Welcome to the Pathways Blog—your ultimate guide to unlocking educational opportunities around the globe. Explore expert insights, proven strategies, and the latest updates to make your college and university applications stand out. Whether you’re applying to the USA, the UK, or anywhere in between, we’re here to help every step of the way.
Applying to USA 🇺🇸
Navigating the U.S. admissions process can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, it’s an exciting opportunity to showcase your story.
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7 Powerful Extracurricular Activities To Impress Ivy League
Extracurricular activities always play a vital role in shaping a strong college application, especially for…
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UCLA College Application Timeline: Step-by-Step Guide for 2025 Success
Applying to UCLA? This comprehensive guide covers the UCLA college application timeline, key deadlines, and…
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UCLA and USC 2025 Admissions Insights: Key Takeaways for Applicants
Introduction The admissions processes at top-tier universities like UCLA and USC are highly competitive, and…
Applying to UK 🇬🇧
The UK’s application process focuses on academic potential and passion for your chosen subject. Learn how to craft a standout UCAS application, write an impactful personal statement, and highlight your achievements to secure a place at top institutions like Oxford, Cambridge, and beyond.
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Oxford SAT Requirements: Do You Need an SAT Score to Get In?
Unlike many U.S. universities, the University of Oxford does not require the SAT for admission.…
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Easiest way to get into UCL – University College London
Securing admission to University College London (UCL), one of the UK’s premier institutions, is a…
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UK University Transfer
Transferring between universities is a well-established practice in countries like the United States, offering students…
Letter Of Recommendation ✅
Strong letters of recommendation can make or break your application. Discover how to choose the right referees, help them write compelling endorsements, and ensure their voices amplify your strengths and aspirations in the admissions process.
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Super-Curriculars
When it comes to standing out in the competitive world of university applications, academics alone…
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What Universities Look For in an Application: Taking Control of the Controllables
When applying to universities, many students feel overwhelmed, believing that much of the admissions process…
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Navigating UCLA Admissions: What It Takes to Stand Out
UCLA, as part of the prestigious University of California system, is one of the most…
University Spotlight 💡
A deep-dive into universities and their offerings.
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Oxford SAT Requirements: Do You Need an SAT Score to Get In?
Unlike many U.S. universities, the University of Oxford does not require the SAT for admission.…
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The New Elite: Rising Universities Challenging the Ivy League in 2025
For decades, the Ivy League has been the gold standard for higher education, associated with…
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BU – Boston University Update
Boston University (BU) continues to attract a growing number of applicants, reflecting its esteemed reputation…
Our Latest Insights 💪
Stay ahead of the curve with the latest updates, trends, and changes in the world of college and university admissions. From policy shifts to new opportunities, this is your go-to section for staying informed and ready to adapt.
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UCLA vs USC: Which One Should You Choose in 2025?
If you’re torn between UCLA and USC, you’re not alone. These two Los Angeles institutions…
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Top 8 College Majors to Choose in 2025
College majors play a vital role in shaping your career path and future. They not…
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Must-Know College Admissions Trends for 2025
The College Admissions landscape has become highly dynamic with constant changes influenced by technological advancements,…
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5 Powerful Ways to Support Your Child Without Taking Over
Learning how to support your child without taking over is a delicate balance. You want…
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5 Important Things About Financial Aid Every College Applicant Should Know
Financial Aid plays a vital role in cementing the decision on where to attend school.…
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Crack IELTS Writing Task 1 with Confidence – Achieve Band 9
Scoring a Band 9 in IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic is absolutely achievable with the…
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How Ivy League Schools View SAT Scores: What You Need to Know
The path to getting into an Ivy League school is highly competitive, and aspiring students…
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7 College Application Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Top 7 College Application Mistakes That Could Cost You Admission (And How to Avoid Them)…
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Thinking about taking a GAP year?
Deciding whether to take a gap year before entering university is a significant choice that…
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When Should You Take the SAT in 2025? The Ultimate Guide to Test Dates and Success Planning
The SAT is one of the most significant exams in the college admissions process for…
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IELTS: Proven Tips for 7+ Band Score
How to prepare for IELTS is a common question for test-takers aiming for a Band…
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Studying Abroad vs. Staying Local: What’s Right for You?
For international students, the decision to study abroad or stay in their home country is…
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Using LinkedIn as a High School Student to Stand Out in Admissions
In an increasingly competitive college admissions landscape, students are constantly looking for ways to differentiate…
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7 Powerful Extracurricular Activities To Impress Ivy League
Extracurricular activities always play a vital role in shaping a strong college application, especially for…
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5 Proven College Application Strategies to Boost Your Chances of Acceptance in 2025
The college application landscape is highly competitive and to be able to navigate through the…
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University vs Subject Rankings – what to value?
University rankings and subject-specific rankings often create confusion for students trying to determine the best…
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UCLA College Application Timeline: Step-by-Step Guide for 2025 Success
Applying to UCLA? This comprehensive guide covers the UCLA college application timeline, key deadlines, and…
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UCLA and USC 2025 Admissions Insights: Key Takeaways for Applicants
Introduction The admissions processes at top-tier universities like UCLA and USC are highly competitive, and…
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The Easiest IB Diploma
If you are sitting in Grade 10 and wondering what IB courses you should pick…
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Should You Take the SAT More Than Once?
