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IvyWise Blog

Student and alumni interview conducting virtual Harvard interview

Sample Harvard Interview Questions and Answers

If you’re nervous about your Harvard interview, you’re not alone. Since Harvard is one of the most competitive schools in the country, it’s important to do your best on every component of the application to stand out.

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Student excited about high school grades

Do High Schools Grades Matter in College?

Most students applying to college understand the importance of high school grades. After all, your grades are the most critical part of your college application — and the first factor admissions officers review.

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How to Ace the Georgetown Alumni Interview

Georgetown University, nestled in the heart of Washington, D.C., is renowned for its commitment to educating global citizens who are academically proficient and socially conscious. The admissions interview at Georgetown serves as a unique opportunity for applicants to expand on their written applications and showcase their personality, passion, and alignment with the university’s values. Keep reading to learn what the interview entails and how to ace it. 

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UCLA Acceptance Rate and Stats: What It Takes to Get In

With a sprawling campus, top-tier academic offerings, and Division I sports teams, the University of California, Los Angeles is a top choice for many high school students.

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The Washington Square Arch on the NYU campus with part of the New York City skyline in the background

The NYU Interview: What to Expect and How to Prepare

With a location in the heart of New York City and a plethora of renowned programs and internship opportunities, it’s easy to understand why New York University is a top choice on many students’ best-fit lists. As a result, New York University is also a highly competitive college, with acceptance rates falling to approximately 12% in recent years.

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Class of 2029 Admission Rates

Students navigating the college admissions process continue to experience unique challenges and changes, including the announcement of an entirely digital SAT, continued test-optional policies, increasing application numbers, and each student applying to more colleges on average. All of this has led to an even more competitive year at the most selective colleges in the U.S., while other schools plan to admit more students than ever before in order to manage enrollment numbers.

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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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Complete Guide to Harvard Letters of Recommendation

With an acceptance rate that has dipped below 5% in recent years, there’s no doubt that getting into Harvard is exceptionally competitive. As a result, students who are interested in gaining admission to the top-tier institution need to understand that every component of their application matters, including the recommendation letters they submit.

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A building on Stanford University's campus

A Complete Guide to Stanford Letters of Recommendation

While grades may carry the most weight in college admissions decisions, there are many other important components of the undergraduate application process, including your letters of recommendation. These letters allow admissions officers to learn more about who a student is, the role they play in the classroom, and how they might shape their college campus.

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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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