Stanford Reinstates Tests • AI in Admissions • UK Apps Surge • 3-Year Degrees Rising

College Board Adds Nearly 300 Questions To Its Official Practice Materials

Last week the College Board bolstered its official SAT preparation materials, the Educator Question Bank, by adding a significant number of questions: 147 Reading & Writing and 145 Math items. This is the first such update since the College Board revised their practice tests in March of this year, retiring previous tests #1-3 and debuting tests #7-10. With this new update, the total number of practice questions that do not appear on one of the 7 full-length practice tests has grown by 26 percent – the number of Reading and Writing questions increasing by 33 percent and the number of Math questions growing by 21 percent.

Takeaways:

The College Board had promised some new material prior to the August 2023 test and has delivered with this update – though doing so quietly, with little fanfare, let alone any official announcement. The update seems rushed, with certain sets of questions containing unclear formatting, but hundreds of new questions are, of course, appreciated by students looking ahead to the fall tests. After examining representative samples of test questions from across varied topics, we’ve seen no surprises content-wise. There are no new grammar rules tested, nor are there math concepts introduced beyond the test’s established scope. Vocab words on the new Word in Context questions are, on the whole, not as difficult as some of the words introduced in the more recent practice tests. Interestingly, of the new Rhetorical Synthesis questions, only one requires a tester to leverage the notes to solve it. We will update you here if, on further examination, we find any discrepancies worth noting.

College Board SAT Question Bank (August 2025) 

Kentucky to Switch To SAT After Two Decades with the ACT

After using the ACT as its required State and District Standardized Test since 2006, The Kentucky Department of Education has allowed its contract with the ACT to expire. State officials plan to switch to the SAT for students testing for juniors in Spring of 2026, citing the lower cost and superior technical quality of the College Board’s test. The ACT company has appealed the decision, delaying an official resolution for now.

Takeaways:

States often change contracts between testing providers – Illinois switched from the SAT to the ACT in 2024 – but with the ACT’s shaky rollout of its Enhanced test, this move could have grounds beyond financial concerns. The ACT may be eventually phasing out its science section at a time when Kentucky’s science proficiency levels have reached a crisis point; last year, only 6% of high school students reached the state test benchmark in the subject. Education Commissioner Robbie Fletcher has identified combating this trend as one of his department’s primary goals: “We need to analyze science assessment, instruction and student performance with the goal of developing actionable steps to improve science education and performance for Kentucky’s students.”

Kentucky plans to ditch ACT in favor of SAT for college entrance exam (Lexington Herald Leader) – 8/13/25

ACT Hires EdTech Veteran as New CTO

The ACT company announced this week that it has hired Eric Wenck, a 35-year veteran in the education technology space, as its new Chief Technology Officer. ACT CEO Janet Goodwin lauded the move as “reflect(ing) our unwavering commitment to world-class experiences for learners, educators, team members, and ACT partners,” Mr. Wenck spent over a decade at Prometric (formerly Thomson Prometric), a credentialing and skills development technology company, and 7 years at Sylvan Learning, where he served as General Manager, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Technology Officer. Mr. Wenck and his 200-person team will be charged with delivering “enhancements to current services, new products, and optimal internal systems.”

Takeways:

Hiring an individual in the CTO role with Mr. Wenck’s experience sends a message that the ACT is focused on upgrading the technical side of the test. Since its pilot, the Enhanced ACT has been roundly criticized for its suboptimal testing platform, which does not measure up in nearly any category with its main competitor’s Bluebook platform. Mr. Wenck focused on the opportunities in his post-hire statement: “Everyone at ACT recognizes that our systems provide critical points of connection between learners, educators, institutions of higher education, and future employers…I’m excited for the opportunity to help ensure those systems remain reliable and expandable to meet growing and changing needs.”

EdTech Veteran, Eric Wenck Joins ACT as Chief Technology Officer (ACT) – 8/13/25

Differences Between Enhanced ACT U.S., International, & School Day Testing

As part of their podcast, Tests and the Rest, hosts Mike Bergin (Chariot Learning/TestBright) and Amy Seely (Seely Test Pros/LEAP) met with Adam Snoza, the Owner, Head Content Developer, and Lead Tutor at Aim High Test Prep and explored the two separate online platforms used by the Enhanced ACT.

A few key points covered:

• There are two separate computer-based platforms for students taking the Enhanced ACT: PSI for national (Saturday) testers and Test-nav for in-school district testers. Note: all non-U.S.-based Saturday testers will test through the Test-nav system
• There are marked differences between these platforms:
  • PSI allows student the option to hide or show the testing timer; however, students have reported being unable to see the five-minute warning notification on this platform, a potentially disastrous flaw; Test-nav does not allow students to hide the timer.
  • The PSI has a built-in (clunky) scientific calculator; Test-nav incorporates a DESMOS calculator. However, this functionality is not as seamlessly integrated as it is on the SAT Bluebook platform; the calculator needs to be opened with each item and is overlaid on the question instead of beside it.
  • The answer eliminator function is more user friendly on the PSI platform; whereas on the Test-nav system is awkward and time-consuming.
• On both platforms, highlights made on all sections disappear if a tester navigates between questions.

