Category Archives: admissions

admissions, in the news, parenting

BYU Acceptance Letter Mistake 2026: Rejected Students Told They Were Accepted Again

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BYU acceptance letter mistake

In February 2024 thousands of hopeful applicants experienced what every high school senior dreams about followed swiftly by heartbreak. Brigham Young University accidentally sent acceptance notices to students who had actually been denied admission. The congratulatory emails went out prematurely because of a system error, only for many recipients to later receive corrected rejection notices. This BYU acceptance letter mistake was a painful emotional roller coaster for families who had already begun celebrating.

Fast forward to February 2026, and a strikingly similar mistake happened again.

According to news reports, the university mistakenly sent congratulatory acceptance messages to nine students who had been rejected. When those applicants logged into their admissions portals, they saw “You’re accepted!” only to later find the message replaced by a rejection after the error was discovered and corrected. BYU has since apologized to those affected and acknowledged that the mistake caused confusion and disappointment.

One of the students affected, 18-year-old Owen Johansen, captured the emotional whiplash many experienced. “At first when I was accepted, I was really excited,” Owen told local media, a reaction that’s easy to imagine for anyone who has waited anxiously for college news. But when the acceptance notice was replaced with a rejection, his feelings turned sharply negative: “I was really mad,” he said, adding that he felt the situation could’ve been handled “way better.”

Owen’s mother, Talai Johansen, also spoke out, expressing how the family was initially thrilled and urging the university to offer more than just a formal apology. She suggested they consider admitting the mistakenly rejected students because “it is the right thing to do.” I have to agree with her.

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admissions, FAFSA, Resources

College Application and FAFSA Deadlines

college deadlines

If the college admissions process feels overwhelming, you’re not imagining it. Senior year comes with stacked deadlines, unfamiliar acronyms, and high-stakes decisions — often all at once.

This guide breaks down college application deadlines (ED, EA, RD, and rolling) and FAFSA deadlines at both the federal and state level, so parents can help their students stay organized, avoid costly mistakes, and maximize financial aid.

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admissions, college planning, college prep

How to Improve Your Teen’s Chances of Admission to College

chances of admission

Getting into college today feels very different than it did even a decade ago. Acceptance rates are lower, applications are up, and many students are applying to 10, 15, or even 20 schools. For parents of college-bound teens, the process can feel overwhelming and high stakes.

The good news is that college admissions is not a mystery. There are concrete steps parents can take to help their teens build a strong, competitive application over time. This guide breaks down what colleges look for and how families can support students in improving their chances of admission without burning out or losing perspective.

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admissions, college costs, college planning, financial aid, financial planning

How Rising Tuition Is Reshaping What College Costs

college costs

If you’re the parent of a college-bound teen, you’ve probably heard the same thing again and again: college costs are rising. Tuition goes up. Fees go up. Housing and meal plans? Also up. And if you’ve ever found yourself staring at those numbers, wondering how families are expected to keep up, you’re definitely not alone.

Tuition increases are changing the entire college-planning conversation for families. Understanding why it’s happening and what it means for your teen’s future can help you plan more confidently.

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admissions, college costs, college guidance, college planning

The Real Cost and Difficulty of Attending an Out-of-State College

out-of-state college

Thinking about a public university across state lines?

If your teen has fallen for an out-of-state college, you’re not alone. Many high school seniors dream of the excitement of a new place, a different climate, or a campus that just “feels right.” But for parents, that dream can come with sticker shock: attending an out-of-state public university is often much more costly and complicated than families expect.

Before you and your student finalize the application list, here’s what every parent needs to understand about the financial and logistical realities of leaving the home state for a public university.

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admissions, college guidance, college news, college planning, college prep, education

Is Early Decision on Its Way Out?

early decison

If you’re the parent of a college-bound teen, you’ve probably heard about Early Decision (ED), the “binding” admissions plan that can sometimes boost your student’s chances of getting into a dream school. But as more families question the fairness of college admissions, some wonder: Is Early Decision on its way out?

The short answer: not yet, but the pressure is building.

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admissions, college guidance, college planning, college prep

Why Are College Admissions So Competitive Today?

college admissions

If you’re a parent of a college-bound student, you’ve probably noticed that the college admissions process feels more stressful. It is also more competitive than it was a decade ago. Maybe you remember your own college search being simpler. You applied to a handful of schools. You wrote one essay. You waited for the mail to bring either a thick or thin envelope.

Today’s students are facing a high-stakes and data-driven system. The system is often confusing. It feels more like an Olympic event than a rite of passage. The question many parents are asking is: What changed?

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admissions, college guidance, college planning, college prep

New College-Bound Surveys Reveal Politics, AI, and Campus Safety Are Impacting the College Search Process

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college-bound surveys

Enrollment marketing and admissions experts Spark 451, a Jenzabar Company, today announced the findings of its 14th annual College-Bound Student Survey and Parent Survey of College-Bound Students. The research revealed that, while academic quality was the primary factor for both students and parents when choosing a school, campus safety, political climate, and institutional values played key roles in the college decision process.   

The College-Bound surveys were conducted in the summer of 2025 and consist of responses from more than 1,800 graduating high school seniors and 1,400 parents of recent high school graduates from across the U.S.

“Academic quality, cost, and value remain top priorities for both parents and students, but this year’s findings show growing sensitivity to factors like campus safety, political climate, and institutional values,” said Michael McGetrick, Vice President of Creative and Interactive Services for Spark451, a Jenzabar Company. “At the same time, institutions are adapting. By investing in more student-centered recruitment and communication strategies, they’ve improved the admissions experience—70% of students reported being satisfied with the process this year, up from 62% last year.”

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admissions, college guidance, college planning, college prep, parenting

College Prep Tips from a Parent Who’s Been There

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college prep

Let’s be honest, if you’re a parent with a kid prepping for college, it can feel like you’re riding a roller coaster you never bought tickets for. As someone who’s now watched both my kids go through college prep and come out on the other side, I know just how wild the season can get. College stuff takes over: SATs, essays, applications, and everyone stressing about whether you’re doing enough. But trust me, there are ways to make it easier on both you and your student and maybe even enjoy the ride a little. Here’s what I learned along the way.

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academics, admissions, college guidance, college planning

7 Reasons to Choose a Small Liberal Arts College

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liberal arts college

When families start the college search, big-name universities often steal the spotlight. Large campuses, nationally ranked sports teams, and well-known brand names can feel like the safest path.

Just as my daughter did, many students find their best fit — academically, socially, and financially — at a small liberal arts college (often called an SLAC). If your teen is exploring college options, it’s worth understanding what these schools offer and why they may be the right choice.

1. A Truly Personal Learning Environment

Small liberal arts colleges are typically home to 1,000–3,000 students, compared to tens of thousands at major universities. This means your child will likely sit in classrooms with 15–20 students, not 200. Professors get to know students by name, notice when they’re struggling, and often become mentors. For students who thrive on personal attention, close discussion, and the chance to speak up, this setting can make a big difference.

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