18 AugDo Extracurriculars Matter? Comparing US and UK Admissions
If you’re an Australian student thinking about applying to top universities in the US or UK, you’ve probably heard a lot about extracurriculars. Some people say you need a list of ten different activities. Others say they barely matter. It’s no wonder it gets confusing, especially when Australia’s own system focuses almost entirely on your […]
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04 AugWhat Makes a Great Common App Personal Statement
For most Australian students, writing a Common App personal statement feels unfamiliar. In English class, you’re used to analysing novels and plays, pulling apart themes and symbolism. Suddenly, you’re asked to write a deeply personal essay about yourself. There’s no thesis, no Shakespeare quote, and no “right” answer. This essay isn’t about impressing someone with […]
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21 JulACT or SAT? The Key Differences for Aussie Students Explained
If you’re an Australian high school student aiming for university in the United States, you’ve likely come across two major tests: the SAT and the ACT. Unlike the ATAR, which is specific to Australia, the SAT and ACT are standardised exams that US universities use to compare students from all over the world. They serve […]
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07 JulIs Tall Poppy Syndrome Holding You Back?
In Australia, we’re known for being laid-back, humble, and not taking ourselves too seriously. But there’s another side to that mindset that can quietly shape how students think about their futures. It’s called tall poppy syndrome. Most Australians are familiar with the idea. If someone stands out too much, especially for doing well, they might […]
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23 JunHow to Apply to UK Universities: The UCAS Process Explained
If you’re an Australian high school student thinking about studying in the UK, you’re not alone. Universities like Oxford, Cambridge, and Edinburgh attract students from all over the world, including Australia. But the application process is very different from what you’re used to. Instead of applying to each university separately, students apply through a central […]
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09 Jun5 Top US Tech Unis Aussies Overlook
When most Aussie students think about studying STEM in the US, a few names always pop up: MIT. Stanford. Maybe Harvard. But America is home to dozens of world-class tech universities that are less famous here, yet incredibly respected there. These “low-key elite” schools regularly rank among the top in computer science, engineering, and research. […]
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26 MayWhat happened to Harvard and its international students?
Last week, the Trump administration announced that Harvard University is no longer permitted to enrol international students. The government revoked Harvard’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), effectively barring the enrolment of new international students for the 2025 academic year. Approximately 6,800 current international students (nearly 27% of Harvard’s student population) were […]
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12 MayVisas & Work Options for Australian Students Studying Overseas
Planning to study in the USA or UK? Each country has its own student visa rules. In the US, most university programs require an F-1 visa (for academic studies), whereas in the UK students need a Student visa (replacing the old Tier 4 system) for higher-education courses longer than 6 months. Australian students must first […]
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28 AprCommon App Changes 2025–26: What You Need to Know
The Common App has announced key updates for the 2025–26 admissions cycle. While the overall structure stays familiar, changes to the Additional Information section, demographic questions, and platform design could affect how students present their applications. Here is a breakdown of the most important updates to help you prepare. Additional Information Section: Major Restructure The […]
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