IvyWise Blog

The college admissions season is flying by, and early admission decisions are just around the corner. Here’s our annual list of early admission decision notification dates!

What counts as an extracurricular activity, and how important are activities in the college admissions process? In this episode of the Just Admit It! podcast, IvyWise experts Tasha and Anthony discuss how admissions officers evaluate extracurricular profiles and share tips on choosing and developing meaningful activities.

The Common Application is officially open, and many college-bound high school students are hard at work on their college applications. In addition to the main Common App essay, many schools might also require supplements that include some thoughtful — and downright quirky — college essay prompts and short answer questions.

Positioned in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Clemson University is much more than just a powerhouse for college football — it’s a public research institution where academic rigor meets a fiercely loyal community. With its championship athletics, highly ranked agricultural and sports management programs, and the undeniable pull of the “Solid Orange” family, it’s no wonder that a record number of students are vying for a spot at Clemson each year.

With a sprawling campus, top-tier academic offerings, and Division I sports teams, the University of California, Los Angeles is a top choice for many high school students.

Whether you’re a freshman who is just beginning to think about college, a sophomore gearing up to start your standardized test prep, or a junior who is already in the thick of it, now is the time to start thinking about your goals for 2026 and 2027.

Each year, IvyWise welcomes a select group of high-achieving, low-income students into the IvyWise Scholars program, our pro bono college counseling initiative. The reasons each student has for applying to the program are as varied as their backgrounds.

Founded in 1883, UT Austin is the flagship university of Texas and consistently ranks as a top public research university in the U.S. — in fact, it’s often referred to as the “Harvard of the South.”

A highly selective institution that’s known for its engineering, education, music, and humanities programs, Vanderbilt University is a top choice for many students. The institution attracts applicants from around the world due to its stellar academic reputation, beautiful campus, and location in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee.

Given the competitive nature of Yale’s admissions process, every component of your college application is going to be crucial, including supplemental essays.