Category: College Application Tips

Yield Rates for the Class of 2027

Monday, March 11, 2024

Happy young students walking outdoors

After many colleges reported all-time low acceptance rates, some students might be curious about their yield rates, or just how many of these admitted applicants have chosen to enroll. Yield is a priority for every college because it impacts their place on rankings lists and it can also influence their bond ratings. Additionally, yield rates help schools evaluate their admissions process and how attractive they are to prospective students.   

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When Should You Write a Letter of Continued Interest?

Friday, March 1, 2024

Waitlisted senior writes a letter of continued interest to his top-choice school.A letter of continued interest (often referred to as a LOCI) is a written statement that a student sends to the admissions office of a school they are still interested in attending, despite being deferred or waitlisted. Generally, these letters reiterate the student’s interest in and fit for the college in question and update the admissions office on any achievements that the student has earned since submitting their initial application. 

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Test Score Submit Rates for the Class of 2027

Wednesday, February 28, 2024

High school students prepare to take the digital SAT on school computers

The COVID-19 pandemic shifted the way higher education institutions review applications, with many colleges choosing to adopt a test-optional application review process. However, with record-breaking applicant pools and record-low admit rates, families are worried that test-optional may not really mean test-optional at all. Here is what we know, so far.  

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What If I Get Rejected From My Top-Choice College?

Monday, December 11, 2023

What do if you've been deferred

As colleges begin notifying applicants of their admissions decisions, many students — especially those who applied to highly-selective universities with notoriously low admit rates — may be faced with their worst-case scenario: getting rejected from their top-choice college. Receiving a rejection from a top-choice college can be crushing to students, but it’s not the end of the world.

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Application Strategy: Learn How Early Decision Works

Monday, December 11, 2023

Once you’ve put the finishing touches on your list of best-fit colleges, it’s time to consider application strategy. More specifically, rising seniors need to decide when they will apply to the schools on their list.

Early Decision can be a great application option for a student who is passionate about a certain school and able to meet the deadline. Keep reading to learn more about this application strategy and to determine whether applying early is the right move for you.

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What Happens if You Are Not Accepted Early Decision

Monday, December 11, 2023
AdobeStock_203828298

Early Decision and Early Action notifications are right around the corner, and many students have already received their admissions decisions. With so many more students applying to college this year, unfortunately, there isn’t a spot for everyone. But remember, it isn’t the end of the world if you were not accepted early!

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What to Do While Waiting for College Admissions Decisions

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Tips For Seniors Waiting For Admissions DecisionsThis time of year makes for very anxious high school seniors as many wait to hear back from colleges about their admissions decisions. The period between submitting applications and receiving decisions can feel like an eternity and often leaves students in an academic limbo with many thinking, “I’ve done all I can and the decision is in the hands of the admissions committee — what else can I do?”

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4 Things to Review Before Submitting Your College Apps

Monday, December 4, 2023

Regular Decision deadlines are around the corner, which means it’s time for students to put the finishing touches on their applications. It’s a good idea to carefully review your applications before submitting, but what should you be mindful of when proofreading your college apps? 

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How to Find and Apply for Scholarships

Friday, November 17, 2023
Casual day reading writing on laptop outdoor university college

Scholarships are a win-win: students can help reduce the costs associated with attending college while also adding to their resumes. As a bonus, the vast array of scholarship options means there is truly an opportunity for every student. However, it can be challenging to know where to find the right scholarships, and the process of applying for them on top of your college applications can seem daunting.  

While the application process will vary depending on the scholarship you are pursuing, there are some tried-and-true tips that can help students stand out from the pack. Keep reading to learn more about what it takes to craft a compelling scholarship application. 

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Understanding EA vs. ED vs. EDII and More

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

reschedule sat or act.jpgDid you know that you can apply to a college early and get a decision way before most other students? Many colleges offer early application options, with students usually submitting their applications in October or November and receiving a decision by December. With the rise in the number of students applying to multiple colleges, and the difficulty of predicting yield, many colleges are offering a number of early application options. So how do you know if applying early is right for you?

