IF COLLEGE ADMISSIONS IS GIVING YOU WHIPLASH….KEEP READING

June 11, 2026

If the admissions landscape is giving you whiplash, you're not alone. This week we're looking at some schools dropping supplemental essays, the rise of "Glimpse" video introductions, and what these shifts could mean for students navigating the college application process.

We're also shining a light on CLEP — a college credit opportunity more families should know about — and breaking down what a tougher summer job market could mean for teens looking for work. Another hot topic: how admission officers actually interpret your transcript.

On the lighter side, bed party season is still going strong. We loved helping with the latest UMiami and Cornell setup and are sharing some of our favorite tips and inspiration. We're also excited to introduce you to CampusWink, a resource that gives families the student perspective beyond the admissions tour.

And a special shoutout to our amazing spring interns from Staples High School. We're so grateful for your creativity, energy, and help these past few weeks!

In This Issue

✏️ Bye Bye Supplemental Essays (Some!)
🎥 The Rise of "Glimpse" Videos
📚 Beyond AP: The CLEP Credit Opportunity
☀️ Summer Jobs for Teens Expected to Fall
📝 How Do Colleges Interpret Your Transcript
🎓 Bed Party Season Is Still Going Strong
✨ Introducing CampusWink
📸 Our Spring Interns from Staples High School

✨ Make sure to follow us on Instagram for daily tips, trends, and must-know moments along the college journey!

✏️ Bye Bye Supplemental Essays (Some)!

A few weeks ago, the University of Georgia announced it was eliminating its supplemental essay. Tulane followed by dropping its "Why Tulane?" essay for the 2026–27 application cycle. According to admissions experts covering the changes, schools cite several reasons: reducing barriers to applying, managing growing application volumes, and speeding up the review process. There's also increasing concern that AI tools and outside coaching have made supplemental essays less effective at revealing an applicant's authentic voice.

🎥 The Rise of "Glimpse" Videos

Gen Z is the influencer generation. Many students are as comfortable expressing themselves on camera as they are in person. Enter the "Glimpse" video — an optional application supplement that allows students to introduce themselves in their own words and share parts of their story that may not come across in essays, activities lists, or transcripts. Could short-form video become the next way colleges assess authenticity?

📚 Beyond AP: The College Credit Opportunity Few People Know About

When Santana Cruz graduates from high school this spring, she'll have more than 100 college credits and two associate degrees. How? Through the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), which allows students to earn college credit by demonstrating mastery in 34 different subject areas, from American Government to World Languages. It's a pathway many families have never heard of — but one that can potentially save both time and tuition dollars.

☀️ Summer Jobs for Teens Expected to Fall

School is almost out, but teens hoping to land a summer job may face a tougher market than usual. Last summer, teen hiring fell to its lowest level in nearly eight decades of Bureau of Labor Statistics data, and experts predict hiring could dip again this year. A recent Challenger, Gray & Christmas report forecasts 790,000 teen jobs this summer, down from 801,000 last year. What's behind the decline, and what can teens do about it?

Top 10 Job Search Sites for Seasonal Work and Internships

Searching for summer jobs, internships, or seasonal work can feel overwhelming. College Recruiter rounded up its top 10 job search sites to help students find opportunities and stand out in a competitive market.

📝 How Do Colleges Interpret Your Transcript

By Virtual College Counselors

Your high school transcript is arguably the most important piece of your college application — but do you know how admission officers actually read it? From GPA and course rigor to hidden trends that can make or break your chances, there's a lot more happening behind the scenes than most students realize.

✨ Introducing CampusWink

If college tours are on your summer and fall agenda, keep reading!

CampusWink is a new company that connects families with current college students who can give you the real scoop on campus life — from dorms and academics to social life, Greek life, and everything in between. Think of it as a way to go beyond the admissions presentation and get an insider's perspective from someone who is actually on campus every day.

Pro Tip: Don't skip the official tour. Many colleges consider demonstrated interest as part of the admissions process, so visiting campus can still be an important part of your college search.