Takeaways:

In this episode, the experts also discussed some recommended strategies for students preparing to test on either platform:

• Students need to be very careful to double-check that their answers are recorded; it is easy on either platform to misclick.
• Students are encouraged to adjust the brightness of the platform prior to the start of the test; switching to dark mode will help students avoid eye fatigue.
• Students should know the directions beforehand; the timer runs while the directions are on the screen.
• As the annotation tools leave much to be desired, students are advised to use the scratch paper to help them map out reading passages and science graphs.
• As part of their prep, students should practice in both paper-based and computer-based formats – even though the paper test generally offers greater benefits.

Takeaways from Strategies for the Computer-Based ACT (Tests and the Rest) – 8/12/25

Stanford to Reinstate SAT/ACT Requirements

After six years of a test-optional admissions policy, Stanford University has brought back testing requirements. All first-year students hoping to matriculate in Fall 2026 or later must submit either SAT, Enhanced ACT, or Legacy ACT scores as part of their application. In addition, students must submit any AP tests taken or predicted IB marks for IB Diploma students. As part of the policy, Stanford will accept reported superscores for both the SAT and ACT. Students are not required to – but can choose to – submit the ACT Science section.

Takeaways:

Stanford now joins the vast majority of Ivy Plus institutions in requiring SAT/ACT scores, leaving Columbia, Princeton, and University of Pennsylvania as the only test-optional schools within this consortium. On the flipside, in requiring standardized test scores, Stanford’s policy offers a contrast to the admission policies at the institutions within the University of California system, which make “test-blind” decisions. In addition to now requiring test scores, Stanford announced that it will continue giving admissions preference to relatives of alumni and donors, defying a new state law banning the practice. In retaining legacy admissions, Stanford will allow its students to lose state-funded support in the form of the Cal Grant program, but the school contends that it will replace these grants with scholarships, automatically adjusting financial aid packages for students.

Stanford to continue legacy admissions, bring back test requirements (The Almanac) – 8/11/25

Trump Requires Brown, Columbia to Disclose Admissions Data – Including Race

In order to restore withheld federal grant funding, Brown University and Columbia University chose to make several forfeitures as part of their settlements with the White House. Among these concessions was an agreement that will see the Trump administration gain access to standardized test scores and grade point averages for all Columbia and Brown applicants – along with demographic data for those individuals, which includes information about their race. This data will be used as leverage to ensure that institutions are not – in the post-affirmative action era –  making race-conscious admissions decisions.

Takeaways:

There was little time to speculate whether Brown and Columbia’s concessions would set a precedent for how the White House would conduct business with other institutions. Earlier this month, president Trump issued an executive order that orders all colleges and universities to submit similar testing and demographic information in order to prove that these schools are not operating in a manner that the Department of Education deems unlawful. The required reporting is mandated to begin within 120 days of the issuance of the executive order; however, as a large portion of the staff that handles this data – in fact, all but three employees – were laid off earlier this year, it is unclear the level to which this dictate can be carried out. Nonetheless, this week on his social media platform, Truth Social, The President of the United of America posted, “Woke is officially DEAD at Brown.” 

Columbia and Brown to Disclose Admissions and Race Data in Trump Deal (NY Times) – 8/5/25

Trump Administration Policies May Contribute to 15% Drop in Int’l Students

According to data modelling by NAFSA, an association of international educators, U.S. higher ed institutions could see a 15 percent decrease in international students this upcoming school year, translating to roughly 150,000 fewer students. This decline in students could result in a loss of up to $7 billion in revenue and up to 60,000 jobs. According to NAFSA executive director and CEO and Fanta Aw, “This analysis … should serve as a clarion call to the State Department that it must act to ensure international students and scholars are able to arrive on U.S. campuses this fall” 

Takeaways:

Data for this project was fielded from the Department of Homeland Security SEVIS By the Numbers, the State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Annual J-1 Exchange Visitor Report, and State’s Monthly Nonimmigrant Visa Issuance Statistics. These numbers reflect a coordinated effort by the Trump administration to disrupt international enrollment at U.S. higher ed institutions, including pausing Visa interviews, disallowing students based on political beliefs and social media posts, and restricting visitors from certain countries. The primary goal of these measures has been to destabilize colleges and universities, many of which are dependent on enrollment revenue from international students, in order to exert control over on-campus policies and ideology. In doing so, however, the administration has deferred the dreams of numerous students globally and has put the U.S. at a marked disadvantage. As Ms. Aw believes, “For the United States to succeed in the global economy, we must keep our doors open to students from around the world.”

