Choosing a College

Every year we hear about “record-low college acceptance rates” for a number of already highly-selective colleges and universities. With more students applying to more colleges, it’s no surprise that many schools across the US are seeing their admission rates drop; however, that’s not always the case for every institution. When building your balanced college list, it’s important to understand how your profile stacks up against the most recently admitted class and the overall college acceptance rates for each school to which you plan to apply. There are a number of places to find this information, but it’s not always easy to find, so we’ll break it down for you:

Read More »

Finalizing your list of best-fit schools is one of the most important steps of the college application process. Between writing supplemental essays, finalizing personal statements, and requesting letters of recommendation, there’s a lot that students need to prioritize – and often, they put off the difficult task of narrowing down their long list of best-fit schools. Keep reading to learn more about what you should keep top of mind so that you can narrow down your college list and stay ahead of the game on all of your applications.

Read More »

When preparing students for the college admissions process, we place a lot of emphasis on identifying and developing students’ interests in addition to good grades and test scores. As we’ve said before, students’ interests are important because it helps colleges make admissions decisions and build well-rounded classes. However, developing students’ interests isn’t just about getting into college – they’re a key factor in helping students succeed during their four years and after graduation.

When admissions officers evaluate college applications, they don’t just assess an applicant’s grades and standardized test scores. They also factor in extracurricular activities and your interests to get a comprehensive view of who you are, both inside and outside of the classroom.

While grades and test scores are important decision factors, admissions officers read applications in context and strive to paint a whole picture for each student they review. Colleges want to know exactly how you’ll fit in on campus, what kind of roommate will you be, and what activities you’re likely to get involved in once you’re on

Read More »

As a leading research university and a member of the Ivy League, it’s easy to see why many students have their sights set on Brown University. The school has many top-tier programs, in addition to a dual degree program with neighboring Rhode Island School of Design.

Since Brown University has a stellar reputation and receives thousands of applicants each year, students must go the extra mile to get a seat in the upcoming class. Read on to learn the best practices that applicants can utilize to increase their chances of admission and  what sets Brown University apart.

Read More »

By Tasha, IvyWise College Admissions Counselor

As we head into fall and winter breaks, you might consider taking your college search to the next level by going on college tours and visits. Though the pandemic has vastly changed the landscape of what is possible – there are many virtual tour possibilities – when possible and safe, you should do your best to go on in-person tours.

If you are going on many college visits during a short period of time, during fall break, for example, it can be easy to start feeling overwhelmed. The details of each college may start to blur, and everything can start looking and sounding the same. It is important to take breaks and take a step back to ensure that you are getting the most out of your college visit experiences and to keep an eye out for any red flags you may find along the way.

Read More »

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?

How to Get Into Harvard University: Table of Contents

Getting into Harvard is a major accomplishment and it doesn’t happen overnight. Gaining a seat at the top-tier institution takes time, hard work, dedication, and some careful planning. If you’re a student asking yourself “How do I get into Harvard?” or a parent wondering how to prepare your child for college, the first step is to develop an in-depth understanding of what goes into the application process and when you need to get started. Generally, students submit their undergraduate applications to Harvard

Read More »

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?

Read More »

Brown is at the top of plenty of students’ best-fit lists, so it’s no surprise that most prospective applicants want to do everything they can to stand out in their applications. While grades and course rigor carry the most weight in admissions decisions, students also need to write compelling essays that demonstrate their interest in attending the college.

In addition to the personal statement, students must prioritize the Brown University supplemental essays when compiling their application. Keep reading to learn more about the supplemental essays that Brown requires, as well as what it takes to write a top-tier personal statement.

Like most colleges, Brown University requires applicants to submit a personal statement as part of the Common Application. Students can choose from the Common Apps’ list of prompts and compose a response of approximately 650 words.

Brown University has a series of supplemental essays that students must answer in addition to the required Common App essay. For first-year applicants, there are three questions, and each response should be approximately 200-250 words. For students applying to Brown’s Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME), there

Read More »

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!

Read More »

For students who dream of attending an Ivy League university in a big city, Columbia University is often their top choice school. The college is renowned for its academic rigor and its core curriculum, which is the cornerstone of a Columbia education. Given these factors, it’s no surprise that gaining admission is exceptionally competitive.

Students need to do well in every component of the application process in order to stand out, and that includes the interview. Keep reading to learn more about Columbia interview questions, so you can be prepared to stand out and ace your interview.

The first step to excelling during the Columbia University interview is understanding exactly what goes into the process and what makes it unique. You should know that you will be speaking with a regional alumnus and not a member of the admissions office. Interviews are meant to be more informational than evaluative, so they tend to have a relaxed tone. You will typically be assigned to an alumnus who lives in your area, so this is a great opportunity to see what a Columbia

Read More »

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.

