IvyWise College Admissions Blog

Here are the available Common App supplements for 2022-23

Many schools utilize the Common App as their primary application form, and school-specific supplements allow every institution to customize this universal application in order to build a well-rounded first-year class.

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If you have a love of learning and enjoy helping others achieve their goals, the thought of becoming an academic advisor has likely crossed your mind. Whether you’re working with students who are looking for guidance on the career opportunities that align with their studies or undergraduates who are interested in applying to graduate programs, working as an academic advisor is a rewarding and exciting opportunity to support others along their educational journeys.

However, it’s important to understand what goes into being a good academic advisor and the various types of job opportunities you can pursue before applying. Keep reading to learn more about how to become an academic advisor and what you can do to set yourself apart from the pack. 

If you’re interested in becoming an academic advisor, the first step you need to take is understanding the role inside and out. The day-to-day responsibilities associated with being an academic advisor will vary depending on the specific job you take, but generally all academic advisors are

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Most rising seniors have a lot on their to-do lists in order to prepare for the college application process this fall. Students who get a jumpstart on the process before school is back in session and are often at a major advantage because they’re able to make the most of senior year and keep stress at bay.

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Students interested in becoming engineers have traditionally enrolled in four-year degree programs at large universities with comprehensive engineering programs. These programs allow students to specialize in a particular type of engineering, such as mechanical, chemical, or civil. However, different paths for studying engineering have begun to diverge from the more traditional trajectory.

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With a location in the heart of New York City and an array of top-ranked academic programs, it’s easy to understand why so many students place New York University at the top of their college best-fit lists. The institution has plenty of research and learning opportunities to offer, as well as all of the advantages associated with going to school in a major metropolitan city.

Consequently, it’s no surprise that getting into New York University is particularly challenging, with acceptance rates plummeting to new lows in recent years. Keep reading to learn more about what it takes to gain admission to New York University and the top tips students should keep in mind throughout the application process. 

Once students learn about

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With a location in the heart of New York City and a plethora of renowned programs and internship opportunities, it’s easy to understand why New York University is a top choice on many students’ best-fit lists. As a result, New York University is also a highly competitive college, with acceptance rates falling to approximately 12% in recent years.

Given the school’s rigorous admissions process, applicants must do everything they can to stand out for all of the right reasons, including acing the NYU interview. Keep reading to learn more about what these conversations entail and how you can maximize your performance to boost your admissions odds.

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When most students think of top-tier colleges, Princeton and Harvard are likely some of the first schools to come to mind. Both institutions are members of the Ivy League that have plenty of famous alumni, as well as ample research and learning opportunities. 

Despite these similarities, several distinguishing factors set each university apart. Keep reading to learn more about how Harvard and Princeton compare to one another and what this might mean for your own list of best-fit colleges.

While prestige should not be a deciding factor in your college application decisions, plenty of students are interested in learning how their potential best-fit schools might stack up to other universities. When it comes to comparing Harvard University versus Princeton University, it’s challenging to pick a winner because institutions are exceptionally prestigious. Harvard and Princeton are both members of the Ivy League, and each school is known for its extremely low acceptance rate and ongoing commitment to academic excellence. 

There are several reasons why Princeton University has become so

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Learn What it Takes to Stand Out at This Elite West Coast University

Although not technically part of the Ivy League, Stanford is virtually as selective as any of the institutions within this esteemed group of colleges. In fact, Stanford’s acceptance rate was 3.95% for the class of 2025.

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As a leading research university and a member of the Ivy League, it’s easy to see why many students have their sights set on Brown University. The school has plenty of top-tier programs, in addition to a dual degree program with neighboring Rhode Island School of Design.

Since Brown University has a stellar reputation and receives thousands of applicants each year, students must go the extra mile in order to gain a seat in the upcoming class. Keep reading to learn more about what sets Brown University apart and the best practices that applicants can utilize to increase their chances of admission.

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Stay Academically Sharp By Tuning into These Fun Podcasts

Once school is out for the summer it can be all too easy to go on autopilot. Even if you’ve planned a jam-packed summer break filled with internships, test preparation, or maybe working a part-time job, it is important to explore new learning opportunities, including podcasts.

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As the caps come off and the graduation celebrations begin, many high school graduates look forward to the unbridled freedom of the summer before college. After twelve plus years of non-stop academic and extracurricular responsibilities, this summer provides a much-needed chance for students to unwind after a hectic year of college applications and before an exciting freshman year. Rather than sleep through the hot summer days, use your time to prepare for the year ahead.

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When students are interested in going to school in New York City, there are often two colleges that come to mind: NYU and Columbia. Although these institutions are located in the same metropolitan area, there are several key differences that distinguish the colleges from one another. 

