The End of D/S: US to Overhaul F-1 Visa with a Fixed 4-Year Limit
Starting September 15, 2026, the 'Duration of Status' (D/S) policy for U.S. F-1 visas will be eliminated and replaced with a fixed period of stay of up to four years.
4 min readHAEA / Reading room
Blog
Articles and perspectives to help you explore your next step.
The Financial Aid Paradox: Why Asking for Help Can Hurt Your Child’s Admission Chances
Applying for financial aid at US universities is not a separate safety net but a strategic variable that directly impacts admission chances.
8 min readU.S. Overhauls Student Visas: 4-Year Cap Replaces 'Duration of Status' Policy
Starting September 15, 2026, the 'Duration of Status' (D/S) policy for F-1/J-1 visas will be replaced by a fixed period of stay, capped at four years.
4 min readThe New 4-Year U.S. Student Visa Limit: Why the First Interview Is Now the Biggest Hurdle
The new 4-year visa limit makes passing the initial interview more difficult than securing a future extension.
3 min readThe AP/IB Paradox: Why Elite Universities Are Stricter on Credit Than You Think
Top-tier universities rarely grant college credit for high AP/IB scores, a paradoxical situation where they are stricter than mid-tier schools.
4 min readAI-Generated Applications: The New Trap That Leads to Rejection, Not Admission
While AI use in applications surged to 69% by 2025, over 65% of companies and universities view it negatively.
8 min readThe High-Achiever's Dilemma: When a High Korean Student Ratio Becomes a Hidden Trap
While international schools with high Korean student ratios offer efficiency in admissions prep and GPA management, they risk creating a monolithic experience for students.
4 min readThe True Cost of International School: A Look Behind the Published Tuition
The actual first-year cost for an international school can be ₩6 million to ₩15 million higher than the published tuition due to application fees, activity fees, and other charges.
8 min readThe Sticker Price Paradox: How Elite Universities Can Be More Affordable Than You Think
Focus on the 'Net Price' (the cost after financial aid), not the 'Sticker Price' (the published tuition).
5 min readHow Much Credit Do Colleges Really Give for AP and IB Scores?
Top-tier universities value AP/IB scores more as an 'academic signal' of a student's potential than as a means for credit exchange.
5 min readHigh AP/IB Scores Have Surprisingly Low Power to Predict Freshman Grades
High AP/IB scores are not a 'cause' that guarantees freshman academic success, but rather a 'signal' or 'result' of a student's existing abilities.
6 min readThe Test Paradox: Are AP and IB Scores Becoming Obsolete?
Top universities no longer just count high AP/IB scores; they evaluate the 'intellectual narrative' revealed through a student's course selection and the connections they make.
4 min readThe Data-Driven Structure of Study-Abroad Failure
The success of early study abroad hinges not on external support systems, but on the presence of the irreplaceable 'Psychological Safe Base'—the parent.
6 min readIB vs. Korean High School: A Data-Driven Look at University Admissions
The IB curriculum can be a powerful asset not only for overseas universities but also for top-tier Korean universities' holistic review admissions.
6 min readFor International Students, 'Need-Blind' Is a Different Story
Only nine US universities are need-blind for international students, meaning financial aid opportunities are extremely limited.
5 min readThe 1,400 Won Exchange Rate: The Real Weight of Study Abroad Costs
The 1,400 KRW/USD exchange rate may not be a temporary phenomenon but a structural shift, and should be treated as a new constant in financial planning for education abroad.
4 min readEarly Admissions: The Data That's Upending Conventional Wisdom
The high acceptance rates in early rounds can be inflated by the inclusion of specific applicant groups like recruited athletes and legacy students.
6 min read