Tag Archives: college facts

The New ACT Format: Everything Students and Parents Need to Know

The ACT has been revamped to deliver a shorter, less stressful, and more flexible testing experience—without changing its rigor. Here’s what’s new, what stays the same, and how to best prepare.

Key Updates to the ACT Format

1. A Shorter, Smarter Test

  • The total time has been slashed—the core sections now take around 2 hours (125 minutes).

  • Overall, the number of questions drops from approximately 215 to 171, giving students nearly 22% more time per question.

2. Optional Science Section

  • The Science section is now optional, similar to the Writing portion.

  • If taken, Science is reported separately; the composite score reflects only English, Reading, and Math.

3. Fewer Math Answer Choices

  • Math questions now have 4 answer options instead of 5, matching the rest of the test format.

4. Rollout Timeline

  • Spring 2025: New digital ACT format launches nationally.

  • September 2025: Transition to the new format for all paper and digital ACTs.

  • Spring 2026: School-day (district) testing transitions as well.

What Remains Unchanged

  • Scoring: Composite score still runs from 1–36, with superscoring available.

  • Core content: English, Reading, Math (plus optional Science/Writing) remain the focus.

  • Delivery options: Both paper and digital formats continue during the rollout phase.

Side-by-Side: Old ACT vs. New ACT

Feature Old ACT New ACT
Test duration ~3 hrs 35 min (includes all parts) ~2 hrs (core sections)
Total questions ~215 ~171 (fewer overall)
Math choices 5 options 4 options
Science section Mandatory Optional (composite excludes it)
Digital testing Limited rollout previous years Starts Spring 2025, expands nationwide
Paper testing Standard Continues through rollout

How to Prepare for the Enhanced ACT

  • Use updated practice materials: Make sure that any online platforms you use offer practice tests matching the new format—shortened, with updated question counts and answer choices.

  • Decide on Science wisely: If target colleges require ACT Science, it’s smart to include it. Otherwise, taking it is optional. Make sure to check the requirements for any colleges you are thinking of applying to when you are in your senior year.

  • Focus on accuracy: With fewer questions overall, each one matters more—precision over pace!

  • Familiarize yourself with the timeline: Know when the new format is available and choose paper vs. digital accordingly.

2025–2026 ACT Test Dates & Registration Deadlines

Here’s the official national schedule for ACT testing opportunities in 2025 and early 2026:

Test Date Regular Registration Deadline Late Registration Deadline
September 6, 2025 August 1, 2025 August 19, 2025 (ACT)
October 18, 2025 September 12, 2025 September 30, 2025 (ACT)
December 13, 2025 November 7, 2025 November 24, 2025 (ACT)
February 14, 2026 January 9, 2026 January 23, 2026 (ACT)
April 11, 2026 March 6, 2026 March 24, 2026 (ACT)
June 13, 2026 May 8, 2026 May 29, 2026 (ACT)

 

Closing Thoughts

The redesigned ACT is shorter, less burdensome, and gives students more choice—especially with optional testing sections and multiple formats. As always, accuracy and strategic prep are key. At Insight Education, we’re here to help you tailor your study timeline and approach to these changes. If you are interested in learning more about Insight’s 1:1 tutoring lesson options please click HERE. You can also click HERE to learn more about our ACT Classes.

 

 

This article was written by Insight’s Co-Founder, Ajit Jain. Ajit grew up in Toronto, Canada #GOBLUEJAYS and studied engineering at the University of Toronto. He moved to the Bay Area to pursue his MBA at the Stanford Graduate School of Business and has been here since. 

The Secret Code: How to Study Computer Science without Majoring in Computer Science

Freshman computer science applications in the United States have increased significantly over the past 20 years, driven by the field’s rising popularity, perceived career opportunities, and surging industry demand. Nationwide, flagship universities like UT-Austin now receive an estimated 12,000–15,000 freshman CS applications annually, with acceptance rates hovering around 5% in recent cycles—illustrating how CS has become one of the most competitive undergraduate majors in the country (insidehighered.com).

