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IvyWise Blog

girl student writing down educational goals

9 Goals for the New Year: What Are Your Educational Goals for 2026?

January is almost here — a new year, a fresh start. If you’re like many people, you may have some goals you want to accomplish in 2026. Setting academic goals can help you stay focused and on track for the rest of the school year and beyond.

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Girl excited about her early decision acceptance

Next Steps After Being Accepted to College ED or EA

Congratulations! You were accepted to college through Early Decision or Early Action! But what do you need to do next? There are several things to consider moving forward, so it’s important for students to weigh all their options before accepting an early offer of admission.

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What Happens if You Are Not Accepted Early Decision

It’s Early Decision and Early Action time, and many students have already received their admissions decisions. Unfortunately, with so many more students applying to college, there isn’t a spot for everyone in the early rounds. But remember, it isn’t the end of the world if you were not accepted early!

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Student reading a book during winter break

What to Do Over Winter Break to Prepare for College Admissions

After a busy fall term, it’s important to take some time to recharge during your winter break. However, that doesn’t mean you should press pause on your college planning. Without the stress of juggling classes and after-school activities, you can spend more relaxed, focused time working on tasks or diving deeper into your interests.

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medical school student

10 Best Pre-Med Schools in the U.S.

Students who plan to go to medical school generally spend their undergraduate years pursuing a pre-med course of study to prepare them for a career in medicine or other health fields. But what exactly is pre-med, and what courses are you expected to take? If you’re thinking of attending medical school, keep reading to learn more about pre-med requirements and which schools in the U.S. offer the best programs. 

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Princeton University

Princeton University Transfers: Acceptance Rate, GPAs, Deadlines

As a member of the Ivy League and an institution known for its academic rigor and impressive alumni network, it is easy to understand why Princeton University earns a spot on many students’ best-fit lists. Every year, the school receives tens of thousands of applications from high school seniors and current college students interested in transferring.

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West Campus at Duke University

How to Get into Duke: All You Need to Know

Often regarded as a “Southern Ivy,” which makes admission highly competitive, Duke attracts talented students from across the U.S. and around the globe. If you aspire to become a Blue Devil, it’s essential to understand what Duke looks for in applicants so you can position yourself for success.

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Ivy-covered buildings and green quads evoke a prestigious university campus.

How to Get into UChicago: All You Need to Know

The University of Chicago, commonly known as UChicago, is a private research university located within a 217-acre botanical garden in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood. UChicago was established in 1890 on the founding principles of academic freedom and free expression — principles that are still upheld to this day through interdisciplinary collaboration, world-class academics and research, and a distinctive campus culture.

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student prepping for a test

Test Blind vs. Test Optional: What’s the Difference?

While many schools have since reinstated testing requirements, thousands of schools remain test-optional or test-blind — some have even made it permanent. Learn more about test-blind and test-optional policies and how they may impact your admissions strategy.

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Students studying and taking notes in a library setting for academic success.

College Prep Resources for High School Students

If you’re planning to go to college, it’s essential to make all four years of high school count. Colleges look at your entire high school record — courses, grades, activities, and more — when evaluating college applications. They want to see how you have progressed over your time in high school and if you’re truly ready for the rigors of a college education. So, whether it’s your first year in high school, your senior year, or somewhere in between, these resources can help you on your path to higher education. 

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