IvyWise Blog

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.

For students who submit standardized test scores during the college admission process, superscoring offers a strategic advantage in showcasing their academic abilities. But what is superscoring and how does it work? Let’s take a deep dive into superscore policies and how they can enhance your college application. 

Though it may seem hard to believe, the topic of women’s history is a relatively recent addition to higher education, having been largely absent prior to the 1970s. To address this issue, the Education Task Force of California established Women’s History Week. Strong support eventually led to Congress declaring March as Women’s History Month in 1987. Today, numerous colleges and universities across the U.S. have added women’s studies and similar programs to their curriculum.

For students interested in women’s history and gender studies, IvyWise has identified a list of colleges and programs that would make Susan B. Anthony proud. One or more of these schools may be just right for your college list.

Navigating the college experience can be uniquely challenging for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other types of neurodiversity, requiring specialized support and understanding. Fortunately, many colleges across the U.S. offer programs that support neurodivergent students, including help with academics, social skills, executive functions, independent living, and career preparation. We look at some of the best colleges that offer programs for students who are neurodivergent, whether they have ASD or other types of neurodiversity.

The first members of the college class of 2029 are in! Here’s our breakdown of the early admission rates for the class of 2028. We will continue updating this post as more information becomes available!

Choosing between in-state and out-of-state colleges is an important decision that can significantly impact your college experience. In-state institutions often offer financial advantages, with lower tuition costs and potential access to state-funded scholarships. However, out-of-state colleges may provide unique opportunities, diverse cultural experiences, and access to specialized programs not available locally. Keep reading to learn more about in-state vs. out-of-state colleges.

What if you could take a college course without worrying about the stress of letter grades and competition from classmates? Some colleges and universities offer that opportunity, allowing students to either audit a class or enroll on a pass/fail grading system. Keep reading to understand more about these options and if they affect your grade point average, as well as the pros and cons of the pass/fail grading system.

One is on the East Coast, the other on the West Coast. Both have the industrious beaver as their mascot. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the California Institute of Technology are both scientific and technological titans and world leaders in cutting-edge research and innovation. Let’s explore the distinctive features of MIT and Caltech, so you can decide which college is right for you.

When searching for best-fit colleges, size is often one of the first things that students consider. Many college-bound students already have an idea of what they’re looking for in a school before they start researching specific institutions. Maybe they prefer a large student body with endless possibilities, like what you find at public research universities. Perhaps a small campus with an intimate atmosphere is preferable — a characteristic of many private colleges. Going with your gut is a good place to start, but there are many pros and cons to certain college sizes that students might overlook when building their balanced college list.