Given each school’s unique characteristics, it can be challenging to compare NYU vs Columbia and choose one that outranks the other. Keep reading to learn more about how these two colleges stack up against each other and what to keep in mind when you’re getting ready to apply to either one.

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The COVID-19 pandemic has shifted the way higher education institutions review applications with many colleges choosing to adopt a temporary 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.

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While Stanford may not technically be part of the Ivy League, the school’s academic caliber—not to mention its competitive acceptance rate—rivals that of Harvard and Yale. Many students are eager to gain a spot at the top-tier university, which has a wide array of renowned programs including engineering and environmental science.

Although earning admission at Stanford University is challenging, there are a few steps applicants can take to set themselves up for success. Keep reading to learn more about how you can set yourself apart for all of the right reasons.

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Seniors, graduation is right around the corner! As you prepare for your finals and AP exams, check out this graduation checklist to make sure you’ll be all ready for the big day!

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Summer is in full swing, and while rising high school seniors are turning their focus toward the college application process, those who have already graduated are preparing for their first year in college. There’s a lot that rising college freshmen can do this summer to prepare for their first year on campus.

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It’s no wonder a multitude of beloved characters, including Rory Gilmore from Gilmore Girls and Brooks Rattigan of The Perfect Date, dream of attending Yale University. The Ivy League institution is academically renowned and holds an array of distinctions in many fields.

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What Rising Seniors Can Do to Prepare for the Year Ahead

Many current juniors who will be rising seniors this summer are well aware that their final year of high school is exceptionally important. Students must juggle completing their personal statements, applying to colleges, and preparing for graduation, in addition to keeping up with friends and extracurriculars.

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NYU has been a top choice on many students’ college lists for a while, but recently, the volume of applications the institution receives reached a new level. Last year, more than 100,000 students submitted applications, marking a new record for the college.

Consequently, it’s no surprise that gaining a seat at NYU is exceptionally competitive. To boost your admissions odds, you must ensure that each component of your application presents you in the best light possible, and that includes your NYU supplemental essays. Keep reading to learn what you can do to ensure your content sets you apart for all of the right reasons.

If you think you only need to worry about your personal statement, it’s time to think again. Supplemental essays matter, particularly at highly competitive colleges like NYU where students will need to do everything they can to set themselves apart.  

One of the most important questions you will need to answer as part of the NYU supplemental essay process is a version of

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With its lengthy history and unparalleled academic rigor, it’s no surprise that Yale tops many students’ best-fit lists, with an acceptance rate that has dipped below 5% in recent years.

Given the competitive nature of Yale’s admissions process, every component of your college application is going to be crucial, including supplemental essays. Like many colleges, Yale has a number of writing prompts that students are required to answer as part of their submission. Keep reading to learn more about the Yale supplemental essay to make sure your writing sets you apart from the pack.

Table of contents:

Yale requires several different supplemental essays as well as short answer questions. The questions themselves vary slightly depending on which application platform a student chooses to use. All students answer three short answer questions and each

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Celebrate with These Festive Commencement Ceremonies

Much like the students who apply each year, no colleges or universities are the same. In addition to varying locations, course requirements and campus environments, many colleges have their own unique graduation traditions.

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Columbia University is a popular choice on many students’ best-fit lists. From a prime location in the heart of New York City to its renowned Core Curriculum, there are many reasons why the Ivy League university appeals to thousands of applicants each year.

Given its popularity and unparalleled academic rigor, it’s no surprise that Columbia is one of the most selective schools in the country. To gain a seat, students need to ensure that every component of their application is top-notch, and that includes their supplemental essays. Keep reading to learn more about the best practices that will help set your writing apart when it’s being reviewed by Columbia’s admissions officers.

The first question that many students have is “How do I get into Columbia University?”. When it comes to supplemental admissions essays, their second is probably going to be “How many will I have to write?”

Every college has its own specific guidelines for essay requirements. At Columbia University, applicants are asked to answer three short-answer questions with a 200 word maximum, as well as three list questions

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Here are Some of the First Admission Rates for the Class of 2026

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. Read on for our comprehensive list of admission rates for the class of 2026.

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By IvyWise Master Admissions Counselor, Nat

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Here’s What to Do If You’re Accepted!

More college admissions decisions are coming out this week, and we have some advice for students who were accepted to their top-choice colleges.

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Are you ready for regular decision notification dates? Admissions offices across the US are working hard to get through hundreds of thousands of regular decision college applications for the class of 2026 in order to notify students of their decisions by the spring.