International Student Enrollment Could Drop 15% This Fall (Inside Higher Ed) – 8/5/25

Cornell Will No Longer Superscore the ACT

This month, Cornell University unveiled a major revision to its standardized testing policy: the Ivy League institution will no longer superscore the ACT. Instead, admissions officers will “consider the highest composite score across all ACT test dates.” Applicants submitting ACT scores will have the option of including a score for the ACT Science section, but doing so will not be required. Cornell admissions officers will still superscore the SAT, looking at the highest section scores across all test dates.

Takeaways:

The Enhanced ACT’s truncated length and high percentage of unscored experimental questions has led to significant scoring instability; consequently, students who take the ACT multiple times will likely see an advantage over those that do not. Cornell’s admission policy update likely accounts for this unpredictability in scoring. This week, Harvard also recommitted to its policy to not accept superscores. “For the ACT, we will evaluate your highest composite score and any other scores you choose to share with us.” Students can choose to send Harvard their superscores, but “when you do so, we will also receive the full results from your best sitting, including the highest composite from a single test date.” As more schools release updated admissions policies, we anticipate that others will rethink superscoring in order to control for these fluctuations as well.

Standardized Testing Policy (Cornell website) – August 2025

Brown Concedes to White House Pressure

Brown University has reached an agreement with the Trump administration, which promises to restore the $510 million in research funding the White House previously withheld from the institution. As part of the deal, Brown has agreed to pay $50 million toward work force development programs in Rhode Island and to adhere to the Trump vision of higher education, which includes “merit-based” admission and a rollback to the visibility of transgender students on campus. The White House has, in turn, pledged not “to dictate Brown’s curriculum or the content of academic speech.”

Takeaways:

Brown University has been on the list of high-profile schools targeted by the Trump administration for a litany of predictable grievances: that pro-Palestine protests on campus were antisemitic, that DEI initiatives are discriminatory, that the presence of transgender students threatens women. Now, Brown joins Columbia and UPenn in the group of Ivy League schools that have chosen a pragmatic – or to critics, spiritless – response to political pressure. Brown President Christina H. Paxson expressed relief that the deal “preserves the integrity of Brown’s academic foundation, and it enables us as a community to move forward after a period of considerable uncertainty.” Education secretary Linda McMahon, on the other hand, characterized the agreement as part of a successful “reversing the decades-long woke-capture of our nation’s higher education institutions.” 

Brown University Makes a Deal With the White House to Restore Funding (NY Times) – 7/30/25

3-Year Degree Programs Gaining Traction

Universities have long been reluctant to approve bachelor’s degree programs that require fewer than 120 credits; this trend, however, is now on the verge of a major reversal. In April of 2024, two institutions – BYU-Idaho and Ensign – received approval to administer three-year, 90 credit degree programs. In the time since, all U.S. accreditors have approved abbreviated degree programs. Moreover, this fall, Providence, Rhode Island’s Johnson & Wales University is planning to launch three-year programs in computer science, criminal justice, graphic design and hospitality management. Proponents of reduced credits programs are excited by the quickly shifting attitudes. Raymond Rice, the president of the University of Maine at Presque Isle, which is currently offering two truncated degree programs, believes that reduced credit programs offer wide benefits for students of varied backgrounds and goals. “Evidence shows that increasingly learners of all ages…I just think that’s where higher education is heading.” 

Takeaways:

Though some remain skeptical of the efficacy of a framework that deviates from the traditional four-year, 120 credit program, several current factors seem to favor the expansion of reduced-credit degree programs. Americans’ confidence in higher education has been waning over the past decade, and a recent report found that 1 in 2 U.S. graduates feel that their college major did not prepare them for the current job market. Furthermore, 1 in 6 U.S. graduates reported regretting their decision to attend college. Considering the excessive costs associated with attending college, especially at premier universities, calls for scrutiny on institutions that don’t provide a certain level of return on investment for graduates, and a significant drop in enrollment, schools may be more apt to try out programs that could attract a wide variety of students to their campuses.

Is the 3-Year Degree Dream Becoming a Reality? (Inside Higher Ed) – 7/28/25

Virginia Tech to Use AI in Grading Applicant Essays

This week, Virginia Tech announced a singular change to its admission policy: this year, for the first time, applicants’ admissions essays will be evaluated by a combination of human reviewers and artificial intelligence. This AI model has been developed in-house over the last three years by Virginia Tech researchers with an eye toward “fairness and responsiveness” in the review process. Virginia Tech claims that the new process will shorten the time students have to wait to receive admissions decisions. One other significant change to Virginia Tech admissions was included in this communication: early admissions application deadlines will be shifted up from November 15th to November 1st.

