Course Planning

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.

Read More »

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?

Read More »

Most people understand what teachers, guidance counselors, and professors do. Yet, there is a lot of uncertainty about an adjacent educational career that is just as important: academic advisor.

Academic advisors generally work directly with students to help them make the most of their academic journeys and provide guidance throughout the process. Keep reading to learn more about the role an academic advisor plays and why students should take advantage of these services.

If you’ve ever wondered what academic advisors do, here’s a quick refresher: academic advisors guide students through an educational process that facilitates the advisee’s understanding of the meaning and purpose of higher education. Academic advising fosters and encourages both intellectual and personal development and academic success. It also cultivates a passion for lifelong learning.

There are many different reasons why students may wish to seek out academic advising services. One of the most common times for academic advising is during undergraduate or graduate studies. Academic advisors work with students to help them choose a major or field of study, ensure they’re on track to graduate on time, suggest relevant coursework and experiential

Read More »

For many students across the country, studying abroad is an exciting part of their college, or even high school, experience. Whether it’s an entire semester stay in London or a two-month immersion program in China during the summer, students are eager to explore another country and culture while continuing their studies.

While studying abroad can be a one-of-a-kind learning experience, it is important for students to prioritize the academic component of their journey and avoid treating the trip like an extended vacation. Keep reading for some of our top tips to help you make the most of your study abroad experience.

Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity to expand your horizons, immerse yourself in a foreign culture, and make new friends. While some students may be tempted to treat a study abroad program as a fun trip, it’s important to view the experience as a learning opportunity, instead of just a time to recharge.

Rather than picking a study abroad program based on where your friends are going, strive to research learning experiences that align with your academic and future professional goals. If you’re wondering

Read More »

Learn How College Admissions Officers Evaluate Transcripts

Your high school transcript is often considered the most important piece of information admissions officers have to evaluate. At the end of the day, college is an academic endeavor, so admissions officers are looking to understand how you perform in the classroom and the subjects that interest you.

Read More »

Every High School Course Plays A Big Role In the Admissions Process

When planning for college, many students often overlook the impact that course selection – or course rigor – can have on their college admissions chances. It’s important for college-bound students, especially for rising seniors, to take the most challenging courses available to them and to do well in them.

Read More »

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.

Read More »

It’s a new year, a new semester, and the perfect time for freshmen, sophomores, and juniors to get a head start, or keep up the momentum, on the college admissions process.  

Read More »

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.

Read More »

IvyWise intern Sarah discusses majoring in sociology

Want to learn about how social structures and institutions create belief systems, resource distribution, and identity formation? What better way to prepare for the professional world than by knowing how it works and recognizing where it needs reforming! Learn how systems of operations work, and become more conscientious of the world around you in the process by majoring in sociology.

Read More »

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.

Read More »

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. 

Read More »

Now that spring is in full swing, many high school students are looking forward to their summer plans (and some time away from school!). While September and the start of another school year may seem far away, most high schools require students to choose their courses for the fall before the end of the school year. Nya Marie, a high school junior from Chicago, recently blogged about choosing her senior year courses for the Huffington Post. Like Nya, many students struggle to balance the courses they want or need to take with what colleges “want” to see. Because there is nothing more important to an admissions committee than your performance in the classroom, the  expert counselors at IvyWise offer the following tips for choosing your courses:

Read More »