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IvyWise Blog

Students collaborate in esports, showcasing teamwork and strategic thinking skills.

Caltech vs. MIT: Which College Is Right for You?

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.

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Aerial view of Yale University campus during autumn foliage

Understanding Small vs. Medium vs. Large Colleges

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. 

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Happy graduates in caps and gowns celebrate their academic success together.

5 Colleges with Great ROI

The value of a college degree is a topic of constant debate and often something families consider when preparing for the college admissions process. There is no denying that a college education is one of the most important investments families will ever make.

Students and parents often look beyond the prestige of name-brand schools and give more consideration to institutions with reputations for the best return on investment. If you’re looking for schools with great value and post-grad success, here is our list of schools with a great ROI!

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Smiling student studies with laptop and notebook, preparing for college applications.

5 Colleges for Aspiring Writers

Do you dream of writing a book or spend hours crafting poetic verses? Even if you have a natural talent for the written word, it never hurts to expand your knowledge and skills through a creative writing program in college. Here’s a look at some programs that will help aspiring writers improve their craft.  

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Teen student with headphones studies at a laptop for college prep.

Rolling Admissions Guide: What, When, Why? 

College applicants often find themselves immersed in a sea of application deadlines, admission requirements, and decision anxieties. Among the various admissions policies, rolling admissions stands out as a flexible and dynamic approach. Understanding how rolling admission deadlines work can help you unlock a smoother and more personalized application process.

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Students collaborate on a fashion design project, exploring creativity and innovation.

Colleges for Fashion Majors

For those enamored with fashion and the latest style trends, there are a few fashion-specific colleges that immediately come to mind when considering where to pursue a degree in fashion. However, there are several great fashion design and merchandising programs at large and small colleges across the country. If you’re looking to break into the fashion industry, look for programs that offer the education and experience you need to succeed. We’ve picked out a few for you here.

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Student working on laptop by window, focused on academic success.

How to Write a Thank You Email After a College Admissions Interview

Many colleges include an admissions interview as part of the application process, which is a great way to further demonstrate your interest, learn more about the school, and get answers to your questions. It’s a good idea to send a thank you note via email after you’ve been interviewed. Not only is it a good practice, but it helps keep you top of mind and gives you one more opportunity to make your case for admission. Keep reading to learn more about how to craft a good thank you email. 

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Student receives academic guidance from a teacher in a lecture hall.

College Prep 101: College Admissions Glossary of Terms

Applying to college and choosing where to enroll is both a major milestone and an important decision. It’s bound to be a little stressful, but it can feel completely overwhelming if you’re not up to date on all the latest terminology.

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Student studying with laptop and books in library for college success.

25 Popular Liberal Arts Colleges in the U.S.

Students who are interested in attending a liberal arts college have a lot of options — just over 200 private institutions in the U.S., not to mention the liberal arts programs at many larger universities. All liberal arts schools specialize in a multidisciplinary curriculum, which can be a good choice for intellectually curious students with varied academic interests. Read on to learn about the 25 liberal arts schools that are popular with IvyWise students and what each has to offer. 

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Curling stones on ice, teamwork and strategy for academic success.

Colleges for Winter Sports Enthusiasts

Do you rip powder on weekends? Spend your spare time spinning and jumping on the ice? Or maybe curling is more your style. If access to winter sports in between classes is a high priority in your college search, you might consider adding these schools to your best-fit list. 

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