Tag: 11th Grade
Rising Seniors, Get Ready for Application Season
Many IvyWise students have been working with their counselor to finalize their college lists and build resumes. They will begin drafting their personal essays later this summer. However, if you have not gotten started on any of these items, you can use the summer to catch up on the application process and even get ahead!
SAT and ACT Myths Debunked: The Truth About Standardized Tests and College Admission
Standardized tests are a controversial factor in the college admissions process, and with so many opinions on the value of these college entrance exams, misinformation can run rampant. From the value of one test over the other to how to prepare and how scores affect a student’s chances of admission, there are many myths out there about the SAT and ACT. In order to have success in the college admissions process, parents and students need to first separate fact from fiction.
Setting Academic and College Prep Goals
Setting academic and college prep goals now is a great way to get students excited about their college prep and alleviate some of the stress commonly associated with planning for college. While it may not be time to apply to college yet, starting to think about academic and college prep goals now will make it easier for students to identify solid goals by the time application season rolls around. It will also allow them to relax over any upcoming breaks, rather than stressing about what they need to accomplish before school is back in session.
Setting Fall Semester Academic and College Prep Goals
Whether you’re a freshman still adjusting to your first year of high school, or a college-bound junior ready to hit the ground running, it’s important to set academic and college prep goals for the fall as soon as school starts back up. Goals not only help keep students on track with their college prep, they also help students learn more about who they are, what they’re interested in, and how they can better pursue those interests. Goals can also help students stay motivated during a particularly busy or stressful time.
Should I Drop Some of My Extracurricular Activities?
Am I doing enough? Am I doing too much? What do I need to do in order to stand out to college admissions officers?
Should You Apply Early Decision? Early Decision Plans Explained
As you're researching schools on your college list, you may come across unfamiliar terms, such as Early Decision, Early Action, and Single Choice Early Action, among others. These are application options that differ based on the deadline, response date, and your commitment to attend the school, if accepted. Deciding which path to take involves research into school policies, not to mention preparation!
Spring Standardized Testing: Advice for Sophomores and Juniors
For many high school students, spring semester means standardized test season. Like it or not, these tests are a factor for college admissions at most schools — even if they’re test optional. While a perfect score alone won’t get you into your dream college, it is important to do well on these tests to have the greatest chance of admission.
Starting Second Semester off Right: Tips for a Successful Spring Term
While it can be tempting to simply count down the days until summer break, spring semester is a prime time for high school underclassmen to prepare for the college admissions process, and for college-bound seniors to close out the year on a high note. Believe it or not, seniors, you are not off the hook just yet! Here are some tips for high school students to ensure a productive and successful spring semester.
Students’ Guide to the PSAT/NMSQT
Students across the US will take the PSAT/NMSQT this October, and for many, this will be their initial introduction to the rigors of college entrance examinations. Before heading into the test, 10th and 11th graders need to know what to expect and how the PSAT/NMSQT can impact their college preparation strategy. Use these tips for the PSTA to get started!
Summer Bucket List For Rising Seniors
Incoming senior, rising senior — these terms refer to a high school student who has just completed their junior year and will be starting their senior year in the fall. For many rising seniors, the end of their junior year marks the beginning of the long, and often stressful, college application process. While the full Common Application and school specific supplements aren't released until August, some essay topics have already been revealed, and many students are taking the initiative to begin working on their application essays over the long summer break.
College-Bound Students: Start Making Your Summer Plans Now
Summer might seem far away, but it is important to start making your summer plans now. From conducting an independent project to attending a summer program at a university campus, there are several ways for students to fight summer brain drain and stay on track with their college admissions goals! It’s always been important to make sure your activities align with your interests.
Summer Test Prep Checklist for Rising Juniors and Seniors
Summer SAT Prep: Effective Tips & Strategies for Success The summer is an important time for college prep, and students should be spending it wisely. Spending your summer solely preparing for the ACT or SAT is not impactful in terms of strengthening your application, but interspersing some test prep in between your regular summer activities can go a long way toward helping you reach your goal score. For students taking a challenging course load, the school year doesn’t offer many opportunities to squeeze in additional test prep.
Test Prep Checklist for Sophomores and Juniors
If you’re not already preparing for the SAT or ACT, now’s the time to get started! The spring semester is a popular testing time, and high school sophomores and juniors need to have a plan to prepare for these important college admission exams. An excellent SAT or ACT score is not a guarantee of admission, but it can be the difference between the “maybe” and the “no” pile when admissions officers are reviewing applications.
A Gap Year Can Set the Stage for a More Meaningful College Experience
If you surveyed the participants of an average college freshmen orientation, you probably wouldn’t be surprised to learn that the incoming class has a variety of experiences and backgrounds. However, it might be surprising to learn about the growing number of students who chose to take extended time between completing high school and enrolling in a university of their choice. Deferring enrollment—typically coined a gap year—is when a student decides to forgo a traditional timeline in pursuit of a different experience.
How to Build a Strong Student Profile for College Admissions
Most savvy college applicants these days are finely tuned into the fact that it takes a lot more than being an accomplished, high-achieving student to gain a coveted acceptance to the nation's top institutions. But how exactly do you develop the best applicant profile? What can you do over your four years of high school to define your niche, find that hook, and, most importantly, become the best version of yourself that colleges will be excited to snatch right up?
Summer Activities for Grades K-12
It’s never too early to look into summer programs for your child. Summer programs are a great opportunity to delve into a subject more deeply, participate in sports activities, and prepare for standardized tests. Many summer programs offer subjects and opportunities you can’t find in most schools.
The Truth About Recommendation Letters
Grades and test scores are important factors when evaluating college applications, but they don't tell the whole story. When admissions officers evaluate applicants, they review both "hard factors" (quantitative measures like GPA) as well as "soft factors," such as essays, extracurricular activities, demonstrated interest, and recommendation letters. What role do letters of recommendation play during the college admissions process?
Tips to Ace the SAT and ACT: Develop an Effective Test-Taking Strategy
High school students should think about preparing for the SAT or ACT starting their sophomore year. Even as more U.S.
Top Essay Brainstorming Tips From Former Admissions Officers
The summer between junior and senior year is the prime time for college-bound students to start brainstorming and writing their college application essays. Students can get started on their Common App now, getting the bulk of the work out of the way before the start of the school year in the fall. The first step in figuring out how to get started on the Common App will be to take a look at their 2023-24 essay prompts and begin to brainstorm which topic to write about.
How to Prepare for College Apps Early in High School
By Rachel, IvyWise College Admissions Counselor and Former Assistant Dean of Admissions, Swarthmore College We often associate the spring of junior year as the time to begin college prep work, however, there are plenty of things students can do earlier in high school to help position themselves to be more successful in the college admissions process. It’s never too early to lay a strong foundation for your college application season senior year. In fact, colleges look at all four years of high school grades, courses, activities, and more when evaluating applicants – so the sooner you start your college prep the better.
College Recommendation Letter Guide for High School Seniors
By Kim, IvyWise College Admissions Counselor and former Admissions Officer at the University of Pennsylvania Since you likely won’t get to read your recommendation letters, they can be a pretty daunting part of the college application process. How do I know that my teacher or recommender will say something nice about me? How do I know if the letter is helpful?