---
title: Online SAT / ACT Prep Blog by PrepScholar | College Admissions (2)
description: College Admissions | PrepScholar helps you prep for the SAT / ACT by answering the most important questions online! (2)
---
**[](https://www.prepscholar.com/)**
CALL NOW:
[+1 (866) 811-5546](tel:18668115546)
[](https://cta-service-cms2.hubspot.com/web-interactives/public/v1/track/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKJluK2NyG3jpAJh%2F2lClc1fhnVHyMZoQonqRxtJngB8FMX6lc78F84JqOaVAL0d36TA5%2FYuH%2FLCJw8AG3ewREi%2F7a3XDouZgjxWfYCBUge6z76KnSykOxONl3avMK0gUjJGpJdyJE2BDTx8g3bsgHwMtx4Kr9Jfh6Jr7WA2XEIgtLw1OoVvAMo4Kw%3D&webInteractiveContentId=171805697634&portalId=360031)
## Choose Your Test
SAT Prep ACT Prep
[PrepScholar Advice Blog](https://blog.prepscholar.com/)
☰
- Search Blogs By Category
- [SAT](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/sat)
- [ACT](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/act)
- [College Admissions](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/college-admissions)
- [AP and IB Exams](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/advanced-placement-ap)
- [PSAT](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/psat-info-and-strategies)
- [TOEFL](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/toefl)
- [GPA and Coursework](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/coursework-gpa)
## [Is the Costco Essay Still Good?](https://blog.prepscholar.com/costco-college-essay)
Posted by [Christine Sarikas](https://blog.prepscholar.com/author/christine-sarikas) | April 11, 2025
[College Admissions](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/college-admissions), [College Essays](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/college-essays)
[](https://blog.prepscholar.com/costco-college-essay)
If you've done any research into college essays and [how to write a great one](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-write-a-college-essay), you've likely come across the esteemed "Costco Essay." This essay, published publicly in 2016, has since achieved near-legendary status in the world of college admissions. The Costco essay focuses on the writer's lifelong love of Costco and helped earn her spots at multiple Ivy League schools, as well as Stanford. Since then, it's been held up as a shining example of a college admissions essay.
But is the Costco essay still good? Was it really that impressive to begin with? Would it still get an applicant into Ivy League schools today or has it become overused and outdated? How can you take what it did well and apply it to your own college essay? Learn all the answers in this expert guide.
[Read More](https://blog.prepscholar.com/costco-college-essay)
---
## [How Is AI Changing College Admissions? PrepScholar Experts Weigh In](https://blog.prepscholar.com/college-admissions-ai)
Posted by [Ashley Robinson](https://blog.prepscholar.com/author/ashley-robinson) | March 28, 2025
[College Admissions](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/college-admissions)
[](https://blog.prepscholar.com/college-admissions-ai)
There’s been a lot written lately about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in education, especially when it comes to students completing their assignments. But **AI is becoming a hot topic in college admissions**, both in terms of students using AI to create their applications and colleges using AI to help choose students for admission.
Today, we’re going to bring you up to speed on how both students and universities are using AI in the admissions process and what that means for you.
Let’s dive in.
[Read More](https://blog.prepscholar.com/college-admissions-ai)
---
## [Do College Admissions Check for AI on Applications?](https://blog.prepscholar.com/do-college-admissions-check-for-ai-on-applications)
Posted by [Ashley Robinson](https://blog.prepscholar.com/author/ashley-robinson) | March 28, 2025
[College Admissions](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/college-admissions)
[](https://blog.prepscholar.com/do-college-admissions-check-for-ai-on-applications)
People are using artificial intelligence (AI) large language models, or LLMs, for everything from helping write emails to refining the [lists of colleges](https://blog.prepscholar.com/what-colleges-should-i-apply-to)they’d like to apply to.
However, using artificial intelligence to help you craft your college applications can cause problems.
Colleges want to make sure they’re admitting students who can be successful on their campuses, so they use the application as a way to assess students’ skills and preparedness. In fact, most colleges require students to attest that they have been truthful and honest on their applications when they submit them!
That’s why some schools are starting to **run students’ applications through software that checks for the use of AI** and **flags applications that it suspects have used AI to generate some or all of the text.** In this article, we’re going to explain what you need to know about how colleges are using AI scanning software and how it can impact your admissions prospects.
Let’s get started.
