How to Prepare for Your Rice University Interview
If you’re planning to apply to Rice University, you can request to be interviewed as part of the admissions process. While Rice University interviews are optional and not guaranteed, they provide a unique opportunity for you to learn more about the campus experience, showcase your knowledge of Rice, and highlight your life experiences and accomplishments. If you don’t have an interview, it won’t hurt your chances of gaining admission. However, participating in an interview can give you a competitive edge, since your interviewer submits a report to the admissions committee.
Currently, Rice does not offer campus interviews — all interviews are conducted virtually, but this may be subject to change in future admissions cycles. Keep reading to learn more about what to expect during college admissions interviews at Rice University so you can feel prepared and confident.
How to Get Into UC Berkeley: All You Need to Know
The University of California at Berkeley, or Cal, as it’s lovingly called, is a legendary institution of higher learning located in charming Berkeley, California, on the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay. Read on to find out more about UC Berkeley, how to get in, and how to improve your applicant profile to increase your chances of admission.
Seven Quirky College Clubs and Extracurriculars
Now that you’ve had a chance to settle into campus and your first semester at college is well underway, it may be time to start thinking about some fun ways to branch out. Many college freshmen like to explore clubs and extracurriculars as a way to broaden their campus social life.
Most universities offer hundreds of options for students looking to beef up their schedules; from student organizations to quirky clubs, there is usually something for everyone. If you have no idea where to start, ask yourself what your friends are doing, how you would like to spend your free time on (or off) campus, or, if you don’t see anything you like, maybe think about starting your own club or extracurricular activity!
10 Best Pre-Med Schools in the U.S.
Students who plan to go to medical school generally spend their undergraduate years pursuing a pre-med course of study to prepare them for a career in medicine or other health fields. But what exactly is pre-med, and what courses are you expected to take? If you’re thinking of attending medical school, keep reading to learn more about pre-med requirements and which schools in the U.S. offer the best programs.
Medical School Admissions Interviews: What You Need to Know
If you’re going through the medical school admissions process, you are hoping to be invited to one or more medical school interviews — the final step before admissions decisions. Being invited to interviews is exciting, but it can also be nerve-wracking. Attending interviews takes a lot of time and preparation, and the format and structure may vary for each one. Keep reading to learn more about the different types of medical school admissions interviews, how to prepare for them, and what to do after the interview.
How to Get Into Tulane: All You Need to Know
Tulane University offers classic southern charm and intellectual rigor with the unique cultural landscape that only New Orleans can offer. A strong school spirit and a singular sense of place pervade the campus at this mid-sized, private research university in New Orleans, Louisiana.
What Is a Good SAT Score?
The SAT may have changed a lot in recent years, including going digital-only for international students in 2023 and for the U.S. in 2024. But one thing hasn’t changed — a good SAT score will help you gain acceptance into the schools on your college list, even if they’re test-optional. Of course, standardized test scores are just one component of a strong college application, but they help provide a more comprehensive picture of your college readiness. If you’re preparing to take the SAT, keep reading to learn more about how the score is broken down, what’s considered a good score, and what the score range is for the middle 50% of enrolled students at some of the top universities in the U.S.
Guide to the Common Application: What Is the Common App and How to Use It
The Common Application officially opened for the 2023-24 college application season on August 1, allowing students across the globe to begin their college admissions journey. But what is the Common Application, exactly? Who can use it and when? You can build your college prep strategy more easily by understanding the Common App. Here’s what you need to know.
How to Get Into Penn: All You Need to Know
The University of Pennsylvania is an Ivy League university located in Philadelphia. “Penn,” as it’s colloquially known, was the first university established in the U.S. Originally founded in 1740 as a charity school and church, Benjamin Franklin proposed in 1749 to turn it into an institution of higher education after publishing his famous essay, Proposal Relating to the Education of Youth. The university has come a long way since then, becoming one of the most prestigious
Class of 2027 Admission Rates
Students navigating the college admissions process continue to experience unique challenges and changes, including the announcement of an entirely digital SAT, continued test-optional policies, increasing application numbers, and more students applying to even more colleges than ever before. All of this has led to an even more competitive year at the most selective colleges in the US, while other schools plan to admit more students than ever before in order to manage enrollment numbers.
