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IvyWise Blog

USC Letter of Recommendation: What You Need to Know

Is the University of Southern California on your college list? Part of USC’s application process includes submitting a letter of recommendation. While your academic performance in high school carries the most weight in the admissions process, a strong letter of recommendation from a teacher or school counselor will tell another piece of your story — who you are, how you conducted yourself at school, and how you might contribute to the campus community. 

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How to Write the Columbia University Supplemental Essays

Columbia University is a popular choice for many students. Its prime location in the heart of New York City and its renowned Core Curriculum are just two of the many reasons this Ivy League institution receives tens of thousands of applications each year.

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How to Get into Vanderbilt: All You Need to Know

A highly selective institution that’s known for its engineering, education, music, and humanities programs, Vanderbilt University is a top choice for many students. The institution attracts applicants from around the world due to its stellar academic reputation, beautiful campus, and location in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee.

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How to Get into Harvard: All You Need to Know

When it comes to college acceptances, many applicants view Harvard University as the gold standard for admissions success. While the Ivy League college may not be a best-fit option for every student, there’s no doubt that plenty of future applicants are eager to gain a seat in Harvard’s next class of admitted students. So, what does it really take to get in? 

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Female student drafting Dartmouth essay

Crafting a Winning Why Dartmouth Essay: Tips and Tricks

One of the most stressful parts of the admissions process for many students is writing the college essay. After all, the essay carries so much weight because it provides more insight into who you are, how you think, and whether you’re a good fit for the school. Because the essay is so stressful, many students put it off until the last minute. However, the trick to writing a winning essay is to prepare in advance.  

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2025-26 Cornell University Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Is Cornell University on your college list? Because it’s an Ivy League institution with a low admissions rate, your application needs to be extremely competitive. Your responses to Cornell’s supplemental essay prompts can help set you apart if they are compelling, thoughtful, and authentic. Keep reading for some insights into Cornell’s 2025-26 supplemental essays.   

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Washington Square Park in New York City

How to Get into NYU: All You Need to Know

With a location in the heart of New York City and an array of top-ranked academic programs, it’s easy to understand why so many students place New York University at the top of their college best-fit lists. The institution has plenty of research and learning opportunities to offer, as well as all of the advantages associated with going to school in a major metropolitan city.

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

As an Ivy League school based in New York City, Columbia University is a top choice for many students. The school offers a variety of well-regarded programs and is known for its signature Core Curriculum, part of the Columbia student experience for over a century. 

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teenage caucasian male waving to a computer screen during virtual interview

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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Princeton campus

How to Get into Princeton: All You Need to Know

Princeton tops many students’ lists for dream schools to attend. Like most other Ivy League colleges, the university is known for its rigor and increasingly competitive applicant pool. As competition for a seat at the top-rated college intensifies, most future applicants are asking themselves the same question: What does it really take to earn admission to Princeton University?

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