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Expert College Admission Advice – IvyWise Blog

Student working on college application

College Application Deadlines 2025-2026

Senior year is an exciting time, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility — especially when it comes to college applications. Missing a deadline can be the difference between getting in and not, so it’s essential to be prepared.

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What Vanderbilt Admissions Officers Look for in Essays

If Vanderbilt University, also known as Vandy, is one of your top-choice schools, you may be wondering how to craft your admissions essay to help you stand out. Vanderbilt is incredibly selective, so they look for students who demonstrate what they can contribute to the diverse campus community academically and otherwise. Your response to the essay prompt contributes to the holistic review of your application, so it’s important to give it a lot of thought.

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What to Expect During Your Dartmouth College Interview

Dartmouth, like many colleges and universities, invites applicants to interview. However, these interviews are not conducted by the admissions committee but alumni volunteers. The college does not offer campus interviews. 

If you’re invited to an interview, it’s perfectly normal to be nervous. Being prepared can help boost your confidence, so keep reading to learn what to expect and for tips on acing the interview. 

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How to Get into Boston University: All You Need to Know

Boston University, or BU as it’s known, is a top private research university in Boston, Massachusetts. The university has 10 undergraduate schools and colleges to choose from, as well as dual degree and double major options.

Boston University has become increasingly competitive throughout the last few years, receiving record-breaking numbers of applications from across the country and around the world. Read on to learn the best practices applicants should use to increase their chances of admission to Boston University.

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High School Students Preparing for Class

5 Ways High School Prepares You for College Life

If college is the gateway to the real world, then high school is the long highway that precedes it. After four years of high school, you might feel as though you are totally unprepared for the challenges of higher education. Although pumped-up academic standards are a big part of the college transition, being a college student also calls for independence, maturity, and responsibility.

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When Should You Write a Letter of Continued Interest?

A letter of continued interest (often referred to as a LOCI) is a written statement that a student sends to the admissions office of a school they are still interested in attending, despite being deferred or waitlisted. Generally, these letters reiterate the student’s interest in and fit for the college in question and update the admissions office on any achievements that the student has earned since submitting their initial application.

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How to Use Social Media in College Admissions

In today’s digital age, social media plays a significant role in various aspects of our lives, including the college admissions process. While it can have both positive and negative impacts, understanding how to navigate and leverage social media effectively can help you elevate your profile and stand out in your college applications.

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6 Tips for Recording a College Application Video

Many colleges are known for getting creative with their essay prompts, sometimes asking weird and wacky questions to encourage students to dig for thoughtful, creative responses. Another way some colleges are shaking up the college admissions process is with college application videos.

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High School Classes: What to Choose to Prepare for College

While college may feel like a distant challenge on the horizon, it’s important for high school students to choose their classes carefully to begin preparing for their next academic milestone. Admissions officers will review the courses students take from their first year of high school onwards, which is why it’s crucial to be selective about the classes you’re taking to ensure they align with your long-term goals.

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Ways to Explore Journalistic Writing

If you’re interested in pursuing journalistic writing, you don’t need to wait until college to get started. In fact, exploring different types of writing can help give high school students a head start for the college admissions process because you’ll develop a better idea of what kind of content you most enjoy writing and how that factors into your college admissions goals. 

From podcast interviews to publishing a weekly advice column, there are many ways students can explore different types of journalism and writing. Keep reading for a few project ideas that can help aspiring journalists learn more about the field and begin to identify the opportunities that interest them most. 

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