Category: In the Press
College Packing List: Items You’ll Regret Forgetting
There’s a lot to think about as students prepare for their first year of college, and one of the most difficult things to manage is what to bring! You may not know what you’ll need, and odds are, you will probably forget something.
What to Expect Your First Year Living in a College Dorm
Everyone has the expectation that going to college freshman year will be fun times in a comfortable room, where your best friend is your roommate, and everyone on your floor will be the greatest people you’ve ever met, right? At least, that’s how the movies tell us it will be.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.
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.
More Than a College App: Why Extracurriculars Matter
Find Out Why Extracurriculars Are Worth the Extra EffortIn 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.
Transfer Admissions Tips from Former Admissions Officers
Our Top Tips for Transfer AdmissionsIf you’re curious about how transfer admissions work, you’re far from the only one. On average, 35% of college students transfer at least once during their college career.
4 Signs You Should Consider Transferring Colleges
Here’s How to Know When It’s Time to Transfer Colleges Every student’s college admissions journey is unique and, for some, that may mean enrolling in more than one school before graduation day. According to Inside Higher Ed, more than one third of all college students transfer, so if you are considering other options for your higher education you’re not alone.
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.
Colleges with No Application Fees
Colleges Where You Can Apply Without an Application Fee Students must weigh many considerations when compiling their list of best-fit colleges, including application fees. Many universities include a fee that applicants must pay when applying unless that student qualifies for fee waivers. However, there are a number of colleges without an accompanying application fee.
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.
Resume Tips for College Students and Recent Graduates
Use Downtime This Summer to Revamp Your Resume
In addition to pursuing activities that interest you and catching up on some reading lists, the summer can be an excellent time to revamp your resume. A solid resume can help students land internships and future jobs and also serve as a useful resource when reviewing what kinds of learning and professional opportunities you wish to pursue next.
The Pros and Cons of Greek Life on Campus
Consider All of the Factors Before You Decide to Go Greek
Depending on which best-fit school you choose to enroll in, Greek Life may be a huge presence on campus, an option available for students who are interested, or totally non-existent. While Greek Life can be a fun opportunity to connect with peers and make an impact on the community, some students may choose to look for opportunities to network elsewhere.
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.
How to Deal with Admission Decision Envy
Focus on Personal Accomplishments Instead of Comparing Yourself to Others
All across the country, students who applied in the regular round are anxiously awaiting emails detailing their college application outcome. While rejection can always be difficult to deal with, it can seem particularly challenging when a friend or classmate gains admission to your top-choice school. Admission decision envy can cast a shadow over an otherwise successful college admissions process, but there are ways to deal.
How Community Service Can Impact College Admission Chances
As you may know, colleges care about what students are doing outside of the classroom just as much as what they accomplish inside. While grades are still the most important metric when evaluating college applications, high grades are not enough to gain admission. Colleges want to see students engaging in activities outside of the classroom and making an impact in their local community. One way to do that is through community service.
4 Strategies for Dealing with College Roommate Conflicts
Communication is Key to Resolving Roommate Conflict
Much like adjusting to the academic and social changes that come with college, many first-year college students have to adapt to living in a shared dorm room space. It may sound simple, but there is a lot that goes into forming a strong relationship with a roommate and occasional disagreements are almost inevitable. Instead of letting a roommate conflict diminish your first-year experience, there are a variety of steps students can take to make the most of dorm living.
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!
College Move In Etiquette
Here’s How to Make the Most of Move In Day
It’s back-to-school season, and for many first-year college students this is the first time they’ll be living in a dorm and sharing a space with one or more roommates. College move in day can be hectic, but there’s a lot that students can do to ensure they have a smooth transition into college life.
Back to School 101: Here’s How to Save Money on Textbooks
Back-to-school season is upon us, and as students across the globe prepare for their first year in college, there are a lot of extra expenses to consider outside of tuition and room and board – most notably the cost of textbooks. For first-year students who have never bought their textbooks before, navigating this new experience can be tricky. However, there are ways to shop smart for your textbooks this fall.
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
By Joey, IvyWise Tutor
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.
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.
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.
Should I Appeal My College Admission Decision?
In Some Cases It Is Possible to Appeal a Rejection But It’s Rarely Successful
You were denied admission to your top-choice college. Now what? Most students and parents accept the bad news and move on, while others want to know why. In some cases it is possbile to appeal your admission decision, and every year many students take advantage of it. Success stories are few and far between, but overturning an admission decision is not impossible. There is anecdotal evidence that appeals can be successful. So the question remains – should you appeal your admission decision?
Presidents Day: Where Famous First Ladies Went to College
From Large Universities to Small Women’s Colleges, These Famous First Ladies Have Some Impressive Alma Maters
Every year we take time to honor our US presidents with Presidents’ Day – but what about our first ladies? Many of the presidents and first ladies that have come through the White House have been educated at some of the country’s finest colleges and universities, for both their undergraduate and graduate educations. This month we’ve focused a lot on leadership and how higher education can foster great leaders, like our nation’s presidents. The same applies to first ladies!
Finding Your Best-Fit College: Spotlight on Colby College
Colby College Offers a Tight-Knit Community and a Rural CampusIvyWise Intern Sarah tells us how she knew Colby College was her best-fit school.
Finding Your Best-Fit College: Spotlight on NYU Liberal Studies
NYU’s Liberal Studies Program Offers a Small Liberal Arts Atmosphere at a Major UniversityIvyWise Intern Janeen tells us why New York University was the best fit for her academic goals.
College Freshmen: What to Do Your First Few Days On Campus
Get to Know Your Roommate, RA, and the Campus When Your Arrive at CollegeHeading to college for the first time can be a little overwhelming. There are so many things to do, events to go to, and people to meet. Take your time and enjoy every second, but make sure you take care of everything you need to do while you’re enjoying everything you want to do!
Best Online and On-Campus Resources for College Students
Make a Smooth College Transition By Taking Advantage of Great Resources Both On and Off CampusEveryone knows that college is a change, and many students are unaware of how big of a transition it will be into college life. You don’t know what issues you will run into, and you might not know how to handle them. Don’t fret; you’re not the first to go off to college and there are plenty of resources out there to help students adjust to college living.
Finding Your Best Fit School: Spotlight on Cornell University
Sometimes First Impressions of a College Are Not DealbreakersI was the kid that loved the college process. I loved visiting campuses and imagining what it would be like to attend each school. I loved coming up with essay topics and trying to be creative so that I would stand out. I put a great deal of time, thought, and effort into my college applications, but at the beginning, I never would have imagined that would end up at Cornell.
Tips for Students With Bad Grades
What Students with Bad Grades Need to Do to Prepare for College AdmissionsWhen applying to college, grades are usually the most important aspect of your applicant profile. Colleges look at all four years of high school grades, and they like to see an upward grade trend. So if you started off high school with some not-so-stellar grades, your main goal should be to pull up your marks and improve your academic performance.
College Interview Prep: Tips and Common Interview Questions
How to Prepare for College Admissions InterviewsCollege interviews, while not required for many schools, are still a great way to add a personal touch to your college application. Most large, public universities don’t have the resources to provide interviews, but if you’re applying to a smaller school, especially one that’s more selective, looking into whether or not you can do an admissions interview is important.
