Breaking News: Harvard Expands Free Tuition + Must-Know Admissions Tips

Welcome to this week’s edition of College Admission Secrets, your go-to resource for navigating the college admissions journey with clarity and confidence.

In this issue:

• 🔎 College Admissions & Activities – How many AP or honors classes should your student take? Find the right balance between challenge and burnout.

• 🏫 Insider College Spotlight – Why UC Irvine is a top choice for students interested in STEM, research, and career preparation.

• 💰 Scholarship of the Week – Districts Make the Difference Video Contest.

• 🔥 Quick Admissions Tip – How to secure strong letters of recommendation that impress top colleges.

• 🎯 Hidden Opportunity – Dual Enrollment:

• 📅 Weekly Action Plan – Grade-by-grade tasks to help students stay on track with college planning.

• 📺 Must-Watch Training – How to make extracurricular activities stand out on college applications with leadership, impact, and clear storytelling.

No matter where your student is in the process, we are here to help. Let’s dive in!

📅 LATEST COLLEGE ADMISSIONS NEWS

Harvard Expands Free Tuition Program

Harvard University just announced a major expansion of its financial aid program, making the cost of attendance completely free for families earning less than $100,000 per year.

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Full Cost Covered – Students from families making under $100,000 will have tuition, food, housing, health insurance, and travel costs fully covered.

• Free Tuition for Families Earning $200,000 or Less – Even if your family earns up to $200,000, tuition alone will be free.

• More Middle-Income Support – This move is part of a larger trend among top colleges to expand access and affordability. Schools like MIT, Carnegie Mellon, and UPenn have also introduced new tuition-free policies for certain income brackets.

🎓 What This Means for Families

This is a game-changer for middle-income and lower-income students aiming for Ivy League schools. If you are targeting top colleges, it is more important than ever to understand financial aid policies and maximize opportunities.

📅 WEEKLY ACTION PLAN

Week of March 18th

9th Grade

• Reflect on first semester: What worked? What could be improved? Adjust study habits accordingly.

• Research and explore summer programs or internships that align with interests.

• Continue tracking extracurricular activities and leadership roles in a simple document or spreadsheet.

10th Grade

• Start researching summer programs or internships related to your future major.

• Take a full-length PSAT or SAT/ACT practice test to assess strengths and weaknesses.

• If applicable, confirm AP test registration and create a study plan.

11th Grade

• Visit 2-3 college websites and research admissions requirements, including GPA, test scores, and extracurricular expectations.

• Finalize a preliminary college list and start looking into scholarship opportunities.

• If considering summer college programs, check deadlines and start applications if needed.

12th Grade

• Confirm FAFSA submission and check for any required financial aid documents.

• If waitlisted at a top-choice school, draft a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI).

• If comparing offers, use a college cost calculator to break down financial aid packages and projected costs.

❓ PARENT QUESTION OF THE WEEK

How many AP or honors classes should my student take?

The right number of advanced courses depends on your student’s strengths, goals, and college aspirations. Here’s how to strike the right balance:

• Challenge vs. Burnout: Colleges love rigor, but not at the expense of mental health. Choose a schedule that’s demanding yet manageable.

• College Expectations: Top schools expect a strong AP/Honors load, while others prioritize well-rounded students. Research the expectations of target colleges.

• Passion & Strengths Matter: It’s better to excel in 3-4 APs that align with interests than struggle with 6-7 just for the sake of rigor.

• Balance with Extracurriculars: A loaded schedule shouldn’t come at the cost of leadership, service, or unique passions outside the classroom.

Bottom Line: Select a course load that maximizes strengths, aligns with goals, and allows room for both challenge and personal growth

📢 INSIDER COLLEGE SPOTLIGHT

Insider College Spotlight: University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)

UC Irvine is a top-ranked public university known for its cutting-edge research, strong pre-med and engineering programs, and commitment to innovation. Located in Orange County, it offers a balance of academic excellence and an active student life, with access to beaches, internships, and a thriving tech and healthcare industry nearby.

