Test-Optional Admissions in 2026: Should You Still Submit SAT or ACT Scores?

Confused by test-optional admissions? Discover what colleges really mean, when to submit your SAT/ACT scores, and how test scores impact your chances in 2026 and beyond—straight talk from former Wharton admissions director Thomas Caleel.
Are College Admissions Really Getting Easier in 2026?

Think Ivy League admissions will be easier in 2026? Think again. Former Wharton admissions director Thomas Caleel breaks down the data, debunks the myths, and reveals what families can actually control in today’s hyper-competitive landscape.
Smarter Prep, Authentic Essays, and Global Options: 3 Ways to Strengthen Your Admissions Strategy

Some say tests don’t matter. Others insist on resume-stuffing extracurriculars. Let’s cut through the noise and focus on three areas that matter most.
Behind the Scenes: What Are Admissions Officers Really Looking For?

Former Wharton admissions director Thomas Caleel explains how elite colleges actually evaluate applications. Learn how officers read files, what matters most, and how to make your story stand out.
Why Strong Test Prep Foundations Are Key to College Success
Even in a test-optional world, strong scores can dramatically expand college options, increase merit aid opportunities, and help admissions officers contextualize a student’s academic readiness. The challenge? Too many families wait until it’s almost too late to take test prep seriously.
How to Choose a College Admissions Consultant: What to Look For (It’s Not What You Think)
If you’re searching for a college admissions consultant, you’ve already made a smart move: you recognize that this process is too important to wing. But the question isn’t just who to hire. It’s how you think about getting help in the first place.