Category: 12th Grade

How to Get Into USC: All You Need to Know

Friday, February 24, 2023

Tommy Trojan statue on the campus of the University of Southern California

The University of Southern California, or USC, as its best known, is a top research university and one of the most selective schools in the country. Located in sunny Los Angeles, California, it’s been a pioneer in academic and research initiatives since its beginnings in the late 19th century. Today, it’s one of the most prestigious and desirable academic experiences in the country and the world.

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Yield Rates

Saturday, February 4, 2023

Happy young students walking outdoorsAfter 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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How to Get Into Vanderbilt: All You Need to Know

Wednesday, January 18, 2023
Vanderbilt University in Nashville

As a highly selective institution that’s known for its engineering, education, music, and humanities programs, it’s easy to understand why many rank Vanderbilt at the top of their college lists. This university offers many strong areas of study and is located in the heart of Nashville, one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the country.

With a stellar reputation and thousands of applicants each year, students must go the extra mile to earn a spot at Vanderbilt. Read on to learn more about what sets Vanderbilt University apart and learn best practices to increase your chances of admission.

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IvyWise Students Share Their Top College Prep Tips

Wednesday, December 28, 2022

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.

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5 Ways to Narrow Down Your College List

Wednesday, December 14, 2022

Student writing college admissions thank you notesFinalizing 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.

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What to Do After Submitting College Applications

Thursday, November 3, 2022

What To Do After Submitting Your College ApplicationsFor high school seniors across the country, the past few months have likely been a whirlwind of writing, editing, and putting the final touches on early college applications. While finishing up the last of your applications can feel like a satisfying achievement, many students are at a loss for what to do next. For some applicants, the period between hitting ‘submit’ and learning their admissions decisions can be particularly stressful. Here’s what you need to do after submitting college applications, including how to keep application anxiety at bay and make the most of your last semester of high school.

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6 Healthy Ways to Unwind While Waiting For Admissions Decisions

Wednesday, November 2, 2022

How to Unwind While Waiting for Application ResultsMany college-bound students who applied in the early round are holding their breath for their admissions decisions from their list of best-fit schools. After months of test preparation, studying, essay writing, and visiting schools, sometimes waiting for the results of this hard work can feel like the most difficult part of the entire process, especially if you still have regular decision applications to complete.

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5 Fall College Prep Tips for Seniors

Monday, October 10, 2022
High school seniors gather for fall college prep

It’s that time of year: the weather is starting to cool, the leaves are getting ready to change color, and pumpkin spice products are around every corner. Some students start to slow down as Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks approach, but while having time to unwind is essential, continuing your momentum through the fall will ensure you’re prepared not only for the college admissions process, but also college itself.

Balancing senior year and the college application process can be a bit stressful, but don’t let it overwhelm you. We’ve compiled some college prep tips that will help you make the most of your senior year and finish strong.

1. Set Academic Goals

By senior year, you’ve probably been told to set goals numerous times already. While it may seem like a mundane task, navigating the fall semester with a clear set of goals in mind will allow you to get ahead and finish out the year with ease. Setting academic goals will also help you continue an upward trajectory and make the most of your last year of high school. If you struggle to set goals for yourself, your college counselor can help identify some areas of improvement to set goals that would be most beneficial for

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Yield Rates for the Class of 2026

Tuesday, September 13, 2022

Happy young students walking outdoorsAfter 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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Columbia Interview Questions: What to Expect

Wednesday, August 31, 2022

Columbia University library in New York City, USA.

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

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Understanding EA vs. ED vs. EDII and More

Thursday, August 18, 2022

reschedule sat or act.jpgDid you know that you can apply to a college early and get a decision way before most other students? Many colleges offer “early” application options, with students usually submitting their applications in October or November and receiving a decision by December. With the rise in the number of students applying to multiple colleges, and the difficulty of predicting yield, many colleges are offering a number of early application options. So how do you know if applying early is right for you?

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How to Get Into Stanford: All You Need to Know

Friday, August 12, 2022

While Stanford may not technically be part of the Ivy League, the school’s academic caliber—not to mention its competitive admissions process—rivals that of Harvard and Yale. Many students are eager to enroll in the top-tier university, which has a wide array of renowned programs including engineering and environmental science.

Although earning admission at Stanford University is challenging, there are a few steps applicants can take to set themselves up for success. Keep reading to learn more about how you can set your application apart.

