Our Latest News, Research, and Analysis
Spring Branch ISD’s Best Elementary and Middle Schools by STAAR Scores 2026
Many Houstonians have a Houston zip code but aren't part of the Houston Independent School District (HISD). Spring Branch (SBISD) is one such district serving Houstonians but not part of HISD. In SBISD, Spring Branch Academic Institute stands on top [...]
Editors’ Choice
State of Test-Optional College Admissions in Texas for 2026-2027
For Fall 2027, Rice University is test-optional, but recommends sending test scores. In 2020, the majority of US higher education institutions adopted a test-optional policy for their admission process - [...]
What is Texas Free College Application Week and Why Does It Matter?
The second ever Texas Free College Application Week is October 12-18, 2026. During this week all Texas public colleges, including the University of Texas at Austin and A&M College Station, [...]
Automatic Admission at Texas Colleges for 2026-2027
Every Texas public college, more than 30 in total, grants automatic admission to resident, high-school seniors who meet certain class rank and/or standardized test requirements. In fact, automatic admission [...]
ISEE Test Dates in Houston for 2026-2027
The Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) is the most popular standardized test required for admission to most Houston-area private schools. This page details test dates and locations for the [...]
Academics and Elementary Learning
Houston’s Major School Holidays and Test Dates 2025-2026
Whether you are planning out your timetable for extracurricular [...]
Dianna Hutts Aston, Houston Children’s Book Author
As part of our efforts to include local, Houstonian [...]
What Can a Private Tutor Do for Me – Benefits, Mentorship & Test Prep
What Does a Private Tutor [...]
Erica Henderson, Houston Children’s Book Author
Erica Henderson, Houston Children's Book Author As part of [...]
Houston’s Major School Holidays and Test Dates 2024-2025
At General Academic we're constantly aware of and alerting [...]
Test Prep
Houston’s National Merit Semifinalists for 2023-2024
Houston's Graduating Seniors are Smart The 2024 National Merit [...]
ISEE Test Dates in Houston for 2023-2024
The Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) is the most popular [...]
Houston’s National Merit Semifinalists for 2022-2023
Houston's Smartest Seniors Brush Aside Pandemic to Ace the [...]
Houston Schools
Top Houston ISD (HISD) Magnet Schools of 2025
Analysis of Houston School Choice Lottery for 2025-2026 The most [...]
Houston’s Richest Public Schools, Best Home Values, and Most Gentrified Neighborhoods
The best Houston public schools are often in the [...]
Top Houston and Texas High Schools by SAT Score 2025
The Texas Education Agency has finally released statewide SAT [...]
College Counseling
Test-Optional College Admissions for Texas Students
Updated Guide Available: For a deeper look at what [...]
Balanced College List Template for Applying to College
Choosing where you will spend the next four years is [...]
Should You Hire a College Admissions Consultant?
Applying to college gets tougher every year, with constantly shifting [...]