Takeaways:

In the previous system, two human reviewers would score a student’s essay; the new framework supplants one of these human reviewers with the AI tech. All essays are scored on a 12 point scale, and, in the old system, if the reviewers final marks differed by over 4 points, a third reviewer would be brought in to evaluate; in the new system, any discrepancy over 2 points will trigger evaluation by an additional human reviewer. According to Virginia Tech officials, “This safeguard gives us even greater confidence in the scores and reinforces that final admission decisions continue to be made exclusively by admissions professionals on our team.” If this the new system is as accurate and efficient as Virginia Tech hopes, it would be no surprise to see other institutions adopting similar frameworks.

Virginia Tech updates undergraduate admissions process (Virginia Tech Website) – 7/24/25

Enhanced ACT Heavily Favors Multiple Attempts

The Enhanced ACT is on the horizon, with the first official global administration Saturday, September 5th. One of the key changes is that the test will be significantly shorter – with students opting out of the Science section seeing 39% fewer questions. This reduction of questions – along with the introduction of unscored field test items – has led to wider variability in scoring. Ari Freuman, founder of Ivy Tutor, investigated this variance and uncovered some striking data. Buried within pages of technical documentation, official ACT standard errors of measurement by section are reported to be ±2.25 points for English, ±1.93 points for Math, and ±2.71 points for Reading –  figures that point to a high level of volatility. A student, for example, whose true Reading score is 27 would theoretically achieve between a 22 and a 32 roughly 95 percent of the times they were to take the test. Furthermore, according to Mr. Freuman, the variance figures reported by the ACT actually underplay the true volatility of how a student might perform on test day – student focus, overall testing conditions, and specific content of a particular test will all be key factors that can affect a student’s score. The evidence therefore suggests that, over several retakes of the test, a student could markedly improve their score without any substantive refinement to how they take the test. Pair this trend with formal prep and the upside to the Enhanced ACT is noteworthy.

Takeaways:

Digging deeper into the data, Freuman examined how Enhanced ACT score gains over multiple sittings compared to equivalent SAT gains. The results are notable, with ACT gains increasing exponentially over multiple retests.

Although superscore gains are especially significant, Freuman contends that retaking the test multiple times can still be beneficial for students who plan to apply to institutions that do not superscore. With a composite score standard error of measurement of ±1.34, a student who sits for the test three times can see more than one point of score growth without any other improvement.

Freuman’s conclusions suggest, then, that the Enhanced ACT’s variability can be mitigated – and even exploited – if a student chooses to retake the test multiple times. Those who are able to commit to a long-term prep cycle with 3 – or, ideally, more – sittings of the test will be at a marked advantage. On the flipside, students who cannot commit to multiple retakes, such as Seniors, recruited athletes, or students wanting to finish testing before starting an IB diploma program, could be at a disadvantage on this test and might do better – unless diagnostic scores point otherwise – to stick with the SAT.

Spinning the ACT Slot Machine (Part 1): Why More Attempts Leads to Higher Scores on the New ACT (IvyTutor) – 5/11/25

Columbia Reaches $200 Million Settlement with Federal Government 

Columbia University has reached a settlement with the Trump administration over the White House’s claims that Columbia leaders failed to properly address antisemitism on campus. The school has agreed to pay $200 million to the federal government over the course of the next three years, as well as an additional $21 million settlement to resolve violations against Jewish staff and faculty. Columbia leaders expressed relief at an agreement with the White House; President Claire Shipman called the settlement “an important step forward after a period of sustained federal scrutiny and institutional uncertainty.”

Takeaways:

Columbia University was among the first schools targeted by the Trump administration in its war on higher ed. In agreeing to a settlement, Columbia avoided the potential loss of billions of dollars in federal funding, including the $400 million in grants that was already withheld earlier this year. While some consider Columbia’s actions as a practical necessity to avoid potentially ruinous federal pressure, others have characterized Columbia’s actions as capitulation. As part of the terms of the settlement, Columbia has agreed to release, upon request, disciplinary records of visa-holding students, making it easier for the Department of Homeland Security to deport international students who protest against any of the administration’s pet causes. Many higher education experts fear that Columbia’s concessions set a dangerous precedent for other institutions. Linda McMahon, head of an Education Department that is currently being phased out, called the settlement a “roadmap” and  “a seismic shift in our nation’s fight to hold institutions that accept American taxpayer dollars accountable for antisemitic discrimination and harassment.”

