Category: 11th Grade
How to Find Accurate College Acceptance Rates
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:
IvyWise Students Share Their Top College Prep Tips

For current high school seniors, the college application season is in full swing. We caught up with our Class of 2023 IvyWise Scholars to learn more about their college admissions journeys, what it’s like to work with IvyWise during this process, and get some of their college prep tips for other college-bound students.
Which High School Classes Will Set You Up for Success in College?
If you already know what field you want to study in college, or even have a general idea of your preferred discipline, taking some high school classes that align with your future college curriculum can save a lot of time and energy. But how do you know which high school classes will set you up for success in college?
Columbia Interview Questions: What to Expect
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.
What Is a Columbia Admissions Interview Like?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
5 Ways High School Prepares You for College Life
If college is the gateway to the real world, then high school is the long highway that precedes it. After four years of high school, you might feel as though you are totally unprepared for the challenges of higher education. Although pumped-up academic standards are a big part of the college transition, being a college student also calls for independence, maturity, and responsibility.
How to Get Into New York University: All You Need to Know
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
When to Apply to New York University How Hard Is It to Get Into New York University: Early Prep How to Actually Get Into New York University: The Application Class Profile What Makes New York University Unique?When to Apply to New York UniversityOnce students learn about
Princeton vs Harvard: Which One Should You Choose?

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.
Is Harvard or Princeton More Prestigious?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.
Why Is Princeton So Popular?There are several reasons why Princeton University has become so
71 Valuable College Prep Resources for Every High School Student
Juniors: Should You Take the SAT or ACT This Year?
Watch our expert counselors answer some of your most pressing testing questions. Check out the recording of the IvyWise Live webinar The Future of Standardized Testing.

In years past, the vast majority of high school juniors planned on taking the SAT/ACT. However, with an increasing number of schools extending their test-optional admissions policies, some students may be wondering whether it is still worthwhile to study for these exams.
College Board Eliminates SAT Subject Tests Permanently
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.
How Parents Can Support Students During Remote Learning
Make the Most of Time Spent Social Distancing with Your Kids
For students who are used to juggling coursework, extracurricular activities, and time spent with friends, the transition to remote learning has proven extremely challenging. While every student will react to all this time at home differently, parents can play a powerful and important role in helping students make the most of this experience.
How to Make the Most of Virtual College Tours
Maximize Your Virtual Tour Experience with These Tips
Typically, fall is a popular time for high school juniors and even some younger students to embark on a set of college tours meant to help future applicants better envision their best-fit environment. However, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, most college touring options have gone virtual for the time being.
IvyWise Live Q&A: Coronavirus and College Admissions
Join Our Facebook Live Webinars April 15 & 17 to Learn More About How To Prep for College Admissions Process This Fall
Tune in to IvyWise Live on our Facebook page next week, where College Admissions Experts Christine, Scott, Nat, Zach, and Rachel will discuss how students can prepare for the college admissions process this fall and answer your most pressing college prep questions.
How to Set Test Prep Goals for 2020
Get a Head Start on Planning for the New Year
With the new year right around the corner, now’s the time to start thinking about your test prep goals for 2020. Whether you’re a freshman who is just beginning to think about college, a sophomore gearing up to start test prep, or a junior who is already in the thick of it, there are concrete steps that you can take in 2020 to get closer to achieving your test prep goals.
Juniors: 4 Tips to Help You Plan College Visits This Fall
3 Tips to Help You Build Your Balanced College List
31 College Prep Resources for High School Juniors
College Prep Goals for 2017
5 Tips for Choosing High School Classes

As students prepare to head back to school, many are examining their class schedule, gauging how difficult the next academic year will be and how they will achieve their grade goals. But it’s not just grades that colleges consider when evaluating applicants for admission. Colleges are also looking at the classes applicants are taking, how challenging they are, and how those courses align with students’ interests and academic goals.
College Prep 101: How to Stay Organized When Applying to College

When I started formulating my balanced college list, I really was unsure what type of university or college I was looking for. I didn’t have a particular major in mind, all I knew was that I wanted to make sure I chose a school that would foster my own academic and professional growth while being a place I would be comfortable and proud to call home.
2016-17 Common Application Changes
College Visit Dos and Don’ts For Students and Parents

College visits are a critical part of the college search process, and it’s important for students and parents to make the most of their time on campus. Before you head off to prospective colleges, make sure you know what – and what not – to do while you’re there!
Juniors: How to Get Organized Before Applying to College
When Should Juniors Start On Their College Applications?

