Category: In the Press
More Than a College App: Why Extracurriculars Matter
Find Out Why Extracurriculars Are Worth the Extra Effort
In today’s competitive admissions process, students need more than good grades to gain a seat at their best-fit college. In addition to strong academic performances, colleges are looking for applicants who have pursued extracurricular activities for years and those who have developed expertise in the fields they’re passionate about.
Creative Ways Students Can Get Involved With Online Volunteering Opportunities
You Can Get Involved and Volunteer Without Leaving Your Living Room
Volunteering is a meaningful opportunity for students to give back to their local communities, expand their horizons, and learn new skills. While some activities may be on hold due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the good news is that there are still plenty of ways to get involved.
How to Stay Informed on Current Events
Stay Updated on Global and Social Issues By Doing Your ResearchWhile every student should strive to stay updated on global issues, it’s particularly important for those interested in related fields like political science or public policy. Whether you’re in a degree program now or getting ready to apply to colleges that specialize in these fields, staying in the know is very important.
European vs US MBA Programs
Should You Choose a US or European MBA Program?By Nellie, IvyWise MBA Admissions Counselor
When it comes to applying to business school, there are several important decisions all applicants need to make. For many students, one important thing to consider when researching MBA programs is whether to pursue their MBA in the US or to consider programs in Europe.
Rising Seniors: Preparing for the Year Ahead
What Rising Seniors Can Do to Prepare for the Year AheadMany current juniors who will be rising seniors this summer are well aware that their final year of high school is exceptionally important. Students must juggle completing their personal statements, applying to colleges, and preparing for graduation, in addition to keeping up with friends and extracurriculars.
IvyWise Pro Bono Student Feature: Alexis
IvyWise Pro Bono Student Alexis Shares Her Tips for Students Applying to CollegeFor current seniors, the college application process is in full swing. It can be a high-stress time for many, particularly during an application cycle that has been marked by changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. 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, Alexis, to share some advice for future applicants.
Back to School with IvyWise 2020
Use Our New Resources to Make the Most of This Unusual Semester
As COVID-19 continues to cause ongoing uncertainty for students across the globe, we’re debuting a new set of resources to help you navigate this unusual semester. Back to School with IvyWise is our latest initiative designed to provide students and families with comprehensive academic and college admissions support.
Graduate Admissions Q&A: What Grad School Applicants Need to Know
Get Graduate Admissions Advice from a Former Graduate Admissions Officer with This Informative Q&A
If you’re considering graduate school, it’s important to understand why you’re pursuing an advanced degree and how it will impact your future education and career goals. Not sure about the difference between graduate school and an undergraduate education? Want to know what graduate admissions officers look for in applicants? We have answers here!
3 College Essays Tips from Former Admissions Officers
Here’s What to Keep in Mind When Writing College Essays
College application essays are often the most stressed about component of the admissions process, but they don’t have to be! By taking some time to learn what admissions officers are looking for students can feel confident when crafting their college application essays.
The Virtual Tutoring Experience: Why It’s Beneficial to Students
Virtual Tutoring Connects Students and Educators No Matter Where They are in the World
We live in a digital age, and with a variety of tools available these days people are able to connect with each other all over the world at any time. This has led to more flexibility when it comes to learning and working. At IvyWise, we’ve been pioneers of virtual counseling and tutoring for years, however, many families still have reservations about the virtual tutoring experience.
Fall Into Good Study Habits This Semester With These 10 Tips
These Study Habits Can Help Students Reach Their Academic Goals This Fall
Cooler temperatures, falling leaves, and the return of pumpkin spice everything may be some of students’ favorite fall things – but studying usually isn’t one of them. The fall semester is in full swing and establishing a routine and good study habits should be paramount this semester as students work to prepare for the college admissions process. If you’re having trouble finding your groove this autumn, IvyWise can help!
How TOEFL Scores are Evaluated in US Admissions
For International Students Applying to US Universities, TOEFL Scores Can Be a Critical Part of College Applications
For some international students applying to US universities, TOEFL scores can be a big factor in the admissions process. It’s important for international students to understand if they need to take the TOEFL, when to take it, and how the scores are evaluated by admissions officers.
Does Community Service Matter In The College Admissions Process?
How Community Service Can Impact College Admission Chances
A recent survey of college admissions officers found that community service can be a tipping factor when making college admissions decisions. In fact, 53% of those surveyed said that community service can almost be a “tie-breaker” between applicants who are equally qualified. So how is community service viewed in the context of a student’s application, and what can students now to pursue meaningful community service opportunities?
Help IvyWise and School the World Build a School
IvyWise Will Travel to Guatemala With School the World in March to Build an Elementary School
IvyWise, along with Flywire and Envisage International, has partnered with School the World and will be traveling to Guatemala this March to build a school and playground with the aim of expanding educational access in one of the country’s neediest communities.
Are You Having a Productive Summer Break?
College Bound Students Can Use The Summer To Explore Interests and Catch Up On College Apps
We can’t stress enough the importance of a productive summer break when preparing to apply to college. While students can use the summer break to relax and recharge, they should also use some of that downtime to explore their interests, catch up on test prep and outside reading, and more.
How Colleges Are Celebrating Black History Month in 2017
Colleges Across the US Celebrate Black History Month With a Number of Campus Events
February is Black History month in the US, and colleges and universities across the country are marking this national observance month with events and educational opportunities throughout February to celebrate the history of black Americans.
Next Steps After Being Accepted to College ED or EA
You Were Accepted to College Early! Here’s What to Do Next
Congratulations! You were accepted to your early decision or early action college. But what do you need to do next? There are a number of things to consider moving forward, so it’s important for students to weigh all their options before accepting an early offer of admission.
Writing College Admissions Thank You Notes
Don’t Forget to Give Thanks to Those You Meet Along Your Admissions Journey
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 follow-up thank you notes.
Colleges and Universities with Hidden Treasures
From Secret Rooms to Spooky Urban Legends, These Colleges Have Some Interesting Campus AttractionsThere’s more to many schools than what meets the eye. US colleges and universities all have complex histories that aren’t necessarily apparent to the common campus visitor. The bronze statues, portraits of long-gone college presidents, and Grecian columns that adorn these historic campuses only tell half of the story.
Waitlist Admission Rates
For waitlisted students, it can be hard to judge just how much of a chance they have of getting inNot getting into your top-choice or “dream” school can be a big disappointment, but it can narrow the pool and allow you to focus on the other great schools where you were admitted. For those students who are waitlisted, however, a sense of uncertainty can come into play, especially with May 1 enrollment deadlines right around the corner.