How to Get Into Stanford University: Table of Contents

When to Apply to Stanford University How Hard Is It to Get Into Stanford: Early Prep  How Do You Actually Get Into Stanford: The Application Class Profile What Makes Stanford University Unique?When to Apply to Stanford University

If you’re looking to gain admission to Stanford University, it’s important to understand the application timeline. Most applicants apply to Stanford during their senior year of high school, but those that are offered admission begin preparing to apply years earlier. Some students may choose to

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What To Know About Applying To Stanford

Sunday, August 7, 2022
AdobeStock_142711309

Although not technically part of the Ivy League, Stanford is virtually as selective as any of the institutions within this esteemed group of colleges. While they did not release admission data for the class of 2026, Stanford’s acceptance rate was 3.95% for the class of 2025, and we expect the school to continue at this level of selectivity moving forward.

While it’s no doubt that a Stanford acceptance letter requires tremendous academic ability and a serious work ethic, there are several steps students can take to increase their admissions odds. Keep reading to learn more about the elite college and what it takes to successfully apply to this top school.

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5 Ways High School Prepares You for College Life

Saturday, July 23, 2022

Unrecognizable teenage students in high school hall.

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.

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6 Tasks Rising Seniors Should Do Before School Starts

Wednesday, June 22, 2022

6 Items Rising Seniors Can Check Off Of Their To-Do ListsMost rising seniors have a lot on their to-do lists in order to prepare for the college application process this fall. Students who get a jumpstart on the process before school is back in session and are often at a major advantage because they’re able to make the most of senior year and keep stress at bay.

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3-2 Engineering Programs

Thursday, June 16, 2022
Two Female College Students Building Machine In Science Robotics Or Engineering Class

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.

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How to Get Into New York University: All You Need to Know

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

NYU Liberal Studies

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 University

Once students learn about

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Princeton vs Harvard: Which One Should You Choose?

Friday, June 10, 2022

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

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Summer Plans for Incoming College Freshmen

Tuesday, May 31, 2022
Summer Activity Suggestions for High School StudentsHow to Spend Your Summer Before College

As the caps come off and the graduation celebrations begin, many high school graduates look forward to the unbridled freedom of the summer before college. After twelve plus years of non-stop academic and extracurricular responsibilities, this summer provides a much-needed chance for students to unwind after a hectic year of college applications and before an exciting freshman year. Rather than sleep through the hot summer days, use your time to prepare for the year ahead.

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71 Valuable College Prep Resources for Every High School Student

Monday, May 23, 2022
college prep resources for high school sophomores.jpg71 Valuable College Prep Resources for Every Level of High School College Prep Resources for Freshmen Year

All the focus might be on seniors right now, but this is actually the perfect time for high school freshmen to start thinking about their college goals – even if they seem really far off.

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Test Score Submit Rates for Class of 2025

Friday, May 20, 2022
Percentage of SAT and ACT Score Submissions for the Class of 2025

The COVID-19 pandemic has shifted the way higher education institutions review applications with many colleges choosing to adopt a temporary test-optional application review process. However, with record-breaking applicant pools and record-low admit rates, families are worried that test-optional may not really mean test-optional at all. Here is what we know, so far.

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High School Graduation Checklist

Monday, May 16, 2022
6 Powerful Graduation Quotes from Famous Speakers What To Do Before You Pick Up Your Diploma

Seniors, graduation is right around the corner! As you prepare for your finals and AP exams, check out this graduation checklist to make sure you’ll be all ready for the big day!

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How to Get Into Yale University: All You Need to Know

Sunday, May 15, 2022

This article is reviewed by the IvyWise team which includes former Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Yale University, Christine.

As a member of the Ivy League that’s known for its top-notch music and arts programs, it’s easy to understand why many rank Yale at the top of their college list. The university, one of the oldest in the country, offers many strong areas of study and is within traveling distance of New York City.

Since Yale University has a stellar reputation and receives thousands of applicants each year, students must go the extra mile to get a spot. Read on to learn more about what sets Yale University apart and learn best practices to increase your chances of admission.