Recently, the Common Application announced that the prompts for the 2016-17 application season will remain the same as last year, and that, instead of waiting for the Aug. 1 open date, current high school juniors can create accounts now that will roll over into the fall admission cycle. This is a big move, as the Common App stands to have some competition from the Coalition App, which plans to launch its “locker” feature soon and new application this summer. But what does this mean for current juniors, who are already under enough college prep pressure that these colleges supposedly want to help alleviate? How early is too early to get started on your college application essays?
Back to School Resolutions for High School Students

It’s a common practice to set goals at the start of a new calendar year, but for students it can also be beneficial to come up with some resolutions for the new school year. By setting clear goals and expectations for the next school year, students can get ahead and prepare for the college admissions process.
College Trivia and Fun Facts

If you’re a high school junior applying to college next year, chances are you’ve been on a college visit or two and have spent a considerable amount of time researching different colleges and universities. Many students who have only a limited view of what colleges are like are sometimes shocked to find out how vastly different most institutions are from one another in terms of size, campus life, academics, athletics, and more. During your research and visits it’s likely you’ve learned a lot and picked up some interesting college facts along the way! Now it’s time to put your knowledge to the test with these fun questions.
How to Stay Productive Over Winter Break

The holiday season is here, and students are getting a much-needed break from their normal school schedule. While it’s necessary for students to take some time to recharge, many often become restless after a few days and may need some productive ways to pass the time.
December College Planning Checklist

The end of the fall semester and the fast-approaching Regular Decision deadlines, coupled with the release of early decisions, makes December an especially busy, and crucial, month. Students need to prepare for finals and standardized tests, while also juggling extracurricular commitments and, for seniors, the added stress of finishing college applications.
Back to School Tips for High School Students

Your next year of high school is around the corner, but don’t fret! IvyWise is here to help you plan for the future, and prepare for what’s to come. Whether you’ll be entering high school for the first time, or already planning for college next year, we have advice to help you start the year strong, and maintain the drive through the fall, winter, and spring.
2013-2014 Common Application Essay Questions
Time Management Tips for Students
Creating a time management game plan can help you juggle tasks efficiently and effectively
It’s a new semester, and whether you’re in high school or college, that means getting back into the swing of balancing schoolwork, clubs, sports, friends, and a good night’s sleep. Energy and sanity can run low when a pile of work is never ending. Managing good grades, performing well at a big game or academic competition, spending quality time with family, and maintaining a social life can be exhausting. That’s why every student should invest in a time management game plan.
Finding Your Best Fit School: Spotlight on Stanford
Wacky College Courses

Did 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.
College Campus Life Considerations: Dorm Life

For 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.
Test-Optional Colleges and Universities
The Value of Community Service in Your College Application

When discussing the different elements of a college application, we often bring up the significance of the “brag sheet.” At IvyWise, we can’t stress enough how important a complete and comprehensive brag sheet is to the admissions process. Your brag sheet lists all of your extracurriculars, employment, summer experiences, honors, awards, interests, hobbies, and, very notably, community service.
College Recommendation Letter Tips from Freshman to Senior Year
Recommendation Letter Roundup
One of the most critical elements of a stellar college application is a collection of glowing recommendation letters from counselors, teachers and other administrators you have interacted with during your four years of high school. Recommendation letters play a critical role in painting a picture of how you relate to and interact within your academic and extracurricular activities.
The Transition from High School to College
An IvyWise Student Talks About the Transition to College
I led a relatively sheltered life before leaving for college. As an only child whose parents wanted to ensure that I remained focused, I had been enrolled at an all-girls school for seven years. To their horror, I ultimately chose to attend the farthest school I applied to—Washington University in St. Louis, a shocking 16-hour drive from my home in New Jersey.
How to Prepare for the College Transition

One way to feel mentally prepared for your new adventure is to get physically prepared. First, get organized: make piles of things to bring, things to store, things to toss, and things to give away. Most schools have suggestions on their websites of things to bring, as well as those that you should leave behind. This is a great exercise to do with a parent who may be more objective about what you will and won’t need at school.
Shopping for dorm décor will help you picture where you will be living and get you excited about furnishing your own space. Decorating your dorm room according to your own taste and style will help make it feel like home, which may also ward off any home-sickness. Don’t forget the necessities, including extension cords, cleaning supplies and laundry detergent. These basic items, which were always just there before, signal the realities of independence. If you haven’t already, now is a great time to ask your parents questions, learn basic housekeeping, bookkeeping and checkbook-balancing skills, and start practicing good living habits (like keeping your room tidy!).