IvyWise Blog

The Coalition Application and the Common Application are two platforms that streamline the college application process. While both serve the common goal of simplifying the application experience, they differ in several ways. Understanding the distinctions between the Coalition and Common App can help you make informed decisions about which platform aligns better with your preferences and the requirements of the colleges on your balanced list. 

What if your strongest extracurricular activity has nothing to do with your intended major? In this episode of Just Admit It!, IvyWise counselors Tasha and Juaquin discuss how colleges evaluate activities, what meaningful commitment looks like, and how students can build an authentic application narrative. 

If you’re applying to college this fall, you can (and should!) be thinking about and getting a head start on your applications — even though most don’t open until mid-summer. Let’s look at the application timeline and why starting early is crucial. We also offer some college application tips to maximize your chances of success.

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.

The business world is moving at a breakneck pace, reshaped by generative AI, a heightened focus on sustainable growth, and a global economy that is more interconnected than ever. However, the “best” school isn’t a universal constant — it is a deeply personal alignment between what the institution offers and your academic and career goals. With the average cost of attendance now reflecting a significant investment, your goal is to find a school where the curriculum, culture, and alumni network combine to form an effective launchpad for your future.

In this episode of Just Admit It!, IvyWise counselor Alecia and host Tasha explain why being undecided is common, how to explore academic interests without getting overwhelmed, and what “major selection” really means on a college application.

The hidden Ivies schools are becoming an attractive opportunity for college-bound students, due to their academic rigor, collaborative environment, and holistic approach to education.

On this episode of Just Admit It!, IvyWise counselors Tasha and Victoria explain why choosing a dramatic college essay topic is not necessary and how being authentic and engaging in your essays is more important.

Students navigating the college admissions process continue to experience unique challenges and changes, including the announcement of an entirely digital SAT, continued test-optional policies, increasing application numbers, and each student applying to more colleges on average. All of this has led to an even more competitive year at the most selective colleges in the U.S., while other schools plan to admit more students than ever before in order to manage enrollment numbers.

With colleges receiving record-breaking numbers of applications and acceptance rates hitting historic lows, many students feel pressured to “shotgun” their applications — applying to dozens of schools to hedge their bets.