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IvyWise KnowledgeBase

IvyWise Exploring College Options: The Value of Fly-In Programs

Exploring College Options: The Value of Fly-In Programs

Embarking on the college journey feels like stepping into a world full of unknowns. With tests, essays, and recommendation letters swirling around, one important factor often gets pushed to the side — visiting colleges in person. That’s where fly-in programs come in.

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IvyWise How to Appeal Your Need-Based Financial Aid Award

How to Appeal Your Need-Based Financial Aid Award

You’ve just been admitted to the school of your dreams. You are over the moon, sharing your excitement with your family — until you see the financial aid package. What?! Where did that number come from?

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IvyWise Hidden Gems to Consider for Your College List

Hidden Gems to Consider for Your College List, Part 1

Nearly 3,000 degree-granting post-secondary institutions dot the American higher education landscape. We mostly hear about the colleges and universities that grace rankings and lists. While these are excellent schools, there are plenty more that don’t get the attention they deserve. At IvyWise, we emphasize thoroughly researching colleges to find those that are the right fit for your needs and goals, whether they’re well-known schools or lesser known.

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IvyWise Exploring an Interest in Psychology

Exploring an Interest in Psychology

Do you enjoy learning about the brain and how it works, why we make the decisions we make, and how the brain influences our behaviors? Are you interested in mental health? If you answered yes to either (or both!) of these questions, psychology might be the path for you.

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IvyWise How to Choose an Independent Counselor

How to Choose an Independent Counselor

The college admissions process has long been a rite of passage but has arguably become more stressful in recent years as admission rates at selective institutions continue to drop. Plus, more students are continuing on to college, and each student, on average, is applying to more colleges than ever before.

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Applying to Private Day and Boarding Schools

After many conversations and much soul searching, you’ve decided to enroll your child in a private day or boarding school. This is a big decision with many moving parts, so it’s important to start the test preparation and application process as early as possible so that you (and your child) don’t get overwhelmed.

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IvyWise Gamify Your SAT Prep

Gamify Your SAT Prep

Even as the SAT undergoes some significant changes in its switch to a digital format, the underlying reality of taking a major standardized test remains the same — you’ve got to do some prep work! As the hours of grammar drills and math flashcards march on, however, you may find your focus flagging and your energy sagging.

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Developing “Pointy” Students: Taking a Cue from Fictional Icons 

As the college admissions landscape has evolved, these are the more common questions I am getting from students and their families. Yes, grades and test scores remain pivotal, but that’s just the first hurdle. What makes the difference between being admitted, deferred, or denied is a student distinguishing themselves uniquely — what we call being “pointy.”

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IvyWise FAQs on Contacting Admissions Staff

FAQs on Contacting Admissions Staff

Are you a high school student eagerly eyeing your dream college? Perhaps you’re anxious about your college application and wondering whether it’s a good idea to reach out to the admissions office. You’re not alone in having these questions, and we’re here to provide clarity with some frequently asked questions about high school students contacting college admissions staff.

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IvyWise The Early Advantage: A Statistical Analysis of Applying ED and EA

The Early Advantage: A Statistical Analysis of Applying ED and EA

Early Decision, Early Action, Early Decision II, Restrictive Early Action — believe it or not, the list goes on. There is no shortage of early application options for college admissions these days, and some hold a significant statistical advantage to students. Yes, this means that in some early processes, most students are significantly more likely to receive offers of admissions than if they applied Regular Decision. The percent advantage ranges from school to school and differs when it comes to Early Action programs. Read on for a breakdown of the numbers and for insight on why students should consider participating in early admissions programs.

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