Many students wonder whether they should retake the SAT to improve their score. The short…
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Oxford SAT Requirements: Do You Need an SAT Score to Get In?
Unlike many U.S. universities, the University of Oxford does not require the SAT for admission.…
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Harvard SAT Score Requirements: What You Need to Get In
Getting into Harvard is one of the toughest academic challenges, and your SAT score plays…
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How to Get an Ivy League Scholarship: The Guide
Getting into an Ivy League school is a dream for many students—but affording it is…
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The New Elite: Rising Universities Challenging the Ivy League in 2025
For decades, the Ivy League has been the gold standard for higher education, associated with…
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Common App Prompt 6: Passion and Intellectual Curiosity
Common App Prompt 6 asks students to describe a topic, idea, or concept that fascinates…
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Master the SAT with This Free 1000+ Word Vocabulary List
Why Vocabulary Matters for the SAT The SAT is not just about testing your reading…
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BU – Boston University Update
Boston University (BU) continues to attract a growing number of applicants, reflecting its esteemed reputation…
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Common App Prompt 5: Personal Growth Through Experience
Common App Prompt 5 invites students to discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked…
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Common App Prompt 4: A Time When You Felt Grateful
Common App Prompt 4 invites students to reflect on an experience that sparked gratitude and…
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The Most Selective University – Caltech
For students aiming to study at the world’s top universities, California Institute of Technology (Caltech)…
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Easiest way to get into UCL – University College London
Securing admission to University College London (UCL), one of the UK’s premier institutions, is a…
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Weighted vs. Unweighted GPAs
In the United States, the Grade Point Average (GPA) serves as a pivotal metric in…
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Pathways to NYU
We had the opportunity to sit down and talk with one of our recent Pathways…
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Common App 2: Turning Challenges into Stories
One of the most popular Common App prompts for USA Applications, Prompt 2 asks students…
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Co-Op Programs vs Traditional Internships?
For university students looking to gain real-world experience before graduation, two common options stand out:…
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Common App 3: Challenging a Belief
Common App Prompt 3 asks students to reflect on a time when they challenged a…
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Most Expensive Ivy League…just got more expensive
As prospective students eagerly await college decision day, Yale University has announced a 3.9% tuition…
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University Hidden Costs
For international students and their families, studying abroad is an exciting opportunity, offering access to…
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The 10 Best Study Abroad Consultants in India (2025) – An In-Depth Review
Choosing the right study abroad consultant can significantly impact your university application success. With the…
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Free University
Higher education abroad is a gateway to incredible opportunities, offering students the chance to study…
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UK University Transfer
Transferring between universities is a well-established practice in countries like the United States, offering students…
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SAT Reading & Writing: Understanding Logical Completion Questions
When taking the SAT Reading & Writing section, students often encounter logical completion questions, which…
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University Transfer Strategy or Mistake?
For many students, the idea of transferring universities is not just a backup plan but…
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Oxford University Admission Requirements: A Complete Guide
Oxford University is one of the most prestigious institutions in the world, attracting thousands of…
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How to Write a Strong “Why Duke?” Essay
Duke wants to see that you’ve done your research and can articulate why it’s the…
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How to Write a Strong “Community at Penn” Essay
The University of Pennsylvania values students who actively engage with their communities, both on and…
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How to Write a Meaningful Stanford Thank-You Note
Stanford’s thank-you note prompt is an opportunity to showcase your gratitude, self-awareness, and ability to…
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What can you even do with a Geography Degree?
A geography degree is an incredibly versatile qualification that combines scientific analysis with a deep…
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Common App Prompt 1: How to Make a Compelling Essay
The first prompt on the Common Application asks students to reflect on a background, identity,…
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How to Write a Strong Harvard Roommate Essay
The Harvard roommate essay is an opportunity to showcase your personality, quirks, and values in…
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How to Approach SAT Reading and Writing Questions
The SAT’s Reading and Writing section challenges students to analyze and interpret texts across various…
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How to Contribute to Harvard’s Diversity: Writing a Standout Essay
Harvard University’s admissions process prioritizes building a diverse student body, and the essay prompt about…
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Make the most of University Open Days
Choosing a university is one of the most important decisions you’ll make, and attending an…
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How to Write a Standout Stanford Roommate Essay
Stanford’s roommate essay is a unique opportunity to showcase your personality in a more casual…
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How to Write a Strong Essay on Handling Disagreements
Disagreements are inevitable, but how you navigate them reveals a lot about your critical thinking,…
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Authenticity in Applications
In the increasingly competitive landscape of university admissions, applicants often grapple with the dilemma of…
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The Rise of AI-Generated Essays in College Applications: Detection, Challenges, and Authenticity
Introduction to AI in College Applications The landscape of college admissions has undergone significant transformation…
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Univeristy Spotlight: University of Victoria, BC, Canada
In the picturesque city of Victoria, British Columbia, the University of Victoria (UVic) stands as…
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University Spotlight: Rice University
Rice University, located in the heart of Houston, Texas, is a top-tier research institution known…
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UPenn Testing Policy Change
In a significant shift within the landscape of college admissions, the University of Pennsylvania (Penn)…
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How to Demonstrate Interest at Johns Hopkins University
In the competitive landscape of college admissions, demonstrated interest has become a pivotal factor that…
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Transfer Universities? Understanding Global Transfer Pathways
Transferring universities is a common consideration for students who may find that their initial choice…
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How to Think Like a Philosopher to Get into University
Valentine’s Day is often seen as a celebration of love, but today, we want to…
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Bologna Process, and How Does It Shape European Education?
