Category: College Application Tips
Early Decision II 101: What Students Need to Know
What Applicants Should Keep in Mind About ED IIAn 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 SchoolWhether 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 AppHitting “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 ProcessThe 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 OddsWhile 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 ApplicationsAs 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 TipsScholarships 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 CountsStudents 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 PossibleIt’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.
3 Tips for Standing Out During the College Application Process
Our Top Advice for Students Applying to College this Fall
The Common Application opened August 1, and millions of students across the globe will apply to college via the Common App this year. With so many students applying to college every year, most applicants have the same question on their minds: what can I do to increase my chances of standing out?
Coalition Application Guide
What Students and Parents Need to Know About the Coalition College Admission ApplicationCollege-bound students have an additional college application option when applying to college this fall: the Coalition application. There have been a lot of questions about the competitor to the Common App, and we’re here to help with a comprehensive guide to the Coalition college application including what it is, what it includes, and whether or not to use it to apply to college this fall.
Applying to College During COVID-19: What Seniors Need to Keep in Mind
What Seniors Should Remember Throughout the College Admissions Process
Applying to college can always feel a bit overwhelming for rising seniors, but this year students may be particularly susceptible to stress due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With so much uncertainty around campus life for the fall, prospective applicants have a unique set of questions and concerns on their radar.
2020-21 Common App Supplements
Get a Head Start on Applications By Reviewing These Supplements
Although the Common App doesn’t officially open until August 1st, it’s often in students’ best interest to get a jump start on personal essays and supplements. Many colleges understand that applicants are eager to begin the admissions process and as a result, some schools have already announced their school-specific essay prompts for the 2020-21 application season.
College Openings Update: Colleges Accepting Applications for Fall 2020
These Schools Still Have Space For Students in the Class of 2024
For students who maybe got a late start on the college admissions process, or their goals and interests have changed due to COVID-19 or other circumstances, trying to apply for admission to the fall term may seem impossible. However, there are close to 750 colleges and universities in the US and abroad that are still accepting applications after May 1 for the class of 2024.
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 Make the Most of Virtual Learning
Stay Engaged In Your Course Work, No Matter What
Whether it’s an MOOC, an online SAT course, or another virtual learning experience, there are a variety of reasons why students may turn to digital courses. Now, amidst growing concerns over the recent novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, many schools across the globe are opting for virtual learning so students can continue their coursework during school closures.
2020-21 Common Application Essay Prompts
The Common App Prompts for 2020-21 Will Remain the Same
The Common Application has announced that the personal statement essay prompts for the 2020-21 admissions season will remain unchanged for the fourth straight year.