It’s easy to imagine your freshman year of college living in a comfortable dorm room, where your best friend is your roommate and all the students on your floor are the greatest people you’ve ever met. At least, that’s how the movies depict dorm life will be.
Transitioning from high school to college is about far more than just moving into a dorm — it is a fundamental shift in how you learn, socialize, and grow. In this semester 12 finale episode of IvyWise’s Just Admit It! podcast, host Tasha and IvyWise counselor Amy break down the hidden realities of the university experience.
As the traditional spring semester winds down, a unique academic opportunity known as Maymester emerges at many colleges and universities across the U.S. This accelerated college term, typically held in May, offers students an opportunity to engage in intense study, explore new subjects, or even embark on exciting study abroad programs — all within a focused timeframe.
If you aspire to a top-flight college or university and are seeking financial aid and scholarships, you have probably come across an organization called QuestBridge. Like many others, you may wonder what it is, who it’s for, and how it works.
From Notre Dame’s leprechaun to Oregon’s duck, college mascots are more than just a figure on the sidelines — they are a treasured part of college life at many institutions. They embody the spirit, history, and identity of a college or university, rallying students, alumni, and fans alike under a shared banner. They evoke a sense of belonging and pride within the campus community and beyond.
The word “finals” strikes fear in the hearts of most students, as it’s the culmination of a semester’s worth of work and sometimes the determining factor of a final course grade. The end of the semester can be especially distressing for first-year students, who have never taken a college-level final before. Students may not know what to expect, and the anxiety can leave many feeling lost.
Have you ever dreamed of going to a certain college or university based on how much you love its sports team? If so, you’re definitely not alone. Research shows a connection between the success of a college football or basketball team and a spike in admissions to the school. This is known as the Flutie Effect.
Experiential learning opportunities are an important part of your college education because they give you practical experience outside of the classroom. These opportunities often take the form of externship and internship experiences. Internships provide opportunities to expand your skill set — which can enhance your resume — and give you a taste of your desired career field, but their longer duration can sometimes conflict with a busy college schedule. Or, you may just want to get an idea of a potential career without committing an entire summer to exploring it. This is where externships come in.
While students often think of their junior year of high school as one of the most overwhelming periods of their academic career, the first year of college can also be a particularly stressful time. College freshmen must adjust to advanced-level courses, in addition to navigating new living situations and increased independence. This transition marks an important milestone in a student’s growth and development, but it also comes with a handful of challenges that should be considered well before college begins.
Internships offer valuable experience and can be an excellent way to get your foot in the door in a particular field. But what exactly is an internship, and how does it work? Let’s take a closer look at internships and discuss what they are and how college students can get the most out of them.
