Coronavirus Cancellations: Admissions Testing and College Updates
The Latest on How Colleges and Universities in the US are Responding to COVID-19
The response to concerns over the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has deeply affected college bound high school students with school closures and the cancelling of large gatherings, including campus visits, admitted student weekends, and admissions tests.
SSAT Testing Changes for 2020-2021
SSAT Testing Updates to Keep on Your Radar
The SSAT is one of the most widely recognized standardized tests utilized by admissions officers to assess independent school applicants. The exam measures basic verbal, math, and reading skills and is offered in three levels: Elementary (for students in 3rd and 4th grade), Middle (for students in 5th-7th grade), and Upper (for students in 8th-11th grade).
What International Students Need to Know about Fall 2020
Understand New Guidelines for International Students Studying in the US This Fall
Update: The US government has rescinded the rule preventing international students from staying in the US if taking online-only courses as a result of COVID-19.
Everyone has questions about the fall 2020 college semester, but there’s an added level of uncertainty for international students. In addition to wondering whether campuses will reopen and how, some international students are also facing concerns about staying in the United States.
5 Must-Read Books for Your Summer Reading List
Great Books for Students Looking to Expand Their Outside Reading Lists
Whether it’s bringing your books to the beach or curling up with your Kindle at home, every student should include independent reading on their agenda this summer. In addition to getting lost in a good story, reading can help students stay academically engaged and better prepared for coursework in the fall.
College Reopening Plans for Fall 2020
Colleges are Considering Several Different Scenarios for Fall 2020
In the wake of COVID-19, colleges and universities across the globe are weighing various options to determine the best plan of action in order to resume instruction for the fall 2020 semester.
2020-21 Common App Supplements
Get a Head Start on Applications By Reviewing These Supplements
Although the Common App doesn’t officially open until August 1st, it’s often in students’ best interest to get a jump start on personal essays and supplements. Many colleges understand that applicants are eager to begin the admissions process and as a result, some schools have already announced their school-specific essay prompts for the 2020-21 application season.
ACT Superscoring: Colleges that Superscore the ACT
Here are the Colleges that Superscore the ACT
Superscoring is the practice of considering only the highest section scores across all SAT or ACT test scores that are submitted when evaluating applications. Many schools already superscore for the SAT, but superscoring for the ACT has not always been widely practiced.
What to Know About Waitlist Admissions for the Class of 2024
Learn the Ins and Outs of Waitlist Admissions for 2020-2021
There are always a host of questions surrounding waitlist admissions but this year there is an added level of uncertainty. With many colleges still weighing their options for fall semesters in the wake of COVID-19, a significant proportion of admitted applicants are now reluctant to commit to their first-choice institutions.
5 Tips for Making the Most of a Remote Internship
Remote Internships are a Valuable Opportunity for Students Looking to Get Ahead
Internships are a valuable opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience during the summer months. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of these positions have shifted to virtual experiences in order to adhere to social distancing and safer at home orders.
Tips for Boosting Your TOEFL Score
Here’s What Students Need to Do to Reach Their Goal TOEFL Score
For many international students, taking the TOEFL exam is one of many steps on their radar for the US college admissions process. Many colleges do require TOEFL scores as part of their international application review process, so it’s important to do your research and see what the policy is at every school on your best-fit list.
Breaking a Sweat for a Good Cause
Here’s My Favorite Way to Stay Healthy and Give Back
By Dr. Kat Cohen, IvyWise Founder and CEO
Exercise and fitness have always been one of my go-to approaches to keep my energy high and stress levels low. Finding an outlet for my energy was difficult when safer-at-home orders went into effect, but like everyone else, I’ve gotten creative with how I break a sweat and continue to make an impact in the causes I care deeply about.
5 Colleges With Unique Majors
If you think your choices for college majors are limited to studies such as English and Mathematics, it’s time to think again. Universities across the world are offering students a host of innovative and inventive fields of study devised to align with the interests and goals of their entire student body.
Staying Motivated While Social Distancing This Summer
Keep Motivation Levels High All Summer Long
It can always be a challenge to maintain motivation during the summer months, some students may find it particularly difficult to stay engaged and on top of their to-do lists as they continue to socially distance.
Suggested Reading: Books and Resources on Race, Anti-Racism, and Social Justice
Reading is One Small Way to Self-Educate and Jumpstart ActivismConversations about anti-racism, social justice, and the experience of black Americans are extremely important, and the push to continue to amplify black voices and educate the masses about racism and systematic oppression has led teens and adults alike to search for resources to help them be better allies and overall more informed citizens.
2020-21 Test-Optional Colleges
List of 2020-21 Test-Optional Colleges
In light of cancellations for many spring and summer ACT and SAT exams because of COVID-19, a number of colleges have decided to shift to a test-optional admissions process for the 2020-21 admissions cycle.
How to Create Summer College Prep Goals
Make the Most of The Summer By Creating New Goals
Whether you’re working towards a target score for the ACT or SAT or putting the finishing touches on your list of best-fit schools, every student needs concrete goals to work towards throughout the college admissions process. Nailing down objectives is particularly important during the summer months while students have time away from schools and activities that might make it difficult to get ahead.
4 Ways to Celebrate Your Graduation Virtually
Get Creative to Make the Most of Your Graduation Experience
Most high school seniors envision graduation ceremonies complete with keynote speakers, photo opps in their caps and gowns, and parties with all of their friends. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused the vast majority of seniors to alter their plans in order to accommodate social distancing and safer at home guidelines.
Financial Aid 101
Learn the Ins and Outs of Financial Aid
In addition to weighing factors like location and campus environment, financial aid is a significant consideration for the majority of college applicants. Students must choose schools that are all-around best-fits for their needs and goals, both academically and financially.
How to Address COVID-19 on College Applications
Learn About the Common App’s New 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 forthcoming application cycle is likely to look very different from previous rounds.
How is COVID-19 Affecting Higher Education?
Answers to Your Most Pressing Higher Education Questions in Light of COVID-19
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted academic institutions in ways that go far beyond cancelled graduation ceremonies and virtual classes. Colleges around the country are experiencing a new set of changes as students and families continue to adapt to the unfolding circumstances.