IvyWise College Admissions Blog

Here’s What to Do If You’re Accepted!

More college admissions decisions are coming out this week, and we have some advice for students who were accepted to their top-choice colleges.

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Are you ready for regular decision notification dates? Admissions offices across the US are working hard to get through hundreds of thousands of regular decision college applications for the class of 2026 in order to notify students of their decisions by the spring.

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Summer break is a great time for students to relax, but summer shouldn’t be spent just lounging around! Students should use this break in their academic schedule to pursue their interests and one way to do that is through reading and research.

A productive summer keeps students engaged, fights summer brain drain, and gives them the opportunity to pursue activities that relate to their interests in order to better prepare for the college admissions process senior year. We can’t stress enough the importance of outside reading, especially as part of a productive summer. Reading not only allows students to explore topics of interest, but it also helps expand their vocabulary and can help them become better writers.

Research is also a great way to learn more about your interests and finish the summer with a project or paper that is a finished product of all your hard work. Here’s how to use reading and research to advance your knowledge using your summer college prep.

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Most students are aware that Yale University is one of the most prestigious schools in the country. As an Ivy League institution, Yale is regarded as both academically rigorous and highly competitive, with acceptance rates dropping below 10 percent in recent years.

While knowing the basics is a good start, students must learn a lot more about any college on their best-fit list, and Yale University is no exception. Keep reading to learn about the most popular majors at Yale University and discover what sets the school apart.

If Yale is at the top of your college list, you’re going to want to find out exactly what Yale looks for in the applications it receives. It’s also beneficial to take a look at Yale admissions stats from recent years, to understand just how competitive the admissions process is.

While there’s no doubt that Yale is an exceptionally selective institution, that doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to get a seat in an upcoming class. Instead, learning about Yale University will help you understand what test scores and GPA you should aim for and allow you

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2022-23 Common App Essay Prompts

The Common Application has announced the personal statement essay prompts for the 2022-23 admissions season.

At IvyWise, we advise students to get started on their college applications the summer before their senior year. While current juniors can certainly start to brainstorm topics for their college application essays now, the Common App essay should not overshadow juniors’ current college prep, including extracurriculars, test prep (if applicable), studying for AP or other important exams, and other important college prep tasks like building their balanced college list and visiting schools.

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Here are the Colleges That are Open for On-Campus Visits

After more than a year without in-person college tours, some universities are reopening for on-campus visits. Visiting colleges can be a valuable opportunity for students to get a comprehensive picture of a potential best-fit school and begin envisioning themselves on campus.

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UPDATED: List of Colleges Extending Test-Optional Policies

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought on a number of changes within the standardized testing industry, including the introduction of a new, entirely digital testing format and many colleges shifting to a test-optional admissions process for the 2020-21 admissions cycle. In fact, 75% of four-year colleges and universities will not require SAT or ACT scores for the 2021-22 admissions cycle.

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On January 25, the College Board announced that starting in 2023 and 2024, the SAT (including the PSAT) would become an entirely computer-based exam. High school students and families might be wondering how this will impact their test prep and college prep strategies. Read on to learn more!

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For many students across the country, studying abroad is an exciting part of their college, or even high school, experience. Whether it’s an entire semester stay in London or a two-month immersion program in China during the summer, students are eager to explore another country and culture while continuing their studies.

While studying abroad can be a one-of-a-kind learning experience, it is important for students to prioritize the academic component of their journey and avoid treating the trip like an extended vacation. Keep reading for some of our top tips to help you make the most of your study abroad experience.

Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity to expand your horizons, immerse yourself in a foreign culture, and make new friends. While some students may be tempted to treat a study abroad program as a fun trip, it’s important to view the experience as a learning opportunity, instead of just a time to recharge.

Rather than picking a study abroad program based on where your friends are going, strive to research learning experiences that align with your academic and future professional goals. If you’re wondering

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As part of our IvyWise Gives Back initiative, IvyWise Scholars is our pro bono college admissions counseling program for high-achieving, low-income students. We caught up with IvyWise Scholar Benson, a gifted student from Louisiana, to learn more about his college admissions journey, what it’s like to work with IvyWise during this process, and get some of his college prep advice for other students.

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As part of our IvyWise Gives Back initiative, IvyWise Scholars is our pro bono college admissions counseling program for high-achieving, low-income students.

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It’s so important to have perspective when going through the college admissions process, which is why we’ve reached out to one of our own students, Nevaeh, to share some advice for future applicants.

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A Number of Schools Are Still Accepting Applications for the Class of 2026

Many college application deadlines have already passed, but there are still hundreds of institutions in the US accepting applications for the College Class of 2026.

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It’s so important to have perspective when going through the college admissions process, which is why we’ve reached out to one of our own students, Mary, to share some advice for future applicants.

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It’s so important to have perspective when going through the college admissions process, which is why we’ve reached out to one of our own students, Mariel, to share some advice for future applicants.

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Exams like the SAT, ACT, PSAT and AP tests can all seem overwhelming at first. Being asked to complete an academic assessment is already stressful, and it’s even more challenging to perform well under timed conditions when the stakes are high.

The good news is that it’s possible to put most of your test-taking anxieties at ease and ace your college test prep. The secret to performing your best is taking advantage of tried-and-true test-taking strategies that will set every student up for success.

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It’s so important to have perspective when going through the college admissions journey, which is why we’ve reached out to one of our own students, Erica, to share some advice for future applicants.

