College Selection Tips & Advice for Students

Applying to an Ivy League institution like Cornell University is a highly competitive undertaking, and the acceptance rate for each incoming class reflects the intensity of the admissions process.

Interviews, especially college admissions interviews for top-tier colleges like Princeton, can be stressful. Many students are eager to gain a seat at the university, which historically has low acceptance rates. A strong interview can definitely help applicants stand out for all of the right reasons. So, what does it take to ace the Princeton interview and set yourself apart from the pack?

With a location in the heart of New York City and a plethora of renowned programs and internship opportunities, it’s easy to understand why New York University is a top choice on many students’ best-fit lists. As a result, New York University is also a highly competitive college, with acceptance rates falling to approximately 12% in recent years.

A highly selective institution that’s known for its engineering, education, music, and humanities programs, Vanderbilt University is a top choice for many students. The institution attracts applicants from around the world due to its stellar academic reputation, beautiful campus, and location in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee.

When it comes to college acceptances, many applicants view Harvard University as the gold standard for admissions success. While the Ivy League college may not be a best-fit option for every student, there’s no doubt that plenty of future applicants are eager to gain a seat in Harvard’s next class of admitted students. So, what does it really take to get in? 

With a location in the heart of New York City and an array of top-ranked academic programs, it’s easy to understand why so many students place New York University at the top of their college best-fit lists. The institution has plenty of research and learning opportunities to offer, as well as all of the advantages associated with going to school in a major metropolitan city.

As an Ivy League school based in New York City, Columbia University is a top choice for many students. The school offers a variety of well-regarded programs and is known for its signature Core Curriculum, part of the Columbia student experience for over a century. 

Princeton tops many students’ lists for dream schools to attend. Like most other Ivy League colleges, the university is known for its rigor and increasingly competitive applicant pool. As competition for a seat at the top-rated college intensifies, most future applicants are asking themselves the same question: What does it really take to earn admission to Princeton University?

As a leading research university with acceptance rates that mirror the Ivy League, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology attracts students from around the world. MIT has plenty of top-tier programs, in addition to a dual degree program with neighboring Wellesley College.

The University of Southern California — or USC, as it’s best known — is a top research university and one of the most selective schools in the country. Located in sunny Los Angeles, California, it’s been a pioneer in academic and research initiatives since its beginnings in 1880.