University Admissions Simplified...

The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) , located in Pasadena, California, is one of the world’s most elite and intellectually intense private research universities. Founded in 1891 , Caltech is renowned for its outsized impact on science and engineering despite its remarkably small size. The institution consistently ranks among the top 5 universities globally , and is regarded as one of the most selective STEM-focused universities in the world. Caltech has deep inst

Established in 1912, Rice University  is a private research university located in Houston, Texas. Guided by its motto,  Unconventional Wisdom , the university promotes innovative thinking and the pursuit of knowledge that extends beyond conventional academic boundaries. Known for its rigorous academics, collaborative culture, and world-class research opportunities, Rice consistently ranks among the top 20 national universities in the United States. Its strong emphasis on both

Emory University, located in the historic Druid Hills of Atlanta, Georgia, is a world-renowned private research institution, originally founded in 1836, often referred to as a "Southern Ivy." It is particularly famous for its close partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , which sits adjacent to the campus. Emory is positioned at #24 among National Universities , as per the 2026 U.S. News & World Report,  while its nursing school and biomedical e

In 2026, US college admissions are undergoing a quiet but consequential transformation. After a few years of test-optional policies that reshaped how applicants were evaluated, standardized testing is steadily returning to the center of decision-making at Ivy Leagues and other top US universities. The SAT, once temporarily sidelined during the pandemic and its aftermath, is again being reinstated as a required component of the admissions process. For applicants, this shift ca

Every SAT year has its own personality. 2025, in particular, was revealing. Having worked closely with students across every SAT attempt in 2025 , one pattern became unmistakably clear to us: the SAT rewards strategy just as much as skill . Raw intelligence helps, but what truly separates a good score from a great one is how  students prepare, how  they allocate time, and how  they approach questions under pressure. This article is especially useful for students who are 3–6 m

Choosing the right engineering branch can feel like stepping into a massive, buzzing lab—machines whirring, circuits sparking, robots moving, formulas flying—and asking yourself, Where do I actually belong? The truth is, the branch you choose will shape not just your college years, but the kind of engineer and the kind of innovator you become. Whether you dream of coding algorithms that change the world, designing machines that defy limits, or building systems that keep citie

When choosing between the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and A-Levels, the decision ultimately rests on whether a student prefers a broad, holistic educational experience or a deep, specialized focus. The IBDP is renowned for its comprehensive, multi-disciplinary structure, requiring students to study six subjects across diverse fields—including mathematics, sciences, and humanities—alongside the "Core" requirements: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extend

Choosing a country for higher education isn’t only about universities and courses — families also want to understand what happens after graduation . Does the student get time to stay, work, and gain professional experience? Or must they return immediately? It's the right question. Because a degree is just the beginning. What really matters is whether your child gets the chance to gain real work experience, build their career, and make the investment worthwhile. The good news?

Imagine walking into a classroom that feels more like a launchpad than a checklist, where lessons push you to think differently, discussions spark new ideas, and every subject you choose brings you closer to who you want to be. That’s the spirit of A Levels . A Levels are designed for students who love to dive deep. Instead of skimming across many subjects, you get to focus on the ones that truly excite you whether that’s Physics and Math, Literature and History, or Art and D

In today's competitive business landscape, pursuing an MBA has become a strategic career move for professionals aiming to accelerate their growth, transition industries, or launch entrepreneurial ventures. While academic credentials and standardized test scores remain important, work experience has emerged as a crucial differentiator in the MBA admissions process.  Most leading business schools across the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, and Australia now accept bot

Choosing between CBSE, IGCSE, and IB is often a matter of aligning a student’s learning style with their future academic goals. CBSE is the most structured and standardized board in India, focusing heavily on a theoretical foundation in Math and Science; its syllabus is closely aligned with national entrance exams like JEE and NEET, making it the premier choice for students targeting top Indian engineering or medical colleges. In contrast, the IGCSE offers a middle ground o

Introduction For many ambitious high school students aspiring to become doctors, the path to medical school can seem long, stressful, and uncertain. In the United States, the traditional route to becoming a physician requires students to first complete a 4-year undergraduate (bachelor's) degree in any major, during which they must complete specific pre-medical coursework in subjects like biology, chemistry, and physics. After graduation, students must prepare for and take the

On Thursday, October 9, Princeton University announced that it is returning to standardized testing (SAT and ACT) for the 2027-28 admissions cycle. Many top universities had waived off test score requirements during the covid pandemic due to logistical issues – most of them have now brought back testing. Dartmouth (Feb 2024), Brown University (Mar 2024), Harvard (April 2024), Cornell (April 2024), University of Pennsylvania (Feb 2025) and now Princeton have reinstated standa

The night sky has always been a source of wonder and curiosity, inspiring generations to look up and ponder the mysteries of the universe. From ancient astronomers who mapped the stars to modern scientists probing black holes and distant galaxies, astrophysics has evolved into a dynamic and exciting discipline. For students captivated by the cosmos, pursuing a career in astrophysics offers the chance to explore the fundamental laws that govern our universe and contribute to d

The world of forensic science has captured imaginations through countless crime shows. In India, the long-running series CID made Dr. Salunkhe a household name, sparking widespread curiosity about how science helps solve crimes. Beyond television, the real field is even more fascinating and complex. Forensic science is a multidisciplinary field that combines cutting-edge science with detective work, where professionals use laboratory techniques to solve mysteries that matter

Over the last few years we have interacted with thousands of students aiming for Ivy Leagues, Stanford, MIT, Oxbridge, Imperial College, LSE and other top universities. One common thread with most of the successful applicants is their clarity about their objective and hence starting their preparation early. With strategic planning over the four years of high school, these students methodically built a compelling profile showcasing their academic excellence, robust co-curricul

Embarking on an academic journey to the United States as an international student requires more than just university acceptance; it...

US University Admissions 2026 Important Changes. Learn about the changes to common app, standardized testing, EA vs ED changes and more.

What does it take to shine amidst a sea of ambitious high school students competing for a coveted spot at a top university?   A research paper might be your secret weapon . More than a classroom assignment, it’s an opportunity to dive deeply into a topic that sparks your curiosity—whether it’s unraveling the mystery of dying coral reefs or exploring how artificial intelligence is reshaping our world. Crafting a research paper empowers you to pose bold questions, seek answers

If you’ve been looking online for tips to score 800 on the SAT Reading & Writing section, you’ve probably come across vague advice like “Read more books”  or “Use the process of elimination.” That kind of advice isn’t useless — it’s just not nearly enough, especially if you are targeting the elusive 800 on the SAT Reading & Writing. Over the years, our team at EZScholar has worked with hundreds of students across the ability spectrum, and we've noticed something remarkable: t