Updated: Tuesday, October 1, 2024
For current seniors, the college application process is in full swing. It can be a high-stress time for many, particularly during an application cycle that has been marked by changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s so important to have perspective when going through the admissions journey, which is why we’ve reached out to one of our own students, Alexis, to share some advice for future applicants.
At IvyWise, we work with a number of pro bono students every year, many of whom come to us later in the process and need significant guidance. During this time of year we believe that, at the end of the day, it’s important to remember the focus of this process: the student.
IvyWise pro bono student Alexis is a gifted student from California with a passion for STEM fields and an interest in attending medical school. We caught up with Alexis to learn more about her college admissions journey, what it is like to work with IvyWise during this process, and get some of her college admissions advice for other students.
I am a first-generation, low-income student from a small town in California interested in pursuing a career in STEM.
I plan to major in biochemistry and aspire to attend medical school and pursue an MD/PhD degree.
Without a doubt, the essays are the most difficult part of the college admission process.
During high school, I took advantage of every opportunity to enrich my education and experience through summer internships and community work. I sought out extracurricular activities and leadership roles that aligned with my interest and passion which made my high school experience really fun.
I applied for IvyWise’s Pro Bono counseling, but never in a million years did I think I would get it!! I had high grades and test scores, but I didn’t know anything about the college process. I’m so grateful for IvyWise’s generosity and belief in me! Thank you, Dr. Katherine Cohen and her AMAZING team of IvyWise counselors!
If I get into any of my dream colleges, I owe 100% of it to my amazing counselor. She was extremely helpful every step of the way. She always responded to my emails within less than 24 hours and gave me invaluable feedback on my writing. She encouraged me to be authentic and vulnerable in my writing. The advice she gave me with my essays and the help she provided with the Common Application was unparalleled. What was supposed to be a very confusing and stressful process has been enjoyable.
Be vulnerable and authentic and reflective.
I am much more knowledgeable about the college application process and confident about my writing.
It’s so important to start preparing for the SAT early. I can’t emphasize enough the importance of preparing early. Thoughtful essay responses will take time.
For more information on families’ experience with IvyWise, visit our testimonials page here, and meet some of our other pro bono students.
Everyone has the expectation that going to college freshman year will be fun times in a comfortable room, where your best friend is your roommate, and everyone on your floor will be the greatest people you’ve ever met, right? At least, that’s how the movies tell us it will be.
College application essays are often the most stressed about component of the admissions process, but they don’t have to be! By taking some time to learn what admissions officers are looking for students can feel confident when crafting their college application essays.
As you may know, colleges care about what students are doing outside of the classroom just as much as what they accomplish inside. While grades are still the most important metric when evaluating college applications, high grades are not enough to gain admission. Colleges want to see students engaging in activities outside of the classroom and making an impact in their local community. One way to do that is through community service.