[Read More](https://blog.prepscholar.com/do-college-admissions-check-for-ai-on-applications)
---
## [Is Test-Optional Over? Why Test Scores Still Matter](https://blog.prepscholar.com/test-optional-over-test-scores-still-matter)
Posted by [Ashley Robinson](https://blog.prepscholar.com/author/ashley-robinson) | June 21, 2024
[College Admissions](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/college-admissions)
[](https://blog.prepscholar.com/test-optional-over-test-scores-still-matter)
In 2024,[**several elite colleges dropped their test-optional admissions policies**](https://blog.prepscholar.com/yale-dartmouth-ending-test-optional#:~:text=Brown%20Now%20Requires%20SAT%20and,a%20result%20of%20COVID%2D19.) and returned to requiring SAT/ACT scores as part of the admissions process.
This is a major change in college admissions–and one that may be adopted by other colleges and universities in the future. With more college admissions changes potentially on the horizon, **how can you plan your college application process? How do you know which colleges are test optional and which colleges require SAT/ACT scores?**
Our expert admissions counselors are weighing in and giving you the tips and insider knowledge you need to know so you’re prepared for a changing college admissions landscape. Keep reading to learn more!
[Read More](https://blog.prepscholar.com/test-optional-over-test-scores-still-matter)
---
## [Yale, Brown, and Dartmouth End Test-Optional — Will Other Schools Follow?](https://blog.prepscholar.com/yale-dartmouth-ending-test-optional)
Posted by [Ashley Robinson](https://blog.prepscholar.com/author/ashley-robinson) | March 4, 2024
[SAT/ACT Score Target](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/sat-act-score-target), [College Admissions](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/college-admissions)
[](https://blog.prepscholar.com/yale-dartmouth-ending-test-optional)
In February 2024, [Dartmouth](https://www.prepscholar.com/sat/s/colleges/Dartmouth-admission-requirements) and [Yale](https://www.prepscholar.com/sat/s/colleges/Yale-admission-requirements) — two Ivy League universities — **announced that they were returning to their previous policies of** [**requiring SAT or ACT test scores**](https://www.vox.com/24083809/college-university-sat-testing-requirement-ivy-league-yale)as part of their admissions processes.
[Brown](https://www.prepscholar.com/sat/s/colleges/Brown-University-admission-requirements) followed suit in March 2024, announcing their decision to return to requiring standardized tests as well.
For the past few years **these schools have been “**[**test optional**](https://blog.prepscholar.com/what-does-test-optional-mean#:~:text=When%20a%20school%20is%20test,place%20of%20the%20test%20scores.)**,”** meaning students could choose to send test scores, but they weren’t required for admission. This signals a major shift in the college admissions landscape as other U.S. universities weigh if they should follow suit.
So how does this change impact students applying to Brown, Yale, or Dartmouth? And does this signal a larger trend in the admissions landscape?
Let’s find out.
[Read More](https://blog.prepscholar.com/yale-dartmouth-ending-test-optional)
---
## [Complete List: Colleges With No Application Fee (Updated)](https://blog.prepscholar.com/colleges-with-no-application-fee)
Posted by [Samantha Lindsay](https://blog.prepscholar.com/author/samantha-lindsay) | November 28, 2023
[College Admissions](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/college-admissions)
[](https://blog.prepscholar.com/colleges-with-no-application-fee)
Trying to save money on college applications? Good news! There are actually quite a few colleges that allow you to apply for free. In this article, I'll provide some general information about application fees along with a comprehensive list of all the schools that offer free applications.
[Read More](https://blog.prepscholar.com/colleges-with-no-application-fee)
---
## [When's the Last ACT/SAT for Regular Admissions Deadlines?](https://blog.prepscholar.com/whens-the-latest-act-sat-test-for-regular-admission)
Posted by [Halle Edwards](https://blog.prepscholar.com/author/halle-edwards) | November 26, 2023
[ACT](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/act), [SAT](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/sat), [College Admissions](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/college-admissions)
[](https://blog.prepscholar.com/whens-the-latest-act-sat-test-for-regular-admission)
If you have been putting off the ACT/SAT or are hoping to [retake one](https://blog.prepscholar.com/should-you-retake-the-sat-or-act-3-step-process), you need to know when you can take your last test so that your scores will arrive at your schools in time. In other words, **when is the very latest you can take the SAT or ACT for your college applications?**
Read on to find out when you can still take the SAT or ACT—and when you'd be too late. You might be surprised by how little time you have!
