Dear Laker Families,

Fall is here, and with it comes one of the most exciting seasons of the year: college admissions! For our 180 seniors, this is the moment when years of hard work in the classroom, dedication to activities, and personal growth come together. For our underclassmen and their families, it's a wonderful chance to learn, explore, and start dreaming about the road ahead.

What's New This Year

The admissions landscape keeps changing, and our Lakers are ready for it! Colleges continue to use holistic review, looking at the whole student: grades and test scores, yes, but also character, curiosity, and resilience as shown through essays, recommendations, and activities.

One of the biggest stories this year is standardized testing. Six of the eight Ivy League schools require SAT or ACT scores for students applying in the 2026-27 cycle, and highly selective schools such as Stanford, MIT, and Johns Hopkins, along with the state university systems in Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee, require scores as well. At the same time, there's good news for flexibility: as of June 2026, over 1,000 colleges on the Common App are test-optional. Our advice? Plan to test, do your best, and let your counselor help you decide where to send scores.

Along with testing, we are seeing more universities offering Early Decision deadlines for the first time, including the University of Florida, Florida State University, and the University of Southern California.

Big Dates on the Horizon

Mark your calendars! The 2027-28 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opened to the public today, October 1, 2026 along with our virtual Financial Aid webinar at 6:30 p.m. tonight which you can join here. 

This fall, admissions professionals from around the world will also gather for the NACAC Conference 2026, taking place October 8-10 at the Minneapolis Convention Center, with over 6,500 attendees and 100+ education sessions. Several of our Counselors will attend to meet with admissions counselors and learn more about this admission season. Current topics include:

• Well-being matters: Colleges want to see how students balance challenging coursework with a healthy life. Authentic stories of growth and perseverance truly shine.
• AI and technology: As artificial intelligence becomes part of everyday learning, colleges are interested in students who use technology thoughtfully, responsibly, and creatively.
• Access and affordability: Schools continue to focus on clearer financial aid information and expanded opportunities for first-generation and underrepresented students.

To the Class of 2027

The Class of 2026 set a high bar, and we know you're ready to write your own success story! The coming weeks are packed with early action and early decision deadlines. Stay organized, keep the lines of communication open at home, pay attention to the details in the admission process, and take time to celebrate every milestone, from hitting "submit" to finishing that final essay. Remember, the goal isn't finding the "perfect" college. It's finding the right fit, a place where you'll thrive academically, socially, and personally.

Ms. Nancy Gerena

Director of College Counseling