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Utah Science and Engineering Fair (USEF): A Comprehensive Guide
The Utah Science & Engineering Fair (USEF) is a premier STEM competition and science fair held annually in Utah. It showcases student research in science and engineering, giving young innovators a chance to present projects to expert judges. USEF is hosted by the University of Utah and serves as the…
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How to Write a Standout Pre-Med or BS/MD College Application
As college application season heats up, one group of students faces an especially high-stakes process: future doctors. Whether you’re aiming for a traditional pre-med track or the highly selective BS/MD programs, your application needs to do more than show off grades and test scores—it needs to tell a story that…
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Decoding AP Exam Scores for Math, Computer Science, and Sciences
As your high schooler navigates the exciting yet sometimes daunting path toward college admissions, Advanced Placement (AP) exams often play a significant role. These exams offer students the chance to earn college credit and demonstrate their academic prowess. But beyond just taking the exams, understanding the score distributions can provide…
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How to Win the BioGENEius Challenge: A College-Ready Guide for High School Students
The BioGENEius Challenge is one of the most prestigious high school biotechnology competitions in the world. Organized by the Biotechnology Institute, this elite competition gives aspiring scientists a platform to present original research in fields like healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. For students aiming for top-tier colleges like MIT, Stanford,…
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The Personal Statement: How to Write a Compelling College Essay in 2026
An expert from our Essays team, Allison, a seasoned writing coach with a background in English and education, walked through the nuances of tackling THE most important essay in college applications – the Personal Statement.
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College Prep: Start Early and Leverage Mentorship
Jeff Selingo, the author of the book Dream School: Finding the College That’s Right for You, speaks at the PBS NewsHour and emphasizes starting college conversations earlier, focusing on exploration during high school, and leveraging resources like mentorship to navigate the evolving admission landscape. PBS journalism is supported by donations.…
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English Expertise matters in College Essays
Choosing the right college essay advisor is a pivotal decision for high school students and their families, one that can significantly impact the success of their applications. While the allure of an “ex-admissions advisor” might seem strong, a crucial distinction needs to be made: essay writing is a specialized skill…
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How to Prepare for the Congressional App Challenge
This prestigious competition offers an incredible opportunity to showcase your coding skills, address real-world problems, and gain recognition from your community and beyond.
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Will Computer Science Still Remain a Relevant College Major?
Computer Science isn’t going away—it’s evolving. In a world where AI can write code, employers are no longer looking for just coders. They want systems thinkers, problem solvers, and creators who can work across technology and business. In this fireside chat, Larry Waldman—Carnegie Mellon CS alum, early Microsoft Teams PM,…
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2025-26 College Essay Prompts
The 2025–26 college application season is here—and with it, a new batch of essay prompts that offer students the chance to reflect, reveal, and stand out. Whether you’re applying through the Common App, Coalition App, or directly to selective universities, your personal statement and supplemental essays are your opportunity to…
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Top AI and Robotics Labs at American Universities
The rapid advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics are fundamentally reshaping industries, economies, and daily life. Universities play a pivotal role in this transformation, serving as incubators for groundbreaking research, innovation, and the cultivation of future talent. This report identifies and ranks the top AI and Robotics laboratories within…
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STEM Summer Camps that do Not Break a Bank
When summer rolls around, so does the pressure to find enriching, future-ready opportunities for curious young minds. STEM summer camps offer incredible exposure to science, technology, engineering, and math—but too often, the best ones come with a sky-high price tag. The good news? There are high-quality, budget-friendly STEM camps out…
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Math Proficiency and STEM College Admissions
Top STEM-focused universities (MIT, Caltech, etc.) place heavy emphasis on mathematics. Strong math skills signal that a student can handle the rigorous quantitative coursework these programs require.
