IvyWise Blog

Princeton tops is a dream school for many students. Like most other Ivy League colleges, the university is known for its rigor and increasingly competitive applicant pool.

The University of Southern California — or USC, as it’s best known — is a top research university and one of the most selective schools in the country. Located in sunny Los Angeles, California, it’s been a pioneer in academic and research initiatives since its beginnings in 1880.

The University of Virginia is one of the most competitive and exclusive public universities in the country. It was famously founded by one of the Founding Fathers, Thomas Jefferson, in 1819 in the beautiful city of Charlottesville, Virginia. UVA boasts a beautiful and sprawling campus that those in the know lovingly call “Grounds.” A campus quad is located within Grounds, known as “the Lawn,” where students attend classes, participate in student activities, and keep UVA traditions alive.

The University of Pennsylvania is an Ivy League university located in Philadelphia. “Penn,” as it’s colloquially known, was the first university in the U.S. to offer both undergraduate and graduate studies. Originally founded in 1740 as a charity school and church, Benjamin Franklin proposed in 1749 to turn it into an institution of higher education after publishing his famous essay, Proposal Relating to the Education of Youth. The university has come a long way since then, becoming one of the most prestigious universities in the country.  

Colgate University is a small liberal arts college located in Hamilton, New York — about one hour southeast of Syracuse. It’s often ranked as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country. As a selective institution, Colgate only admits a small percentage of applicants every year. To be considered for admission to Colgate, prospective students should start to prepare early by building their profile, doing their research, and gathering their application materials. Read on to learn what it takes to get into Colgate University.

Achieving a “good” GPA is a common goal for many high school students, but what does that really mean? How are GPAs calculated, and why is this number so important for college applications and future opportunities? We’ll explore the factors that contribute to a strong academic record to help you understand how to put your best foot forward.

As a member of the Ivy League that’s known for its rural setting and renowned Greek life, Dartmouth College ranks at the top of many students’ lists of best-fit colleges. The school has plenty of well-regarded programs and is the only member of the Ivy League that is an undergraduate-focused college, rather than a university.

Georgetown is known for its strength in the fields of international relations and political science, so it’s not surprising that many diplomats and politicians have passed through its doors. It’s the perfect location to steep yourself in the necessary knowledge to pursue careers in these fields.

High school is just around the corner, and it’s an exciting new chapter of academic, social, and personal changes. Getting ready while you’re still in middle school can help you hit the ground running and make the most of the transition, which is even more important when you consider that you start building your profile for college admissions from day one of ninth grade. Keep reading for high school transition tips and strategies.

As a leading research university and a member of the Ivy League, Brown University is a popular choice for many students. This institution, located in the heart of Providence, Rhode Island, has many top-tier programs in addition to a dual-degree program with neighboring Rhode Island School of Design. If Brown is on your list of top-choice schools, here’s what you need to know.