Dress for Success When It Counts

Even if that means showing up in your PJs

Jun 25, 2025

This week’s issue of College Eagle may look a little funny because we’re testing it out on Substack, where everyone else seems to be. Let me know if you love the new look or hate it. But first, the news…

COLLEGE NEWS

International admits in limbo: In a case with repercussions far beyond Cambridge, Mass., a federal judge blocked yet another effort by the Trump administration to keep international students from attending Harvard. Ivy League aspiration remain at an all-time high.

Amateurs going pro: In other legal news, a judge has approved a deal enabling colleges to share up to $20.5 million a year with players, mainly in football and men’s basketball. Paying athletes egregious sums to stay in school should slightly improve the graduation rate.

A new champ: Texas Tech ended Oklahoma University's run of four straight Women's College World Series. Had to happen Sooner or later 😎

BIG IDEA

Clothes, it is often said, make the man. But can the right clothes make the man test better? If we accept that our best scores come from managing every aspect of the testing experience we can, then even something as prosaic as wardrobe choice can impact performance. Dressing for success of test day involves more than remembering your lucky socks, though you can wear them too if that will help.

When laying out your wardrobe (along with all those other test day necessities) the night before a big test, your main concern should be COMFORT. Consideration of comfort should include a few important factors:

Freedom from distractions
Show up at your local testing center on exam day and you’ll see lots and lots of hoodies and sweatpants. Why is the casual look so popular? When sitting in place for hours on end, teens intuitively favor apparel that is non-binding and free flowing. Test day is not a fashion show. Leave the tux or ball gown at home and go with whatever you’d wear hanging out on your couch on a rainy day.

Climate control
For many of us, shorts and a t-shirt define comfort, yet such light clothing may lead to great discomfort when temperatures dip low. You cannot control how warm or cold your testing environment will be, but you can control how warm or cold you are by wearing layers.

Power and pride
Many of us place other priorities above comfort when picking out our daily outfit. Dressing down for the ACT won’t help if you feel too self-conscious to focus on your exam. In the immortal words of Fernando Lamas as famously channeled by Billy Crystal on SNL, “It is better to look good than to feel good.” Have it both ways by choosing clothes that enhance both comfort and confidence. Great ideas include team colors, a sweatshirt from your target college, and, yes, your lucky socks!

NAME THAT SCHOOL

Think you know your colleges? Try your luck with this special school. (Find the answer at the very end.)

Founded in 1874 as a Presbyterian college open to students of other faiths
Sandwiched between two major metro areas, its students have access to internships, arts, activism, and snowy coffee shops galore
Replaces fraternities or sororities with themed residence halls and a strong sense of community
Delivers a strong fine arts scene and consistently ranks among the top liberal arts colleges in the U.S.
Boasts a former Secretary-General of the United Nations and Nobel Peace Prize winner as an alum

APPLICATION ACTION STEPS

🎓 Crack the Ivy League Code.

🎓 Explore the 2025 AP Score Distributions.

🎓 Register for a fall ACT while seats are still (maybe) available.

🎓 Check out the ranked list of colleges not worth attending in each state.

HOTLINE

Do you have any burning questions to ask or want to share an issue, article, or resource our readers should know about? Dial up the College Eagle hotline through this easy form. We appreciate you!

NAME THAT SCHOOL ANSWER

Minnesota’s Macalester University may have a Scottish Highlander as a mascot, but most students just call themselves Macs. Go Macs!