Why Consider UC Irvine?

✅ STEM Powerhouse: Highly ranked programs in biological sciences, computer science, engineering, and public health.
✅ Undergraduate Research: Home to top medical and engineering research labs, giving students hands-on experience.
✅ Diverse & Inclusive: A leader in first-gen student support and a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI).
✅ Campus Life: A modern campus with a strong emphasis on sustainability, student wellness, and career preparation.

Financial Aid Perk

💰 UC Irvine participates in the Blue & Gold Opportunity Plan, covering UC tuition for California families earning under $80,000 per year.

💰 SCHOLARSHIP OF THE WEEK

Each week, we handpick a favorite scholarship that is currently accepting applications. Here are this week's opportunities:

Districts Make the Difference Video Contest

• Award Amount: $2,000

• Deadline: March 31, 2025

• Eligibility: Open to U.S. high school students in grades 9 through 12. Participants are required to create a short video, no longer than 60 seconds, that highlights the impact of special districts in local communities across the United States. Entries will be evaluated based on accuracy, creativity, production quality, and entertainment value. Additional prize money will be awarded to the teachers of the winning students to promote technology and support distance learning.

🔥 QUICK ADMISSIONS TIP

Ivy League Admissions - What You May Not Know…

Most families assume Ivy League admissions are only about perfect grades, test scores, and activities. What they don’t realize is that Ivy League schools shape their incoming class based on specific priorities each year.

Colleges are not just looking for the best students. They are building a balanced class. Some years, they need more students in underrepresented STEM fields. Other years, they might be prioritizing humanities majors or students from certain geographic areas.

This means two equally qualified students can have very different chances of admission depending on how well they fit what the school needs. If you apply for an oversaturated major like economics or pre-med, your competition will be tougher. If you position yourself in a niche area that aligns with the school’s academic goals, you may have a stronger chance.

Researching what each Ivy League school is emphasizing can give you a strategic edge. Look at recent news, faculty hires, and new research initiatives to see where the school is investing resources. The more your application aligns with what they are looking for, the better your chances of standing out.

For an in-depth understanding of what Ivy League schools seek in applicants and strategies to enhance your application, consider attending our upcoming training session. This free webinar will dive into the nuances of the admissions process, offering valuable insights to strengthen your application.

Secure your spot by registering at the link below:

🎯 HIDDEN OPPORTUNITY OF THE WEEK

Dual Enrollment – Earn College Credit in High School

Dual Enrollment lets high school students take real college courses, earning both high school and college credit. It’s a great way to save money, get ahead, and stand out on college applications.

✅ Save on tuition – Many dual enrollment courses are free or low-cost.
✅ Earn college credit early – Get a head start on general education requirements.
✅ Experience college rigor – Prepare for the transition with real college coursework.

📺 MUST-WATCH TRAINING

Make Your Activities Shine on College Applications

Your extracurricular activities can significantly impact your college applications. Here's how to present them effectively:​

• Highlight Leadership and Impact: Emphasize roles where you led initiatives or made tangible contributions. For example, instead of just "Member of Environmental Club," say "Led a recycling campaign that increased school-wide recycling by 25%."

• Be Specific and Quantify Achievements: Detail your accomplishments with clear metrics. For instance, "Organized a charity run that raised $5,000 for local shelters," provides concrete evidence of your impact.

• Showcase Commitment and Growth: Demonstrate long-term dedication and personal development within your activities. Colleges value sustained involvement and progression in roles. ​

• Align Activities with Your Narrative: Ensure your extracurriculars reflect your passions and the story you present in your application. Consistency between your interests and activities strengthens your overall profile.

By thoughtfully articulating your extracurriculars, you can provide admissions committees with a compelling picture of your involvement and potential.

ONE QUICK FAVOR

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