 

At top public CS universities, the data underscores this intensity:

  • UC Berkeley (Fall 2024): Only 1.9% acceptance rate for CS applicants, and 7.4% for EECS applicants; overall engineering admissions remain equally fierce.
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  • UCLA (Fall 2023): Only 3% acceptance rate for CS applicants. UCLA as a whole received 145, 910 applicants in the same admission cycle with an overall acceptance rate of 9.0%.
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  • University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Fall 2023): 7,212 CS applications, 7.5% acceptance rate; the interdisciplinary CS+X track sits at 18.1%.
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  • Georgia Tech (Fall 2024): Estimated to be around 8%-10% for out-of-state residents and slightly higher for in-state.

Why consider majors besides CS?

Given how competitive CS has become, many high-performing students may find greater value—and better admission chances—pursuing closely related majors. These alternatives provide strong foundations, often similar coursework, and open doors to the tech industry. Let’s explore the top contenders:

Core Tech Alternatives: Similar Scope, Different Angle

  1. Software Engineering

    • Focused on development lifecycle, quality, design patterns, and testing.

    • Curriculum overlaps heavily with CS, with added emphasis on large-scale system design and team collaboration.

  2. Computer Engineering (CE)

    • Bridges hardware and software: digital systems, embedded design, architecture.

    • Ideal for those drawn to how machines function at the silicon and system level, but still want strong programming skills.

  3. Electrical Engineering (EE)

    • Centers on signal processing, circuits, electronics.

    • Opens roles in hardware, IoT, robotics, and systems engineering; often includes programming and control systems.

Math & Data Foundations: Theory, Analytics, and Insight

  1. Mathematics

    • Deep dive into abstraction: logic, proofs, algorithms, combinatorics.

    • Strong route toward theoretical CS, cryptography, machine learning; highly valued in quantitative tech roles.

  2. Statistics / Data Science

    • Statistics emphasizes inference and model-based reasoning; Data Science blends it with computation, data handling, and visualization.

    • Ideal for positions in analytics, data engineering, AI, or even transitioning into ML roles.

Applied Sciences & IT: Broader Tech Application

  1. Physics

    • Rigorous training in problem-solving, modeling, and numerical simulations.

    • Prepares students for technical computing, simulation software, or physics-engineering roles in tech.

  2. Information Technology (IT)

    • Practical emphasis on systems administration, networking, databases, cybersecurity.

    • Direct path to infrastructure, cloud, or enterprise IT engineering roles.

  3. Systems Engineering

    • Integrates hardware, software, project management, process optimization.

    • Underpins careers in large-scale systems integration, operations, and enterprise solutions.

Interdisciplinary & Creative Tech Paths

  1. Cognitive Science

    • Merges psychology, neuroscience, AI, and human–computer interaction.

    • Useful in UX/UI, human-centered AI, educational tech, and emerging brain–machine interfaces.

  2. Computational Psychology

  • Applies quantitative and coding skills to study human behavior and mental processes.

  • Opens doors in UX research, behavioral AI, mental health technology, and cognitive modeling.

  1. Design (e.g., Design Thinking, Industrial Design, HCI)

  • Focus on user experience, aesthetics, prototyping, usability.

  • In demand for roles in UX/UI, product design, creative-tech startups, and interaction design.

✅ Why these alternatives still get you into technology

Alternative Major CS Coursework Overlap Tech Career Pathways Additional Strength
Software Eng High (programming + systems) Dev jobs, agile teams Team-based project workflows
Comp Eng High (hardware/software) Embedded, systems, architecture Full-stack tech via hardware/software
EE Medium–High (electronics + programming) Hardware, IoT, signal processing Device-level innovation
Mathematics Medium (algorithms, theory) ML, cryptography, quantitative roles Analytical rigor
Statistics/Data Science Medium (algorithms + models) Data engineering, analytics, AI Data-driven decision-making
Physics Low–Medium (simulation, modeling) Simulation, scientific computing Research and physical modeling
IT Medium (applied systems) Network/sysadmin, cybersecurity Enterprise tech management
Systems Engineering Medium (integration, software) Infrastructure, operations Holistic, end-to-end systems
Cognitive Sci Low–Medium (AI, HCI) UX/UI, interface tech Human-centric product design
Computational Psychology Low (behavior modeling) UX research, behavioral AI Understanding users deeply
Design Low (HCI overlap) Product design, UX Creativity and usability focus

Guidance for students and parents

  1. Evaluate your core interest

    • Love coding? Software Engineering or Computer Engineering is your twin track.