For students considering studying in Europe, understanding the Bologna Process is essential. This framework, established…
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English-Taught Degrees in Asia: Options in Japan, Korea, and Taiwan
Asia has become an increasingly popular destination for international students, not only because of its…
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Get 50+ Expert-Selected SAT Practice Questions – FREE!
The SAT is one of the most important tests in your college admissions journey. But…
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University Spotlight: Sciences Po—France’s Premier Institution for Political Science”
Sciences Po, formally known as the Paris Institute of Political Studies, is one of the…
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Liberal Arts College in the U.S.
When considering higher education in the U.S., many international students focus on large research universities…
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The Nordic Advantage
Scandinavia has become an attractive destination for international students seeking high-quality education, affordability, and strong…
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Why Study in Ireland?
Ireland has emerged as a top destination for international students seeking high-quality education, especially in…
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What Does Holistic Growth Mean for High School Students?
Many universities emphasize a holistic admissions process, but what does holistic growth actually mean for…
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What major to study at University?
For FREE you can ask a university questions you have. Swansea University offers a Masterclass…
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Optional Essays and Interviews -U.S. College Supplemental Materials
For students applying to universities in the U.S., optional essays and interviews can often feel…
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Extracurriculars in Grade 9 – do they impact University Admissions?
For students aiming for competitive university admissions, the choices made in Grade 9 can set…
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UK – “Why Do You Want to Study This Course or Subject?”
The first part of the 2026 UK personal statement asks a seemingly straightforward question: “Why…
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Summer Program for University Admissions
Summer programs can be a game-changer for students aiming to stand out in their university…
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Academic Rigor – How to Show Universities You’re Challenging Yourself
When it comes to university applications, one term often used by admissions officers is academic…
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Super-Curriculars
When it comes to standing out in the competitive world of university applications, academics alone…
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“Unconditional” Offers in the USA
Unlike many other countries, the United States does not typically offer “conditional” university admissions. For…
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Conditional Offers in the UK
For students applying to universities in the United Kingdom, conditional offers are a cornerstone of…
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Double Major – worth it?
Choosing a double major is an ambitious and increasingly popular option for students aiming to…
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Sandwich Programs
What Is a Sandwich Program in the UK? When exploring university options in the UK,…
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What Universities Look For in an Application: Taking Control of the Controllables
When applying to universities, many students feel overwhelmed, believing that much of the admissions process…
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University Ranking and Salaries
When students begin their college application journey, one of the first tools they often explore…
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The 40-40-20 Rule: Building a University List
Choosing the right mix of colleges to apply to is one of the most critical…
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Preparing for the Transition: Middle School to High School
Moving from middle school to high school is an exciting but sometimes overwhelming journey. It’s…
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Deferral or Waitlisted – What’s your realistic chance?
Navigating the USA college admissions process can be both exciting and challenging, especially when outcomes…
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Choosing IB Courses When You’re Unsure About Your Future
One of the most challenging aspects of starting the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is…
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University Spotlight – ETH Zurich
When discussing the world’s best universities, ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology) consistently ranks…
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Selecting IGCSE Subjects: A Guide to Making the Right Choices
Transitioning from middle school to high school is a pivotal moment for students, and one…
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University Spotlight – The University of Amsterdam
The University of Amsterdam (UvA) is one of Europe’s most prestigious institutions, located in the…
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European Business School: EU Business School, IE, and EDHEC
Europe is home to some of the world’s most prestigious business schools, providing an excellent…
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IB vs. AP vs. A-Levels: Which Program Is Right for You?
When choosing a pre-university curriculum, the decision often comes down to three globally recognized programs:…
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Univeristy Spotlight – Skidmore College
Nestled in the vibrant city of Saratoga Springs, New York, Skidmore College is a liberal…
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What is a Russell Group University?
If you’re a Grade 12 student planning to study in the UK, you’ve probably come…
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Engineering in Canada: A Pathway to Innovation and Recognition
Canada’s engineering sector stands out globally, not just for its education but for its specialization…
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Application Deadlines
Applying to university is a time-sensitive process, but life doesn’t always follow a strict schedule.…
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Understanding the Australian ATAR
The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is a key component of university admissions in Australia.…
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When NOT to use a University Consultant
The idea of hiring a consultant to help with university applications is gaining popularity, but…
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Research University vs. Teaching University
When deciding where to pursue higher education, students are often faced with the choice between…