Class of 2025 Admission Rates
Here are Some of the First Admission Rates for the Class of 2025
While 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.
Common App Changes 2021-22
The 2021-22 Common App Changes You Need to Know About
As 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 Decisions
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 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 Important
The 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.
Virtual College Visit Tools
Use These Virtual College Visit Tools for A Campus-Like Experience
In years past, many students went on spring college tours to get a feel for campus life and narrow down their list of best-fit options. Since many campuses remain closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual visits have emerged as the ideal option for students who are looking to learn more about prospective colleges.
K-12 Admissions: What Families Need to Know
What to Expect When Applying to K-12 Schools
While many families are aware that the college application process is comprehensive and multi-faceted, far fewer anticipate a similar process for K-12 or primary and secondary school admissions. Although there are significant differences, many younger students will still need to complete testing, interview, and submit an application for middle and high school.
Just Admit It: How Do College Admissions Committees Review Applications?
Learn How College Admissions Committees Really Review Your Applications
While many students may think they know how their college applications are reviewed, very few individuals are actually in the room where decisions are made. If you’re curious to learn all of the details about how application reviews work, admissions officers are the only source for first-hand experience.
When Do I Need to Start Planning for College?
Learn More About When You Should Start Planning for College
“When should I get started with my college prep?” is one of the first questions on many students’ minds when they look ahead towards their college application process. While some may be tempted to put off their preparation until the second half of junior year, we recommend beginning your admissions journey at the start of high school to avoid any last-minute stress.
How Do I Get Recruited as a College Athlete?
What Does It Take to Get Recruited as a College Athlete?
If you’re passionate about your sport of choice, you may be interested in what it takes to get recruited as a college athlete. There are a lot of misconceptions about the athletic recruitment process, so it’s important to learn all of the facts to determine your best path forward.
Colleges Extending Test-Optional Policies for 2021-22
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. Now that schools have a glimpse into 2021, many colleges are extending their test-optional policies for the 2021-22 admissions cycle (and beyond!)
How Many Schools Should You Add to Your College List?
Learn How Many Schools to Add to Your Balanced College List
When students are working on compiling their balanced college lists, one of the first questions that often comes to mind is how many universities should they apply to. While there isn’t one magic number for every student, there are some guidelines to keep in mind.
4 Ideas for a Productive Summer Break
Learn How to Make This Upcoming Summer Break Your Most Productive One Yet
With many traditional summer activities temporarily on hold due to the ongoing pandemic, some students might be wondering what they should do this year to make the most of their vacation. Although it may be tempting, it’s not a good idea to enter full relaxation mode for the entire two to three months that you’re off from school.
Just Admit It: What Extracurricular Activities Should I Do?
Discover How to Choose the Best Extracurricular Activities For You
Most students know that they need high GPAs to be competitive in the college admissions process, but what about extracurricular activities? Although applicants often understand that they should have passions and hobbies, many are a little less clear about what kind of pursuits to prioritize.
2021-22 Common App Essay Prompts
Here are the Common Application Prompts for 2021-22
The Common Application has announced the personal statement essay prompts for the 2021-22 admissions season, prompting the first change in the essay questions in nearly five years.
Building a College List in a Virtual World
How to Build Your College List in a Virtual World
Building your balanced college list is one of the most important steps in the application process. Students must do their research and visit campuses to pinpoint their best-fit options, but many might wonder how this all works in a virtual world.
The Benefits of Attending an HBCU
Learn About the Benefits of Attending an HBCU
There are a host of famous faces who count Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) as their alma mater, including our Vice President Kamala Harris. Given their list of noteworthy graduates, many students might be interested in the benefits associated with attending an HBCU.
Transfer Admissions Tips from Former Admissions Officers
Our Top Tips for Transfer Admissions
If you’re curious about how transfer admissions work, you’re far from the only one. On average, 35% of college students transfer at least once during their college career.
2021 AP Exam Overview
Here’s How AP Exams Will Be Administered in 2021
AP Exams are an opportunity for students to demonstrate their expertise in advanced classes, get a taste of college-level coursework, and maybe even earn credit towards their undergraduate degree. This year there are significant changes to the AP Exam process due to COVID-19, and students will have the chance to sit for exams either in-person or virtually.
Juniors: Should You Take the SAT or ACT This Year?
Watch our expert counselors answer some of your most pressing testing questions. Check out the recording of the IvyWise Live webinar The Future of Standardized Testing.
Why Juniors Should Still Carefully Consider Their Testing Strategy
In years past, the vast majority of high school juniors planned on taking the SAT/ACT. However, with an increasing number of schools extending their test-optional admissions policies, some students may be wondering whether it is still worthwhile to study for these exams.
Black History Month Reading List
Add These Books To Your Reading List This February
Outside reading is a key part of college prep, and in honor of Black History Month, we’re encouraging students to add to their outside reading list by exploring books written by black authors. From novels to memoirs, diversify your independent reading list by adding new genres to your selection of must-read books.