[Read More](https://blog.prepscholar.com/whens-the-latest-act-sat-test-for-regular-admission)
---
## [How to Get Into Stanford (by an Accepted Student)](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-into-stanford-by-an-acceptee)
Posted by [Dr. Fred Zhang](https://blog.prepscholar.com/author/dr-fred-zhang) | November 16, 2023
[College Admissions](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/college-admissions)
[](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-into-stanford-by-an-acceptee)
Many students want to get into Stanford, one of the most prestigious undergraduate institutions in the United States. While getting into Stanford is very tough, there are definite rules to Stanford admissions. **Using these rules to your advantage will greatly increase your chances of getting in.**
[Read More](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-into-stanford-by-an-acceptee)
---
## [Early Decision Schools: Complete List of ED Colleges](https://blog.prepscholar.com/early-decision-schools-and-colleges-complete-list)
Posted by [Rebecca Safier](https://blog.prepscholar.com/author/rebecca-safier) | November 14, 2023
[College Admissions](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/college-admissions), [College Info](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/college-info)
[](https://blog.prepscholar.com/early-decision-schools-and-colleges-complete-list)
## **Quick Answer**
Early Decision (ED) is a **binding** college application option that lets students apply early, usually by November, and receive an admissions decision by December or January. If accepted, you're expected to enroll and withdraw applications to other colleges (unless financial aid makes attendance impossible). Early Decision is best for students who have a clear first-choice school and are ready to commit. Below, you'll find a complete list of Early Decision colleges, including schools that offer Early Decision I and Early Decision II, along with key deadlines and application details.
- Early Decision (ED) is a **binding** application plan.
- Most ED I deadlines fall on **November 1 or November 15**.
- Early Decision II deadlines are usually in **January**.
- You can apply to only **one** Early Decision school at a time.
- Many colleges report higher ED acceptance rates, but this doesn't guarantee admission.
- This guide includes every U.S. college with an Early Decision program.
[Read More](https://blog.prepscholar.com/early-decision-schools-and-colleges-complete-list)
---
## [Complete List: Colleges With Rolling Admissions](https://blog.prepscholar.com/colleges-with-rolling-admissions)
Posted by [Rebecca Safier](https://blog.prepscholar.com/author/rebecca-safier) | November 9, 2023
[College Admissions](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/college-admissions)
[](https://blog.prepscholar.com/colleges-with-rolling-admissions)
Deadlines are stressful—so why not get rid of them? Well, some colleges do just that. Rather than having a fixed application deadline, these schools open up a period of time for you to submit your application.
**Rolling admission doesn't mean you won't have any timeline, though.** This guide will go over what rolling admission means as you apply to college and also provide you with a complete list of colleges with rolling admissions.
[Read More](https://blog.prepscholar.com/colleges-with-rolling-admissions)
---
## [How to Become a National Merit Semifinalist](https://blog.prepscholar.com/national-merit-semifinalist)
Posted by [Rebecca Safier](https://blog.prepscholar.com/author/rebecca-safier) | November 8, 2023
[PSAT Info and Strategies](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/psat-info-and-strategies), [College Admissions](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/college-admissions)
[](https://blog.prepscholar.com/national-merit-semifinalist)
Every October, about 1.6 million juniors across the country take the [PSAT](https://blog.prepscholar.com/what-is-the-psat-test). Those who score in the top 1% achieve the distinction of National Merit Semifinalist. Most of these students move on to become [National Merit Finalists](https://blog.prepscholar.com/national-merit-finalist-how-to-win-the-scholarship), with some winning scholarship money for college.
Being named a National Merit Semifinalist is a huge achievement along the path to college. **Let’s take a look at what you need to do to become a National Merit Semifinalist.**
[Read More](https://blog.prepscholar.com/national-merit-semifinalist)
---
## [What Colleges Should I Apply To? Making a College List](https://blog.prepscholar.com/what-colleges-should-i-apply-to)
Posted by [Rebecca Safier](https://blog.prepscholar.com/author/rebecca-safier) | November 7, 2023
[College Admissions](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/college-admissions)
[](https://blog.prepscholar.com/what-colleges-should-i-apply-to)
With more than 5,000 colleges to choose from across the country, you might be asking yourself, "What colleges should I apply to?" **How do you narrow thousands of schools down to just 10?** The best way to streamline your college list is to divide it roughly equally between [safety schools](https://blog.prepscholar.com/what-is-a-safety-school), [match schools](https://blog.prepscholar.com/target-school-how-to-find-yours), and [reach schools](https://blog.prepscholar.com/what-is-a-reach-school).
