Ways to Explore Journalistic Writing

If you’re interested in pursuing journalistic writing, you don’t need to wait until college to get started. In fact, exploring different types of writing can help give high school students a headstart for the college admissions process because you’ll develop a better idea of what kind of content you most enjoy writing and how that factors into your college admissions goals
MBA Admissions Rounds

By Nellie, IvyWise MBA Admissions Counselor
Much like undergraduate admissions, there isn’t just one application timeline for MBA students. In fact, applications are generally broken down into three distinct admissions rounds, with submission deadlines that range from September to mid-April.
Planning the Summer Before Your First Year of College

Many high school students understand the importance of a meaningful summer break while they’re getting ready to apply to college, but what happens after you’re accepted? The summer between high school and your first year of college is an important transition period that should be planned with care.
Colleges Accepting Applications for Fall 2022 Admission

For students who maybe got a late start on the college admissions process, or their goals and interests have changed, trying to apply for admission to the fall term may seem impossible. However, there are 243 colleges and universities in the US and abroad that are still accepting applications after May 1 for the class of 2026.
Harvard Waitlist: How Hard Is It to Get Off of It?
Harvard is one of the most popular first-choice colleges for students, and it’s also one of the most competitive. In fact, in the latest admissions cycle, just 3.19% of applicants were offered a seat in the first-year class of 2026.
Given this competitive admissions rate, some very talented students are going to find themselves on Harvard’s waitlist. While most applicants have a general idea of what a waitlisted outcome means, few understand how waitlists really work and what they can do to boost their odds of admission, which is what we’re going to explore here:
2021-22 Common App Changes

As the most widely used college application system in the United States, the Common Application is likely already on many students’ radars. However, some future applicants may be less aware of the changes being made to the Common App for the 2021-2022 admissions cycle.
The Importance of Early College Preparation

The college process can feel overwhelming, especially when students get a late start. From compiling a best-fit list to writing essays, there are many steps in the college application process. Consequently, we always encourage students to start early and build executive functioning skills that will serve them throughout college and beyond.
Virtual College Visit Tools

In years past, many students went on spring college tours to get a feel for campus life and narrow down their list of best-fit options. Since many campuses remain closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual visits have emerged as the ideal option for students who are looking to learn more about prospective colleges.
K-12 Admissions: What Families Need to Know

While many families are aware that the college application process is comprehensive and multi-faceted, far fewer anticipate a similar process for K-12 or primary and secondary school admissions. Although there are significant differences, many younger students will still need to complete testing, interview, and submit an application for middle and high school.
Just Admit It: How Are College Applications Reviewed?

While many students may think they know how their college applications are reviewed, very few individuals are actually in the room where decisions are made. If you’re curious to learn all of the details about how application reviews work, admissions officers are the only source for first-hand experience.
When Do I Need to Start Planning for College?

“When should I get started with my college prep?” is one of the first questions on many students’ minds when they look ahead towards their college application process. While some may be tempted to put off their preparation until the second half of junior year, we recommend beginning your admissions journey at the start of high school to avoid any last-minute stress.
How Do I Get Recruited as a College Athlete?

If you’re passionate about your sport of choice, you may be interested in what it takes to get recruited as a college athlete. There are a lot of misconceptions about the athletic recruitment process, so it’s important to learn all of the facts to determine your best path forward.
How Many Schools Should You Add to Your College List?

When students are working on compiling their balanced college lists, one of the first questions that often comes to mind is how many universities should they apply to. While there isn’t one magic number for every student, there are some guidelines to keep in mind.
4 Ideas for a Productive Summer Break

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?

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.
Building a College List in a Virtual World
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
2021 AP Exam Overview

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.

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

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
College Board Eliminates SAT Subject Tests Permanently
Colleges Extending Regular Decision Deadlines
4 Signs You Should Consider Transferring 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
College Planning for 2021

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.
Top College App Tips From Former Admissions

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.
Virtual Activity Ideas for High School Students
Coronavirus Cancellations: Admissions Testing and College Updates

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.
How International Students are Read in Admissions

The US is still a popular destination for international students pursuing a university education, and US universities welcome international students with open arms. However, the admissions process for international students to US universities can be especially rigorous, as there are a number of requirements for international applicants and international students are read slightly differently than their US counterparts.
Just Admit It: Does Demonstrated Interest Really Matter?

While most students understand the importance of admissions factors like grades and test scores, many don’t realize that demonstrated interest can have a big impact on your chances of admission. Although it can’t be captured by a single number in a similar matter, that doesn’t mean that demonstrated interest doesn’t matter.
5 Ways to Deal With Test Anxiety

Final exams are approaching, and while pre-exam jitters are almost inevitable, some students may experience more pronounced stress levels due to test anxiety. If you worry and self-doubt are interfering with your test-taking experience, you’re not alone: as many as 30% of first-year college students experience test anxiety.
Just Admit It: Why do Supplemental Essays Matter?

We all know the personal statement is a huge part of the college application, but how important are those extra supplemental essays? For many students writing fatigue can set in and they don’t spend as much time working on those – especially as application deadlines loom. So how important is it to spend time on those supplements?
What You Need to Know About the Latin SAT Subject Test

By Andy, IvyWise Master Tutor
Once you’ve determined that you’re interested in taking SAT Subject Tests, the next question on many students’ minds is which exams they should take. While every SAT Subject Test is one-hour and designed to assess your knowledge and skills in a certain subject, the exams themselves vary greatly.
What to Know About AP Subject Tests

AP Subject Tests are likely to be a part of many students’ high school experience as students take advanced courses in order to boost their course rigor. These exams can be an excellent opportunity to demonstrate your expertise in a subject that you are passionate about and maybe even earn some college credit.
Just Admit It: What’s Going on With Standardized Testing?

It’s a question on many students’ minds, particularly during an application cycle marked with uncertainty: what’s happening with standardized testing? With an increasing number of schools transitioning to test optional policies, some applicants may wonder if it is even worth it to take the SAT or ACT.
Tips for Success in a Flipped Classroom

By Kaitlyn, IvyWise Master Tutor
The flipped classroom model is gaining popularity as schools continue to adapt to the changes brought on by the ongoing pandemic. In a flipped classroom, the instruction doesn’t take place in class. Instead, class time is spent answering questions and discussing topics, with videos and note taking reserved for homework.
Why Extracurricular Activities Matter

There’s no denying that extracurricular activities are important: 81% of US universities assign some level of significance to a student’s after-school endeavors when it comes to making admissions decisions. Colleges want to learn about their applicants holistically, including the causes they are passionate about and what they enjoy doing in their free time.