❤️💛 Do you have what it takes to get into USC? Get the inside scoop from admissions experts in our on-demand webinar.
WATCH NOW

Expert College Admission Advice – IvyWise Blog

extracurricular activities

Do My Extracurricular Activities Have to Be Related to My Intended Major?

What if your strongest extracurricular activity has nothing to do with your intended major? In this episode of Just Admit It!, IvyWise counselors Tasha and Juaquin discuss how colleges evaluate activities, what meaningful commitment looks like, and how students can build an authentic application narrative. 

Read More
Student Looking at Majors

What if I Don’t Know What I Want to Major In?

In this episode of Just Admit It!, IvyWise counselor Alecia and host Tasha explain why being undecided is common, how to explore academic interests without getting overwhelmed, and what “major selection” really means on a college application.

Read More
Student and parent moving into college dorm

How Is College Different from High School?

For many high school students, the transition to college feels like a massive leap into the unknown. The high school experience is structured, and you have parents and teachers guiding you. Navigating college life requires an entirely different approach to learning, time management, and personal responsibility.

Read More
young woman reading a book and screaming

10 Colleges with Spooky Course Selections

From religion and folklore to film and even medicine, college departments love to celebrate the supernatural and postulate on the paranormal. Whether you’re an occult-loving student building your college list, or you just want to get an idea of some creepy courses to add to your schedule, check out our list of otherworldly offerings below.

Read More
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.

Read More
Student thoughtfully reviews college application essays on laptop.

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.

Read More
College counselor smiles during a meeting with a prospective student.

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. 

Read More
Campus buildings against a bright blue sky, representing higher education.

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.

Read More
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.

Read More
Group of college students studying in the school library

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.

Read More