Category: News

US Colleges and Universities and Extracurricular Activities

The “Liberal Arts” model of education favored by many US colleges and universities promotes the development of critical thinking and the broad value of learning from one’s peers over direct training for...

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Studying in Glasgow, Scotland

Glasgow, Scotland is home to several renowned and well-respected universities, including the University of Glasgow, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow Caledonian University, and Glasgow School of Art. Glasgow is one of the more...

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“To Test or Not to Test” as the SAT and ACT make a Comeback

At the end of 2023, we noted in our 2024 College Admission Trends and Predictions that “even in the current, widely test-optional admissions landscape, testing continues to occupy a lot of real...

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Comparing IE University (Spain) and Bocconi University (Italy)

If you are a student from the U.S., or an international student looking for a great college experience in Europe, consider IE University in Segovia, Spain or Bocconi University in Milan, Italy. ...

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Glasgow, Scotland: An Underrated Academic Destination

Glasgow, Scotland, beckons with its rich academic heritage and vibrant cultural scene, making it a prime destination for students seeking quality education and an unforgettable experience. Here’s a comprehensive overview of studying...

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The Importance of College Visits

An American phenomenon that is spreading to other countries – not unlike Levi’s and Coca-Cola in the 80’s and hopefully healthier than the bizarrely ubiquitous KFC – is the concept of touring...

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Getting Started with Applications Early!

Every November, we get some from international families of seniors seeking application assistance. Sacre bleu! Mamma mia! Or as my mother-in-law says, “Maria Petruchka Petrovna”! No, mi amigo, you must start early!...

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I’m on the Waitlist, now what?

It is finally March, and the independent schools are releasing their decisions. If you find yourself with a letter of acceptance to your top choice, congratulations – this part of your process...

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School 2024: What You Need to Know (Video Podcast with Don McMillan and Peter Olrich)

Tune in to Don and Peter’s discussion on School 2024: What You Need to Know.

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College 2024: What You Need to Know (Video Podcast with Don McMillan and Peter Olrich)

Tune in to Don and Peter’s discussion on College 2024: What You Need to Know.

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2023’s Educational Trends & Preview of 2024’s Admissions Landscape

Click the link below to view 2023’s Educational Trends & Preview of 2024’s Admissions Landscape.

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2023 Independent Schools Trends & Advice To Families And Schools For 2024

Photo: Rachel, Whiz, Bill, and Carolyn enjoying the new playground at Charles River School. 2023 Independent Schools Trends – and Advice to Families and Schools for 2024 Dear Families and Friends of...

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Therapeutic Planning: Trends from 2023 & Predictions for 2024

2023 Trends: What We Saw in Schools & Colleges Like boarding and independent day schools, the therapeutic field of private behavioral health schools and programs saw a large surge of students seeking...

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2024 College Admissions Trends and Predictions

In 2023, our team continued to prioritize post-pandemic travel, visiting campuses all throughout the US, Europe, Canada and the UK, deepening our relationships and knowledge, and taking the temperature of the higher...

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Writing Authentic Essays: Avoiding the Chat GPT Dark Side

Time for some trivia! Who said, “It’s against my programming to impersonate a deity”? If you answered C3PO, the beloved droid from the Star Wars movies, you’re right! For those of us...

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Why American Students Should Consider Pursuing a Full Undergraduate Degree Abroad

“Happy Birthday, Study Abroad! – Packing for One Year vs. Four” While the year 2023 will go down in history for many memorable events both notorious and noteworthy, you may not know...

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Write on: Organize your Essay Writing Early!

American universities love essays. Our College Planning Chair and Chief Outreach Officer for Student and Family Engagement Peter Olrich shares a video with tips for identifying and organizing all the essay writing...

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Spain vs. Italy: Comparing IE University and Bocconi

If you are a student from the U.S. or an international student looking for a great college experience in Europe, consider IE University in Spain or Bocconi University in Italy. Bocconi has...

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The Independent School Admissions Gazette

We are excited to launch our new newsletter, where we update you on the dynamic admissions landscape, and invite you to explore the only directory providing thorough and unbiased boarding school data...

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SCOTUS Race-Conscious Admissions Ruling’s Impact on College and Independent School Admissions

Yesterday, as expected, SCOTUS struck down existing race-based admissions policies, deeming “many universities have for too long wrongly concluded that the touchstone of an individual’s identity is not challenges bested, skills built,...

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Don’t Forget to Read this Summer. Your Brain Depends on It!

Read. Read. Read. It’s advice given ad infinitum to children from preschool all the way through high school. There are well documented reasons that back up this recommendation, some of which I...

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What You Need to Know: Special Needs 2022 Trends and 2023 Predictions

Special Needs 2022 Trends and 2023 Predictions Like our traditional school and college practices, our special needs group spent a great deal of time in 2022 getting back on the road visiting...

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What You Need to Know: 2022 College Trends and Predictions for 2023

In 2022, our team of 18 college counselors loved getting back on the road, zigzagging across the country to revisit campuses throughout the U.S., as well as many universities in Europe, Canada...

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What You Need to Know: 2022 Independent School Trends and 2023 Predictions

Dear Families and Friends of McMillan Education, As the admissions landscapes have continued to shift dramatically in these uncertain times, we are writing as is our custom to summarize the trends and...