Entries by David Petersam

Should Parents Hold Their Children Back for Sports? What College Applicants and Their Parents Need to Know

In recent years, more families have considered holding children back a grade for athletic reasons—a practice often called redshirting. The idea is simple: give a child an extra year to grow physically, mature emotionally, and gain a competitive edge in sports. But as college admissions, college athletics, and NIL opportunities become more competitive, families are […]

Where Doctors Practice After Medical School: What Future Physicians Should Know

Choosing where to attend medical school can shape far more than your next four years—it can influence where you ultimately practice medicine. If you’re a future physician thinking long‑term, understanding state retention trends is a smart strategic move. 🌍 Do Doctors Stay in the State Where They Train? Most physicians end up practicing in the […]

How Graduate Admissions Committees Evaluate International Applicants

Graduate school admissions can feel complex for any applicant, but international students often face an additional layer of evaluation. Admissions committees must assess academic potential, language readiness, cultural context, and long‑term fit—often across unfamiliar educational systems. Understanding how the admissions officers think can help international applicants present stronger, more competitive applications. “When admissions committees review […]

What Top MBA Graduates Earn Five Years After Graduation: Industry Salary Trends Applicants Should Know

MBA applicants often focus on first‑year post‑MBA salaries, but the most meaningful financial picture emerges five years after graduation. By that point, graduates from top business schools have moved into leadership‑track roles, often doubling—or even tripling—their initial compensation. Understanding these long‑term salary trajectories helps applicants choose programs aligned with their financial goals and career ambitions. […]

UC Application Volume Hits Record Levels for Fall 2026

The University of California system has once again reached an all‑time high in application volume. Nearly 252,000 students applied for Fall 2026 admission, surpassing the previous record set in 2022 and reflecting a continued surge in demand for UC campuses. UC Berkeley alone received more than 159,000 first‑year and transfer applications, with first‑year applications rising […]

Why Delaying Your Medical School Application Can Be a Smart Move

Applying to medical school is one of the biggest decisions in your academic journey. While many students feel pressure to apply as early as possible, taking a gap year—or even several—can actually strengthen your application and set you up for long‑term success. If you’re unsure whether now is the right time to apply, you’re not […]

How to Select the Right LLM Program: How Much Rankings Really Matter

Choosing the right LLM program is a major decision—especially for international lawyers seeking to build global credibility, expand their professional network, or qualify for the U.S. bar exam. With dozens of highly regarded programs across the United States and around the world, applicants often wonder how much weight they should give to law school rankings. […]

Getting the Most Out of Graduate School: A Guide for Future Grad Students

Graduate school is a major investment—of time, money, and energy. Whether you’re pursuing a master’s degree or a doctorate, the experience can open doors to advanced career opportunities, higher earning potential, and deeper expertise in your field. But the benefits don’t happen automatically. Students who thrive in graduate school are intentional about how they use […]

Why Earning a New MBA Concentration at a Top‑Ranked Business School Matters

In yesterday’s blog, we discussed the rise of new MBA concentrations. As MBA programs introduce new concentrations in fields like AI, sustainability, digital transformation, healthcare innovation, FinTech, and entrepreneurship, applicants are increasingly asking an important question: Why does it matter where you earn these specializations? The short answer is while any accredited MBA program can […]

The Rise of New MBA Concentrations: What Business School Applicants Should Know

The MBA degree has evolved dramatically over the past decade. While traditional concentrations like finance, marketing, and consulting remain popular, business schools are rapidly expanding into new, specialized MBA concentrations that reflect today’s changing economy. These emerging fields offer targeted skill development, strong employer demand, and competitive salaries—making them especially attractive to applicants looking to […]

The Growing Acceptance of the Classic Learning Test: What College Applicants and Parents Should Know

For decades, the SAT and ACT have dominated the college admissions landscape. But in recent years, the Classic Learning Test (CLT) has emerged as a meaningful alternative—especially as more colleges adopt it. If you’re a college applicant or parent trying to understand whether the CLT is worth considering, here’s a clear, practical guide to the exam […]

Experiential Learning in Law School: What Applicants Need to Know

Experiential learning has become one of the most important components of modern legal education. For law school applicants, understanding how hands‑on training works—and how programs differ across schools—can make a meaningful difference when choosing where to apply. Today’s legal employers expect graduates to be practice‑ready, and experiential learning is one of the strongest indicators that […]