Category: Choosing a College
Colleges That Combine Liberal Arts and STEM Education
Who Says Liberal Arts and STEM Can’t Coexist?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.
Finding Your Best Fit School: Spotlight on Northeastern
IvyWise Team Member Lindsay Tells Us What Made Her Fall in Love with Northeastern UniversityEven though it has a reputation as a college town, I fell in love with Boston as a 3-year-old. The way my family tells the story over two decades later, Boston was all I talked about for months after the weekend we spent there—the Italian meal we ate in the North End, the dollhouses at the Children’s Museum, even the bell hop at our hotel. I was a child obsessed. At a bookstore on Newbury Street, my parents bought a copy of The Trumpet of the Swan, the children’s classic about a trumpeter swan with no voice, who eventually finds work on the swan boats in the Boston Common. Back in New York, I demanded several chapters read to me on a nightly basis. Our Boston trip took on mythic proportions, and at the time, my family joked that I would find my way back there as a college student.
Finding Your Best Fit School: Spotlight on Barnard – Part 3
IvyWise Intern Paulina Tells Us What She Loves about Barnard College in NYCThe college application season of the 2012-2013 school year put me through a string of acceptances and rejections that ultimately led me to Barnard College, the women’s college of Columbia University. I’ll admit that I was initially unsure about picking Barnard—its Upper West Side location certainly hiked its tuition rates up, and after four years at an all-girls high school, I didn’t know if attending another women’s institution was the right choice for me.
2014 Princeton Review College Rankings
Where Do Your Favorite Colleges Rank?This week The Princeton Review released its 2013-14 Best 378 Colleges rankings, ranking some of the country’s best colleges in 62 different lists. While we don’t encourage you to make rankings a defining factor when building your balanced college list, these lists can be a good place to start when researching what you want from your college experience.
Best College Pranks in History
Happy April Fools’ Day!
College students have conducted some of the best pranks in history. Rival schools, politicians, school administrations, and fellow students have all fell victim to elaborate and harmless pranks. A lot of technical planning, crafting, and attention to detail was put in to these projects so they would go off without a hitch.
Unique College Majors
These schools offer students some of the country’s most interesting concentrations
While many students opt for college majors like business, history, and biology, others decide to take a more unconventional path in school. Interdisciplinary studies allow students to combine a variety of interests into one major, but some schools decide to create distinct majors on their own. Colleges across the country offer a slew of unique majors for students with highly individualized interests, and the list grows every year.
The Oscars: Colleges for Future Filmmakers
Academy Awards presenters this year came from some impressive programs
Sunday night, stars flocked to Los Angeles to walk the red carpet and see who would win the most highly-acclaimed awards in Hollywood: the Oscars. Stars like Christoph Waltz and Jennifer Lawrence were amongst those who received the coveted award, and this year, the Academy chose to celebrate the future of filmmaking by choosing six students to present the awards. The contest winners were narrowed down from over 1,100 essays and film submissions answering the question “How will you contribute to the future of movies?” With this opportunity, these young artists are already on the path to stardom and an Academy Award of their own.
Where Some of Your Favorite TV Characters Went to College
The characters are fictional, but their alma maters are all real
Ever heard of the University of New York in the TV show Felicity? How about Pennbrook University in Boy Meets World, or The University of Los Angeles in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air? While all of these schools served as major settings in some of America’s most popular shows on television, and are modeled off of some of the nation’s most selective schools (New York University, University of Pennsylvania, and University of California – Los Angeles, respectively), none of these colleges actually exist.
College Football Traditions
College football traditions across the nation create a wave of school spirit and pride in fans
College football is a crucial aspect of student life at many schools across the nation. Football season for some schools is a way of life, and brings a college community together through tailgates, jam-packed stadiums, and time-honored traditions. While each school has unique rituals surrounding a big game, some are louder, larger, and get the football crowd on their feet more than others.
Beach Campuses Across the Country
Whether seasonal or year-round, colleges by the beach offer a scenic getaway for students
Looking to live in a college town with extra opportunities for tanning? Can’t stand the snow? Want to overlook the coastline from your dorm room? Colleges in beach towns offer students a unique living experience by the sea. Whether for weekend beach parties, or a quiet walk to relax from a long day in class, campuses on or near beaches provide excellent getaways for busy college students.