Test Score Submit Rates for Class of 2026
The COVID-19 pandemic has shifted the way higher education institutions review applications with many colleges choosing to adopt a test-optional application review process. However, with record-breaking applicant pools and record-low admit rates, families are worried that test-optional may not really mean test-optional at all. Here is what we know, so far.
USC vs. UCLA: Which College Is the Right One for You?
Students interested in attending college in Los Angeles often prioritize two schools: the University of Southern California (USC) and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). While they are both located in the same geographic area, they differ in a few significant ways that may impact which school you choose. If you’re considering both schools, it’s helpful to take a deeper dive into their similarities and differences.
USC is a private research university that is particularly renowned for its academic programs in technology, business, and arts. UCLA is a public research university with high-ranking programs in engineering, business, medicine, and law. Both schools are known for their athletics and share an intense rivalry. Read on to learn how these schools compare so you can decide which institution is right for you.
SAT to ACT Score Conversion Chart
Want to see how your scores on the SAT compare to ACT? The College Board provides concordance tables so students and educators can see how SAT total scores compare to composite ACT scores. You can also use the SAT score conversion chart below if you’ve completed both tests and want to determine which score is better to submit to colleges. These tables
The Success Stories of Brown University’s Most Notable Alumni
As an Ivy League institution, Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, is one of the top universities in the U.S. Founded in 1764 as the College in the English Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, it is also one of the nation’s oldest universities and the first one codified to admit and instruct students regardless of religious affiliation. The college changed its name to Brown University in 1804.
The school attracts students from all over the world and boasts many distinguished alumni — known as Brunonians — who have made their mark in the world through politics, fashion, entertainment, academia, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy. Keep reading to learn about some of the most influential people who attended Brown University.
Yield Rates for the Class of 2027
After many colleges reported all-time low acceptance rates, some students might be curious about their yield rates, or just how many of these admitted applicants have chosen to enroll. Yield is a priority for every college because it impacts their place on rankings lists and it can also influence their bond ratings.
Northwestern University Majors: A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing Your Path
Do you have diverse areas of interest when it comes to academics? If so, Northwestern University may be a good fit for you due to its interdisciplinary curriculum and research opportunities. In fact, 73% of undergraduates combine at least two areas of study, making this a great school for students with varied interests. Keep reading to learn more about the majors you can pursue at Northwestern.
12 College Essay Prompts and Topics 2023
The Common Application is officially open, and many college-bound high school students are hard at work on their college applications. In addition to the main Common App essay, many schools might also require supplements that include some thoughtful — and downright quirky — essay prompts and short answer questions.
USC Letter of Recommendation: What You Need to Know
Is the University of Southern California on your college list? Part of USC’s application process includes submitting a letter of recommendation. While your academic performance in high school carries the most weight in the admissions process, a strong letter of recommendation from a teacher or school counselor will tell another piece of your story — who you are, how you conducted yourself at school, and how you might contribute to the campus community.
The letter of recommendation is an important part of your USC application, so it’s important to choose a recommender who can present you in the best possible light. Keep reading to learn more about what should go into the USC letter of recommendation.
List of Colleges Extending Test-Optional Policies
UPDATED: List of Colleges Extending Test-Optional Policies
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought on a number of changes within the standardized testing industry, including the introduction of a new, entirely digital testing format and many colleges shifting to a test-optional admissions process for the 2020-21 admissions cycle. In fact, 75% of four-year colleges and universities did not require SAT or ACT scores for the 2021-22 admissions cycle.
Class of 2028 Early Application Deadlines
Class of 2028 Early Application Deadlines
The first college application deadlines for the Class of 2028 will be here before you know it. Here are some of the early application deadlines students need to be aware of.
What Vanderbilt Admissions Officers Look for in Essays
If Vanderbilt University, also known as Vandy, is one of your top-choice schools, you may be wondering how to craft your admissions essay to help you stand out. Vanderbilt is incredibly selective, so they look for students who demonstrate what they can contribute to the diverse campus community academically and otherwise. Your response to these essays contributes to the holistic review of your application, so it’s important to put a lot of thought into them.
Keep reading for more information about the Vanderbilt essays and some strategies for writing them, including tips from one of our IvyWise counselors.
