College Bound

08/15/2026

Boston University announces new BU Promise program, which will eliminate loans from need-based packages and offers other significant financial aid benefits.

The BU Promise eliminates loans and simplifies undergraduate financial aid for domestic students

08/08/2026

Beginning in fall 2027, the University of Michigan will assign pass/no credit grades rather than traditional letter grades during the first semester for all incoming students.

Starting in fall 2027, the University of Michigan’s College of Literature, Science, & the Arts will assign pass/no credit grades to new students for the first semester.

08/05/2026

The ‘Fraud Squad’ at Caltech Will Catch You if You Lie on Your Application

Investigators at the college vet every admitted student’s application as schools nationwide battle AI-fueled cheating.

08/01/2026

The Common App is open...but don't rush to hit submit.

August is for refining your essay, updating your activities list, and getting your application ready—not racing to be first.

Read our latest blog: https://www.collegebound-md.com/college-bound-blog/common-app-opens-august-1-what-it-means

Questions? We're here to help.
📧 [email protected]
📞 301.765.7909

07/29/2026

Another school has dropped its supplemental essays: GA Tech!

Georgia Tech’s first-year application for undergraduate admission will no longer require the Georgia Tech short-answer question beginning in the 2027 application cycle. Students will still be required to complete the Common App personal essay. This decision comes as the Office of Undergraduate Adm...

07/29/2026

Early Decision. Early Action. Restrictive Early Action. Early Decision 2.

They sound similar, but they can lead to very different admissions strategies.

Our newest blog explains what each option means, when it makes sense to apply early, and how financial aid should factor into your decision.

Every student's path is different, and choosing the right application strategy can make a meaningful difference.

📖 Read the full blog: https://www.collegebound-md.com/college-bound-blog/early-decision-vs-early-action-early-application-programs

Questions about your student's college application plan? Reach out to us at [email protected] or 301.765.7909. We're happy to help.

07/27/2026

In the past, many of our students interested in applying to Wake Forest were scared off by its numerous admissions essays. Wake just announced that it will have fewer essays this year! 

We know that many rising seniors are eager to know the details about Wake Forest’s application process; today’s post should be helpful to those students as they plan and prepare to click the submit button.

07/24/2026

College Board has announced the 2027 AP Exam Dates. The 2027 AP Exams will be administered in schools over two weeks in May: May 3–7 and May 10–14.

AP Exams are administered each year in May. Find dates for each exam here.

07/21/2026

Georgetown is set to join The Common Application this fall, for the first time ever. Its application will contain two long essays and two short essays -- one of which includes the increasingly popular different viewpoints prompt.

This fall will mark Georgetown’s first appearance on the Common Application, an online system that compiles college applications.

07/18/2026

How Many Colleges Should You Apply To? Our blog explains how to build a balanced college list and apply strategically without feeling overwhelmed.

Wondering how many colleges you should apply to? Check out expert advice so you can develop a well-rounded application list.