The Most Unusual College Mascots
Sports are central to campus life at many colleges and universities across the country. Students flood stadiums and arenas drenched in their school colors, chanting fight songs and cheers, and shouting words of encouragement to their schools athletes. Mascots serve as the ultimate cheerleaders and sports figures that are often an important part of a school’s identity. While some schools have more traditional mascots (tiger, bears, etc.), others showcase their creativity and school spirit with more unconventional representations.
Dartmouth Announces AP and IB Credit Changes
School reevaluates awarding college credit for high school courses
Students take Advanced Placement (AP) courses throughout high school, in a variety of subjects, for many different reasons. AP courses can positively weight a student’s GPA, are challenging and are viewed favorably by college admissions counselors on transcripts, and they offer a student with a particular academic curiosity more knowledge and work in that interest. Additionally, most colleges award students who have earned a particular score on the AP exam, usually a 4 or 5, college credit or exemption from core requirements. Gaining credit before enrolling in college courses can lighten students’ workloads, give them the option of graduating early, and may save them money on tuition.
Spotlight on Women’s Colleges
There are Many Advantages to Attending A Women’s College That are Sometimes OverlookedMost colleges and universities throughout the US are coeducational, allowing men and women to study together on the same campuses. Though this may seem commonplace today, a college education was once a rite of passage reserved only for men.
Finding Your Best Fit School: Spotlight on Stanford
These are a Few of Our Favorite Things…This week our client relations manager, Alex, tells us what she loved about attending Stanford University in Stanford, CA.
Finding Your Best Fit School: Spotlight on Tulane
These Are a Few of Our Favorite Things…This week, our IvyWise intern, Becca, shares what she loved about attending Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana.
I have always believed that attending college in New Orleans is like studying abroad for four years. The food, music, and Mardi Gras make living in the “Big Easy” an experience unlike any other. “Lessez les bon temps roulez” (let the good times roll) is a city mantra ever apparent throughout NOLA, including on the campus of
Wacky College Courses
Who Said Learning Can’t Be Fun? Interesting and Odd College ClassesDid you know that at some schools you can take a classes on Harry Potter, how to watch the TV show The Wire, and even one on Lady GaGa’s (actual) fame? Many colleges these days are offering interesting course selections that take pop culture and familiar icons and use them as tie-ins to deeper, more intellectual ideas and lessons.
How to Apply to a US College as an International Student
High school students across the US aren’t the only ones trying to navigate the often-confusing college application process; students across the WORLD are, too. And many are thinking about coming to the US for their higher education.
College Campus Life Considerations: Dorm Life
Finding the Best-Fit Housing in Your Best-Fit SchoolFor high school sophomores and juniors, fall marks the first steps in the college search process. Many schools have a mid-October fall break, and students and families often use this time to go on college visits. At IvyWise, our team of expert counselors always stress the importance of the college visit. Not only does it give you the opportunity to show demonstrated interest, a factor that admissions officers take into consideration when reading applications, but it also gives you the chance to get a feel for campus life first-hand.
School Spotlight on University of South Carolina
These Are a Few of Our Favorite Things…
It may sound very arbitrary, but I knew when I was applying to colleges that I wanted to go to a “big football” school. Of course a university with an exceptional journalism and communications program (my major) was the most important factor, but I have lived and breathed college football since before I could remember and I wanted to go to a school with a deep-rooted sports culture. One of my favorite things about the University of South Carolina was the football games.
Choosing a College Location
Location, Location, Location!
Recently, Dr. Kat spoke with the Los Angeles Times about the benefits and shortcomings of virtual campus tours. Virtual tours are a great (and free!) way to gain an overview of a campus’ main attractions, but even with technological advancements, nothing beats the impression you gain from stepping onto a college campus. At IvyWise, we advise that whenever possible, students should visit a college in-person to get a sense of the three Cs – campus, classroom, and community.
