AI–powered advice for navigating the college planning process throughout high school. Use our proprietary analytics to craft a successful application strategy.

Joined February 2025
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Harvard faculty recently voted to limit the number of A grades awarded in undergraduate courses beginning in 2027. The move follows growing concerns around grade inflation, with A grades making up 60% of undergraduate grades in 2025, up from 24% in 2005. #nextfour #admission
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As universities expand AI education, schools like Northwestern are launching AI majors, while Stanford is reshaping its AI and data science programs. Career preparation is becoming more interdisciplinary, a trend likely to grow across higher education. #nextfour #college
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As the school year comes to a close, juniors should remember that stronger recommendation letters often come from teachers who have observed consistent engagement and growth over time. Finishing strong in courses with potential recommenders can make a meaningful difference.
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Yale recently released a report on how colleges, including itself, can rebuild public trust in higher education. The report focuses on admissions transparency, affordability, grade inflation, and free speech, while acknowledging universities’ role in declining trust. #nextfour
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Nearly 40% of recent college graduates are underemployed, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. As hiring becomes more selective, aligning college, major, internships, and skill development with job market demand is becoming increasingly important. #nextfour #college
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Nearly 40% of recent graduates are underemployed, working in roles that don’t require a bachelor’s degree. As the job market evolves, aligning college, major, and skill development with employment outcomes is becoming increasingly important for long-term success.
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For the first time since 2012, per-student public funding has declined. While state support rose 2.6%, enrollment increased by 3.6%, reducing funding per student to $12,082. As demand grows, resource allocation is becoming a more critical factor in higher education.
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Many students focus heavily on building their profile but spend less time thinking about how they will present it. A well-structured application that clearly connects your academics, activities, and interests can make your story more compelling.
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While academics matter most, campus environment can still shape the college experience. Architecture, design, and surroundings contribute to daily life. Explore some of the most visually appealing U.S. campuses: shorturl.at/xEDqq #nextfour #studyinusa #collegestudents

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For sophomores and juniors, remember to think ahead about your summer plans and focus on what excites you. Selective colleges care a lot about how students use their summers. For instance, Stanford University asks what applicants did in the last two summers. #nextfour #college
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Stress from college applications continue to be a real concern. 73% of respondents report high stress during the application process, according to a 2026 Princeton Review survey. As competition increases, navigating admissions is becoming more complex for students. #nextfour
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According to a Princeton Review survey, when considering the ideal distance between college and home, 47% of parents indicate fewer than 250 miles, compared to 33% of students. This highlights the differing perspectives families may have in the college selection process. #plan
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Common App essay prompts will remain the same for 2026–2027. For 2025–2026, “topic of your choice” was most popular (28%), followed by "adversity" (23%) and "personal growth" (20%). "Challenging an idea" (3%) was the least popular prompt. #nextfour #collegeadmissions #studyinusa
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College application volume continues to trend upward. Through February 1, 2026, Common App reports a 5% increase in total applications compared to the same point last year, with over 1.4M applicants submitting more than 9.1M applications, highlighting continued growth. #nextfour
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For juniors considering applying to Ivy League colleges this fall, note that most Ivies have reinstated standardized testing requirements. Exceptions include Princeton (returning to test-required in 2027–2028) and Columbia University, which has a permanent test-optional policy.
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At many universities, research opportunities are available to undergraduates earlier than expected. Interested students should identify faculty research interests, explore department websites, and use the undergraduate research office for programs and funding where available.
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For high school students selecting electives for next year, consider taking a second class with a teacher you may ask for a recommendation letter. Additional exposure can help build familiarity and provide a stronger foundation for a more detailed and impactful letter.
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University of Southern California is introducing an Early Decision option starting with the Class of 2027. Does this make you: A) More likely to apply early B) Less likely to apply early Early Decision can improve admission chances but also limits flexibility! #nextfour
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Time Magazine has released its 2026 global university rankings. Top 5: Oxford, Yale, Stanford, MIT, UChicago. Time ranks UChicago notably higher than the NextFour metrankings, which aggregate 7 prominent college ranking publications. #nextfour #collegerankings #universityranking
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The number of students majoring in computer science across the University of California in 2025 declined by 6% from the prior year. While still an exceedingly popular major, this shift reflects changing student perspectives and uncertaintly on the effects of AI on coding jobs.
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