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For students who dream of attending an Ivy League university in a big city, Columbia University is often their top choice school. The college is renowned for its academic rigor and its core curriculum, which is the cornerstone of a Columbia education. Given these factors, it’s no surprise that gaining admission is exceptionally competitive.

Students must ace every component of the application process in order to stand out, and that includes the interview. Keep reading to learn more about Columbia interview questions so you can set yourself apart for all of the right reasons.

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Most students are aware that Yale University is one of the most prestigious schools in the country. As an Ivy League institution, Yale is regarded as both academically rigorous and highly competitive, with acceptance rates dropping below 10 percent in recent years.

While knowing the basics is a good start, students must learn a lot more about any college on their best-fit list, and Yale University is no exception. Keep reading to learn about the most popular majors at Yale University and discover what sets the school apart.

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2022-23 Common App Essay Prompts

The Common Application has announced the personal statement essay prompts for the 2022-23 admissions season.

At IvyWise, we advise students to get started on their college applications the summer before their senior year. While current juniors can certainly start to brainstorm topics for their college application essays now, the Common App essay should not overshadow juniors’ current college prep, including extracurriculars, test prep (if applicable), studying for AP or other important exams, and other important college prep tasks like building their balanced college list and visiting schools.

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By Tasha, IvyWise College Admissions Counselor

As we head into March and the beginning of spring, you might consider taking your college search to the next level by going on college tours and visits. Though the pandemic has vastly changed the landscape of what is possible–there are many virtual tour possibilities–when possible and safe, you should do your best to go on in-person tours.

If you are going on many college visits during a short period of time, during spring break, for example, it can be easy to start feeling overwhelmed. The details of each college may start to blur, and everything can start looking and sounding the same. It is important to take breaks and take a step back to ensure that you are getting the most out of your college visit experiences.

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Most STEM students already know that MIT is one of the most reputable names, not to mention an exceptionally academically rigorous college. However, there is still a lot of uncertainty about their admissions process, especially when it comes to the MIT interview and what you can do to stand out.

Interviewing at a college can be an excellent way to set yourself apart and demonstrate your in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for the school. Keep reading to learn what you can do to ace your MIT interview.

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Here are the Colleges That are Open for On-Campus Visits

After more than a year without in-person college tours, some universities are reopening for on-campus visits. Visiting colleges can be a valuable opportunity for students to get a comprehensive picture of a potential best-fit school and begin envisioning themselves on campus.

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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 will not require SAT or ACT scores for the 2021-22 admissions cycle.

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Since Brown is at the top of plenty of students’ best-fit lists, most prospective applicants want to do everything they can to stand out for all of the right reasons. While grades and course rigor carry the most weight in admissions decisions, students also need to write compelling essays that demonstrate their interest in attending the college. 

In addition to the personal statement, students must prioritize the Brown University supplemental essays when compiling their application. Continue reading to learn more about the supplemental essays that Brown requires, as well as what it takes to write a top-tier statement.

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On January 25, the College Board announced that starting in 2023 and 2024, the SAT (including the PSAT) would become an entirely computer-based exam. High school students and families might be wondering how this will impact their test prep and college prep strategies. Read on to learn more!

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Since Brown is part of the Ivy League, it’s no surprise that gaining a spot at the university is exceptionally competitive. To earn a seat in the upcoming class, students need to do more than get good grades; they must excel in every component of the application process, including the interview. 

The Brown University admissions interview gives applicants an opportunity to express their interest in attending the institution, as well as showcase their personalities. Keep reading to learn more about what you can do to set yourself apart for all the right reasons during the interview process. 

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As part of our IvyWise Gives Back initiative, IvyWise Scholars is our pro bono college admissions counseling program for high-achieving, low-income students. We caught up with IvyWise Scholar Benson, a gifted student from Louisiana, to learn more about his college admissions journey, what it’s like to work with IvyWise during this process, and get some of his college prep advice for other students.

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While grades may carry the most weight in college admissions decisions, there are many important components of the undergraduate application process, including submitting your letters of recommendation. These documents allow admissions officers to learn more about who a student is, the role they play in the classroom, and how they might shape their future college campus.

Consequently, students need to make sure that their letters of recommendation present them in the best light possible, especially if they’re applying to highly competitive colleges like Stanford University. If you want to learn more about how to ask for a letter of recommendation for Stanford University, keep reading for our top tips and the best practices that you’ll need to know.

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As part of our IvyWise Gives Back initiative, IvyWise Scholars is our pro bono college admissions counseling program for high-achieving, low-income students.

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It’s so important to have perspective when going through the college admissions process, which is why we’ve reached out to one of our own students, Nevaeh, to share some advice for future applicants.

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