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Staying Up Late to Study Hurts Students More Than It Helps

Monday, November 6, 2023

 

Handsome curly-haired tired young guy student at home, nerd, wearing casual, glasses, sleeping, face and hands on books

For many high school students balancing standardized tests, school projects, assignments and extracurriculars, it may seem like there are not enough hours in the day to get everything done. As a result, many students are staying up late to study. According to a 2015 study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about seven out of 10 high school students aren’t getting enough sleep. In fact, Stanford Medicine refers to teen sleep deprivation as an epidemic. 

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UCLA Personal Statement: FAQ, Examples & Insider Tips

Monday, October 30, 2023
Los Angeles, APR 4: Aerial night view of UCLA campus on APR 4, 2019 at Los Angeles, California

UCLA is part of the University of California system, which is comprised of nine campuses throughout the state. Students applying to UCLA must use the UC application — the University of California system does not use the Common App or Coalition Application. The application process includes several personal statement prompts, or what UC refers to as personal insight questions. Keep reading to learn more about these prompts and tips for responding to them.   

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Time Management Tips for Students

Thursday, October 26, 2023

Smiling happy satisfied teen student girl of Asian ethnicity wear sweater backpack hold books clock isolated on pastel plain light pink background Education in high school university college concept

Energy and sanity can run low when a pile of work is never ending. Managing good grades, performing well at a big game or academic competition, spending quality time with family, and maintaining a social life can be exhausting. That’s why every student should invest in a time management game plan.  

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Valuable College Prep Resources for Every High School Student

Thursday, October 5, 2023

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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Guide to the Common Application: What Is the Common App and How to Use It

Friday, September 1, 2023

 

High school student visits the Common App website

The Common Application officially opened for the 2023-24 college application season on August 1, allowing students across the globe to begin their college admissions journey. But what is the Common Application, exactly? Who can use it and when? You can build your college prep strategy more easily by understanding the Common App. Here’s what you need to know.

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USC Letter of Recommendation: What You Need to Know

Tuesday, August 15, 2023

Academic advisor meeting with college student to discuss graduate school

Is the University of Southern California on your college list? Part of USC’s application process includes submitting a letter of recommendation. While your academic performance in high school carries the most weight in the admissions process, a strong letter of recommendation from a teacher or school counselor will tell another piece of your story — who you are, how you conducted yourself at school, and how you might contribute to the campus community. 

The letter of recommendation is an important part of your USC application, so it’s important to choose a recommender who can present you in the best possible light. Keep reading to learn more about what should go into the USC letter of recommendation.     

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What Vanderbilt Admissions Officers Look for in Essays

Tuesday, August 8, 2023
Beautiful casual student using laptop indoors.

If Vanderbilt University, also known as Vandy, is one of your top-choice schools, you may be wondering how to craft your admissions essay to help you stand out. Vanderbilt is incredibly selective, so they look for students who demonstrate what they can contribute to the diverse campus community academically and otherwise. Your response to these essays contributes to the holistic review of your application, so it’s important to put a lot of thought into them. 

Keep reading for more information about the Vanderbilt essays and some strategies for writing them, including tips from one of our IvyWise counselors.   

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UCLA Acceptance Rate and Stats: What it Takes to Get In

Saturday, August 5, 2023

UCLA

With a sprawling California campus, top tier academic offerings and Division 1 sports teams, it’s no wonder that the UCLA acceptance rate is so low. The Los Angeles-based university emerges as a top-choice institution for many high school students, so students need to prepare thoroughly in order to emerge as competitive applicants.

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3 Tips for Standing Out During the College Application Process

Thursday, August 3, 2023

The Common Application opened August 1, and millions of students across the globe will apply to college via the Common App this year. With so many students applying to college every year, most applicants have the same question on their minds: what can I do to increase my chances of standing out?

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