IvyWise Blog

Embarking on a new journey is a challenging task to undertake. Going to college is among the most difficult new journeys, given that, for many students, it marks the first time being on your own and navigating a complex system. For first-generation college students, the journey can be even more challenging, considering you cannot turn to family members for guidance. Many students may feel inclined to default to the lone wolf mentality: “I’ve gotten this far on my own, so I can keep doing things on my own.” 

But college is an entirely different beast than what most students have ever experienced. To succeed as a first-generation college student, you must find your community and your voice. Luckily, you are not alone — 54% of U.S. undergraduates are first-generation students.

The summer before college is an ideal time for you to perform college research to learn what resources and services are available. The early weeks of college can be overwhelming, so use the summer to familiarize yourself as much as possible with your school. One key aspect you should research is whether or not your institution offers a transition program geared specifically for first-generation students. Not only will these programs help you adjust to college life, but they also help you meet other first-generation students.

After three years of hard work, it is almost time for the Class of 2025 to apply to college! But what comes next? Join IvyWise college admissions counselors Judy and Tasha for a deep dive into the college application process and how you can set yourself up for success as you look ahead to the 2024-2025 college admissions cycle.

The easiest way to minimize the stress associated with the college admissions process is to start early! If you understand what admissions officers are looking for and what you need to check off your to-do list and when, you can avoid last-minute time crunches.  

If you’re interested in pursuing journalistic writing, you don’t need to wait until college to get started. In fact, exploring different types of writing can help give high school students a head start for the college admissions process because you’ll develop a better idea of what kind of content you most enjoy writing and how that factors into your college admissions goals. 

From podcast interviews to publishing a weekly advice column, there are many ways students can explore different types of journalism and writing. Keep reading for a few project ideas that can help aspiring journalists learn more about the field and begin to identify the opportunities that interest them most. 

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. 

Spring ushers in new beginnings and high school senior rites-of-passage, such as prom and graduation. Fortunately, many colleges and universities also have deeply rooted traditions celebrating the end of winter, the new life of spring, and the campus community.

One of the fun aspects of researching colleges is to learn about their unique traditions, such as the fun ways these five schools celebrate spring.

Tufts University is a private, highly competitive research university in the Greater Boston area in Massachusetts, just minutes from downtown Boston. Focusing on building a one-of-a-kind, diverse community and emphasizing student and faculty collaboration, Tufts is an exciting place to live, learn, and grow.

Tufts is highly selective and only admits a small percentage of applicants every year. To increase their chances of admission to Tufts, prospective students should start to prepare early by building their profile, doing their research, and gathering their application materials. To learn more about what it takes to get into Tufts University, read on.

Articulation agreements are common between colleges to allow for a seamless transfer for students at community colleges who want to continue their education at a four-year institution. You can find such agreements with four-year private or public colleges. This collaboration between colleges empowers students to pursue their academic goals with confidence and clarity. Keep reading to learn about the different types of articulation agreements and the benefits they provide for students and faculty.

Every year we hear about “record-low college acceptance rates” for a number of already highly selective colleges and universities. With more students applying to more colleges, it’s no surprise that many schools across the U.S. are seeing their admission rates drop; however, that’s not always the case for every institution.

When building your balanced college list, it’s important to understand how your profile stacks up against the most recently admitted class and the overall college acceptance rates for each school to which you plan to apply. There are a number of places to find this information, but it’s not always easy to find, so we’ll break it down for you:

Navigating college life can be both exhilarating and challenging — and the challenges may be compounded for individuals with disabilities. Fortunately, most colleges and universities are committed to being inclusive, offering a myriad of campus resources tailored to support students with diverse needs. Learn more about campus programs and resources that can help disabled students thrive academically and personally.