IvyWise Blog

The college admissions season is flying by, and early admission decisions are already being released. Here’s our annual list of early admission decision notification dates!

It can be difficult to choose where to go to college, and it sometimes happens that a student realizes their current school isn’t working for them. Or perhaps a student starts out at a community college before continuing to a four-year school to finish their degree. Whatever the reason, transferring to another school is always an option. If you’re considering a transfer to another school, you are not alone.

January is almost here — a new year, a fresh start. If you’re like many people, you may have some goals you want to accomplish in 2026. Setting academic goals can help you stay focused and on track for the rest of the school year and beyond.

Congratulations! You were accepted to college through Early Decision or Early Action! But what do you need to do next? There are several things to consider moving forward, so it’s important for students to weigh all their options before accepting an early offer of admission.

It’s Early Decision and Early Action time, and many students have already received their admissions decisions. Unfortunately, with so many more students applying to college, there isn’t a spot for everyone in the early rounds. But remember, it isn’t the end of the world if you were not accepted early!

After a busy fall term, it’s important to take some time to recharge during your winter break. However, that doesn’t mean you should press pause on your college planning. Without the stress of juggling classes and after-school activities, you can spend more relaxed, focused time working on tasks or diving deeper into your interests.

Students who plan to go to medical school generally spend their undergraduate years pursuing a pre-med course of study to prepare them for a career in medicine or other health fields. But what exactly is pre-med, and what courses are you expected to take? If you’re thinking of attending medical school, keep reading to learn more about pre-med requirements and which schools in the U.S. offer the best programs. 

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.

As a member of the Ivy League and an institution known for its academic rigor and impressive alumni network, it is easy to understand why Princeton University earns a spot on many students’ best-fit lists. Every year, the school receives tens of thousands of applications from high school seniors and current college students interested in transferring.

Often regarded as a “Southern Ivy,” which makes admission highly competitive, Duke attracts talented students from across the U.S. and around the globe. If you aspire to become a Blue Devil, it’s essential to understand what Duke looks for in applicants so you can position yourself for success.