College Prep

Taking AP or IB courses doesn’t just look good from a college admissions perspective—these classes can also translate into college credit once a student enrolls. While policies vary by college, many universities will grant college credits that go towards specific course requirements, in turn allowing students to free up some room in their schedules. Even if AP and IB courses are only applied towards a student’s overall credit count, completing advanced classes is a great way to get a jump start on college.

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By Carolyn, IvyWise College Admissions Counselor

In eighth grade, my English teacher Mrs. Houlihan told me that I was the only student in my class who knew how and when to use a comma. That feedback stuck with me, not just because it made me feel like the greatest student of all time (which, let’s be honest, I totally was), but because it made me realize the awesome power of the comma. For such a tiny piece of punctuation, the comma packs a mighty punch, in that using it correctly or incorrectly is one of the most glaring signs that a writer either does or does not know what they’re doing.

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The key to good grades is studying the material so that students understand the concepts and can apply them in the classroom. However, many students don’t practice effective study methods in high school, causing them to either memorize and forget information, or not fully grasp the concepts. These bad study habits can roll over into college – making the transition into a college course load even more difficult. You can avoid this by following some simple but effective study tips.

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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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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.

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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.

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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

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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,

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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With a sprawling California campus, top tier academic offerings and Division 1 sports teams, it’s no wonder that UCLA emerges as a top-choice institution for many high school students. Given its popularity, students need to prepare thoroughly in order to emerge as competitive applicants.

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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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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

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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.

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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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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

The first step to any application process should be reviewing

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Summer break is here for many students, but that doesn’t mean all learning has to stop! It’s important for college-bound students to spend their summers wisely, but they don’t have to participate in a fancy college summer program to do it.

Colleges want to know what students are doing in their spare time, and that includes the few months that students have off during the summer. A productive summer can help you better explore your interests and ultimately strengthen your applicant profile when it comes time to apply to college. Spending your summer wisely is an important college prep strategy and can go a long way toward helping you achieve your college admission goals.

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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When students start learning about the college admissions process, typically during their freshman year of high school if not before, there’s a lot of uncertainty around what their admissions journey might look like.

While every student will have the support of their friends, family, and teachers, it can also be beneficial to receive personalized guidance from a trusted source who knows the admissions process inside and out⁠—which is exactly what your counselor can help you with.

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Applying to college and choosing where to enroll is both a major milestone and an important decision. It’s bound to be a little stressful, but it can feel completely overwhelming if you’re not up to date on all of the latest terminology.

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Learn Why Early College Preparation and Executive Functioning Skills Are So Important

The college process can feel overwhelming, especially when students get a late start. From compiling a best-fit list to writing essays, there are many steps in the college application process. Consequently, we always encourage students to start early and build executive functioning skills that will serve them throughout college and beyond.

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Learn More About When You Should Start Planning for College

“When should I get started with my college prep?” is one of the first questions on many students’ minds when they look ahead towards their college application process. While some may be tempted to put off their preparation until the second half of junior year, we recommend beginning your admissions journey at the start of high school to avoid any last-minute stress. 

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A Recent Episode of Just Admit It! Explains How Demonstrated Interest Influences Your Admissions Odds

While most students understand the importance of admissions factors like grades and test scores, many don’t realize that demonstrated interest can have a big impact on your chances of admission. Although it can’t be captured by a single number in a similar matter, that doesn’t mean that demonstrated interest doesn’t matter.

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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.

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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.

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Learn What to Do Next If Your College Tour is Cancelled

Generally speaking, the start of spring is a prime time for college tours, as many students schedule campus visits during their spring break. However, the COVID-19 outbreak is affecting plans dramatically, as a number of colleges are cancelling large gatherings, including campus tours.

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