This guide will go over exactly what these terms mean and how to choose the best schools for you. Before taking you through the process step by step, though, **let's review the research process as a whole**.
[Read More](https://blog.prepscholar.com/what-colleges-should-i-apply-to)
---
## [How to Win a National Merit Scholarship](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-win-a-national-merit-scholarship)
Posted by [Rebecca Safier](https://blog.prepscholar.com/author/rebecca-safier) | November 1, 2023
[PSAT Info and Strategies](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/psat-info-and-strategies), [College Admissions](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/college-admissions)
[](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-win-a-national-merit-scholarship)
Being named a Scholar is the **highest academic recognition you can achieve from the [National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC)](https://www.nationalmerit.org/s/1758/start.aspx?gid=2&pgid=61)**. It is a national distinction that puts you at the pinnacle of academic achievement.
To become a Scholar, you need to first become a Finalist. But not all Finalists win scholarships: only about 8,000 of 15,000 students win this award. In this article, we'll talk about what scholarships are available through the NMSC and what you need to do to get one.
[Read More](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-win-a-national-merit-scholarship)
---
## [International Students and the SAT/ACT: Complete Guide](https://blog.prepscholar.com/international-students-and-the-sat-act-guide)
Posted by [Rebecca Safier](https://blog.prepscholar.com/author/rebecca-safier) | October 29, 2023
[SAT versus ACT](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/sat-versus-act), [College Admissions](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/college-admissions)
[](https://blog.prepscholar.com/international-students-and-the-sat-act-guide)
Are you an international student aiming to attend college in the United States? Colleges are looking for students with language skills and global competencies more than ever, so you already have several strong assets to draw on in your college applications.
**One requirement for your applications to most universities is the SAT or ACT.** Let's go over the information you need to know about deciding between the SAT and ACT, registering for the tests, and preparing to achieve a high score.
But first, why are the SAT and ACT important for going to college in the US?
[Read More](https://blog.prepscholar.com/international-students-and-the-sat-act-guide)
---
## [The 99 Demonstrated Interest Colleges: Complete List](https://blog.prepscholar.com/colleges-that-track-demonstrated-interest)
Posted by [Christine Sarikas](https://blog.prepscholar.com/author/christine-sarikas) | October 18, 2023
[College Admissions](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/college-admissions)
[](https://blog.prepscholar.com/colleges-that-track-demonstrated-interest)
If you’re working on your college applications, you may have heard about “demonstrated interest,” and that colleges use it to decide who they’ll admit to their school. But what does that really mean? And does it matter to every school you’re applying to? The truth is, **demonstrated interest can be an important part of the application review process, but only at certain schools.**
To make things easier for you, we’ll explain what demonstrated interest is, why it matters to schools, and how you can use it to your advantage. Plus, **we’ve created a list of all the colleges that consider demonstrated interest to be important!** So read on to see how your top-schools feel about demonstrated interest.
[Read More](https://blog.prepscholar.com/colleges-that-track-demonstrated-interest)
---
[Previous Page](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/college-admissions/page/1) | [All Posts](https://blog.prepscholar.com/all) | [Next Page](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/college-admissions/page/3)
### Trending Now
[How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-into-harvard-and-the-ivy-league-by-a-harvard-alum)
[How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-a-4-0-gpa-and-get-better-grades-by-a-harvard-alum)
[How to Write an Amazing College Essay](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-write-a-college-essay)
[Should You Take the SAT or ACT?](https://quiz.prepscholar.com/sat-vs-act)
[What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?](https://blog.prepscholar.com/what-do-colleges-look-for)
[ACT vs. SAT: 10 Key Differences](https://blog.prepscholar.com/act-vs-sat)
[Calculate Your College Chances](https://mycollegechances.prepscholar.com/)