Regardless of when you’re applying, getting into a highly selective university like Princeton is a multi-step process that requires plenty of hard work, research, and self reflection. When it comes to learning more about how to get into Princeton, the first step students need to take is making sure they have all of the materials that will be required during the admissions process.

These materials include a handful of important documents including your high school transcript, essay

Read More »

Students interested in going to school in New York City often prioritize two colleges: New York University (NYU)  and Columbia University. Although these institutions are located in the same metropolitan area, New York City, there are several key differences between them.

Given each school’s unique characteristics, it can be challenging to compare NYU vs Columbia and choose one as the better option. Read on to learn more about how these two colleges stack up against each other and to learn what you should keep in mind when applying to either one.

Both NYU and Columbia are top-tier universities that place a heavy emphasis on academic excellence. Each institution receives thousands of applications per year, and unfortunately, both need to turn plenty of promising students away. While both schools are competitive, Columbia is more selective than NYU. For the class of 2026, the admissions rate at Columbia was just 3.7% versus the admission rate of 12.2% at NYU for the same year.

Though NYU may be less selective than Columbia,

Read More »

Interviews, especially college admissions interviews for top-tier colleges like Princeton, can be stressful.

Many students are eager to gain a seat at the university, which historically has low acceptance rates. 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 and set yourself apart from the pack?

For many high school students, the college admissions process may be the first time they’re participating in an interview. As a result, students typically have questions about the interview process, like how to get into Princeton and how to prepare for a college interview.

Every school has a slightly different interview process. At Princeton, undergraduate admissions interviews are 30-45 minute informal conversations where students can ask their alumni interviewer questions and discuss their educational and career goals. These interviews are optional, so applicants who opt out of selection for an interview on their Princeton application won’t be penalized.

However, just because the interview isn’t required doesn’t mean it won’t be worth your time.  The interview can be a great opportunity for students to learn more about Princeton

Read More »

Since Harvard University is one of the most competitive and academically rigorous colleges in the United States, applicants know that earning admissions can be a challenge. However, students are often less aware of the challenges they might face once they actually enroll at Harvard. Have you ever wondered about Harvard’s graduation rate?

Graduation rates measure how many students complete required coursework for a four-year program within six years of enrollment. Read on to learn more about Harvard’s graduation rate and how it compares to other colleges.

Graduation rates are an important statistic because they serve as an indicator of how much support students have and the university’s commitment to helping students succeed. Similarly, retention rates are another valuable metric to consider because they provide a short-term view of how satisfied students are with their college experience. Graduation rates, unlike retention rates, are frequently factored into college ranking lists, like US News & World Report and Forbes.

According to the most

Read More »

As a leading research university with acceptance rates that mirror the Ivy League, it’s easy to see why many students have their sights set on Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The school has plenty of top-tier programs, in addition to a dual degree program with neighboring Wellesley College.

Since MIT has a stellar reputation and receives thousands of applicants each year, students must go the extra mile in order to gain a seat in an upcoming class. Keep reading to learn more about what sets MIT apart and the best practices that applicants can utilize to increase their chances of admission.

How to Get Into MIT: Table of Contents

When it comes to applying to MIT, one of the first steps students must take is reviewing the application timeline and making sure they’re prepared to meet every admissions milestone. Like most top-tier colleges

Read More »

Many students with a passion for science and mathematics dream of attending a top-ranked STEM-focused school like MIT. The institution is known for its renowned faculty, robust alumni network, and ample research opportunities for both undergraduate students and graduate students.

While most aspiring applicants are well-versed in the school’s academic offerings, far fewer know what student life is like at MIT. Keep reading to learn more about MIT’s collaborative, hands-on, and curiosity-driven ethos, and how this manifests throughout their entire campus.

When applicants are getting ready to apply to MIT, they should strive to get a full picture of what the school is like and the opportunities it has to offer. In addition to perusing the available fields of study and research opportunities, applicants should aim to learn more about the undergraduate student body.

Generally speaking, students at MIT are known for their intellectual curiosity, their commitment and dedication towards excelling in their chosen field, and their collaborative spirit. Since undergraduate students and graduate students both have the chance to participate in research, applicants should expect their peers to be proactive

Read More »

As a renowned research institution with acceptance rates that rival those of the Ivy League, pretty much all MIT majors will set students up with an unparalleled academic experience. However, there are a few programs and fields of study that have an edge above the rest of MIT’s top-tier offerings.

From aerospace engineering to biology, MIT has a wide array of majors for students to choose from. Keep reading to learn more about the best programs the school has to offer and what students should consider when selecting their major.

Getting admitted to MIT is a major accomplishment, in and of itself. However, the work isn’t done once students set foot on campus for the first time; in fact, it’s just beginning. Since the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is highly competitive and exceptionally rigorous, students must also make sure that they choose their majors wisely.

