10 News a Day – Key College Admissions, International Student Success, and University Updates

1. What to Know About Early Action and Early Decision in College Admissions 

   Source: US News 

   Early Action and Early Decision are two distinct college admissions options that give students an advantage in their application process. Early Decision is binding, meaning if students are accepted, they must attend the school, while Early Action is non-binding. Early Action applications generally offer students more flexibility, while Early Decision can show a college that a student is highly committed to attending. These programs can affect a student’s chances of admission, with Early Decision generally having higher acceptance rates.

   
   

2. Universities' Role in Equipping International Students for Success 

   Source: The PIE News 

   As the number of international students in the U.S. continues to grow, universities are increasingly focused on providing the resources and support necessary for these students to succeed. Key areas of focus include academic advising, cultural orientation, language support, and career development services. By fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment, universities can help international students navigate academic and social challenges, leading to a more positive and productive college experience.

   
   

3. U.S. State Department Lifts Federal Funding Freeze 

   Source: The PIE News 

   After months of uncertainty, the U.S. State Department has lifted its freeze on federal funding for international exchange programs, including Fulbright and Gilman Scholarships. This decision is a significant relief for students and educators who rely on these programs for global education opportunities. The resumption of funding is expected to help revitalize international student exchanges and promote global engagement, which is crucial for fostering cross-cultural understanding and strengthening international relations.

   
   

4. Innovating for the Future of Education Abroad at ForumEA Annual Conference 

   Source: ForumEA 

   The Forum on Education Abroad’s 2025 Annual Conference in Toronto will focus on the future of global education, exploring innovative practices for supporting students studying abroad. This year’s event will bring together educators, administrators, and industry leaders to discuss ways to enhance the study abroad experience, ensure inclusivity, and address the challenges posed by shifting geopolitical dynamics and digital learning platforms.

   
   

5. Understanding College Yield Rates 

   Source: IvyWise 

   College yield rates, which refer to the percentage of accepted students who ultimately choose to enroll, are an important factor for colleges in assessing the success of their admissions strategies. High yield rates indicate that a college's admitted students are more likely to attend, often reflecting the institution’s appeal and the effectiveness of its outreach efforts. Colleges with higher yield rates can better plan for incoming classes and gauge how selective their admissions process is.

   
   

   

   
   

6. Faced with Frozen NIH Funding, Universities Seek Alternatives to Fill the Gap 

   Source: Chronicle of Higher Education 

   Many universities are facing significant challenges as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding has been frozen, affecting critical research projects. Some institutions are trying to mitigate the impact by seeking alternative funding sources, such as private grants, corporate partnerships, and internal budget reallocations. However, this freeze poses a long-term threat to scientific research and innovation, especially in fields like healthcare, engineering, and environmental science, where NIH funding is crucial for advancement.

   
   

7. Yale Admits 2,308 Applicants for the Class of 2029 

   Source: Yale News 

   Yale University has admitted 2,308 applicants to the Class of 2029, continuing its tradition of highly selective admissions. This year’s admitted class is drawn from a diverse pool of applicants, reflecting Yale’s commitment to creating an inclusive academic community. The university has also made significant strides in increasing the number of underrepresented minority students in its incoming class, reinforcing its dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

   
   

8. Duke University Implements Travel Ban Restrictions for International Students 

   Source: Duke Chronicle 

   Duke University has introduced new travel ban restrictions for international students, following recent changes to U.S. visa and immigration policies. The new guidelines classify countries into red, orange, and yellow categories based on the political climate, affecting students’ ability to travel for academic purposes. While the university aims to support students by offering more flexible academic accommodations, the restrictions have raised concerns about the potential disruption to students’ education and global research collaborations.

   
   

9. Cornell University Admits 5,824 Students for the Class of 2029 on Ivy Day 

   Source: Cornell Sun 

   Cornell University has admitted 5,824 students to its Class of 2029 during Ivy Day, one of the most competitive days in the U.S. college admissions calendar. With its highly selective admissions process, Cornell offers a diverse and academically talented incoming class. This year’s class reflects the university’s ongoing commitment to attracting students with a broad range of experiences, backgrounds, and academic interests.

   
   

10. Columbia College and SEAS See Slight Increase in Acceptance Rate for Class of 2029 

    Source: Columbia Spectator 

    Columbia University’s College and School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) saw a slight increase in their acceptance rates for the Class of 2029. This uptick in the acceptance rate signals the university’s continued efforts to diversify its student body while maintaining its rigorous admissions standards. The increased acceptance rate comes as the university works to expand opportunities for students from a wide range of geographic, socioeconomic, and academic backgrounds.

Stay informed with the latest news on U.S. higher education admissions, international student programs, and university updates!