Make your extracurriculars count! Learn how to make an impact in our upcoming webinar.
REGISTER NOW

IvyWise Blog

Guide to the Common Application: What Is the Common App and How to Use It

The Common Application officially opened for the 2023-24 college application season on August 1, allowing students across the globe to begin their college admissions journey. But what is the Common Application, exactly? Who can use it and when? You can build your college prep strategy more easily by understanding the Common App. Here’s what you need to know.

Read More

5 Tips for Choosing High School Classes

As students prepare to head back to school, many are examining their class schedule, gauging how difficult the next academic year will be and how they will achieve their grade goals. But it’s not just grades that colleges consider when evaluating applicants for admission. Colleges are also looking at the classes applicants are taking, how challenging they are, and how those courses align with students’ interests and academic goals.

Read More

SAT to ACT Score Conversion Chart

Want to see how your scores on the SAT compare to ACT? The College Board provides concordance tables so students and educators can see how SAT total scores compare to composite ACT scores. You can also use the SAT score conversion chart below if you’ve completed both tests and want to determine which score is better to submit to colleges. These tables can help you gain some insight as you compare your scores to the average student who is admitted to each school on your balanced college list. 

Read More
Walkway and the Carrie Tower, on the campus of Brown University, in Providence, Rhode Island.

The Success Stories of Brown University’s Most Notable Alumni

As an Ivy League institution, Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, is one of the top universities in the U.S. Founded in 1764 as the College in the English Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, it is also one of the nation’s oldest universities and the first one codified to admit and instruct students regardless of religious affiliation. The college changed its name to Brown University in 1804. 

Read More

Northwestern University Majors: A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing Your Path

Do you have diverse areas of interest when it comes to academics? If so, Northwestern University may be a good fit for you due to its interdisciplinary curriculum and research opportunities. In fact, 73% of undergraduates combine at least two areas of study, making this a great school for students with varied interests. Keep reading to learn more about the majors you can pursue at Northwestern. 

Read More

12 College Essay Prompts and Topics 2023

The Common Application is officially open, and many college-bound high school students are hard at work on their college applications. In addition to the main Common App essay, many schools might also require supplements that include some thoughtful — and downright quirky — essay prompts and short answer questions.

Read More

Your Step-by-Step Athletic Recruitment Plan

Many high school athletes dream of continuing to play their sport at the collegiate level, but it’s important for students to understand the basics of the athletic recruiting process before deciding if it’s an avenue they want to pursue.

At IvyWise, our admissions counselors are experts at every component of the college admissions process, including athletic recruitment. Experts who have led students through their athletic recruitment process — both from the admissions office and the counseling office — have created this step-by-step plan for student athletes interested in pursuing the athletic recruitment process.

Read More

UCLA Acceptance Rate and Stats: What It Takes to Get In

With a sprawling California campus, top-tier academic offerings and Division I sports teams, it’s no wonder that the UCLA acceptance rate is so low. This university emerges as a top-choice institution for many high school students, so students need to prepare thoroughly in order to emerge as competitive applicants.

Read More

3 Tips for Standing Out During the College Application Process

The Common Application opened August 1, and millions of students across the globe will apply to college via the Common App this year. With so many students applying to college every year, most applicants have the same question on their minds: what can I do to increase my chances of standing out?

Read More

The Flutie Effect: How Athletic Success Boosts College Applications

Have you ever dreamed of going to a certain college or university based on how much you love its sports team? If so, you’re definitely not alone. Research shows a connection between the success of a college football or basketball team and a spike in admissions to the school. This is known as the Flutie Effect. 

Read More