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IvyWise KnowledgeBase
12th Grade

IvyWise What to Do if You've Been Deferred

What to Do if You’ve Been Deferred

Getting deferred from your top-choice school can be disappointing, but don’t despair! There are a number of steps that students can take after a deferral to improve their admission chances in the regular round.

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IvyWise Exploring College Options: The Value of Fly-In Programs

Exploring College Options: The Value of Fly-In Programs

Embarking on the college journey feels like stepping into a world full of unknowns. With tests, essays, and recommendation letters swirling around, one important factor often gets pushed to the side — visiting colleges in person. That’s where fly-in programs come in.

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IvyWise How to Appeal Your Need-Based Financial Aid Award

How to Appeal Your Need-Based Financial Aid Award

You’ve just been admitted to the school of your dreams. You are over the moon, sharing your excitement with your family — until you see the financial aid package. What?! Where did that number come from?

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IvyWise FAQs on Contacting Admissions Staff

FAQs on Contacting Admissions Staff

Are you a high school student eagerly eyeing your dream college? Perhaps you’re anxious about your college application and wondering whether it’s a good idea to reach out to the admissions office. You’re not alone in having these questions, and we’re here to provide clarity with some frequently asked questions about high school students contacting college admissions staff.

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IvyWise The Early Advantage: A Statistical Analysis of Applying ED and EA

The Early Advantage: A Statistical Analysis of Applying ED and EA

Early Decision, Early Action, Early Decision II, Restrictive Early Action — believe it or not, the list goes on. There is no shortage of early application options for college admissions these days, and some hold a significant statistical advantage to students. Yes, this means that in some early processes, most students are significantly more likely to receive offers of admissions than if they applied Regular Decision. The percent advantage ranges from school to school and differs when it comes to Early Action programs. Read on for a breakdown of the numbers and for insight on why students should consider participating in early admissions programs.

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IvyWise IvyWise Building Your Applicant Profile vs. Telling Your Story

Building Your Applicant Profile vs. Telling Your Story

The college application process is stacked with buzzwords, including the often-used “holistic review” and “hook.” Right now, more and more families are trying to decipher terms like “profile building,” “applicant profile,” and “telling your story.” What do these terms mean, and how do they differ? How do you approach your applicant profile? How do you tell your story? What can families do to prepare?

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IvyWise Advice for C Students From a Former Admissions Officer

Advice for C Students from a Former Admissions Officer

“I got a B in AP Calculus,” a student recently said to me. “I guess I won’t have a shot at my dream schools, since I know colleges automatically reject students who don’t have straight A’s.” This is a conversation I often have with students this time of year. I assured my student that one B on his otherwise flawless transcript does not make it or break it. However, having worked in the admissions office at Columbia University — which has a 4.1% acceptance rate — I’m not naive about the selective review process.

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IvyWise Undergraduate vs. Deferred Enrollment: How to Know When You Will Be the Most Competitive Business School Applicant

Undergraduate vs. Deferred Enrollment: How to Know When You Will Be the Most Competitive Business School Applicant

One of the most common discussions I have with families is when to apply to business school. There are three questions to consider:

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IvyWise A Gap Year Can Set the Stage for a More Meaningful College Experience

A Gap Year Can Set the Stage for a More Meaningful College Experience

If you surveyed the participants of an average college freshmen orientation, you probably wouldn’t be surprised to learn that the incoming class has a variety of experiences and backgrounds. However, it might be surprising to learn about the growing number of students who chose to take extended time between completing high school and enrolling in a university of their choice.

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IvyWise Applying to College as an Undecided Student

Applying to College as an Undecided Student

One of the most compelling and authentic applications I read during my time as an admissions officer at Duke University was from a student who applied as undecided.

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