USA Fencing Summer Nationals 2025 Recap
From June 29th to July 8th, USA Fencing hosted the 2025 USA Fencing Summer Nationals at the Wisconsin Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Thousands of athletes from across the country came together to compete in the largest fencing tournament in the world. In collaboration with USA Fencing, InGenius Prep is proud to share a brief recap […]
What Is Cumulative GPA? Explanation, Importance, and Grade Calculations
Your grade point average (GPA) is one of the most important aspects of your college applications. While colleges and universities consider other factors when accepting students, your GPA is an indicator of your academic performance and potential for success with a rigorous college curriculum. However, there are different types of GPAs, including the cumulative GPA. […]
3 Books Every Applicant (and Parent) Should Read About Writing
By Lindsey Kundel, Senior Content Manager, InGenius Prep If May is about understanding the landscape, June is about getting to work—especially when it comes to the college essay. For many rising seniors, summer break is the best window to draft (or at least brainstorm) a compelling personal statement. But before staring down a blank Google […]
The New Ivies and the Truth About Test-Optional
What Today’s Applicants Need to Know By Lindsey Kundel, Senior Content Manager, InGenius Prep The last few years have radically reshaped how students apply to college. The rise of test-optional policies during the pandemic felt, to many, like a long-overdue correction—a chance to focus on potential over privilege, story over scores. But beneath the surface […]
Boston University Notable Alumni
Founded in 1839 by a group of Boston Methodists, Boston University is ranked #41 in national universities and boasts over 37,000 students from over 140 countries.[1] The private research university in Boston, Massachusetts, has 17 schools and colleges with over 300 programs of study, including the College of Fine Arts, the Questrom School of Business, […]
3 Essential Admissions Books to Kick Off Summer
As summer begins and the pace (hopefully) slows down, it’s a great time for families to take a breath and reflect. Whether your student is gearing up to apply this fall or just starting to explore possibilities, these three admissions books offer clarity in a season that can often feel murky. I’ve personally returned to […]
The Role of Passion Projects in Building a Compelling Narrative
Ask any parent or student what matters most in college admissions, and you’ll hear a familiar list: test scores, grades, leadership roles, volunteer hours. The standard extracurricular checklist. As a longtime educator who’s taught thousands of students across middle and high school—from Chicago to Taipei—I’ve seen how real growth happens not through checklists, but through […]
What Are the Little Ivy Schools and How Do They Compare to the Ivy League?
The “Ivy League” group of universities are prestigious private schools known for their academic excellence, selectivity, and strong athletics. Academic powerhouses like Harvard, Yale, Columbia, and Princeton are dream schools for many students. However, these Northeastern schools are not the only ones with a reputation for excellence. There are other colleges and universities that are […]
2025–2026 Test Optional Colleges: What You Need to Know
2025–2026 Test Optional Colleges: What You Need to Know Over the last several admissions cycles, many colleges and universities have reexamined their standardized testing policies. While some institutions have chosen to reinstate test requirements, others continue to maintain test optional or test blind policies, offering students more flexibility in how they present themselves during the […]
From Middle School to Lifelong Leadership: Why Now Is the Moment to Build Your Child’s Future
Middle school doesn’t always get the respect it deserves. It’s often treated as a waiting room before “real” education begins — a phase marked by mood swings, social drama, and awkward transitions. But what if we’ve been underestimating this stage all along? In my former life as an eighth-grade drama teacher in Chicago, the “leader” […]