When colleges accept students the good news is often accompanied by a caveat. Welcome to our freshman class, we can’t wait to see you on campus, but don’t forget that we expect the rest of your senior year to show the same high level of work and admirable behavior that you displayed on your application. [...]

You may be reading about record application totals, but they are largely going to the institutions that already have plenty. Other colleges are not doing well. Common App data point to declines from low-income students. Many colleges outside the top ones -- public and private alike -- are not having a good year in admissions. [...]

We haven't finished one full admissions cycle in a year dominated by the test optional trend and colleges are already extending and expanding their policies.Cornell, Penn, Penn State, Rutgers, Baylor, Williams, and Amherst have all announced that the SAT and ACT will not be required for next year, and in some cases, beyond. Get ready. [...]