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IvyWise Blog

Bovard Auditorium, USC campus

How to Get into USC: All You Need to Know

The University of Southern California — or USC, as it’s best known — is a top research university and one of the most selective schools in the country. Located in sunny Los Angeles, California, it’s been a pioneer in academic and research initiatives since its beginnings in 1880.

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Young students of robotics preparing robot for testing in workshop

25 Best Mechanical Engineering Schools in the U.S. in 2026

Mechanical engineering involves the study of machines, materials, and mechanisms — that is, how things work. If you have a genuine interest in understanding how mechanical systems function and enjoy working with tools and machinery, this field may be a good fit. To be successful, you should enjoy tackling challenges, thinking critically, and finding creative ways to solve problems.

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Columbia University campus

Columbia University Acceptance Rate for Class of 2030

As a member of the Ivy League, Columbia University is known as one of the best colleges in the U.S. and one of the most highly selective institutions in the country — and that selectivity shows no sign of easing.

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aerial view of Princeton University campus

How to Get into Princeton: All You Need to Know

Princeton tops is a dream school for many students. Like most other Ivy League colleges, the university is known for its rigor and increasingly competitive applicant pool.

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Buildings at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States.

How to Get into Penn: All You Need to Know

The University of Pennsylvania is an Ivy League university located in Philadelphia. “Penn,” as it’s colloquially known, was the first university in the U.S. to offer both undergraduate and graduate studies. Originally founded in 1740 as a charity school and church, Benjamin Franklin proposed in 1749 to turn it into an institution of higher education after publishing his famous essay, Proposal Relating to the Education of Youth. The university has come a long way since then, becoming one of the most prestigious universities in the country.  

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Washington Square Arch at NYU

How to Write the NYU Supplemental Essay 2026-27

NYU has long been a top-choice school for many students, and with an admissions rate under 10% in recent years, it is also exceptionally competitive.

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aerial view of Georgia Tech campus

How to Get into Georgia Tech: All You Need to Know

Known for its rigorous academic programs, particularly in engineering and technology, the Georgia Institute of Technology — better known as Georgia Tech — attracts applicants from around the globe. Located in the bustling city of Atlanta, Georgia Tech is one of the top public research universities in the U.S. Admission is highly competitive, so prospective students need to start early to build a strong applicant profile.  

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University of Michigan Law School, Ann Arbor

20 Best Law Schools in the U.S. in 2026

Legal careers offer the opportunity to help others, solve complex problems, and earn a significant living while building skills that can apply across many areas of practice. Many students are eager to get involved in the profession by attending law school, as evidenced by an 8% surge in enrollment.

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Drone view of Harvard yard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

How to Get into Harvard: All You Need to Know

When it comes to college acceptances, many applicants view Harvard University as the gold standard for admissions success. While the Ivy League college may not be a best-fit option for every student, there’s no doubt that plenty of future applicants are eager to gain a seat in Harvard’s next class of admitted students. So, what does it really take to get in? 

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students taking standardized tests

Are Standardized Test Scores Important in College Admissions?

Why do colleges use standardized tests, and how are testing policies changing? In this episode of the Just Admit It! podcast, IvyWise experts Tasha, Claire, and Carl discuss how colleges use test scores and provide tips on preparing for the SAT or ACT.

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