    • Fascinated by systems? Electrical Engineering/Systems or Physics might fit better.

    • Drawn to data/AI? Math or Data Science could be perfect.

  2. Check CS course access

    • Many universities allow minors or electives in CS from these majors—integrating CS essentials.

  3. Consider career market alignment

    • All these fields feed into tech roles; specialization can boost niche employability.

  4. Admissions flexibility

    • These majors generally have higher acceptance rates, offering better entry into top-tier schools.

Final Takeaway

Your major should align with both your curiosity and your goals. If you’re deeply driven to code and develop software, direct routes like Software Engineering or Computer Engineering may be ideal. If you’re intrigued by technology but also by data, design, human behavior, or hardware, these strong alternatives offer robust pathways into computing careers—with broad support and lesser admission hurdles.

By choosing a complementary or alternative major, you gain both a high-quality education and greater flexibility—academically and professionally. Focus on your strengths and interests, not just admission rates, and you’ll set yourself up for success in the dynamic and rapidly evolving world of technology.

 

This article was written by Insight’s Co-Founder, Ajit Jain. Ajit grew up in Toronto, Canada #GOBLUEJAYS and studied engineering at the University of Toronto. He moved to the Bay Area to pursue his MBA at the Stanford Graduate School of Business and has been here since. 

2023-2024 College Admissions Options and Deadlines

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When it comes to college admissions, understanding the various application deadlines is essential. Three popular options that students often consider are Early Decision (ED), Early Action (EA), and Single Choice Early Action (SCEA). Each of these deadlines comes with its own set of advantages and considerations.

 

1. Early Decision (ED):

Early Decision is a binding commitment to attend a specific college or university if admitted. It typically has a deadline in November, with admission decisions released in December. ED is an excellent choice if you have a clear first-choice school and are certain about attending, as it can boost your chances of acceptance. However, it’s crucial to be aware that you must withdraw all other college applications if you are accepted through ED. This option may not be suitable if you wish to compare financial aid packages from different schools.

 

2. Early Action (EA):

Early Action is a non-binding option with a similar application deadline to ED in November, but it allows you to apply to multiple schools. You’ll receive your admissions decision in December or January, and you’re not obligated to attend the school if accepted. EA is an excellent choice for students who want to demonstrate their enthusiasm for a school and potentially receive early acceptance while keeping their options open. It also offers more time to compare financial aid offers.

 

3. Single Choice Early Action (SCEA):

SCEA, sometimes known as Restrictive Early Action, is a hybrid option. Like EA, it’s non-binding, but you can only apply to one school using SCEA. The application deadline and decision release dates are the same as EA. SCEA is ideal if you have a clear top choice, but you want to keep your options open at other institutions. It offers the best of both worlds, allowing you to apply early to your preferred school while maintaining flexibility.

 

When deciding which early admission option to pursue, consider your academic and personal preferences, your level of commitment to a particular school, and your financial situation. It’s also crucial to review the policies and requirements of each school, as they may vary. Keep in mind that not all colleges offer these early admission options, so research your chosen institutions carefully. Team Insight has compiled a short list of popular colleges and their admissions options and deadlines. This chart was last updated in September 2023.

Read more: Applying Early – Insights to Optimize Your College Admissions Strategy

 

 

In conclusion, understanding the differences between Early Decision, Early Action, and Single Choice Early Action can help you make an informed decision about your college application strategy. These options can provide a competitive advantage and potentially relieve some of the stress associated with the regular application process. Ultimately, the key is to choose the approach that aligns best with your goals and circumstances.

College Facts Friday: Georgia Tech

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In this week’s #CollegeFactsFriday, we are heading to Atlanta to learn more about Georgia Institute of Technology (aka. Georgia Tech).

 

 1. A coin toss at graduation? In 1890, the first two engineers graduated from Georgia Tech. To decide who had the honor of receiving the first degree, they tossed a coin.

 2. Georgia Tech has a unique mechanical mascot, the Ramblin’ Reck. It is a 1930 Ford Model A Sport Coupe that is painted in the school’s color of old gold and white.

