Sign In

Login

our BLOG

Stay informed and inspired with Empowerly news.

Find the latest college admissions news, tips, resources and more.

UC Application Tips: How to Prepare for When the Portal Opens

UC application tips to stay ahead: Learn key steps, tasks, and timelines to prepare before the UC portal opens on August 1. Don’t wait!

What are the Best Engineering Colleges in the U.S.?

If you are debating which engineering college to go to, consider these tips to help you pick the best one for you.

25 Best Business Schools For Undergraduates (2025 Edition)

Looking to major in business for your undergraduate degree? Here are the top business schools for undergrads in the United States!

Carnegie Mellon Acceptance Rate: How Hard Is It to Get In?

What is driving Carnegie Mellon’s shrinking acceptance rate — and more importantly, what does this mean for today’s high school students?

Essay Scoop: How to Answer University of Washington Essays

The University of Washington application evaluates student candidates holistically, emphasizing more than grades and scores. That means that the essays you submit are absolutely critical! Your writing needs to effectively tell your story to reviewers and convince them that you should be at their school. Let's take a look at the prompts you're working with to make sure your essays hit the right note.

Boost Your Test Scores with 3 Easy Fixes

If you're down to the wire and looking for some quick and dirty tips for how to boost your test scores quickly, here are three easy fixes to improve your results.

Calculating Your Financial FAFSA Facts

The sooner you submit, the better—”and yes, you SHOULD submit one! Calculating your FAFSA information will be worth the payoff later. Before you sit down to fill it out, here are some things you need to know in order to get the most aid possible.Â

Are You an Introvert or Extrovert in the Classroom?

Participation points can be nearly impossible to quantify. Teachers each have their own metrics, and you don't typically receive a rubric for how to demonstrate your engagement best over time. While each class will differ, knowing more about yourself as a student will help you succeed regardless. Introverts and extroverts both have unique qualities to bring to their learning environments—”you just have to play to your strengths!Â

Top Schools for Undergraduate Research in 2019

Undergraduate research remains one of the most sought-after qualities in the college search. Students want to know how, when, and where to find opportunities for hands-on projects. Not only do these research projects allow students to express creativity, take control of their education, and delve deeper into their specific interests, it's a great way to demonstrate leadership and initiative on your resume—”for any career you want to pursue. From humanities to STEM, opportunities to produce independent work under the supervision of a highly-qualified faculty member are a golden ticket to standing out. Convinced? Here is a run-down of the top spots for undergraduate research in 2019.

Networking Like a Pro

If you cringe at the thought of new social situations, the word "networking" can bring up some negative connotations. Like it or not, networking won't go away - in fact, as you get older, it gets even more important! But it doesn't have to be painful. Whether you're a social butterfly or shy bookworm, you can always improve your networking skills to get the best results. Here are 7 easy tips for building a great network of connections.

What Should I Write for Optional Essays?

Picture this: college app deadlines are looming and you're hard at work on your applications. You've compiled and narrowed down a college list, made a strategy for presenting your extracurriculars, and started brainstorming and drafting your essays. Good for you! On top of all this work, you notice that a few of your applications allow for that perplexing, dark horse component: the optional essay.Â

Free College? It’s More Likely Than You Might Think

For most students, college is expensive.Â Each year, the costs of attending rise, and show no signs of slowing. Between tuition, textbooks, lab materials, and room and board—”the path to a diploma exacts a large price. Yet degrees remain highly in demand. Families are asking: how can we afford it?Â

Your Survival Guide to Self-Started Activities

If you do decide to strike out on your own with self-started activities, we have some advice to help you on your way.Â

Sign up for our newsletter

Stay updated on college admissions trends with Empowerly’s blog for tips on improving test scores, GPA, and acing applications.