The College Corner Blog

Your complete guide to admissions, essays, and everything in between.

What Is the Ivy League? A Guide to the Eight Schools

What Is the Ivy League? A Guide to the Eight Schools

What is the Ivy League? Explore all eight Ivy League schools, their locations, academic differences, and tips for finding the right college fit.

Aiden Kjeldsen • September 17, 2026 • 5 min read

What is the Ivy League? Explore all eight Ivy League schools, their locations, academic differences, and tips for finding the right college fit.

Why Selective Colleges Are Requiring the SAT and ACT Again

Why Selective Colleges Are Requiring the SAT and ACT Again

Most colleges remain test-optional for fall 2027, but selective universities are restoring SAT and ACT requirements. Learn why and when to submit scores

Aiden Kjeldsen • September 3, 2026 • 5 min read

Most colleges remain test-optional for fall 2027, but selective universities are not. Learn why and when to submit scores.

Why Colleges Are Dropping Supplemental Essays, and What It Means for Students

Why Colleges Are Dropping Supplemental Essays, and What It Means for Students

Several selective colleges have reduced or eliminated supplemental essays for the 2026–27 admissions cycle. Here is why the shift matters and how students should adjust their application strategy

Aiden Kjeldsen • August 20, 2026 • 6 min read

Colleges are removing supplemental essays for 2026–27. Learn why applications may get easier to submit, but not necessarily easier to win.

How to Get Into Dartmouth: Strategies that matter

How to Get Into Dartmouth: Strategies that matter

Learn how to get into Dartmouth, from academic preparation and essays to extracurricular impact, demonstrated fit, and the college’s distinctive D-Plan.

Aiden Kjeldsen • January 19, 2026 • 6 min read

Essay strategy and insider-level insight into how Dartmouth evaluates applicants by fit, contribution, and trajectory.

How to Get Into Cornell: A Guide to Standing Out in a School-Specific Admission Process

How to Get Into Cornell: A Guide to Standing Out in a School-Specific Admission Process

Learn what it actually takes to stand out at Cornell University. An Ivy League institution where fit matters more than polish and where your outcome depends heavily on which college you apply to.

Aiden Kjeldsen • January 12, 2026 • 5 min read

This admissions guide outlines the strategies that consistently move the needle across Cornell's seven undergraduate colleges.

How to Get Into Penn: A Guide to Standing Out in a School-Specific Admission Process

How to Get Into Penn: A Guide to Standing Out in a School-Specific Admission Process

Learn what it actually takes to stand out at the University of Pennsylvania. This guide reflects 2025-2026 admissions realities, Penn's school-based review process, and the strategies that consistently move the needle.

Aiden Kjeldsen • January 12, 2026 • 5 min read

Essay strategy and insider-level insight into how Penn evaluates applicants by school, purpose, and trajectory, and not just raw stats.