IvyWise College Admissions Blog

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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Since Harvard University is one of the most competitive and academically rigorous colleges in the United States, most students know that gaining admission is challenging. However, many applicants are less aware of the challenges they might face after enrolling and what Harvard’s graduation rate looks like.

Graduation rates measure how many students will complete the coursework required to earn a degree from the college they are enrolled in within six years for four-year programs. Keep reading to learn more about Harvard’s graduation rate and how it compares to other colleges.

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A Number of Schools Are Still Accepting Applications for the Class of 2026

Many college application deadlines have already passed, but there are still hundreds of institutions in the US accepting applications for the College Class of 2026.

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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, Mary, to share some advice for future applicants.

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Most students know that Stanford is one of the country’s most prestigious colleges. However, far fewer prospective applicants possess an in-depth understanding of the most popular majors at Stanford University and the courses that set the school apart. 

While virtually all Stanford programs are going to be engaging and academically challenging, there are a few that have gained significant notoriety. Keep reading to learn more about the best majors at Stanford University and the classes students should put at the top of their wish lists.

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Here are the Early Admissions Statistics for the Class of 2026

The first members of the College Class of 2026 are in! Here’s our breakdown of the early admission numbers for the Class of 2026. More decisions and statistics will be released in the coming weeks, so we will be updating this post as more information becomes available!

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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, Mariel, to share some advice for future applicants.

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Exams like the SAT, ACT, PSAT and AP tests can all seem overwhelming at first. Being asked to complete an academic assessment is already stressful, and it’s even more challenging to perform well under timed conditions when the stakes are high.

The good news is that it’s possible to put most of your test-taking anxieties at ease and ace your college test prep. The secret to performing your best is taking advantage of tried-and-true test-taking strategies that will set every student up for success.

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

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As one of the most competitive schools in the country, being admitted into Stanford is an incredible accomplishment. To gain a seat in the class, applicants need to excel in every component of the admissions process, including the optional interviews.

Many high school students may be new to interviewing, so it’s important to research what the conversation will be like if you want to maximize your performance. Keep reading to learn more about Stanford undergraduate interview questions and what you can do to put your best face forward.

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For 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, Alyssa, to share some advice for future applicants.

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For 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.

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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?

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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.

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For 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.

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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:

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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.

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For 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.

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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!

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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Learn What Yield Rates Look Like for the Class of 2025

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.

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Applying 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.

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A 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!

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Stay Updated on Global and Social Issues By Doing Your Research

While 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.

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Learn How Bond Ratings Can Impact Admissions

By 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?

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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.

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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?

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