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For current seniors, the college application process is in full swing. It’s so important to have perspective when going through the admissions journey, which is why we’ve reached out to one of our own students, Alyssa, to share some advice for future applicants.

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For current seniors, the college application process is in full swing. It’s so important to have perspective when going through the admissions journey, which is why we’ve reached out to one of our own students, Afua, to share some advice for future applicants.

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When is it appropriate to send a thank-you note or email when applying to college? Students are likely to meet a variety of admissions officials when visiting colleges and attending college fairs, and while it’s not required, it’s a good practice to send a follow-up thank-you note.

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For current seniors, the college application process is in full swing. It’s so important to have perspective when going through the admissions journey, which is why we’ve reached out to one of our own students, Abigail, to share some advice for future applicants.

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If Princeton is at the top of your list for best-fit colleges, you know that every component of your application counts. With a record-low acceptance rate of less than 4% for the University Class of 2025, it’s clear that applicants are going to have to submit their best work to be competitive, and that includes writing compelling supplemental essays.

While grades may pull the most weight in admissions decisions, supplemental essays give students an opportunity to highlight what makes them unique, demonstrate their knowledge of Princeton, and articulate the impact they will have on campus. Keep reading to learn how to write Princeton supplemental essays that will help you stand out for the right reasons.

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For current seniors, the college application process is in full swing. It’s so important to have perspective when going through the admissions journey, which is why we’ve reached out to one of our own students, Daniel, to share some advice for future applicants.

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With an acceptance rate that has dipped below 5% in recent years, there’s no doubt that getting into Harvard is exceptionally competitive. As a result, students who are interested in gaining admission to the top-tier institution need to understand that every component of their application matters, including the recommendation letters they submit.

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When students start learning about the college admissions process, typically during their freshman year of high school if not before, there’s a lot of uncertainty around what their admissions journey might look like.

While every student will have the support of their friends, family, and teachers, it can also be beneficial to receive personalized guidance from a trusted source who knows the admissions process inside and out⁠—which is exactly what your counselor can help you with.

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Interviews can often be a source of stress for students, and the ones for graduate school are no exception. Generally, a graduate school interview is an opportunity to showcase your strengths, demonstrate your knowledge of the institution, and impress an alumnus or member of the faculty who might play a role in deciding your admissions outcome.

While being a little nervous might be inevitable, it is possible to feel confident on interview day if you’ve prepared beforehand. Keep reading to learn more about the grad school interview questions you might encounter, so that you’ll feel ready on the big day.

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If you’re nervous about your Harvard interview, you’re not alone. Since Harvard is one of the most competitive schools in the country, it’s important to do your best on every component of the application to stand out.

Interviews can feel particularly stressful for students because they’re an unfamiliar challenge. However, it is possible to build up your confidence by preparing in advance. Keep reading to learn more about the Harvard interview questions that you can expect to encounter, as well as tips for answering them.

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We’re closing in on the first college application deadlines for the Class of 2026. Here are some of the early application deadlines students need to be aware of.

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Why Prioritizing Self-Discovery is Crucial for College Admissions

The college application process is about so much more than your academic performance. Yes, it’s true that grades carry the most weight when it comes to making admissions decisions, but there are so many other components that will be considered. So, when admissions officers are reviewing a pile of applications filled with students with stellar grades, what’s it going to take stand out from the pack?

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Find Out Why Extracurriculars Are Worth the Extra Effort

In today’s competitive admissions process, students need more than good grades to gain a seat at their best-fit college. In addition to strong academic performances, colleges are looking for applicants who have pursued extracurricular activities for years and those who have developed expertise in the fields they’re passionate about.

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You Can Get Involved and Volunteer Without Leaving Your Living Room

Volunteering is a meaningful opportunity for students to give back to their local communities, expand their horizons, and learn new skills. While some activities may be on hold due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the good news is that there are still plenty of ways to get involved.

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Learn About the Common App’s COVID-19 Question

COVID-19 has impacted just about every element of students’ college prep and the college application process is no exception. From canceled SAT and ACT testing dates to a lack of opportunities to tour college campuses, the 2021-22 application cycle is likely to continue to be impacted by the ongoing pandemic. 

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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 of the latest terminology.

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Stay Updated on Global and Social Issues By Doing Your Research

While every student should strive to stay updated on global issues, it’s particularly important for those interested in related fields like political science or public policy. Whether you’re in a degree program now or getting ready to apply to colleges that specialize in these fields, staying in the know is very important.

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Learn How Bond Ratings Can Impact Admissions

By Nat, IvyWise College Admissions Counselor

Most students understand that academic performance is a major deciding factor in college admissions, but what about the things out of students’ control like bond ratings?

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With colleges receiving more applications than ever before and admissions rates dwindling each year, many college-bound students are deciding to hedge their bets and apply to as many schools as possible in order to secure sufficient offers of admission. There have been reports over the years of students applying to dozens of colleges ­– sometimes 30, 40, even 50. But is this really beneficial? How much is too much when it comes to college applications?

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Our Step-By-Step Guide for Submitting the Common App

Hitting “submit” for the Common App is a major milestone in every student’s college admissions journey. However, before you can celebrate, it’s important to make sure you understand the submission process inside and out so that you can present yourself in the best light possible.

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The Common Application officially opens for the 2021-22 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? Understanding the Common App and other college application options can make your college prep strategy easier to formulate.

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What is Tested on the SAT Math Section?

By IvyWise Master Tutor

The SAT Math Test is divided into four main sections: Heart of Algebra, Problem Solving and Data Analysis, Passport to Advanced Math, and Additional Topics in Math.

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