Dialogue Portfolios Are Here
This year, more colleges are asking an important question: How do you handle disagreement?
That’s the purpose of Dialogues, a new peer-to-peer program launched by Schoolhouse.world (co-founded by Sal Khan). Students take part in real-time conversations on complex issues—ranging from AI and climate change to mental health—and then submit a Dialogues portfolio with their application.
🔹 Prestigious universities like Columbia, MIT, UChicago, Northwestern, and Johns Hopkins have already adopted the program.
🔹 Applicants are assessed on qualities such as empathy, active listening, and their ability to “steelman” opposing arguments.
🔹 For admissions officers, this introduces a fresh way to evaluate character—not just academic records.
At Ivy Insight, our mission has always been to help students discover their College Admissions X-Factor®—the story that makes them stand out beyond grades and test scores. With the arrival of Dialogues, this element of the College Admissions Process journey is more important than ever.
Common App Evolves in a Meaningful Way
The Common App has also rolled out notable updates:
- The former “Community Disruption” prompt has been broadened and renamed “Challenges and Circumstances.” This expanded category now allows students to discuss obstacles such as caregiving duties, financial instability, mental health struggles, housing challenges, or lack of access to technology.
- Word limits have been shortened: first-year applicants now have 300 words (down from 650), and transfer applicants have 1,500 characters (previously 3,500).
Standardized Testing Is Back
After several years of test-optional policies, many leading institutions—including Harvard and Yale—are reinstating SAT and ACT requirements. This marks a major comeback for standardized testing in the application process.
Waitlists, Late Scholarships, and Extended Admissions
Last year’s admissions cycle stretched far beyond the traditional May 1 deadline. Some colleges even introduced large merit scholarships—ranging from $20K to $40K per year—well after students had already committed. Universities such as Syracuse and the University of Miami used these late offers as “overtime” strategies to secure enrollment.
A Personal Milestone
This month also celebrates a meaningful occasion: the 4th anniversary of my book Get Real and Get In. I’ll be signing copies on Saturday, August 23 at noon at Barnes & Noble in Bryn Mawr.
I wrote this book to help families better navigate the College Admissions Process journey with clarity, compassion, and confidence.
What This Means for You
The admissions world is shifting quickly. Colleges now place as much emphasis on qualities like character and resilience as they do on academic performance, making the process more layered than ever.
Families who thrive will be the ones who prepare thoughtfully and strategically.
With you along the way,
Dr. Aviva Legatt
Founder, Ivy Insight