Columbia University agrees to pay more than $220M in deal with Trump to restore federal funding (AP) – 7/24/25

Tennessee to Pilot Direct Admissions Program

Tennessee has become the latest state to launch a direct admissions program, which will automatically offer seats at two- and four-year colleges to high school students in the state, based on academic record. The pilot of the “Tennessee Promise” program is set to launch this fall, providing direct acceptance to approximately 41,000 students from over 230 randomly selected Tennessee high schools. 53 in-state institutions will be participating: 13 community colleges, 23 technical colleges, and 17 public and private universities. Students interested in enrolling in the program will need to submit an application by November 1st.

Takeaways:

Several states have already seen success with direct admissions programs, with Illinois and New York being the most recent to adopt the practice. New York has, in fact, guaranteed spots at one or more of its public universities for every state high school student graduating in the top 10 percent of their class. Where the Tennessee Promise program differs is that it will be the first of its kind to incorporate a financial aid component. The program will work to match students with potential scholarship and grant opportunities – and will cover remaining tuition and fees for students enrolling in any community or technical college partner.

Tennessee launches direct admissions pilot with student aid component (Higher Ed Dive) – 7/23/25

Virginia Republicans Seek to Oust George Mason President

Gregory N. Washington, president of Virginia’s George Mason University, is currently under scrutiny from the state’s Republican governor and partisan university board. Washington has championed diversity during his five year tenure at George Mason, promoting an “antiracism” agenda. George Mason is Virginia’s largest public university, holds an acceptance rate of 90 percent, and is the second most diverse higher education institution in the country. Mr. Washington is the institution’s first black president.

Takeaways:

Since President Trump retook power this January, the U.S. universities targeted by his administration have been the highest-cachet, most selective institutions: Ivy League and Ivy Plus schools. George Mason, ranked the 109th university in the country by U.S. News and World Report, is the first lower-profile university under attack. Virginia’s Republican governor Glenn Youngkin has made radical education reform a keystone of his policy platform, and, with his term coming to an end in 2026, he has become more aggressive in achieving a state-takeover of institutions that don’t share his values. Nonetheless, this scrutiny could represent a new phase in the Republicans’ war on higher ed. During Washington’s tenure, George Mason created an antiracism task force, refused to ban students’ use of the phrase “from the river to the sea,” and established a memorial to the people enslaved by the namesake of the university – actions that have caused friction among board members with ties to Heritage Foundation, the architects of much of Trump’s domestic policy.

In Virginia, the Attack on University Presidents Widens (NY Times) – 7/22/25

70+ Columbia Students Suspended or Expelled Over Campus Protests

Last month, Columbia University disciplined dozens of active students who participated in last Spring’s protest over the conflict in Gaza, which resulted in a temporary shutdown of some campus facilities. More than 70 individuals were suspended – up to two years in some cases – or expelled. University officials justified the punishments in a statement that focused on the academic mission of the institution: “Disruptions to academic activities are in violation of University policies and Rules, and such violations will necessarily generate consequences.”

Takeaways:

While the university claims that this level of discipline is crucial to public safety, critics of the move accuse Columbia of prioritizing finances over first amendment rights. The school is currently embroiled in an attempt to restore some of the $400 million in federal funding that was withheld earlier this year. Enforcing disciplinary processes was one of the “preconditions for formal negotiations” demanded by the White House, so these punishments have been interpreted by some as an act of surrender on the part of Columbia.

Columbia University disciplines 70 students as it seeks a deal with Trump (ABC News) – 7/22/25

2025 Sees Record Number of U.K. University Applications by U.S. Seniors

According to new data from the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), the largest ever number of U.S. students applied to U.K higher education institutions this past year. 7,930 U.S. high school students submitted undergraduate applications in the fall of 2025, which represents an increase of roughly 14 percent over the number of students who submitted in 2024.

Takeaways:

The tumultuous higher ed landscape, owed largely to the Trump administration’s public and multi-front war on higher education, is one of the likely causes for the increase in interest in studying outside of the United States. While a student submitting an application to a school is not the same as applying there, this tendency is concerning for U.S. higher ed as a whole. With declines in international student enrollment and a looming “demographic cliff” due to fewer graduating high school seniors, the vast majority of U.S. colleges and universities are expecting significant enrollment declines in the coming years. If U.K application trends end up correlating with enrollment trends, U.S. higher ed institutions will be under even greater strain when it comes to enrolling students.

Record Number of U.S. Students Apply to U.K. Institutions (Inside Higher Ed) – 7/21/25

U Mich Applicants Given Option to Write an AI-Generated Supplementary Essay

For students applying this fall, the University of Michigan Law School has added an AI-based prompt for one of its optional admissions essays. The prompt in question asks students to detail how they use AI and how that usage will evolve while in law school; students are asked to use generative AI to answer this question. The University of Michigan had previously banned the use of AI tools in writing admissions essays in 2023; with the exception of this new AI-based essay prompt, Michigan Law still does not allow students to use AI for personal statements and all other supplementary essays.

