Axios Tutoring & College Pathways

Class of 2026: Parent testimonial | Davidson College

Hi Manjri
Casey is headed to Davidson. I feel that her SAT scores and grades were paramount. Also, many of her extracurricular curricular activities illustrated that she was invested in making the community (and peers) around her better. Davidson has a peer recommendation which I think carries some weight in corroborating their view of how you will fit into their culture/campus vibe.

Our take:

1. Test optional is not a real pathway for most students
2. Not applying early decision is likely a mistake
3. Most families don’t understand that colleges are, firstly, comparing an applicant to the overall profile of their own high school
4. Unless a school is getting an unmanageable amount of applications, demonstrated interest can tip the scales

We never thanked Zach for his work with Casey – please pass our gratitude on.

The SAT and ACT are accepted equally by colleges. But they are not the same test. They differ in: • pacing • timing pressure • question structure • reading style • math approach • overall testing experience This is why ACT vs SAT comparison testing is a core part of our intake process before beginning preparation. Many students naturally align better with one format over the other, and identifying that early helps create a more intentional preparation strategy. This conversation has become increasingly important as more students begin submitting scores again. Recent Common App data showed: • applicants reporting test scores increased year over year • applicants not reporting scores declined At the same time, several highly selective institutions—including Harvard, Yale, Dartmouth, Brown, and MIT—have reinstated testing requirements or strongly encouraged score submission in recent cycles. For many students, testing strategy is no longer simply about “optional vs required.” It is about: • preserving flexibility • understanding where scores strengthen an application • identifying the test format that best fits the student The goal is not preparing harder. It is preparing smarter. Comment “COMPARE” and we’ll send you our SAT vs ACT comparison guide. #SATPrep #ACTPrep #CollegeAdmissions #CollegePlanning #HighSchoolStudents

Turning chaos into a college essay that actually sounds like you is hard. Let us help you. #college #essay #essaywriting #highschool

🌞Unlock a summer of learning, creativity, and connection. 🎨Our middle and high school programs are designed to spark passion, build confidence, and open new pathways. Explore the full catalog and find your next challenge. For pricing, visit our website: https://www.axiospathways.com/upcoming-classes #summer2026 #middleschool #highschool

Campus tours play an important role in not only creating a college list, but making a final decision on where to go. But, these tours are crafted to show you a specific experience. To get the most out of a college tour, comment ‘Tour’ and I will work with you to help you create a college list you’re excited to apply to. 🌟 #college #highschool #admissions #campus

Happy National Commitment Day! Our students work so hard to get into their dream school and we’re so incredibly excited to see all the amazing things they’ll do in the future. 🥳🎊 #nationalcommitmentday #committed #college #university #classof2026

The skills students learn in high school translate to their time in college. How they study now could make life easier or harder for them once they get to university. #highschool #study #university #college #studyinspiration

Forget the pressure. Focus on the fit. Your future self will thank you. #college #admissions #highschool #senioryear

College visits are designed to show you the best version of a college. What actually matters is what you look for beyond that. The conversations you have. The questions you ask. Schools are looking for clear, specific connections to their community, not just why you like the school. To write a better essay, click the link in the bio 📝📝 #college #essays #admissions #2026

Do these 4 things before senior year and watch everything fall into place 🗂️ #highschool #college #admissions #checklist #junioryear