College Selection Tips & Advice for Students

In the competitive world of college admissions, students are constantly seeking ways to stand out from the crowd. One unique and intellectually stimulating activity that can give applicants an edge is playing chess. Beyond being a classic game of strategy and skill, chess offers numerous benefits that can enhance a student’s application. From developing critical thinking and problem-solving abilities to demonstrating dedication and discipline, the skills honed through chess can make a compelling case to admissions committees. 

As more families consider the ROI of a college education, the value of a liberal arts education has been a hot topic. With many STEM degrees and programs topping lists of highest-paying majors and best college ROI, many have waged a war on the liberal arts. But let’s not dismiss the liberal arts so fast.

January Term (J-Term), Winter Term, Jan Plan, Winter Study — all these terms refer to the 4-1-4 academic calendar offered at some colleges and universities. The 4-1-4 academic calendar is an innovative approach to structuring the academic year, designed to enhance student learning and flexibility. But what exactly is the 4-1-4 academic calendar, and what are the advantages and disadvantages of this system?

Fall is college fair season, and high school juniors across the country will have the opportunity to explore different colleges and learn more about schools they’re interested in applying to next year. If you’re starting to think about what you want out of your college experience, college fairs are a great opportunity to get valuable information and speak directly to college representatives.

Spring ushers in new beginnings and high school senior rites-of-passage, such as prom and graduation. Fortunately, many colleges and universities also have deeply rooted traditions celebrating the end of winter, the new life of spring, and the campus community.

One of the fun aspects of researching colleges is to learn about their unique traditions, such as the fun ways these five schools celebrate spring.

Every year we hear about “record-low college acceptance rates” for a number of already highly selective colleges and universities. With more students applying to more colleges, it’s no surprise that many schools across the U.S. are seeing their admission rates drop; however, that’s not always the case for every institution.

When building your balanced college list, it’s important to understand how your profile stacks up against the most recently admitted class and the overall college acceptance rates for each school to which you plan to apply. There are a number of places to find this information, but it’s not always easy to find, so we’ll break it down for you:

Though it may seem hard to believe, the topic of women’s history is a relatively recent addition to higher education, having been largely absent prior to the 1970s. To address this issue, the Education Task Force of California established Women’s History Week. Strong support eventually led to Congress declaring March as Women’s History Month in 1987. Today, numerous colleges and universities across the U.S. have added women’s studies and similar programs to their curriculum.

For students interested in women’s history and gender studies, IvyWise has identified a list of colleges and programs that would make Susan B. Anthony proud. One or more of these schools may be just right for your college list.

Navigating the college experience can be uniquely challenging for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other types of neurodiversity, requiring specialized support and understanding. Fortunately, many colleges across the U.S. offer programs that support neurodivergent students, including help with academics, social skills, executive functions, independent living, and career preparation. We look at some of the best colleges that offer programs for students who are neurodivergent, whether they have ASD or other types of neurodiversity.

Choosing between in-state and out-of-state colleges is an important decision that can significantly impact your college experience. In-state institutions often offer financial advantages, with lower tuition costs and potential access to state-funded scholarships. However, out-of-state colleges may provide unique opportunities, diverse cultural experiences, and access to specialized programs not available locally. Keep reading to learn more about in-state vs. out-of-state colleges.

One is on the East Coast, the other on the West Coast. Both have the industrious beaver as their mascot. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the California Institute of Technology are both scientific and technological titans and world leaders in cutting-edge research and innovation. Let’s explore the distinctive features of MIT and Caltech, so you can decide which college is right for you.