Tips for Boosting Your TOEFL Score
Here’s What Students Need to Do to Reach Their Goal TOEFL Score
For many international students, taking the TOEFL exam is one of many steps on their radar for the US college admissions process. Many colleges do require TOEFL scores as part of their international application review process, so it’s important to do your research and see what the policy is at every school on your best-fit list.
Breaking a Sweat for a Good Cause
Here’s My Favorite Way to Stay Healthy and Give Back
By Dr. Kat Cohen, IvyWise Founder and CEO
Exercise and fitness have always been one of my go-to approaches to keep my energy high and stress levels low. Finding an outlet for my energy was difficult when safer-at-home orders went into effect, but like everyone else, I’ve gotten creative with how I break a sweat and continue to make an impact in the causes I care deeply about.
5 Colleges With Unique Majors
If you think your choices for college majors are limited to studies such as English and Mathematics, it’s time to think again. Universities across the world are offering students a host of innovative and inventive fields of study devised to align with the interests and goals of their entire student body.
Staying Motivated While Social Distancing This Summer
Keep Motivation Levels High All Summer Long
It can always be a challenge to maintain motivation during the summer months, some students may find it particularly difficult to stay engaged and on top of their to-do lists as they continue to socially distance.
Suggested Reading: Books and Resources on Race, Anti-Racism, and Social Justice

Conversations about anti-racism, social justice, and the experience of black Americans are extremely important, and the push to continue to amplify black voices and educate the masses about racism and systematic oppression has led teens and adults alike to search for resources to help them be better allies and overall more informed citizens.
How to Create Summer College Prep Goals
Make the Most of The Summer By Creating New Goals
Whether you’re working towards a target score for the ACT or SAT or putting the finishing touches on your list of best-fit schools, every student needs concrete goals to work towards throughout the college admissions process. Nailing down objectives is particularly important during the summer months while students have time away from schools and activities that might make it difficult to get ahead.
4 Ways to Celebrate Your Graduation Virtually
Get Creative to Make the Most of Your Graduation Experience
Most high school seniors envision graduation ceremonies complete with keynote speakers, photo opps in their caps and gowns, and parties with all of their friends. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused the vast majority of seniors to alter their plans in order to accommodate social distancing and safer at home guidelines.
Financial Aid 101
Learn the Ins and Outs of Financial Aid
In addition to weighing factors like location and campus environment, financial aid is a significant consideration for the majority of college applicants. Students must choose schools that are all-around best-fits for their needs and goals, both academically and financially.
How to Address COVID-19 on College Applications
Learn About the Common App’s New 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 forthcoming application cycle is likely to look very different from previous rounds.
How is COVID-19 Affecting Higher Education?
Answers to Your Most Pressing Higher Education Questions in Light of COVID-19
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted academic institutions in ways that go far beyond cancelled graduation ceremonies and virtual classes. Colleges around the country are experiencing a new set of changes as students and families continue to adapt to the unfolding circumstances.
Parents: How to Keep Your Student Motivated During Remote Learning
Make the Most of Time Spent Social Distancing with Your Kids
For students who are used to juggling coursework, extracurricular activities, and time spent with friends, the transition to remote learning has proven extremely challenging. While every student will react to all this time at home differently, parents can play a powerful and important role in helping students make the most of this experience.
Why SAT and ACT Scores Still Matter as Test-Optional Choices Rise
Despite an Increase in Test-Optional Choices, Consider Taking the SAT and ACT
Most high school juniors have many questions running through their minds, as the upcoming college admissions cycle will be unlike any other. Amongst other changes, an increasing number of schools are shifting to test-optional admissions policies in response to the cancellation of spring SAT and ACT examinations.
College Openings Update: Colleges Accepting Applications for Fall 2020
These Schools Still Have Space For Students in the Class of 2024
For students who maybe got a late start on the college admissions process, or their goals and interests have changed due to COVID-19 or other circumstances, trying to apply for admission to the fall term may seem impossible. However, there are close to 750 colleges and universities in the US and abroad that are still accepting applications after May 1 for the class of 2024.
Tips for 2020 Online AP Exams
Feel Confident About Your Exams This Spring
As schools transition to remote learning, the College Board has announced that the AP exams will be offered online for the first time ever in 2020.
2020 Summer Program Cancellations and Updates
Learn the Status of 2020 Summer Programs
Many high school students opt to attend summer programs hosted by various colleges to expand their horizons and deepen their knowledge while getting a taste of campus life. However, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, a multitude of universities are either cancelling their courses or shifting them online.
Creating a New College Prep Routine While Social Distancing
Start Your College Admissions Journey Off on the Right Foot
It’s not just how you finish high school that counts. Admissions officers review all four years of your grades, activities, and more when making decisions on applications, so it’s essential for current freshmen and sophomores to build a strong academic and extracurricular foundation, even while schools themselves are closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
COVID-19 and Admissions Exams: Test Prep Tips in Uncertain Times
Here’s What to Expect and How to Plan for the SAT and ACT This Summer and Fall
By Joey, IvyWise Master Tutor
With new developments and updates about COVID-19 unfolding everyday, high school juniors around the country have one question on their minds: “How will this affect my college applications this fall?” While an important query, this sustained uncertainty can raise stress levels in ways that are both unhealthy and unproductive for testing and academic goals.
How to Make the Most of Virtual College Tours
Maximize Your Virtual Tour Experience with These Tips
Typically, fall is a popular time for high school juniors and even some younger students to embark on a set of college tours meant to help future applicants better envision their best-fit environment. However, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, most college touring options have gone virtual for the time being.
How to Determine Whether a Gap Year is Right for You
What to Consider When Contemplating a Gap Year
From Malia Obama to Yara Shahidi, a multitude of celebrities have opted to take some time off before pursuing their college degree. But how can students determine if a gap year is really the right decision for them?
IvyWise Live Q&A: Coronavirus and College Admissions
Join Our Facebook Live Webinars April 15 & 17 to Learn More About How To Prep for College Admissions Process This Fall
Tune in to IvyWise Live on our Facebook page next week, where College Admissions Experts Christine, Scott, Nat, Zach, and Rachel will discuss how students can prepare for the college admissions process this fall and answer your most pressing college prep questions.