4 Ideas for a Productive Summer Break
Learn How to Make This Upcoming Summer Break Your Most Productive One Yet
With many traditional summer activities temporarily on hold due to the ongoing pandemic, some students might be wondering what they should do this year to make the most of their vacation. Although it may be tempting, it’s not a good idea to enter full relaxation mode for the entire two to three months that you’re off from school.
Just Admit It: What Extracurricular Activities Should I Do?
Discover How to Choose the Best Extracurricular Activities For You
Most students know that they need high GPAs to be competitive in the college admissions process, but what about extracurricular activities? Although applicants often understand that they should have passions and hobbies, many are a little less clear about what kind of pursuits to prioritize.
2021-22 Common App Essay Prompts
Here are the Common Application Prompts for 2021-22
The Common Application has announced the personal statement essay prompts for the 2021-22 admissions season, prompting the first change in the essay questions in nearly five years.
Building a College List in a Virtual World
How to Build Your College List in a Virtual World
Building your balanced college list is one of the most important steps in the application process. Students must do their research and visit campuses to pinpoint their best-fit options, but many might wonder how this all works in a virtual world.
The Benefits of Attending an HBCU
Learn About the Benefits of Attending an HBCU
There are a host of famous faces who count Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) as their alma mater, including our Vice President Kamala Harris. Given their list of noteworthy graduates, many students might be interested in the benefits associated with attending an HBCU.
Transfer Admissions Tips from Former Admissions Officers
Our Top Tips for Transfer Admissions
If you’re curious about how transfer admissions work, you’re far from the only one. On average, 35% of college students transfer at least once during their college career.
2021 AP Exam Overview
Here’s How AP Exams Will Be Administered in 2021
AP Exams are an opportunity for students to demonstrate their expertise in advanced classes, get a taste of college-level coursework, and maybe even earn credit towards their undergraduate degree. This year there are significant changes to the AP Exam process due to COVID-19, and students will have the chance to sit for exams either in-person or virtually.
Juniors: Should You Take the SAT or ACT This Year?
Watch our expert counselors answer some of your most pressing testing questions. Check out the recording of the IvyWise Live webinar The Future of Standardized Testing.
Why Juniors Should Still Carefully Consider Their Testing Strategy
In years past, the vast majority of high school juniors planned on taking the SAT/ACT. However, with an increasing number of schools extending their test-optional admissions policies, some students may be wondering whether it is still worthwhile to study for these exams.
Black History Month Reading List
Add These Books To Your Reading List This February
Outside reading is a key part of college prep, and in honor of Black History Month, we’re encouraging students to add to their outside reading list by exploring books written by black authors. From novels to memoirs, diversify your independent reading list by adding new genres to your selection of must-read books.
Class of 2025 College Application Numbers
Colleges Report Record-High Application Numbers for the Class of 2025
Despite several significant changes to the admissions cycle due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many schools are reporting record-breaking application numbers for the class of 2025.
College Board Eliminates SAT Subject Tests Permanently
SAT Subject Tests and the Essay Section of the SAT are Gone for Good
The College Board announced that it is discontinuing SAT Subject Tests permanently, as well as revamping the current SAT exam to eliminate the optional essay section.
Colleges Extending Regular Decision Deadlines
Which Colleges Are Extending Their Regular Round Application Deadlines?
Earlier this year, we announced that several colleges were opting to extend their early application deadlines. Now, several months later, it looks like many schools are following a similar path for their regular round process.
4 Signs You Should Consider Transferring Colleges
Here’s How to Know When It’s Time to Transfer Colleges
Every student’s college admissions journey is unique and, for some, that may mean enrolling in more than one school before graduation day. According to Inside Higher Ed, more than one third of all college students transfer, so if you are considering other options for your higher education you’re not alone.
Early Decision II 101: What Students Need to Know
What Applicants Should Keep in Mind About ED II
An increasing number of colleges are adding Early Decision II to their application options, often with a deadline in early- to mid-January.
Class of 2025 Early Admission Rates
Here are the Early Admissions Statistics for the Class of 2025
The first members of the college class of 2025 are in! Here’s our breakdown of the early admission numbers for the class of 2025. More decisions will be released this month and into January, along with statistics, so we will be updating as more information becomes available!
College Planning for 2021
College Planning For Every Year of High School
Whether you’re in your first year of high school or getting ready for graduation, it’s important for students to stay consistent when it comes to college planning. To stay on track, we encourage students to set goals throughout their high school career that will ensure they meet every college preparation milestone.
Former Admissions Officers Give their Top College Application Tips
What Every Applicant Should Keep in Mind Before Regular Decision Deadlines
For students who are working on regular decisions applications, the next few days are likely to be the home stretch. With many college application deadlines falling on January 1st, some students may be wondering what they can do to give their submissions that special “it” factor.
Making the Most of Winter Break: Virtual Activity Ideas for High School Students
Use Virtual Activities to Make the Most of Your Winter Break
For many students, this winter break likely feels a bit different than others. The COVID-19 pandemic is forcing most students to stay at home, leaving many to wonder how they can spend their free time outside of a Netflix binge.
Class of 2025 Early Decision Notification Dates
Early Decision and Early Action Notification Dates for the 2020-21 Application Season
The college admissions season is flying by, and before you know it early admission decisions will be released. Here’s our annual list of early decision notification dates!
Coronavirus Cancellations: Admissions Testing and College Updates
The Latest on How Colleges and Universities in the US are Responding to COVID-19
The response to concerns over the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has deeply affected college bound high school students with school closures and the cancelling of large gatherings, including campus visits and admissions tests.