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7 tips for great college essays
College application essays serve as a crucial component of the admissions process, offering a unique opportunity for students to showcase their authentic selves beyond academic transcripts and test scores. Rather than seeking dramatic narratives or overly polished prose, admissions officers prioritize genuine reflection, personal growth, and an understanding of who…
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Career Paths in the US for H4 Visa Students interested in Medicine and Healthcare
Is your child on an H4 visa wanting to make a career in medicine? The journey can seem complex, but with the right information and guidance, you can help them explore various fulfilling paths. Future Forward recently hosted a discussion to shed light on these options, offering valuable insights for…
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How to Choose the Right College Major and Build AI-Proof Career Skills
The big question: How do students plan for a future that’s constantly changing? High schoolers today face a dizzying set of choices: ➡ What major should I pick?➡ How do I know what career fits me?➡ Will AI take over the job I want?➡ Can I still succeed without a…
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How to Win the NASA App Development Challenge: A College-Ready Guide to STEM Success
If you’re a high school student interested in coding, space, or real-world tech innovation, this is the competition that belongs on your resume. The NASA App Development Challenge (ADC) gives middle and high school students the chance to use real NASA datasets to solve cutting-edge problems in space exploration. Each…
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College Essays Explained: What Admissions Experts Want Students and Parents to Know
Introduction: What College Essays Are Really About “What should college application essays be about?” It’s a question we hear from almost every student and every parent. The truth is: college essays aren’t about listing your achievements. They’re about showing who you are beyond the numbers. In our latest Fireside Chat,…
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Purdue University Acceptance Rate for STEM Majors: Key Insights for 2026
Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, is a top destination for STEM education, renowned for its engineering, computer science, and data science programs. With a reputation for innovation and strong industry ties, Purdue attracts thousands of applicants yearly. In 2024, Purdue University’s overall undergraduate acceptance rate was 49.8%. However, acceptance…
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STEM Competitions: Blueprint, A High School Hackathon by MIT
STEM competitions at the national and international level are not simply academic exercises, they are crucibles of character, capability, and commitment. They are structured to identify the best of the best across multiple dimensions: intellectual sharpness, problem-solving, discipline, communication, and leadership. To excel in these spaces, students must invest far…
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Soaring into Aeronautical Engineering: Careers, Degrees, and What You Should Know
Aeronautical engineering is all about flight – the engineering of aircraft and other vehicles that move through the air (and even into space). It’s a branch of aerospace engineering focused on things that fly within Earth’s atmosphere (while astronautical engineering deals with spacecraft and rockets beyond Earth).
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Navigating Pre-Med College Admissions: How to Become A Doctor
Parents and students often wonder how to get into top pre-med colleges. Here’s what colleges are actually looking for—and what high schoolers in Seattle can do to stand out. What do top pre-med colleges really want to see in an applicant? If you’re a high schooler—or a parent of one…
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Parents, help your teenager choose a college major
Help your child confidently explore potential careers and college majors! Discover research-backed methodologies, practical assessments, and mentorship programs (both free and paid) tailored specifically for ages 12–15. Equip your child early with resources that highlight their strengths and interests—laying the groundwork for a fulfilling educational and professional future.
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Tackling Computer Science Major for College Admissions
Future Forward’s co-founders, Vineet and Gopi, engage in a fireside chat to discuss what it takes to tackle college admissions to the highly competitive computer science major.
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Grades or extracurriculars: What should students focus on?
How to balance grades and extracurriculars? The answer depends on the classes you take and the extracurriculars you pursue. The first step is deciding what you want to fit into your schedule. To figure out where to focus your time, it’s crucial to start early.
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Should I be well-rounded, or should I specialize?
To excel in college admissions, applicants should balance a well-rounded academic foundation with a specialization. Strong grades across diverse subjects create a solid base, while focused extracurricular activities highlight individual strengths. Students should pursue interests authentically, ensuring genuine enthusiasm enhances their profiles, ultimately leading to a compelling and unique application.
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Pre-Med vs. BS/MD: Which Path to Becoming a Doctor is Right for You?
Choose Pre-Med if: You want flexibility in your undergrad major. You want time to explore if medicine is truly for you. You’re okay with taking the MCAT and applying to med school later. Choose BS/MD if: You’re 100% committed to becoming a doctor. You want to skip the traditional med…
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How important are extracurriculars in your college application?
Choosing a college major is a significant decision that can shape a student’s future. While some may enter college with a clear path, many remain undeclared, allowing exploration before committing. Being undeclared has pros and cons, influencing graduation timelines and competitive program access, but it offers flexibility to discover genuine…
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Colleges that are shaping the workforce of technology companies
Top universities, including Stanford, MIT, Carnegie Mellon, and UC Berkeley, dominate tech hiring pipelines due to strong industry connections, specialized programs, and hands-on learning. Their graduates are highly sought after by major companies like Tesla, SpaceX, and Microsoft, creating a continuous cycle of innovation and talent in the technology sector.
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