How to Get Into Yale University: Table of Contents

When to Apply to Yale University How Hard Is It to Get Into Yale: Early Prep  How to Actually Get Into Yale: The Application Class Profile  What Makes Yale University Unique?When to Apply to Yale University

The first step to any application process should be reviewing

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Rising Seniors: Preparing for the Year Ahead

Friday, May 6, 2022
Rising Senior Jumpstart AppsWhat Rising Seniors Can Do to Prepare for the Year Ahead

Many current juniors who will be rising seniors this summer are well aware that their final year of high school is exceptionally important. Students must juggle completing their personal statements, applying to colleges, and preparing for graduation, in addition to keeping up with friends and extracurriculars.

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IvyWise Scholars Spotlight: Benson

Tuesday, January 18, 2022
A stone arch hallway at a university with unidentified female in the distance IvyWise Scholar Benson Shares His Top Tips for Students Applying to College

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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IvyWise Scholars Spotlight: Nicole

Tuesday, January 11, 2022
Microphone and notebooks on table against color background IvyWise Scholar Nicole Shares Her Top Tips for Students Applying to College

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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IvyWise Scholars Spotlight: Nevaeh

Thursday, January 6, 2022
College Just Ahead sign with sky background IvyWise Scholar Nevaeh Shares Her Top Tips for Students Applying to College

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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Colleges Still Accepting Applications After Jan. 1

Sunday, January 2, 2022
College Application Red FlagsA 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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IvyWise Scholars Spotlight: Mary

Thursday, December 30, 2021
Phelps Gate at Yale University looking in towards the campus with people visible in the distance.IvyWise Scholar Mary Shares Her Top Tips for Students Applying to College

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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IvyWise Scholars Spotlight: Mariel

Tuesday, December 21, 2021
Mariel IvyWise Scholar Mariel Shares Her Top Tips for Students Applying to College

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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IvyWise Scholars Spotlight: Erica

Tuesday, December 14, 2021
Erica ZhangIvyWise Scholar Erica Shares Her Top Tips for Students Applying to College

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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IvyWise Scholars Spotlight: Alyssa

Tuesday, November 30, 2021
The Queen's College at the University of Oxford IvyWise Scholar Alyssa Shares Her Top Tips for Students Applying to College

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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IvyWise Scholars Spotlight: Afua

Tuesday, November 23, 2021
Afua IvyWise Scholar Afua Shares Her Top Tips for Students Applying to College

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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Writing College Admissions Thank You Notes

Sunday, November 21, 2021
Student writing college admissions thank you notes

When is it appropriate to send a thank-you note or email when applying to college? Students are likely to meet a variety of admissions officials when visiting colleges and attending college fairs, and while it’s not required, it’s a good practice to send a follow-up thank-you note.

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IvyWise Scholars Spotlight: Abigail

Thursday, November 11, 2021
Education, teaching, learning concept. High school students or classmates group tutor in library studying and reading with helps friend doing homework and lesson practice preparing exam to entrance. IvyWise Scholar Abigail Shares Her Tips for Students Applying to College

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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IvyWise Scholars Spotlight: Daniel

Tuesday, November 9, 2021
Daniel IvyWise Scholar Daniel Shares His Tips for Students Applying to College

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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5 Essentials for College Freshmen Move-In Day

Saturday, August 28, 2021
The fall semester is here, and with it comes the day new students look forward to the most, and the day some parents dread the most: college move-in day! For many incoming freshmen, this is the first time they will be living away from home, and the task of getting everything they need to survive in only a few boxes can be a tricky one.

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Colleges Requiring COVID-19 Vaccines

Thursday, July 29, 2021
Learn Which Colleges are Requiring COVID-19 Vaccines for Students

As many colleges prepare to welcome a larger number of students back to campus this fall, some universities are moving to require COVID-19 vaccines for all members of the community who will be in person. To date, more than 100 universities in the United States have said that vaccines will be mandatory for students who are planning to return to campus in the fall.

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Tips for Freshman Year of College

Monday, July 26, 2021
Learn How to Make the Most of Your Freshman Year of College

Like many new beginnings, your freshman year of college may feel both exciting and confusing. From getting accustomed to living on your own to keeping up with advanced-level courses, there’s no doubt that a student’s first few months on campus are a major transition.

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Planning the Summer Before Your First Year of College

Monday, April 12, 2021
How to Stay Academically Motivated During Summer BreakMaking the Most of the Summer Before Your First Year of College

Many high school students understand the importance of a meaningful summer break while they’re getting ready to apply to college, but what happens after you’re accepted? The summer between high school and your first year of college is an important transition period that should be planned with care. 

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