Get Your Free
**[](https://www.prepscholar.com/)**
eBook
[5 Tips to Raise Your SAT Score 160+ Points](https://www.prepscholar.com/rp/sat-5-tips-ebook/)
[5 Tips to Raise Your ACT Score 4+ Points](https://www.prepscholar.com/rp/act-5-tips-ebook/)
### SAT Prep
[Find Your Target SAT Score](https://blog.prepscholar.com/what-is-a-good-sat-score-a-bad-sat-score-an-excellent-sat-score)
[Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests](https://blog.prepscholar.com/complete-official-sat-practice-tests-free-links)
### **[How to Get a Perfect SAT Score, by an Expert Full Scorer](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-a-perfect-sat-score-by-a-2400-sat-scorer)**
[Score 800 on SAT Math](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-800-on-sat-math-by-a-perfect-scorer)
[Score 800 on SAT Reading and Writing](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-800-on-sat-reading-and-writing)
[Raise Your SAT Score by 160+ Points GUARANTEED. Start Your 5-Day Risk-Free Trial](https://www.prepscholar.com/sat-test-prep/?utm_source=databasepage&utm_medium=sidebar&utm_campaign=sat_guarantee)
### ACT Prep
[Find Your Target ACT Score](https://blog.prepscholar.com/what-is-a-good-act-score-a-bad-act-score-an-excellent-act-score)
[Complete Official Free ACT Practice Tests](https://blog.prepscholar.com/complete-official-act-practice-tests-free-links)
### **[How to Get a Perfect ACT Score, by a 36 Full Scorer](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-a-perfect-act-score-by-a-36-full-scorer)**
[Get a 36 on ACT English](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-36-on-act-english-9-strategies-from-a-perfect-scorer)
[Get a 36 on ACT Math](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-36-on-act-math-8-strategies-by-a-perfect-scorer)
[Get a 36 on ACT Reading](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-36-on-act-reading-11-strategies-from-a-perfect-scorer)
Stay Informed
Get the latest articles and test prep tips!
- [](https://www.facebook.com/prepscholar)
- [](https://twitter.com/intent/follow?region=follow_link&screen_name=PrepScholar&tw_p=followbutton)
- [](https://www.instagram.com/prepscholar/)
Get Exclusive Tips for College Admissions
Sign up to receive free guidance on everything from acing the SAT to writing a standout college admissions essay.
×
## Thanks for Subscribing!
To receive immediate updates on all our helpful guides and strategies, **follow us** on social media: [](https://www.facebook.com/prepscholar) [](https://x.com/intent/follow?region=follow_link&screen_name=PrepScholar&tw_p=followbutton) [](https://www.linkedin.com/company/prepscholar/) [](https://www.instagram.com/prepscholar/)
## Ask a Question Below
Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!
**[](https://www.prepscholar.com)**
- [WHO WE ARE](https://www.prepscholar.com/who-we-are/)
- [SUCCESS STORIES](https://www.prepscholar.com/case-studies/)
- [ADVICE BLOG](https://blog.prepscholar.com/)
- [FOR SCHOOLS](https://www.prepscholar.com/for-schools/)
- [SAT](https://www.prepscholar.com/sat-test-prep/)
- [ACT](https://www.prepscholar.com/act-test-prep/)
- [PSAT](https://www.prepscholar.com/psat-test-prep/)
- [AP](https://www.prepscholar.com/ap-tutoring/)
- [GRE](https://www.prepscholar.com/gre-test-prep/)
- [GMAT](https://www.prepscholar.com/gmat-test-prep/)
- [TOEFL](https://www.prepscholar.com/toefl-test-prep/)
- [ADMISSIONS](https://www.prepscholar.com/college-admissions-consulting/)
- [TERMS OF SERVICE](https://www.prepscholar.com/terms-of-service/)
- [PRIVACY POLICY](https://www.prepscholar.com/privacy-policy/)
- [](https://twitter.com/intent/follow?region=follow_link&screen_name=PrepScholar&tw_p=followbutton)
- [](https://www.facebook.com/prepscholar)
- [](https://www.instagram.com/prepscholar/)
- [](https://www.tiktok.com/@prepscholarofficial)
- [](https://www.linkedin.com/company/prepscholar/)
© PrepScholar 2013-2025. All rights reserved
SAT® is a registered trademark of the College Entrance Examination BoardTM. The College Entrance Examination BoardTM does not endorse, nor is it affiliated in any way with the owner or any content of this web site.
ACT® is a registered trademark belonging to ACT Education Corporation ("ACT"). ACT is not involved with or affiliated with PrepScholar Inc., nor does ACT endorse or sponsor any of the products or services offered by PrepScholar Inc.
GRE® and TOEFL® are registered trademarks of the ETS®. The ETS® does not endorse, nor is it affiliated in any way with, the owner or any content of this web site.
GMAT® is a registered trademark of the Graduate Management Admissions Council®. The Graduate Management Admissions Council® does not endorse, nor is it affiliated in any way with, the owner or any content of this website.