Takeaways:

The inspiration for the AI-generated essay question, according to senior assistant dean Sarah Zearfoss, was the fact that many law firms currently use AI to assist in crafting emails and short motions. A 2025 survey by the American Bar Association found that 30 percent of law firms reported using AI tools; among law firms with 100 or more employees, that share increased to 46 percent. Zearfoss notes that big law firms are likely looking for AI-proficiency in their incoming associates: “If we have applicants who have that skill, let’s give them an opportunity to demonstrate it.” 

Michigan Law Adds AI Essay Prompt (Inside Higher Ed) – 7/18/25

AI Use in College Essays: Implications, Criticisms, and Benefits

A recent study by foundry10, a philanthropic education research organization, determined that nearly a third of 2023-24 college applicants utilized AI tools to write at least a part – if not all – of their college essays. This information coincides with some institutions rethinking the level of importance of the college essay. Duke University, for instance, no longer gives essays numerical weight as part of the application process as of 2024. According to Christopher Guttentag, dean of undergraduate admissions at Duke, personal statements are still helpful tools for admissions officers to understand students, but “we’re just no longer assuming that the essay is an accurate reflection of the student’s actual writing ability.”

Takeaways:

Critics of using generative AI point in essay writing to the detrimental effect that the utilization of the technology can have on critical thinking. A joint research paper by Microsoft and Carnegie Mellon University found that “while GenAI can improve worker efficiency, it can inhibit critical engagement with work and can potentially lead to long-term overreliance on the tool and diminished skill for independent problem-solving.” For many students trying to navigate an overly competitive academic environment, however, using generative AI is a necessary tool to keep them from falling behind. According to an anonymous UC Irvine student, “Everyone in high school used AI to complete homework…whether it’s cheating is confusing. Everything is moving so fast. If you don’t use it, you’re at a disadvantage.’’

AI is killing the college admissions essay. The implications for prospective students are profound (SF Chronicle) – 7/13/25

High-Profile Universities Under Scrutiny for Antisemitism Claims

This week, members of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce – the committee that oversees the Department of Education – questioned leaders of three high profile universities over their handling of antisemitism at their institutions. Representatives of Georgetown University, the City University of New York (CUNY), and The University of California, Berkeley were part of the three-hour hearing; though all three universities have dealt with on-campus tensions in the wake of the October 7th Hamas attacks and Israeli’s subsequent actions against Palestine, it is not immediately clear why these three particular institutions were selected for this hearing.

Takeaways:

This week’s panel echoed other such hearings over the last two years, previous iterations of which have engendered negative public opinion toward higher ed institutions and have led to the resignations of several university presidents. This time, the university leaders appeared to comport themselves in a way that avoided disaster. In response to allegations of antisemitism at Georgetown, interim president Robert M. Groves highlighted the fact that it has not seen violence or city police actions on campus and that, being a Jesuit institution, Georgetown maintains a strong focus on interfaith dialogue. Representative Elise Stefanik (NY-R) castigated UC Berkeley and CUNY leadership for allowing campus protests and not censuring staff faculty members who support Palestinian rights. Berkeley chancellor Rich Lyons countered Rep. Stefanik’s claims, reminding those present that “if someone is expressing pro-Palestinian beliefs, that’s not necessarily antisemitism.”

University Leaders Reject Republican Attacks on Campus Antisemitism (NY Times) – 7/15/25

Onsen Makes its First Podcast Cameo!

Our founder Sean had a great time speaking with Lisa, Abby, & Stefanie at College Bound Mentor all things new ACT & testing. Give it a listen to hear our take on what’s different about the enhanced ACT and how that impacts scoring, whether you should focus on the SAT instead, how to prepare for either test, and ways to alleviate test anxiety.

College Bound Mentor Podcast Episode #31: New ACT & Testing Tips with Sean Quinn

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/new-act-testing-tips-with-sean-quinn/id1751370805?i=1000719883974
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2r6UGGdFgpGYN8Il8dYroP?si=UjvTdtR1SbyzRd3Dro8o7w
• YouTube: https://youtu.be/N3ezqEJHH74?si=D2rZYsGCz2sedvwl
• Blog & transcript: https://collegeboundmentor.com/new-act-testing-tips-with-sean-quinn-college-bound-mentor-podcast-31/
• Audiogram 

U.S. Department of Education Cleared to Eliminate 1,000 More Jobs

The U.S. Supreme Court has ordered that it was constitutional for the U.S. Department of Education to fire 1,000 of its employees. This layoff, which comes soon after previous extensive personnel cuts, would reduce the department’s workforce to roughly half the size of what it was at the beginning of the year and potentially imperil the department’s essential functions, which include managing federal student loans, tracking academic achievement, and overseeing that civil rights laws are upheld in schools.

