimum number of APs, but in highly competitive admissions, this number speaks volumes about your academic rigor, initiative, and preparation for college-level work. Why 10 AP Classes? It shows you've

A Smart Parent’s Guide to Helping Kids Grow Through Summer Choosing the right summer camp can be a game-changer for middle schoolers. At this stage (ages 12–15), kids are forming deeper interests, learning independence, and beginning to explore who they are and what they want in life. A meaningful summer experience can help shape that journey — developing soft skills, confidence, and a sense of purpose. In this 2025 guide, we’ll break down the best types of summer camps for m

Leadership is widely recognized as a core 21st-century competency — not a trait one is simply born with, but a multi-dimensional ability that can be developed  through the right environment, experiences, and reflective practices. Backed by recent findings in education from 2025, this article explores how parents and educators can effectively nurture leadership in children — from understanding its modern definition to offering age-appropriate strategies and real-world platform

In today’s hyper-competitive Ivy League admissions landscape, top GPAs and test scores are no longer enough to stand out. What often differentiates accepted students is what they do outside the classroom — their extracurricular activities . With acceptance rates as low as 3.6% at Harvard , 4.4% at Yale , and 3.9% at Columbia , admissions officers are turning to a holistic review model that values a student’s passion, impact, leadership, and character. So what exactly are they

The AMC (American Mathematics Competitions)  is organized by the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) and is one of the most...

Back-to-school season is one of the busiest times for both students and parents. From buying school supplies to adjusting sleep schedules...