Category: College Application Tips
IvyWise Scholars Spotlight: Afua
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.
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.
IvyWise Scholars Spotlight: Abigail
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.
How to Write Princeton Supplemental Essays
If Princeton is at the top of your list for best-fit colleges, you know that every component of your application counts. With a record-low acceptance rate of less than 4% for the University Class of 2025, it’s clear that applicants are going to have to submit their best work to be competitive, and that includes writing compelling supplemental essays.
While grades may pull the most weight in admissions decisions, supplemental essays give students an opportunity to highlight what makes them unique, demonstrate their knowledge of Princeton, and articulate the impact they will have on campus. Keep reading to learn how to write Princeton supplemental essays that will help you stand out for the right reasons.
IvyWise Scholars Spotlight: Daniel
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.
Complete Guide to Harvard Letters of Recommendation
With an acceptance rate that has dipped below 5% in recent years, there’s no doubt that getting into Harvard is exceptionally competitive. As a result, students who are interested in gaining admission to the top-tier institution need to understand that every component of their application matters, including the recommendation letters they submit.
What Does a College Counselor Do?
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.
Grad School Interview Questions: Examples and Answers
Interviews can often be a source of stress for students, and the ones for graduate school are no exception. Generally, a graduate school interview is an opportunity to showcase your strengths, demonstrate your knowledge of the institution, and impress an alumnus or member of the faculty who might play a role in deciding your admissions outcome.
While being a little nervous might be inevitable, it is possible to feel confident on interview day if you’ve prepared beforehand. Keep reading to learn more about the grad school interview questions you might encounter, so that you’ll feel ready on the big day.
Sample Harvard Interview Questions and Answers
If you’re nervous about your Harvard interview, you’re not alone. Since Harvard is one of the most competitive schools in the country, it’s important to do your best on every component of the application to stand out.
Interviews can feel particularly stressful for students because they’re an unfamiliar challenge. However, it is possible to build up your confidence by preparing in advance. Keep reading to learn more about the Harvard interview questions that you can expect to encounter, as well as tips for answering them.
How Many Colleges Should I Apply To?
With colleges receiving more applications than ever before and admissions rates dwindling each year, many college-bound students are deciding to hedge their bets and apply to as many schools as possible in order to secure sufficient offers of admission. There have been reports over the years of students applying to dozens of colleges – sometimes 30, 40, even 50. But is this really beneficial? How much is too much when it comes to college applications?
How to Submit the Common App
Our Step-By-Step Guide for Submitting the Common App
Hitting “submit” for the Common App is a major milestone in every student’s college admissions journey. However, before you can celebrate, it’s important to make sure you understand the submission process inside and out so that you can present yourself in the best light possible.
Colleges Requiring COVID-19 Vaccines
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.
Just Admit It: How Do College Admissions Officers Evaluate Transcripts?
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.
2021-22 Common App Changes
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.
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?
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.
Staying Productive During A Pandemic
Learn How to Remain Productive Amidst All Distractions
As summer break comes to a close, many students may find it challenging to stay productive. Add in the sense of uncertainty and disruption associated with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and it’s no wonder many students may feel as if they are struggling to stay on top of their studies.
ACT Superscoring: Colleges that Superscore the ACT
Here are the Colleges that Superscore the ACT
Superscoring is the practice of considering only the highest section scores across all SAT or ACT test scores that are submitted when evaluating applications. Many schools already superscore for the SAT, but superscoring for the ACT has not always been widely practiced.
Tips for Boosting Your TOEFL Score
By Joey, IvyWise Tutor
For many international students, taking the TOEFL exam is one of many steps on their radar for the U.S. college admissions process. Many colleges do require TOEFL scores as part of their international application review process, so it’s important to do your research and see what the policy is at every school on your best-fit list.
How to Make the Most of Virtual Learning
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.
How to Set Test Prep Goals for 2020
Get a Head Start on Planning for the New Year
With the new year right around the corner, now’s the time to start thinking about your test prep goals for 2020. Whether you’re a freshman who is just beginning to think about college, a sophomore gearing up to start test prep, or a junior who is already in the thick of it, there are concrete steps that you can take in 2020 to get closer to achieving your test prep goals.
