IvyWise Scholars Spotlight: Afua
IvyWise Scholar Afua Shares Her Top Tips for Students Applying to CollegeFor current seniors, the college application process is in full swing. It’s so important to have perspective when going through the admissions journey, which is why we’ve reached out to one of our own students, Afua, to share some advice for future applicants.
Princeton Interview: What Questions to Expect and How to Answer Them
Most interviews can feel a little stressful, and ones for college admissions are no exception, especially for a top-tier college like Princeton University.
With an acceptance rate below 5%, many students are eager to gain a seat at the college, and a strong interview can definitely help applicants stand out for all of the right reasons. So, what does it take to ace the Princeton interview questions and set yourself apart from the pack?
Princeton University Transfers: Acceptance Rate, GPAs, Deadlines
As a member of the Ivy League and an institution known for its academic rigor and impressive alumni network, it is easy to understand why Princeton University earns a spot on many students’ best-fit lists. Every year, the school receives tens of thousands of applications from high school seniors and current college students interested in transferring.
While there are many similarities between the first-year application process and the transfer admissions process, there are also several key differentiators that students need to know if they’re interested in switching schools. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about Princeton transfers.
IvyWise Scholars Spotlight: Abigail
IvyWise Scholar Abigail Shares Her Tips for Students Applying to CollegeFor current seniors, the college application process is in full swing. It’s so important to have perspective when going through the admissions journey, which is why we’ve reached out to one of our own students, Abigail, to share some advice for future applicants.
Harvard Waitlist: How Hard Is It to Get Off of It?
Harvard is one of the most popular first-choice colleges for students, and it’s also one of the most competitive. In fact, in the latest admissions cycle, just 3.43% of applicants were offered a seat in next year’s freshman class.
Given this competitive admissions rate, some very talented students are going to find themselves on Harvard’s waitlist. While most applicants have a general idea of what a waitlisted outcome means, few understand how waitlists really work and what they can do to boost their odds of admission, which is what we’re going to explore here:
How to Write Princeton Supplemental Essays
If Princeton is at the top of your list for best-fit colleges, you know that every component of your application counts. With a record-low acceptance rate of less than 4% for the University Class of 2025, it’s clear that applicants are going to have to submit their best work to be competitive, and that includes writing compelling supplemental essays.
While grades may pull the most weight in admissions decisions, supplemental essays give students an opportunity to highlight what makes them unique, demonstrate their knowledge of Princeton, and articulate the impact they will have on campus. Keep reading to learn how to write Princeton supplemental essays that will help you stand out for the right reasons.
IvyWise Scholars Spotlight: Daniel
IvyWise Scholar Daniel Shares His Tips for Students Applying to CollegeFor current seniors, the college application process is in full swing. It’s so important to have perspective when going through the admissions journey, which is why we’ve reached out to one of our own students, Daniel, to share some advice for future applicants.
Complete Guide to Harvard Letters of Recommendation
With an acceptance rate that has dipped below 5% in recent years, there’s no doubt that getting into Harvard is exceptionally competitive. As a result, students who are interested in gaining admission to the top-tier institution need to understand that every component of their application matters, including the recommendation letters they submit.
How to Get into Princeton
Princeton tops many students’ lists for dream schools to attend. Like most other Ivy League colleges, the university is known for its rigor and increasingly competitive applicant pool. As competition for a seat at the top-rated college intensifies, most future applicants are asking themselves the same question: what does it really take to earn admission to Princeton University?
What Does a College Counselor Do?
When students start learning about the college admissions process, typically during their freshman year of high school if not before, there’s a lot of uncertainty around what their admissions journey might look like.
While every student will have the support of their friends, family, and teachers, it can also be beneficial to receive personalized guidance from a trusted source who knows the admissions process inside and out—which is exactly what your counselor can help you with.
Grad School Interview Questions: Examples and Answers
Interviews can often be a source of stress for students, and the ones for graduate school are no exception. Generally, a graduate school interview is an opportunity to showcase your strengths, demonstrate your knowledge of the institution, and impress an alumnus or member of the faculty who might play a role in deciding your admissions outcome.
While being a little nervous might be inevitable, it is possible to feel confident on interview day if you’ve prepared beforehand. Keep reading to learn more about the grad school interview questions you might encounter, so that you’ll feel ready on the big day.
Sample Harvard Interview Questions and Answers
If you’re nervous about your Harvard interview, you’re not alone. Since Harvard is one of the most competitive schools in the country, it’s important to do your best on every component of the application to stand out.
Interviews can feel particularly stressful for students because they’re an unfamiliar challenge. However, it is possible to build up your confidence by preparing in advance. Keep reading to learn more about the Harvard interview questions that you can expect to encounter, as well as tips for answering them.
How to Get Into Harvard: All You Need to Know
When it comes to college acceptances, many applicants view Harvard as the gold standard for admissions success. While the Ivy League college may not be a best-fit option for every student, there’s no doubt that plenty of future applicants are eager to gain a seat in Harvard’s next class of admitted students. So what does it really take to get in?
Class of 2026 Early Decision Notification Dates
Early Decision and Early Action Notification Dates for the 2021-22 Application Season The college admissions season is flying by, and before you know it early admission decisions will be released. Here’s our annual list of early decision notification dates!
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, 75% of four-year colleges and universities will not require SAT or ACT scores for the 2021-22 admissions cycle.
Uncovering Your Story: Embarking on Self-Discovery
Why Prioritizing Self-Discovery is Crucial for College Admissions
The college application process is about so much more than your academic performance. Yes, it’s true that grades carry the most weight when it comes to making admissions decisions, but there are so many other components that will be considered. So, when admissions officers are reviewing a pile of applications filled with students with stellar grades, what’s it going to take stand out from the pack?
More Than a College App: Why Extracurriculars Matter
Find Out Why Extracurriculars Are Worth the Extra Effort
In today’s competitive admissions process, students need more than good grades to gain a seat at their best-fit college. In addition to strong academic performances, colleges are looking for applicants who have pursued extracurricular activities for years and those who have developed expertise in the fields they’re passionate about.
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.
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.