College Lists

By Carolyn, IvyWise College Admissions Counselor If you are a high school 9th or 10th grader reading this article, chances are you are very excited about starting the college process. If that is the case, give yourself a big pat on the back for being proactive! Keep in mind, however, that the college search process will look different for underclassmen than it might for juniors and seniors.

By Tasha, IvyWise College Admissions Counselor When international students think about applying to college in the US, they may be surprised to find that there are over 3,000 four-year colleges and universities to which they can apply. When building their college list for U.S.

Students must weigh many considerations when compiling their list of best-fit colleges, including application fees. Many universities include a fee that applicants must pay when applying unless the student qualifies for fee waivers. However, there are a number of colleges without an accompanying application fee.

There are so many factors to consider when choosing a college. Students are thinking about everything from, “does this school offer the major I want to pursue?” to “will there be pick-up games of ultimate Frisbee on the quad?

Building your college list is one of the most exciting parts of the admissions process. Although creating a college list can seem big and daunting, learning about yourself and where you’re going to thrive as a student and individual can be a lot of fun. But building a college list isn’t just about filling it up with “good schools.

I’ve spent a lot of time over the past 15 years thinking about the answer to one (admittedly nerdy, very college counselor-y) question: if I could go to college all over again, which school would I choose? A decade and a half ago, I attended a medium-sized research institution in a major city in the southern U.S.

The balanced college list is arguably one of the most important college prep tasks that students will complete within the college admissions process. The college list not only guides where students will apply, but it also factors into students’ application strategy – which can help maximize their admission chances to their top-choice schools. Building a balanced college list, however, is not as simple as creating a laundry list of familiar schools to which a student will apply.

College rankings are often the first exposure that many students have to the concept of a “college list.” It’s easy to become familiar with a few “name brand” schools after seeing them at the top of a list, but what does that number actually mean? And should college rankings play a part in your college list research?

I hope you’re excited to see the latest installment of how Hollywood brings J.K. Rowling’s words to the big screen in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

If you’re passionate about learning, colleges will not only want to accept you—they’ll want to hire you! A career as a college professor means flexible hours, sharing your discoveries with eager young minds, and opportunities to study, research, and become an expert in your field. Not to mention those four special syllables: sabbatical.

There is a definite hierarchy to America’s universities. It’s a pecking order where only a handful of “elite” schools lead the pack in being the most selective, having top faculty, large financial resources and pristine campus facilities. While this hierarchy has, to some extent, remained fairly stable over the last century, there have been a few institutions that, with the help of smart leadership and some unique opportunities, have recently risen to prominence (and experienced a great increase of applications).

Picture this: you’re watching the Super Bowl on your big-screen TV. A player from your favorite team scores the winning touchdown. When he rips off his helmet, you say: “Hey, that guy was in my Russian Lit class!

Students all over the country are singing the praises of , FOX's smash-hit comedy-drama that chronicles the lives of high school glee club members. The first show of its kind, has awakened the musical interests of students across the country. Whether you've been belting out notes for years or are just discovering your vocal talents, there are many colleges where you can get a degree in any field you choose while also channeling your inner Rachel, Finn, or Kurt.

October brings the smells of pumpkins and apples, the sound of crunching leaves, and spookiness galore! For students who love a good scare, there are many schools that combine a great educational and social experience, and also have a haunting history. Whether you're just in the Halloween spirit or want to study among the spirits, here are five schools for a good haunting from the expert counselors at IvyWise: University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN "Win one for the Gipper!

In the US and in many countries around the world, this month kicked off with April Fools Day on April 1st. For students who enjoy a good laugh, there are many colleges with students who like to get in on the fun. In the spirit of jokes, shenanigans, and hoaxes, the counselors at IvyWise have identified five schools that are home to legendary pranks.

The election results are in and whether or not your preferred candidate won the race, it's easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of campaigns and politics. Students can discover or pursue their political interests in college by taking political science courses, government courses, and volunteering on local politicians' campaigns. Political science is one of the 10 most popular majors in the US, according to Careerbuilder.

Most commencement exercises are rooted in tradition: wearing school colors, singing the alma mater, flying the campus flag, listening to the valedictorian's speech, and marching in the staff-led procession. While these historic marks are part of many graduation ceremonies throughout the country, some colleges have their own quirky commencement traditions. Many schools have added a modern-day element, including East Carolina University, Hampton University, and the University of Pennsylvania, which encourage students to Tweet and follow updates on their mobile devices during the actual event.