 3. Are you a super sports fan? Meet the Goldfellas! You can spot them at every home football game, fully painted in yellow and black to look like the mascot Buzz.

 4. Another tradition before Homecoming game is the Cake Race. Freshmen are encouraged to participate, and everyone races the half a mile toward the stadium, where the winners receive cakes (but everyone gets a cupcake).

 5. Georgia Tech was founded in 1885. At the time, the campus only had two buildings. Now there are over 160 buildings sitting on the 400 acres of campus.

 6. After 67 years, the first class of women students was admitted in 1952.

 7. Think you will escape the bell schedule once you graduate high school? Think again. At Georgia Tech, the steam whistle blows five minutes to the hour-to-end classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

 8. Some of the well-known Georgia Tech alumni included Jimmy Carter, Susan Still Kilrain (NASA astronaut), J. Paul Raines (CEO of GameStop), and Barbara “Bobbi” Morse (fictional character from Marvel Comics).

 9. It is one of a handful of NCAA Division 1 football teams without the word “University” in its name. A few others are Boston College and Dartmouth College.

 10. Want to learn more about Georgia Tech? Follow them on social media (Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook)

 

College Facts Friday: UC Davis

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Happy Friday! You know what this means – YES, another round of quick #CollegeFacts! This week we are checking out one of the UCs. Located less than an hour away from the California state capital, UC Davis has a lot to offer.

 

  1. A fan of Tolkien and sustainability? Students at UCD can apply to live at the UC Davis Domes (also known as Baggins End). These cute little yurts are part of the cooperative housing run by the Solar Community Housing Association.

 

  1. UC Davis has the best program in Viticulture and Enology (the study of grape growing and winemaking). In fact, people in the wine industry state that there are just two degrees of separation between the UC Davis Department of Viticulture and Enology and anyone in the wine world.

 

  1. UCD has the largest campus size of all UC schools. It’s 5300 acres! It began as a farm school for UC Berkeley and grew into a world-renown college offering 103 different undergraduate majors.

 

  1. The Eggheads are seven white sculptures scattered across the Davis campus. They are the work of artist and UC Davis Professor Robert Arneson from 1989.

 

  1. You don’t need to fly to London to ride a vintage double-decker bus. You can ride them at UC Davis! The Associated Students of the University of California, Davis (ASUCD), purchased the first two used buses and put them into service on February 28, 1968.

 

  1. UC Davis has the biggest open house every year in April called Picnic Day. With over 125,000 attendees, it is the largest student-run event in the country.

 

  1. Are you a dog lover? During finals, you can get some Fluffy Therapy. UCD partners with local animal groups to bring in certified therapy dogs and rescue pets to help students de-stress.

 

  1. Another fun tradition is the Doxie Derby. During the annual Picnic Day, dachshunds from around the Sacramento area gather to race!

 

  1. Davis is also known as the Bicycle Capital of the US with 98% of its streets friendly to cyclists!

 

  1. Want to learn more about UC Davis? Follow them on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok!

 

 

College Facts Friday: Lehigh University

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It’s another #CollegeFactsFriday! This week, we are heading to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania to learn more about Lehigh University.

 

 

 1. Lehigh University’s Taylor Stadium was the third concrete stadium in the United States. It was built in 1914. The final game at the Taylor Stadium was on a frigid day where the temperature was in the mid-20s and the wind chill factor was somewhere between minus-10 and minus-20 degrees Fahrenheit.

 2. Their former mascot was the Engineers. Since 1995, Lehigh’s teams are officially known as the Mountain Hawks.

 3. The Rivalry between Lehigh University and Lafayette College went as far back as 1884.

 4. An interesting tradition until the 70s, freshmen wore “dinks,” which were small brown hats with their class years, from the beginning of fall to the first football game with Lafeyette.

 5. Hate taking the stairs? Thanks to Lehigh alumnus, Jesse W. Reno, we now have escalators. He was Class of 1883.

 6. For those of you from the Bay Area, the Golden Gate Bridge was constructed by two Lehigh alumni, Howard McClintic and Charles Marshall.