While its math and science offerings are arguably what MIT is known for, the school offers a wide array of majors including Writing, Women’s and Gender Studies, and Political Science. Each program has its own opportunities, exciting classes, and renowned faculty, so

Read More »

Most students who are passionate about science and technology are familiar with MIT. The university is a renowned research institution that provides students with ample opportunities to spearhead their own projects, learn from esteemed faculty, and make connections with MIT’s robust alumni network. 

There’s no shortage of famous names and faces when it comes to MIT’s community of alumni. In fact, there are thousands of successful MIT alumni who students can tap for advice, internship opportunities, and research positions. Keep reading to learn more about MIT’s most successful alumni and the impressive feats they have achieved.

Given MIT’s reputation as one of the most prestigious schools in the country, it’s no surprise that the institution counts so many celebrities and famous names amongst their list of alumni. Much of what makes MIT special is the university’s unparalleled commitment to academic excellence. 

The grades and test scores that students need to be competitive in MIT’s admissions process are exceptionally high. In fact, in recent years the middle 50% score range for applicants admitted to MIT was a 790-800 in the Math section

Read More »

Many high school students are familiar with Massachusetts Institute of Technology, or MIT. As the school’s name implies, the institution is renowned for its STEM offerings, including top-tier science and mathematics programs.

However, the university’s technological focus is far from the only reason MIT is special. Keep reading to learn more about this academically rigorous institution and the distinguishing factors that set MIT apart from other elite schools.

Given the array of differentiators that set MIT apart, it’s hard to pinpoint just one quality that makes MIT so special. Some of the key advantages that the school has to offer include its expertise in supporting students as they transform their technological ideas and visions into successful business realities. Former President of the United States, Bill Clinton once described MIT as “the best technology-transfer program in the country,” illustrating the school’s unparalleled academic caliber. Many successful MIT alumni have started their own companies during their time on campus, often by leveraging the research opportunities and resources that the institution has to offer.

Since MIT is often viewed as one of

Read More »

As the only member of the Ivy League that’s located in the heart of a major city, it’s easy to understand why many students are ranking Columbia University at the top of their list of best-fit colleges. The school has plenty of well-regarded programs and is known for its signature Core Curriculum, which has been part of the Columbia student experience for more than a century.

Since Columbia University has a stellar reputation and receives thousands of applicants each year, students must go the extra mile in order to gain a seat in an upcoming class. Keep reading to learn more about what sets Columbia University apart and the best practices that applicants can take advantage of to increase their chances of admission.

How to get into Columbia University: Table of Contents

When it comes to applying to Columbia University, one of

Read More »

As a member of the Ivy League that’s known for its rural setting and renowned Greek life, it’s easy to understand why many students are ranking Dartmouth College at the top of their list of best-fit colleges. The school has plenty of well-regarded programs and is the only member of the Ivy League that is an undergraduate-focused college, rather than a university. 

Since Dartmouth College has a stellar reputation and receives thousands of applicants each year, students must go the extra mile in order to gain a seat in an upcoming class. Keep reading to learn more about what sets Dartmouth College apart and the best practices that applicants can take advantage of to increase their chances of admission.

How to Get Into Dartmouth College: Table of Contents

When it comes to applying to Dartmouth College, one of the first steps students must

Read More »

Students interested in becoming engineers have traditionally enrolled in four-year degree programs at large universities with comprehensive engineering programs. These programs allow students to specialize in a particular type of engineering, such as mechanical, chemical, or civil. However, different paths for studying engineering have begun to diverge from the more traditional trajectory.

Read More »

With a location in the heart of New York City and an array of top-ranked academic programs, it’s easy to understand why so many students place New York University at the top of their college best-fit lists. The institution has plenty of research and learning opportunities to offer, as well as all of the advantages associated with going to school in a major metropolitan city.

Consequently, it’s no surprise that getting into New York University is particularly challenging, with acceptance rates plummeting to new lows in recent years. Keep reading to learn more about what it takes to gain admission to New York University and the top tips students should keep in mind throughout the application process. 

How to Get Into New York University: Table of Contents

Once students learn about

Read More »

With a location in the heart of New York City and a plethora of renowned programs and internship opportunities, it’s easy to understand why New York University is a top choice on many students’ best-fit lists. As a result, New York University is also a highly competitive college, with acceptance rates falling to approximately 12% in recent years.

Given the school’s rigorous admissions process, applicants must do everything they can to stand out for all of the right reasons, including acing the NYU interview. Keep reading to learn more about what these conversations entail and how you can maximize your performance to boost your admissions odds.

Read More »

When most students think of top-tier colleges, Princeton and Harvard are likely some of the first schools to come to mind. Both institutions are members of the Ivy League that have plenty of famous alumni, as well as ample research and learning opportunities. 

