Creative Ways Students Can Get Involved With Online Volunteering Opportunities
You Can Get Involved and Volunteer Without Leaving Your Living Room
Volunteering is a meaningful opportunity for students to give back to their local communities, expand their horizons, and learn new skills. While some activities may be on hold due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the good news is that there are still plenty of ways to get involved.
How to Address COVID-19 on College Applications
Learn About the Common App’s COVID-19 Question
COVID-19 has impacted just about every element of students’ college prep and the college application process is no exception. From canceled SAT and ACT testing dates to a lack of opportunities to tour college campuses, the 2021-22 application cycle is likely to continue to be impacted by the ongoing pandemic.
Yield Rates for the Class of 2025
Learn What Yield Rates Look Like for the Class of 2025After 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.
College Prep 101: College Admissions Glossary of Terms
Learn the College Admissions Lingo Before Starting Your College PrepApplying to college and choosing where to enroll is both a major milestone and an important decision. It’s bound to be a little stressful, but it can feel completely overwhelming if you’re not up to date on all of the latest terminology.
2021-22 Test-Optional Colleges
UPDATED: List of Colleges Extending Test-Optional Policies The COVID-19 pandemic has upended the college entrance exam testing industry, which resulted in a number of colleges shifting to test-optional admissions process for the 2020-21 admissions cycle. In fact, two-thirds of four-year colleges and universities will not require SAT or ACT scores for the 2021-22 admissions cycle.
Making Your Own College Rankings
Customize Your College List by Developing Your Own Rankings MethodA constant concern of universities, and many college-bound families, is the next list of college rankings. Where will an institution land on a list with other “top” colleges, and which schools will be a surprise top 5? But do rankings really matter? The short answer is: no!
How to Stay Informed on Current Events
Stay Updated on Global and Social Issues By Doing Your ResearchWhile every student should strive to stay updated on global issues, it’s particularly important for those interested in related fields like political science or public policy. Whether you’re in a degree program now or getting ready to apply to colleges that specialize in these fields, staying in the know is very important.
College Bond Ratings: How It Impacts Admissions
Learn How Bond Ratings Can Impact AdmissionsBy Nat, IvyWise College Admissions Counselor
Most students understand that academic performance is a major deciding factor in college admissions, but what about the things out of students’ control like bond ratings?
13 College Essay Prompts and Topics 2021
Here Are Some of the Most Unusual and Fun College Application Essay and Short Answer Prompts
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.
How Many Colleges Should I Apply To?
More Students Are Applying to Dozens of Colleges, But Is That a Smart Strategy?
With colleges receiving more applications than ever before and admissions rates dwindling each year, many college-bound students are deciding to hedge their bets and apply to as many schools as possible in order to secure sufficient offers of admission. There have been reports over the years of students applying to dozens of colleges – sometimes 30, 40, even 50. But is this really beneficial? How much is too much when it comes to college applications?
How to Submit the Common App
Our Step-By-Step Guide for Submitting the Common AppHitting “submit” for the Common App is a major milestone in every student’s college admissions journey. However, before you can celebrate, it’s important to make sure you understand the submission process inside and out so that you can present yourself in the best light possible.
What is the Common Application?
The Common Application officially opens for the 2021-22 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? Understanding the Common App and other college application options can make your college prep strategy easier to formulate.
2021-22 Coalition Application Guide
What Students and Parents Need to Know About the Coalition College Admission ApplicationWhile the Common Application is the most widely used college application, it’s not the only option for students who are getting ready to apply to their best-fit colleges. The Coalition Application is an alternative that now counts more than 150 institutions as member colleges.
Test Prep 101: Guide to the SAT Math Section
What is Tested on the SAT Math Section?By IvyWise Master Tutor
The SAT Math Test is divided into four main sections: Heart of Algebra, Problem Solving and Data Analysis, Passport to Advanced Math, and Additional Topics in Math.
Colleges Requiring COVID-19 Vaccines
Learn Which Colleges are Requiring COVID-19 Vaccines for StudentsAs many colleges prepare to welcome a larger number of students back to campus this fall, some universities are moving to require COVID-19 vaccines for all members of the community who will be in person. To date, more than 100 universities in the United States have said that vaccines will be mandatory for students who are planning to return to campus in the fall.
Tips for Freshman Year of College
Learn How to Make the Most of Your Freshman Year of CollegeLike many new beginnings, your freshman year of college may feel both exciting and confusing. From getting accustomed to living on your own to keeping up with advanced-level courses, there’s no doubt that a student’s first few months on campus are a major transition.
Just Admit It: How Do College Admissions Officers Evaluate Transcripts?
Learn How College Admissions Officers Evaluate TranscriptsYour high school transcript is often considered the most important piece of information admissions officers have to evaluate. At the end of the day, college is an academic endeavor, so admissions officers are looking to understand how you perform in the classroom and the subjects that interest you.
Colleges Open for On-Campus Visits
Here are the Colleges That are Open for On-Campus VisitsAfter 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.
Just Admit It: What Should I Write About in My Personal Statement?
Learn What To Write About In Your Personal Statement…And What to AvoidEven the most esteemed names in the literature encounter writer’s block once in a while. However, the personal statement college admissions essay is not the time for students to run out of ideas or settle for a sub-par topic.
2021-22 Common App Supplements
Here are the Available Common App Supplements for 2021-22Many 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.
Just Admit It: What is the Transfer Admissions Process Like?
Learn the Ins and Outs of the Transfer Admissions ProcessWith approximately one in three students choosing to transfer colleges at least once during their undergraduate career, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the admissions process. While there are some parallels to first-year admissions, there are also some key differences that transfer applicants must be aware of.
