College Selection Tips & Advice for Students

While Stanford may not technically be part of the Ivy League, the school’s academic caliber — not to mention its competitive admissions process — rivals that of Harvard and Yale. Many students are eager to enroll in the top-tier university, which has a wide array of renowned programs including engineering and environmental science. Although earning admission at Stanford University is challenging, there are a few steps applicants can take to set themselves up for success.

As a member of the Ivy League that’s known for its top-notch music and arts programs, it’s easy to understand why many rank Yale at the top of their college list. The university, one of the oldest in the country, offers many strong areas of study and is within traveling distance of New York City.

As a leading research university and a member of the Ivy League, Brown University is a popular choice for many students. This institution, located in the heart of Providence, Rhode Island, has many top-tier programs in addition to a dual-degree program with neighboring Rhode Island School of Design. If Brown is on your list of top-choice schools, here’s what you need to know.   

For many students, the traditional fall application cycle can feel rushed and overwhelming. Fortunately, a significant number of colleges across the U.S. offer rolling admissions — a more flexible approach.

Tufts University is a private, highly competitive research university in the Greater Boston area in Massachusetts, just minutes from downtown Boston. Focusing on building a one-of-a-kind, diverse community and emphasizing student and faculty collaboration, Tufts is an exciting place to live, learn, and grow.

Tufts is highly selective and only admits a small percentage of applicants every year. To increase their chances of admission to Tufts, prospective students should start to prepare early by building their profile, doing their research, and gathering their application materials. To learn more about what it takes to get into Tufts University, read on.

Emory University, a highly selective institution often called a “Southern Ivy,” attracts thousands of bright minds each year. Students who hope to be accepted need to understand the admissions process and start early so they can build a competitive profile that will help them stand out. Keep reading to learn how to apply to Emory University.

Cornell University is an Ivy League institution nestled in the natural beauty of upstate New York. Its world-renowned programs in engineering, architecture, and hospitality, among others, are just a few reasons that many prospective students dream of attending Cornell. 

Like every other highly selective university and Ivy League member, Cornell has become increasingly competitive through the years. It’s important to understand what Cornell is looking for and what you can do to increase your chances of admission. Read on to learn more about Cornell and about what it takes to get in.

As a premier Jesuit research university, Boston College (BC) offers a diverse array of programs, attracting intellectually curious students from around the world. From its picturesque campus in Chestnut Hill — a neighborhood in suburban Newton — to its distinguished faculty, Boston College embodies a commitment to excellence in both scholarship and service.

The University of California at Berkeley, or Cal, as it’s lovingly called, is a legendary institution of higher learning located in charming Berkeley, California, on the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay. Read on to find out more about UC Berkeley, how to get in, and how to improve your applicant profile to increase your chances of admission.

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), is one of the most selective universities in the prestigious public University of California system. Located in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, UCLA offers the best of both worlds: an urban campus with access to all the nature the great state of California has to offer.