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College Application Dos & Don’ts for Success

Student Writing a College Application Essay

Do I Need a Dramatic Topic for My College Application Essay?

On this episode of Just Admit It!, IvyWise counselors Tasha and Victoria explain why choosing a dramatic college essay topic is not necessary and how being authentic and engaging in your essays is more important.

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How Many Colleges Should I Apply To? Find Your Magic Number

With colleges receiving record-breaking numbers of applications and acceptance rates hitting historic lows, many students feel pressured to “shotgun” their applications — applying to dozens of schools to hedge their bets.

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What Happens if You Are Not Accepted Early Decision

It’s Early Decision and Early Action time, and many students have already received their admissions decisions. Unfortunately, with so many more students applying to college, there isn’t a spot for everyone in the early rounds. But remember, it isn’t the end of the world if you were not accepted early!

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Stanford campus as seen from overhead

Stanford Interview: Questions and How to Ace Them

As Stanford is one of the most competitive schools in the country, being admitted into this school is an incredible accomplishment. To gain a seat in the class, applicants need to excel in every component of the admissions process, including the optional interviews.

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The MIT Interview: What It Is Like and How to Ace It

Most STEM students already know that MIT is one of the most reputable names, not to mention an exceptionally academically rigorous college. However, there is still a lot of uncertainty about their admissions process, including the MIT interview. There’s a lot you can do to stand out in this part of the process.

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Stressed student with laptop, books, and headphones struggles with college application process.

Beat College Application Deadline Anxiety

Stressed about college application deadlines? Here are 5 tips to help you finish your applications strong.

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What to Do While Waiting for College Admissions Decisions

This time of year makes for very anxious high school seniors as many wait to hear back from colleges about their admissions decisions. The period between submitting applications and receiving decisions can feel like an eternity and often leaves students in an academic limbo with many thinking, “I’ve done all I can and the decision is in the hands of the admissions committee — what else can I do?”

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Admissions consultant guiding applicant via screen-share, pointing to key steps in the process.

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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Student wearing headphones studies with laptop and notebook.

How to Write an Activities List for College Applications

Summer is a great time for you to catch up on your college prep, including pulling together some materials that will be helpful when it’s time to start the college application process. Compiling a list of your activities, awards, internships, and more is a great way to organize all the information you want colleges to know — and sets you up for a smoother college application experience. 

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Smiling student with headphones sits on steps, ready for college success.

Direct Admissions: How to Get Admitted into College Without Applying

What if you could enroll at college without the additional stress of the competitive admissions process? It’s possible with direct admissions — a growing trend that more colleges and universities are using to increase education access, decrease gatekeeping, and save both applicants and admissions officers time and stress. But what is it, and how does it work? Learn more about direct admissions and how the process differs from traditional applications. 

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