Takeaways:

The Trump administration, as Education Linda McMahon underscored in a statement about the job cuts, wants to “return education to the states” and eliminate what it calls “educational bureaucracy.” What once seemed to be a pipe dream for a certain radical segment of the American right is now close to reality: the end of the U.S. Department of Education appears to be on the horizon. Time will tell exactly what this means for students and families who rely on the essential services the department provides.

Supreme Court Clears Way for Dismantling of Education Department (NY Times) – 7/15/25

Promising Data on FAFSA Completion

As of June 27 this year, 54 percent of college-bound high school seniors have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This figure translates to the highest number of FAFSA completions ever within this timeframe by roughly 600,000 students. Bill deBaun, senior director at National College Attainment Network, a non-profit advocacy association that collected the data, called the completion rate “a tremendous achievement” and eyes an even greater share of completions for the class of 2026.

Takeaways:

This year’s completion growth represents a 17.5 percent increase versus the number of forms submitted by June 30 last year, at which time only 47 percent of college-bound seniors of the class of 2024 had finished the form. The catastrophic rollout of the 2023-24 new FAFSA form, which saw technical glitches, months-long delays, and billion-dollar departmental miscalculations, weighs heavily in the minds of families, admissions officers, and other education professionals. The promising data from this year’s form provide hope that the “Better FAFSA” is finally living up to its name.

FAFSA Completion Rate Bounces Back to Pre-Pandemic Levels (Inside Higher Ed) – 7/9/25

White House Threatens Harvard’s Accreditation Status

On Wednesday, the Trump administration accused Harvard of being in violation of civil rights law and urged the revocation of the university’s accreditation status. Harvard is being accused of acting with “deliberate indifference” to campus antisemitism and discrimination against Jewish students. The New England Commission of Higher Education, which oversees accreditation in Harvard’s region, recently released an FAQ document stating that a federal civil rights violation does not automatically lead to a loss of accreditation, and the federal government does not have the power to influence the NECHCE’s decision.

Takeaways:

Harvard is the second high-profile institution to receive accreditation threats this year; Columbia University was targeted in June, and the school will be required to submit a monitoring report by November and agree to a site visit in March 2026. If either of these two schools are stripped of accreditation, they will be at risk of losing government support, including research funding and access to federal student aid. Harvard’s status now relies on how it and the NECHCE choose to navigate federal findings.

Trump Admin Urges Reconsideration of Harvard’s Accreditation Status (Harvard Crimson) – 7/9/25

Harvard Subpoenaed Again Over International Students

On Wednesday, the Department of Homeland Security subpoenaed Harvard, ordering the university to release five-year’s worth of documents relating to alleged misconduct by international students as well as proof of the school’s compliance with federal immigration law. This latest subpoena is the second in less than two weeks; on June 26, the House Judiciary Committee demanded Harvard release records relating to financial aid packages and tuition-fixing. Jason Newton, a Harvard Spokesperson, released a statement contending that “Harvard is committed to following the law, and while the government’s subpoenas are unwarranted, the University will continue to cooperate with lawful requests and obligations,”

Takeaways:

The Trump administration has perpetuated the argument that Harvard failed to properly discipline international students who are alleged, without any cited evidence, to have inappropriate ties with foreign governments and contribute to campus unrest, crime, and antisemitism. Many fear that the White House is using these accusations as a means to ultimately gain control over the ideological autonomy of higher education. As part of Wednesday’s subpoenas, the Department of Homeland Security warned other colleges and universities to “take note” of Harvard’s response and the consequences.

DHS Subpoenas Harvard for Documents on International Students (Harvard Crimson) – 7/9/25

College Essay Support from a Trusted Colleague

I want to introduce you to a colleague I met at the IECA annual conference in Detroit this spring. If you don’t already know Susan Knoppow of Wow Writing Workshop, you should!

For more than 15 years, Susan and her team of coaches have been using the ten-step Wow Method to help students write the strongest possible application essays. Hundreds of school counselors, independent educational consultants, and essay specialists have been trained in the Wow Method as well.

For an introduction to Susan and the Wow Method, check out this 3-minute video: Secrets to Standing Out In Your College Essay.

Here’s a sample of the free and paid resources Wow offers.

• The Wow Method (free download)
• How to Write an Effective College Application Essay (free eBook)
• Student Coaching Options (info about offerings for students)

https://wowwritingworkshop.com/

Harvard’s China Ties Invite Government Scrutiny

In 2009, during the Great Recession, Harvard’s endowment dropped by 30 percent, which translates to over $10 billion dollars. In order to weather this financial storm, Harvard turned to an unlikely lifeline: Chinese investment. Over the next fifteen years, Harvard received $560 million in gifts and contracts from China and Hong Kong – from private donors and foundations and from public universities, which are considered government entities. Though these funds were crucial in bolstering Harvard’s economic recovery, it has landed the university in the crosshairs of a White House that is both highly wary of China and extremely combative toward higher education. 

