Jeff Knox, PrepMatters' Director of Educational Planning, discusses the decision by the University of Chicago to make standardized tests optional for undergraduate applicants.

Letters of recommendation confirm your strengths and distinguish you from other students. As your teachers talk about you as a whole person, they also offer third-party support for the narrative about yourself that you share in your college essay.

Get a head start on your college essay with these common application prompts.

The transition from middle school to high school can be one of those classic opportunities for a fresh start.

The statistics on smartphone use and mental health are both compelling and concerning. The time is right to consider your own personal needs and find the best way to stay connected – to both the demands of technology and the people around you.

With AP exams rapidly approaching, here are some short bits of advice about the last days of studying and the test-day experience itself from our tutors for some of the most popular tests our students take. Above all else, remember to keep calm — you’ve got this!

Both the SAT and ACT will be offered this summer: see if you should sign up to test.

Online tutoring is so convenient, but we still confront a few challenges to seamless, efficient tutoring sessions. Here are my top four online tutoring frustrations and what I do to help students learn despite them.

A review of essay prompts can be a great way to prepare for the writing process. A creative prompt may just the spark a fresh perspective or a new insight about yourself. And, this new idea could go on to inspire your main essay, after you’re well rested and ready to start writing your college essay.

Compare the outdoor-focused programs at the University of Colorado and the University of Vermont. PrepMatters feature College Cousins compares relationships among college programs with similar themes, academic programs, or student cultures.