Finding Your Best-Fit School: Spotlight on Wesleyan
These Are a Few of Our Favorite Things…
With more than 3,000 colleges and universities in the US, students need to conduct extensive research on several schools to find the colleges that will be the best academic and social fits for them. The newest member of our Research Team, RJ, loves helping students identify the schools where they will be happy and successful. This week, we offered him a turn to share what made Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut his best-fit school:
Finding Your Best Fit School: Spotlight on NYU
These Are a Few of Our Favorite Things…
This week, our Executive Assistant, Amanda, shares what she loved about attending New York University in New York City, New York:
Finding Your Best Fit School: Spotlight on Skidmore College
Finding Your Best Fit School: Spotlight on Skidmore College 
This week one of our new interns, Sara, shares why she chose Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY. Sara will be a freshman at Skidmore this fall:
College Acceptance Rates, Then and Now
College Acceptance Rates, Then and Now
This summer, as many rising seniors create their college list, we remind our students that there are no guarantees when it comes to college admissions. Admission at the nation’s most selective schools has become much more competitive over the past decade. To add some perspective, keep in mind that parents of today’s high school students likely applied to college 20 or more years ago.
Finding Your Best Fit School: Spotlight on Washington University
These Are a Few of our Favorite Things…
This week, one of our awesome interns shares what she loves about attending Washington University in St. Louis. Though she (and her parents) were originally considering mostly Ivy League schools, extensive research and campus visits proved that this Missouri university was her best fit school:
Finding Your Best Fit School: Spotlight on American University
These Are a Few of Our Favorite Things…
At IvyWise, we love helping students discover the schools that will be a great academic and social fit for them, where they will be happy and successful. That said, when given the chance, we never hesitate to give a shout out to our own alma maters and share what made that school a great match for us. Previously, members of our team told tales of Turkey Trotting at Lehigh, classes in the Commons at Emerson, and following in the footsteps of strong women at Barnard. This week, the newest member of the IvyWise team, our Executive Assistant Ashley, tells us about her experiences at American University in Washington, DC:
How Do I Choose Which Colleges to Apply to?
With more than 4,000 colleges and universities in the US, it can be difficult to nail down exactly how many colleges you should apply to. As juniors embark on the college admissions process (and visit schools over Spring Break), now is a great time to make a preliminary college list. Here are some of the most common mistakes we see students make and some tips from Dr. Kat to help you narrow your focus.
Affirmative Action in College Admissions
Let’s Hear it For the Boys
The US Department of Education reported that for Fall 2010 admission, women, on average, accounted for 56% of applicants to four-year colleges. That same year, the New York Times stated that for every 100 American women enrolled in college, there were only 77 men. Meanwhile, the National Center for Education Statistics projects that by 2020, men will represent only 41.4% of students enrolled in college. With colleges becoming increasingly concerned about gender balance on campus, has this really led to preferential treatment for men in college admissions?
Colleges for East Asian Studies
Dr. Kat’s List: Colleges for East Asian Studies
Happy Chinese New Year and welcome to the Year of the Dragon! While the Year of the Rabbit was characterized by calm and tranquility, the upcoming year is expected to bring excitement and unpredictability. For students seeking an academic and social experience as exhilarating as the dragon’s personality, Dr. Kat and the expert counselors at IvyWise have identified a list of colleges with strong Asian Studies programs.
Finding Your Best Fit School: Spotlight on Barnard – Part 1
These Are a Few of Our Favorite Things…
We’ve asked the IvyWise team to share some of their favorite things about the college they attended. Not one, but two of our team members are proud graduates of Barnard College in New York, NY. This week, our Executive Assistant, Bethanie tells us about her experiences at Barnard:
Finding Your Best Fit School: Spotlight on Emerson
These Are a Few of Our Favorite Things…
This week, our Marketing and Student Enrollment Coordinator, Sarah, tells us about her experience at Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts:
What do College Rankings Mean?
Breaking Ranks
Among high school guidance counselors, college-bound teens and their parents, the annual college rankings are often a prevalent consideration in the college admissions process. Newsweek/The Daily Beast, U.S. News & World Report (released this week), the Princeton Review and Forbes are among the “best college” lists that students use to guide them in their college searches. What do these college rankings really mean and how much credence should be given to them when choosing a college?
