Category: College Application Tips
Common App Changes 2021-22
The 2021-22 Common App Changes You Need to Know About
As the most widely used college application system in the United States, the Common Application is likely already on many students’ radars. However, some future applicants may be less aware of the changes being made to the Common App for the 2021-2022 admissions cycle.
Early College Prep and the Importance of Executive Functioning Skills
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.
Virtual College Visit Tools
Use These Virtual College Visit Tools for A Campus-Like Experience
In years past, many students went on spring college tours to get a feel for campus life and narrow down their list of best-fit options. Since many campuses remain closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual visits have emerged as the ideal option for students who are looking to learn more about prospective colleges.
Just Admit It: How Do College Admissions Committees Review Applications?
Learn How College Admissions Committees Really Review Your Applications
While many students may think they know how their college applications are reviewed, very few individuals are actually in the room where decisions are made. If you’re curious to learn all of the details about how application reviews work, admissions officers are the only source for first-hand experience.
When Do I Need to Start Planning for College?
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.
How Many Schools Should You Add to Your College List?
Learn How Many Schools to Add to Your Balanced College List
When students are working on compiling their balanced college lists, one of the first questions that often comes to mind is how many universities should they apply to. While there isn’t one magic number for every student, there are some guidelines to keep in mind.
2021-22 Common App Essay Prompts
Here are the Common Application Prompts for 2021-22
The Common Application has announced the personal statement essay prompts for the 2021-22 admissions season, prompting the first change in the essay questions in nearly five years.
Building a College List in a Virtual World
How to Build Your College List in a Virtual World
Building your balanced college list is one of the most important steps in the application process. Students must do their research and visit campuses to pinpoint their best-fit options, but many might wonder how this all works in a virtual world.
Early Decision II 101: What Students Need to Know
What Applicants Should Keep in Mind About ED II
An increasing number of colleges are adding Early Decision II to their application options, often with a deadline in early- to mid-January.
College Planning for 2021
College Planning For Every Year of High School
Whether you’re in your first year of high school or getting ready for graduation, it’s important for students to stay consistent when it comes to college planning. To stay on track, we encourage students to set goals throughout their high school career that will ensure they meet every college preparation milestone.
Former Admissions Officers Give their Top College Application Tips
What Every Applicant Should Keep in Mind Before Regular Decision Deadlines
For students who are working on regular decisions applications, the next few days are likely to be the home stretch. With many college application deadlines falling on January 1st, some students may be wondering what they can do to give their submissions that special “it” factor.
How to Submit the Common App
Our Step-By-Step Guide for Submitting the Common App
Hitting “submit” the Common App is a major milestone in every student’s college admissions journey, however, students often have questions about how to actually send off their applications.
How International Students are Read in Admissions
What International Students Can Expect in the US Admissions Process
The US is still a popular destination for international students pursuing a university education, and US universities welcome international students with open arms. However, the admissions process for international students to US universities can be especially rigorous, as there are a number of requirements for international applicants and international students are read slightly differently than their US counterparts.
Just Admit It: Does Demonstrated Interest Really Matter?
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.
Just Admit It: Why do Supplemental Essays Matter?
How Important are Supplemental Essays?
We all know the personal statement is a huge part of the college application, but how important are those extra supplemental essays? For many students writing fatigue can set in and they don’t spend as much time working on those – especially as application deadlines loom. So how important is it to spend time on those supplements?
Should I Write About COVID-19 in My College Applications?
College Counselors Give Advice on How to Address COVID-19 In College Applications
As seniors prepare to submit applications during an admissions cycle unlike any other, many students may be wondering whether or not they should discuss the pandemic and if so, how? While there isn’t a universal approach that will be best for every applicant, there are some tips students should keep in mind when planning their approach.
How to Stand Out When Applying for Scholarships
Make the Most of Applying for Scholarships with These Tips
Scholarships are a win-win: students can help reduce the costs associated with attending college while also adding to their resumes. As an added bonus, the vast array of different scholarship options out there means there is truly an opportunity for every student.
5 Ways to Demonstrate Creativity in Your College Apps
Learn How to Emphasize Creativity and Why it Counts
Students who are eager to stand out on their college applications can’t overlook the importance of demonstrating creativity. Based on a recent Adobe study, 95% of admissions decision-makers believe in the value of creative skills. Despite this, only 20% of the same group report that students demonstrate their creativity “very well” on college applications and nearly 70% of students don’t know where to showcase these skills on their college applications.
The Pros and Cons of Applying Early This Fall
An Admissions Counselor’s Top Considerations for Applying to College Early
By Carolyn, IvyWise College Admissions Counselor
The weather here in my home state of Tennessee is finally starting to cool, there is pumpkin spice creamer in my coffee, and I just squashed what will (hopefully) be one of the last mosquitoes of the year. And with the change in the seasons, of course, comes the first wave of college application deadlines. Over the past several years, applying early to colleges has become a popular trend, and many colleges have developed a multi-deadline admissions process that might include Early Action, Early Decision, Single-Choice Early Action, and/or Regular Decision options. Whether or not to apply early can be a stressful decision even in “normal” years, but even more so in the current application cycle that is already rife with change and uncertainty.
How to Make the Most of the Back-to-School Season
Start the Back-to-School Season on the Best Note Possible
It’s safe to say that for many students, this year’s back to school season will be unlike any other. With many colleges and high schools offering remote or hybrid learning options, students may not be reuniting with their classmates face-to-face as they have in previous years.