 7. The week before the first Lehigh-Lafeyette Rivalry game, Lehigh’s Marching 97 band would make a campus tour, called the Eco Flame. During Eco Flame, the marching band storms into different classrooms while playing its spirit tunes in drum cadence.

 8. One of the oldest traditions of Lehigh’s Spirit Week is their annual Turkey Trot. Students would dress up to join this 2.6-mile running and fun walk through campus.

 9. After the death of Lehigh’s founder, businessman Asa Packer, Founder’s Weekend has become an annual tradition. This weekend celebration includes a lawn party, tailgate, fun run, and more!

 10. Want to learn more about Lehigh University? Check out their social media (Twitter @LehighU, Instagram @LehighU, TikTok @lehighadmissions)

 

College Facts Friday: Barnard College

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For this week’s #CollegeFactsFriday, we are going to New York, New York! Cue the music and let’s learn more about Barnard College.

 

 1. Barnard College was named after Frederick A. P. Barnard, who founded the school (with the help of a student Annie Nathan Meyer) in 1889. Barnard was the 10th president of Columbia University, who believed that women should be in the same challenging curriculum as men. Learn more about their history here. 

 2. The campus and its classrooms have been used in films and TV shows, such as The Bedford Diaries and Mistress America.

 3. In 1960, one of the biggest scandals in Barnard was the ban on pants and Bermuda shorts. Read more here.

 4. Are you a breakfast lover? One of the traditions at Barnard is the Midnight Breakfast. On the night before the first day of finals, college deans, trustees, staff and the president serve food to over to a thousand students. What could make this better? The breakfast food usually has a theme! 

 5. Famous Barnard alumni include Joan Rivers (comedian), Utada Hikaru (singer and songwriter), Martha Stewart (TV host and businesswoman), and Jaqueline K. Barton (pioneer in DNA structure study).

 6. Located just across the street from Columbia University, Barnard College shares its resources with Columbia. It is also part of the Seven Sisters, which are made up of historically women’s colleges. These seven schools, which are highly selective liberal arts colleges in the Northeastern United States, are created to provide women with the same academic rigor as the Ivy League.

 7. At the beginning of the fall semester each year, students are welcomed to a 700 feet long subway sandwich. It has different sections for each dietary preference, such as kosher, vegetarian, or vegan.

 8. Barnard’s mascot is a bear, name Millie the Dancing Bear. She is named after the first president, Milicent McIntosh.

 9. Like to challenge the way you think? Check out the provocative bench – a marble bench engraved with statements such as “an elite is inevitable” or “stupid people shouldn’t breed.” The bench “Selection of Truism” is a Jenny Holzer sculpture, gifted to the college from trustee emerita and art-history major Virginia “Jinny” Bloedel Wright. 

 10. Want to learn more about Barnard College? Follow them on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram.

 

Curious about #collegefacts on Columbia University? Read more: College Facts Friday: Columbia University

College Facts Friday: Emory University

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Welcome back to another round of #CollegeFactsFriday! This week we are visiting the Peach State, Georgia. Just 3 miles away from Georgia’s state capitol Atlanta is Emory University, a private research liberal arts college.

 

 1. Emory’s official mascot is Swoop the Eagle, but its unofficial mascot is Dooley the Skeleton, a dapper biology lab skeleton (completed with top hat and cane). Dooley first appeared on the Emory Oxford campus in 1899 and 1909, where he was seen perching in a science lab and writing letters to the student publication the Emory Pheonix.

 

 2. Founded in 1836, Emory is the second oldest private higher education institute in Georgia (established just three years after Mercer University)

 

 3. In 1841, Emory sent off its very first graduating class. The class size was three! Fast forward 180 years later, now the university has almost 2000 students in their first-year class.

 

 4. The largest healthcare system in the state of Georgia is Emory Healthcare, part of Emory University. 

 

 5. Famous Emory alumni include Robert W. Woodruff (former president of The Coca-Cola Company), Thomas Milton Rivers (also known as the “Father of Modern Virology”), and Warrick Dunn (former NFL player).

 

 6. Love song and dance? Songfest is a fun Emory tradition, in which first-year students from each residence hall perform an original song about their new home on campus! It’s a great way to meet your hallmates. Learn more about other wonderful first-year events.