MBAs and Career Changes
What You Need to Know About MBAs and Career ChangesBy Nellie, IvyWise MBA Admissions Counselor
Potential career changes are one of the many reasons why business school applicants may be drawn to MBA programs. As the job market continues to change and evolve due to the COVID-19 pandemic, an increasing number of young professionals are looking to business schools to help them chart a new path forward.
Just Admit it: What are Medical School Admissions Committees Looking For?
Learn What Medical School Admissions Committees Are Looking ForThe medical school admissions process has a reputation for being notoriously rigorous. Between preparing for and taking the MCAT and acing secondary applications, there are many steps on an aspiring applicant’s journey to medical school admission.
Just Admit It: What are Business School Admissions Committees Looking For?
What Can You Do to Stand Out When Applying to Business School? Since the MBA admissions process is notoriously competitive, many applicants may wonder what they can do to help set themselves apart for the admissions committees. While there isn’t one secret to success, there are several steps prospective business school students can take to improve their admissions odds.
Just Admit It: What Do Students and Families Need to Know About the Financial Aid Process?
Get the 411 on the Financial Aid Process with Our College Admissions CounselorsIn addition to navigating the college admissions cycle, students and families need to prepare for the costs of college and understand the financial aid process. Much like admissions, there are a few steps that go into applying for financial aid, and it’s important that students understand every component of the process.
WiseStart™: Exploring Extracurricular Activities in Middle School
Get a Jumpstart on Exploring Extracurricular Activities with WiseStart™When reviewing college applications, admissions officers also evaluate what students are doing outside of the classroom, which is why it’s so important to have strong extracurricular commitments throughout high school. Instead of stressing out about finding the right activities during freshmen and sophomore year, students can take advantage of their time in middle school to pursue fields they are passionate about and build a strong foundation for high school.
Just Admit It: How did the 2020-21 college admissions cycle go?
Our Top Takeaways from the 2020-21 College Admissions CycleIt’s safe to say that the 2020-21 college admissions cycle was unlike any other. Between canceled SAT and ACT exams and campus tours going virtual, the COVID-19 pandemic created several significant changes for applicants over the past year.
European vs US MBA Programs
Should You Choose a US or European MBA Program?By Nellie, IvyWise MBA Admissions Counselor
When it comes to applying to business school, there are several important decisions all applicants need to make. For many students, one important thing to consider when researching MBA programs is whether to pursue their MBA in the US or to consider programs in Europe.
Rising Seniors: Preparing for the Year Ahead
What Rising Seniors Can Do to Prepare for the Year AheadMany 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.
General Tips for Incoming High School Freshmen
What Should Incoming Freshmen Do to Prepare for High School?As the school year draws to a close, many middle school students are looking forward to their first year of high school and how to prepare. The start of high school is a major milestone that every incoming freshmen student should celebrate. High school is an opportunity to further develop your study skills, challenge yourself with advanced courses, and explore your interests and passions.
The College Applicant Resume
What Does a College Applicant Need to Include in Their Resume?If you think resumes are only for job applications, it’s time to think again. A resume is an ideal medium to clearly and concisely present what you’ve accomplished throughout your high school career. Consequently, many students choose to include a resume when applying to college or when requesting letters of recommendation from teachers and counselors.
College Openings Update: Colleges Accepting Applications for Fall 2021
These Schools Still Have Space For Students in the Class of 2025For students who maybe got a late start on the college admissions process, or their goals and interests have changed, trying to apply for admission to the fall term may seem impossible. However, there are 195 colleges and universities in the US and abroad that are still accepting applications after May 1 for the class of 2025.
Balancing Athletic and Academic Commitments
How Can You Balance Athletic and Academic Work During the Summer?Many student-athletes are well aware of the importance of balancing classes and practices throughout the school year, but what about during the summer? While some athletes may be tempted to focus solely on their sport, it’s important to stay academically engaged during your break.
Ways to Explore Journalistic Writing
Explore Different Styles of Journalistic Writing If you’re interested in pursuing journalistic writing, you don’t need to wait until college to get started. In fact, exploring different types of writing can help give high school students a headstart for the college admissions process because you’ll develop a better idea of what kind of content you most enjoy writing and how that factors into your college admissions goals
MBA Admissions Rounds
Learn About MBA Admissions Rounds 1,2, & 3By Nellie, IvyWise MBA Admissions Counselor
Much like undergraduate admissions, there isn’t just one application timeline for MBA students. In fact, applications are generally broken down into three distinct admissions rounds, with submission deadlines that range from September to mid-April.
Planning the Summer Before Your First Year of College
Making the Most of the Summer Before Your First Year of CollegeMany high school students understand the importance of a meaningful summer break while they’re getting ready to apply to college, but what happens after you’re accepted? The summer between high school and your first year of college is an important transition period that should be planned with care.
Class of 2025 Admission Rates
Here are Some of the First Admission Rates for the Class of 2025While the regular school year is finishing out virtually for many students in response to the coronavirus, it’s still business as usual when it comes to admissions decisions, with colleges releasing their admissions decisions and results through the rest of March.
2021-22 Common App Changes
The 2021-22 Common App Changes You Need to Know AboutAs the most widely used college application system in the United States, the Common Application is likely already on many students’ radars. However, some future applicants may be less aware of the changes being made to the Common App for the 2021-2022 admissions cycle.
Class of 2025 Regular Decision Notification Dates
Here’s When Students Can Expect to Receive Regular Admission DecisionsAre 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 2025 in order to notify students of their decisions by the spring.
Early College Prep and the Importance of Executive Functioning Skills
Learn Why Early College Preparation and Executive Functioning Skills Are So ImportantThe college process can feel overwhelming, especially when students get a late start. From compiling a best-fit list to writing essays, there are many steps in the college application process. Consequently, we always encourage students to start early and build executive functioning skills that will serve them throughout college and beyond.