From Jon Boeckenstedt, Vice Provost of Enrollment Management at Oregon State University, some thoughts on the uncertainty faced by colleges across the country as applications increase and spots for available students stays the same.  
Counselors:  Please Tell Your Students We Can Take It

From the Los Angeles Times, the influence of California on the future of standardized tests.  “California’s universities are playing national leadership roles in weakening the SAT/ACT in college admissions,” said Jay Rosner, executive director of the Princeton Review Foundation, a nonprofit advocate for fair testing.
New Blow to SAT Empire Shows California's Role
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The University of California has seen a significant increase in applications, while the Californian State University systems has had a decrease.  Highly selective colleges, like the Ivy League, have seen huge increases in application, yet many other college are reporting decreases like the CSU's.  This is definitely a unique application season and many educators feel lower income students may be left behind. 
Inside Higher Ed:  Admissions Cycle Favors Institution with Prestige and Money

We often hear a lot about student debt for a college education, but not much about parents who take out large loans to help pay for college.
From the New York Times, A Parent Trap

Another great article today from Jeff Selingo, author and education professional.  What does the future hold for higher education, post-pandemic.

Jeff Selingo, What's the Post-Pandemic Future of Higher Ed?

A very thoughtful and helpful article from one of my favorite education writers, Brennan Barnard.  Please read all the way through because the last paragraph is as important as the first.
Forbes - The Pumpkin Spice of College Admission

Here is an opinion article by Jeff Selingo, author of the recently-released book, Who Gets In and Why - A Year Inside College Admissions.  He discuss how to maximize financial aid and admission while looking at the colleges that he classifies as "buyers" and "sellers." 
​How to use a Moneyball Stategy

This article is quite long, but I think learning about the history of the College Board and the impact of the SAT is important...and quite fascinating.   
The Forbes Investigation: How the SAT Failed America

From one of my colleagues, Jeff Levy, and Grown & Flown, some important advice about financial aid.  
Fifteen Biggest Financial Aid and FASFA Mistakes

It's October 1 and that means students and parents can begin to complete financial aid applications for the 2021-22 school year.  Applications include the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for all colleges and the CSS Profile for most private colleges and universities.  Here is an article that provides guidelines and details for completing these applications and paying for college. 

Complete Guide to Financial Aid and the FAFSA - Savingforcollege.com

I know that the Wall Street Journal often needs a login, so I am hoping you can see this article.  It's an essay by Jeff Selingo, author of his upcoming book, Who Gets In and Why - A Year Inside College Admissions. 
Wall Street Journal:  Secrets of Elite College Admissions

University of Washington, Seattle campus.  

Here is an article from Forbes magazine and education writer Brennan Barnard.  Instead of Why Now, what if we think, Now, Why?  

Why Now in College Admission

Important information about taking the ACT or SAT and how colleges will make decisions if they are test-optional or test-blind.  From Jeff Selingo; also note some important webinars hosted by Jeff this week.
Testing During the Pandemic