 

 7. The first PhD studied at Emory was Chemistry in 1948. Learn more about Emory’s history and traditions.

 

 8. Another tradition is Wonderful Wednesday. It’s a weekly celebration happening on Wednesday afternoon where faculty, staff, students, and all members of the Emory community join in for food, fun, and themed events!

 

 9. For three consecutive years, Emory has been recognized as the largest employer in Atlanta! Read the news here.

 

 10. Want to learn more about Emory? Check out their undergrad admissions blog or follow them on social media (Twitter, Facebook, & Youtube)

College Facts Friday: Carleton College

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Happy Friday! For this week’s #CollegeFactsFriday we are visiting the state of 10,000 lakes. Carleton College, home of the Knights, is a private liberal arts college located in Northfield, Minnesota.

 

 1. The most popular majors at Carleton College include: Social Sciences, Physical Sciences,  Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, and Mathematics and Statistics.

 

 2. From 2000 through 2016, students and alumni of the college included 122 National Science Foundation Graduate Fellows, 112 Fulbright Scholars, 22 Watson Fellows, 20 NCAA Postgraduate Scholars, 13 Goldwater Scholars, and 2 Rhodes Scholars.

 

 3. Carleton College’s school color is blue and maize.

 

 4. Carleton offers many fantastic study abroad programs that span the globe and is extremely generous with financial aid. As a result, a whopping 75% of students choose to go abroad while at Carleton.

 

 5. A relatively new tradition, the Silent Dance Party helps to relieve stress and take place immediately before final exams. Students meet in the library at 11 pm with headphones and the same dance music playlist. Students listen to the playlist in synchrony, dancing silently in the library before moving on to other locations on campus.

 

 6. Each Friday, students can choose to send flowers to each other’s campus mailboxes!

 

 7. Carleton marks the beginning and end of each year with special convocations in the chapel. Since 1970, seniors have lightened the somewhat formal mood by gathering in the balcony to blow bubbles over faculty members as they enter the chapel in full academic regalia.

 

 8. During the winter, Carleton sets up two hockey rinks on the Bald Spot (large grass area in the center of campus). The Rec Center rents out ice skates (for free) which is very popular among students. Additionally, many people play hockey and broomball, which is like hockey played in regular shoes while hitting an actual ball with a broomstick. Cross-country skiing in the Arb is always a fun activity, and many people go sledding down Bell Hill.

 

 9. Instead of the traditional cheerleaders, Carleton College has the Gender Neutral Cheerboys. These superfans support Carleton sports teams with silly chants and goofy antics, like doing pushups for points scored.

 

 10. Want to learn more about Carleton College? Follow them on Instagram and Twitter.

College Facts Friday: Boston University

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 1. The Boston University Bridge is one of three places in the world where a plane can fly over a car driving over a train traveling over a boat. This is also possible with the Steel Bridge across the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon, and the 25 de Abril Bridge in Lisbon, Portugal.

 2. The Judson B. Coit Observatory is open to the public on Wednesday nights so that people can observe the constellations and night sky. (Insight Counselor Ramya highly recommends this experience!)

 3. In 1947, Boston University became the first university in the United States to provide college degrees in public relations.

4. BU doesn’t have a campus in the traditional sense. BU is built along Commonwealth Avenue, which means everything can be reached by walking forward or backward. This gives the incoming freshmen a much easier time to familiarize the campus. 

5. Influential alumni include Dr Martin Luther King Jr, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and actress Julianne Moore. 

6. Boston University’s color is white and scarlet.

7. Boston University traces its roots as far back as 1839 during the establishment of the Newbury Biblical Institute in Newbury, VT. The Massachusetts Legislature chartered the school the name “Boston University” in 1869.

 8. Several buildings on BU campus have earned several historic preservation awards, such as the School of Law tower, the Alan & Sherry Leventhal Center, Myles Standish Hall, and the Dahod Family Alumni Center (formerly The Castle).

 9. The Boston University Castle (or BU Castle or simply “The Castle”) located on Bay State Road is a Tudor-Revival style mansion. BU typically uses it for receptions or concerts but also rents out The Castle for events.

10. Can’t get enough BU facts? Follow them on social media, such as Twitter (@BU_Tweets) or Facebook, for campus photos, student stories, and more!