College Prep 101: College Admissions Glossary of Terms
Learn the College Admissions Lingo Before Starting Your College PrepApplying 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.
5 Essentials for College Freshmen Move-In Day
The fall semester is here, and with it comes the day new students look forward to the most, and the day some parents dread the most: college move-in day! For many incoming freshmen, this is the first time they will be living away from home, and the task of getting everything they need to survive in only a few boxes can be a tricky one.How to Stay Informed on Current Events
Stay Updated on Global and Social Issues By Doing Your ResearchWhile 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.
College Bond Ratings: How It Impacts Admissions
Learn How Bond Ratings Can Impact AdmissionsBy 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?
How Many Colleges Should I Apply To?
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?
How to Submit the Common App
Our Step-By-Step Guide for Submitting the Common AppHitting “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.
What is the Common Application?
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.
Test Prep 101: Guide to 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.
Colleges Requiring COVID-19 Vaccines
Learn Which Colleges are Requiring COVID-19 Vaccines for StudentsAs many colleges prepare to welcome a larger number of students back to campus this fall, some universities are moving to require COVID-19 vaccines for all members of the community who will be in person. To date, more than 100 universities in the United States have said that vaccines will be mandatory for students who are planning to return to campus in the fall.
Tips for Freshman Year of College
Learn How to Make the Most of Your Freshman Year of CollegeLike many new beginnings, your freshman year of college may feel both exciting and confusing. From getting accustomed to living on your own to keeping up with advanced-level courses, there’s no doubt that a student’s first few months on campus are a major transition.
Just Admit It: How Do College Admissions Officers Evaluate Transcripts?
Learn How College Admissions Officers Evaluate TranscriptsYour high school transcript is often considered the most important piece of information admissions officers have to evaluate. At the end of the day, college is an academic endeavor, so admissions officers are looking to understand how you perform in the classroom and the subjects that interest you.
What Should I Write About in My Personal Statement?
Learn What to Write About in Your Personal Statement…and What to AvoidEven the most esteemed names in the literature encounter writer’s block once in a while. However, the personal statement college admissions essay is not the time for students to run out of ideas or settle for a sub-par topic.
MBAs and Career Changes
What You Need to Know About MBAs and Career ChangesBy Nellie, IvyWise MBA Admissions Counselor
Potential career changes are one of the many reasons why business school applicants may be drawn to MBA programs. As the job market continues to change and evolve due to the COVID-19 pandemic, an increasing number of young professionals are looking to business schools to help them chart a new path forward.
Just Admit it: What are Medical School Admissions Committees Looking For?
Learn What Medical School Admissions Committees Are Looking ForThe medical school admissions process has a reputation for being notoriously rigorous. Between preparing for and taking the MCAT and acing secondary applications, there are many steps on an aspiring applicant’s journey to medical school admission.
Just Admit It: What are Business School Admissions Committees Looking For?
What Can You Do to Stand Out When Applying to Business School? Since the MBA admissions process is notoriously competitive, many applicants may wonder what they can do to help set themselves apart for the admissions committees. While there isn’t one secret to success, there are several steps prospective business school students can take to improve their admissions odds.
Just Admit It: What Do Students and Families Need to Know About the Financial Aid Process?
Get the 411 on the Financial Aid Process with Our College Admissions CounselorsIn addition to navigating the college admissions cycle, students and families need to prepare for the costs of college and understand the financial aid process. Much like admissions, there are a few steps that go into applying for financial aid, and it’s important that students understand every component of the process.
WiseStart™: Exploring Extracurricular Activities in Middle School
Get a Jumpstart on Exploring Extracurricular Activities with WiseStart™When reviewing college applications, admissions officers also evaluate what students are doing outside of the classroom, which is why it’s so important to have strong extracurricular commitments throughout high school. Instead of stressing out about finding the right activities during 9th and 10th grade, students can take advantage of their time in middle school to pursue fields they are passionate about and build a strong foundation for high school.
European vs US MBA Programs
Should You Choose a US or European MBA Program?By Nellie, IvyWise MBA Admissions Counselor
When it comes to applying to business school, there are several important decisions all applicants need to make. For many students, one important thing to consider when researching MBA programs is whether to pursue their MBA in the US or to consider programs in Europe.
General Tips for Incoming High School Freshmen
What Should Incoming Freshmen Do to Prepare for High School?As the school year draws to a close, many middle school students are looking forward to their first year of high school and how to prepare. The start of high school is a major milestone that every incoming freshmen student should celebrate. High school is an opportunity to further develop your study skills, challenge yourself with advanced courses, and explore your interests and passions.
The College Applicant Resume
What Does a College Applicant Need to Include in Their Resume?If you think resumes are only for job applications, it’s time to think again. A resume is an ideal medium to clearly and concisely present what you’ve accomplished throughout your high school career. Consequently, many students choose to include a resume when applying to college or when requesting letters of recommendation from teachers and counselors.
Balancing Athletic and Academic Commitments
How Can You Balance Athletic and Academic Work During the Summer?Many student-athletes are well aware of the importance of balancing classes and practices throughout the school year, but what about during the summer? While some athletes may be tempted to focus solely on their sport, it’s important to stay academically engaged during your break.
Ways to Explore Journalistic Writing
Explore Different Styles of 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
Learn About MBA Admissions Rounds 1,2, & 3By 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
Making the Most of the Summer Before Your First Year of CollegeMany 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
These Schools Still Have Space For Students in the Class of 2026For 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
The 2021-22 Common App Changes You Need to Know AboutAs 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
Learn Why Early College Preparation and Executive Functioning Skills Are So ImportantThe 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
What to Expect When Applying to K-12 SchoolsWhile 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?
Learn How College Admissions Committees Really Review Your ApplicationsWhile 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?
Learn More About When You Should 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?
What Does It Take to 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?
Learn How Many Schools to Add to Your Balanced College ListWhen 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
Learn How to Make This Upcoming Summer Break Your Most Productive One YetWith 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 YouMost 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
How to Build Your College List in a Virtual WorldBuilding 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.
Transfer Admissions Tips from Former Admissions Officers
Our Top Tips for Transfer AdmissionsIf 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 2021AP 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.