Takeaways:

Harvard’s ties to China have come under intense scrutiny from the Trump administration. The president has deemed the relationship a national security risk, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio has demanded an investigation – particularly over Harvard’s connection to the companies Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC) and Xinjiang Public Security Bureau (XPSB), which have been sanctioned by the U.S. government over human rights abuses. An investigation that does not end in Harvard’s favor could result in criminal charges. Although other schools have ties to China – NYU, Duke, and Kean University, for example, have Chinese campuses – and Harvard has decreased its reliance on China in recent years, the university still has the most profitable relationship with China of any U.S. higher ed institution. Harvard president Alan M. Garber denied any wrongdoing and accused the Trump administration of using tactics “unmoored from the law, to control teaching and learning at Harvard and to dictate how it operates.”

How Harvard’s Ties to China Helped Make It a White House Target (NY Times) – 7/7/25

One Big Beautiful Bill Act Set to Transform Higher Education Policy

The “One Big Beautiful Bill,” President Trump’s sweeping legislation, the reverberations of which will be felt in a myriad of industries and institutions, was signed into law on July Fourth after a fraught but ultimately successful House vote. Taking effect July 2026, the bill will result in the most significant changes in federal education policy this century. 

Key changes enacted by the bill are listed below:

Takeaways:

Critics of the bill contend that it will have an outsized negative effect on low-income families; eliminating GRAD Plus loans will make it so some Americans will not be able to afford graduate school. Less graduate students will in turn affect universities’ bottom lines – as will more regulation surrounding federal support. While predicating federal support for Universities to the earning potential of its graduates is a clever idea at face value – and will likely help to defund some predatory programs – detractors argue that such a policy will be near-impossible to implement and is overly cynical in reducing college success solely to financial achievement instead of less quantifiable factors like career fulfillment, value to community, and contributions to shared knowledge.

Trump Signs ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ Into Law, Ushering in New Era for Higher Ed (Inside Higher Ed) – 7/4/25

Moody’s Provides Bleak Outlook for International Enrollment

Moody’s, an investor service that ranks the creditworthiness of borrowers, released a warning this past week that the decline in international students poses a significant credit risk for higher ed institutions that will lose a consequential percentage of their revenue. The 11 percent of colleges and universities where international students make up 20 percent or more of the student body were found to be most at risk. The potential tuition lost at these institutions will be especially significant as international students can tend to pay full tuition. Moreover, the looming “demographic cliff” – the precipitous decline in the number of projected U.S. high school graduates over the next decade – further threatens the financial viability of many smaller colleges and universities and those that lack robust endowments or widespread name recognition.

A snapshot from the report is included below:

Takeaways:

Though it remains unclear how much the Trump administration’s combative policies towards foreign students will have on enrollment trends this fall, some international families are forgoing the current uncertainty inherent in the U.S. application process and choosing higher education options elsewhere. If international enrollment sees a marked drop, it not only imperils colleges and universities. International students generate nearly $4 billion annually and support over 100,000 jobs in the United States; losing these students would have economic ramifications for years to come.

Moody’s Warns of Credit Risk for Colleges Reliant on International Enrollment (Inside Higher Ed) – 7/3/25

Major Course Cuts and Consolidations at Indiana University System

A new law went into effect in Indiana this week, which set a requirement on the minimum number of graduates needed to run individual programs at state universities and community colleges: 15 minimum students for bachelor’s degree programs, 10 for associates degree programs, 7 for masters degree programs, and 3 for education specialist and doctorate programs. The day prior to the law going into effect, the Indiana Commission for Higher Education announced the elimination or consolidation of more than 400 programs, in order to be in compliance with the new law. While institutions are able to seek approval for specific course programs with enrollment below the threshold, the university system did not seek any exemptions when submitting the initial list of programs.

Takeaways:

Among the programs to be eliminated or consolidated across the university system are foreign language, teacher education, history, English, philosophy, journalism, social work, business, political science, classical studies, Africana studies, women’s and gender studies, and religious studies programs — as well as a handful of STEM and medical programs. Although a statement for the university system nebulously praises the cuts as helping students make “informed decisions” and focus on “in-demand” career paths, critics of the cuts fear political intervention: that the Republican-led bill signed by a Republican governor is part of the right’s great war for ideological control of higher education. According to Benjamin Balthaser, secretary-treasurer of IU South Bend’s campus chapter of the American Association of University Professors, “This was done very intentionally to essentially change the mission of the university—to shrink it, to essentially destroy what we understand as the public [land-grant] university.”Indiana Public Universities to ‘Voluntarily’ End 19% of Degrees (Inside Higher Ed) – 7/2/25