Despite these similarities, several distinguishing factors set each university apart. Keep reading to learn more about how Harvard and Princeton compare to one another and what this might mean for your own list of best-fit colleges.

While prestige should not be a deciding factor in your college application decisions, plenty of students are interested in learning how their potential best-fit schools might stack up to other universities. When it comes to comparing Harvard University versus Princeton University, it’s challenging to pick a winner because institutions are exceptionally prestigious. Harvard and Princeton are both members of the Ivy League, and each school is known for its extremely low acceptance rate and ongoing commitment to academic excellence. 

There are several reasons why Princeton University has become so

Read More »

Most students are aware that Yale University is one of the most prestigious schools in the country. As an Ivy League institution, Yale is regarded as both academically rigorous and highly competitive, with acceptance rates dropping below 10 percent in recent years.

While knowing the basics is a good start, students must learn a lot more about any college on their best-fit list, and Yale University is no exception. Keep reading to learn about the most popular majors at Yale University and discover what sets the school apart.

If Yale is at the top of your college list, you’re going to want to find out exactly what Yale looks for in the applications it receives. It’s also beneficial to take a look at Yale admissions stats from recent years, to understand just how competitive the admissions process is.

While there’s no doubt that Yale is an exceptionally selective institution, that doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to get a seat in an upcoming class. Instead, learning about Yale University will help you understand what test scores and GPA you should aim for and allow you

Read More »

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. 

Read More »

If You’re Finalizing Your College List, You Should Answer These Questions

Finalizing your college list is one of the most important decisions high school students will have to make. Before solidifying your choices, it’s important to research each school thoroughly and reflect on what you are looking for in a college.

Read More »

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.

Read More »

Learn Where Your Favorite Celebs Enrolled

Celebrities have attended a vast range of institutions, from Ivy League colleges to large state institutions.

Read More »

The Best Schools for Foodies and Culinary Experts

While meal choices shouldn’t be the biggest factor when it comes to enrollment decisions, top tier dining options are always an asset. Many universities have revamped their menu offerings to provide students with diverse and high-quality food choices.

Read More »

Understand How the Rolling Admissions Process Works

Just like there is no one-size-fits-all top-choice college for every student, the application process itself is far from universal. Some students may choose to apply early, while others could benefit from a gap year, regular round applications, or selecting institutions with rolling admissions processes.

Read More »

Get Festive By Learning About the Colleges That Shaped US History

With the 4th of July holiday this week, now is the perfect time to look back at some of the defining landmarks and milestones within US history. In addition to more commonly recognized destinations, such as national parks and monuments, many college campuses have made their own unique impact on our nation’s history.

Read More »

Do You Know Which Celebrities Are Currently in College?

College is an exciting opportunity to connect with a large network of peers from across the globe, many of whom may have very different interests, backgrounds, and goals. In addition to meeting friends from other countries and on different academic tracks, some students may have the opportunity to brush shoulders with some celebrities.

Read More »

Every Factor You Need to Consider When Reviewing Financial Aid Packages

With the May 1 enrollment deadline approaching, current high school seniors have some big decisions to make. In addition to choosing an institution that aligns with your academic and social interests, it’s important to select a college that is financially feasible for you and your family.

Read More »

Choose Appropriate Outfits to Look and Feel Your Best on School Tours

College tours can feel a little intimidating, especially if this is your first time visiting a campus. In order to keep your nerves under control and learn as much about each institution as possible, it is important to plan ahead and prepare for every visit in advance. 

Read More »

These Colleges and Universities Have Some Cool and Quirky Holiday Traditions and Festivities

If you are worried about missing out on holiday festivities once college starts, have no fear! Campuses across the country have their own unique ways of celebrating the end of the year and the traditions are as varied and diverse as the universities themselves.

Read More »

Students Have Until May 1 To Decide Where to Enroll

The May 1 enrollment deadline for college bound seniors is fast approaching, and while many students may know where they want to spend the next four years, the jury may still be out for others deciding where to enroll for the fall.

Read More »

When searching for best-fit colleges, size is often one of the first things that students consider. Many college-bound students already have an idea of what they’re looking for in a school before they start researching specific institutions – maybe it’s a large student body with endless possibilities or a small campus with an intimate atmosphere. Going with your gut is a good place to start, but there are many pros, and cons, to certain college sizes that students might overlook when building their balanced college list.

Read More »

As more families consider the ROI of a college education, the value of a liberal arts education in today’s world has been a hot topic. With many STEM degrees and programs topping lists of “highest paying majors” and “best college ROI,” many have waged a war on the liberal arts, pegging them as useless degrees that don’t warrant the cost. However, while a STEM degree can open doors to lucrative careers, many employers are finding that, without a liberal arts background, many STEM graduates lack the necessary communication, management, and collaboration skills that are necessary in the workforce.

Read More »