Tis' the season! For college students around the US, December often brings final papers, presentations, and exams, as many students enter the home stretch before winter break. Luckily, at many colleges, this end-of-semester stress is lightened by snowy celebrations and holiday cheer.

If you're interested in problem solving and finding creative approaches to common dilemmas, you might want to consider pursuing an undergraduate degree in engineering. Engineers tackle real-world problems (like the BP oil spill!) and are responsible for finding answers as varied as the dimensions of a bridge, the density of traffic, the depth of waterways, or the complexity of cell growth.

Writing is an important skill for students and professionals to develop in order to succeed in the professional world. While aspiring writers may have a natural talent for the written word, it never hurts to expand one's knowledge and skills through an English or creative writing program in college. In honor of National Novel Writing Month, here are Dr.

In May the most famous jockeys and racehorses saddle up for one of the biggest racing events in the US, the Kentucky Derby. While the races are an exciting time of year and allow horse lovers of all ages the chance to cheer for their favorites, there's more to equestrianism than fancy hats and race day fun. There are many facets of the horse business that require extensive education and experience.

Summer is here, and with it comes warm weather and the desire to be beachside. For many college students, beach life isn’t just enjoyed over the summer break – sand and surf can be savored year-round! When building a balanced college list, a major factor that can influence a student’s decision about a school is location.

With summer upon us and college-bound students preparing for their first semester in college, few things can be more daunting for these rising college freshmen than leaving the comfort and security of mom's home cooking. However, the horror stories of campus dining are not all true, and there are some schools that are going the extra mile to keep students coming back for seconds. For those students who seek gastronomy within a standard meal plan, there are many schools known for their top-notch culinary creations.

May is National Bike Month! Bicycling is a popular mode of transportation on many campuses, and colleges around the country are making bicycling accessible to students for its physical, financial, environmental, and social benefits. Whether you’re looking for a school that offers a bike to ride or one that offers scenic paths to navigate, Dr.

Should entrepreneurs invest in a college education? Many may doubt the need for creative, driven, self-starters to spend time in a classroom when they could be working on entrepreneurial endeavors. However, as we all know, there’s always more to learn and much of that can be gained in the classroom before experiencing it in the real world.

Biology might seem like it’s just slides, cells, microscopes, and DNA models, but there’s a lot more to it than sitting in a lab all day. From conserving farm and grazing land, to developing new disease-resistant plants, to researching cures for a myriad of diseases, there’s a lot of biology that goes into making sure the things you use every day, especially during the holiday season, are safe for you and the environment. There are many different elements of the study of biology that can prepare you for a job in the lab or out in the field.

February is a big awards month. At ceremonies celebrating music and film, red carpets will be filled with alumni from some of the country's best schools. With the Grammy Awards this month, there are a number of musicians who partly owe their skills and successes to a stellar music education.

If you are not familiar with the term in regard to college students, a Co-Op (or Cooperative program) is a structured method of combining classroom-based education with practical work experience. It's a great way to make the school-to-work transition. Co-ops and robust career service centers at colleges and universities help students to gain valuable work experience while still in school, preparing them for a competitive job market upon graduation.

What makes a great leader? Is someone born a leader, or can such skills be learned and cultivated? Each February on President’s Day, we honor great leaders throughout the history of the United States.

On February 26th, Hollywood’s best will take to the red carpet for the 84th annual Academy Awards. The event’s coveted prize (officially called an Academy Award of Merit, commonly known as an Oscar) is presented to actors, writers, directors, producers, and technicians for excellence in film, and the telecast is watched by nearly 40 million people from around the globe. Whether you love the excitement of taking center stage, or you prefer to work your magic behind the scenes, the expert counselors at IvyWise have developed a list of schools for future Oscar winners.

Admission to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs has become increasingly competitive, so it's important to do your homework when it comes to identifying programs that meet your academic and career goals. We've covered other schools for various STEM programs previously, including schools for biology and engineering, but there are career options beyond being a scientist or engineer. One STEM major or track that frequently flies under students' radars is veterinary medicine.

Springtime is here, everything is in bloom, and with that comes an emphasis on protecting Mother Nature we love so much! Colleges across the country are implementing more green technologies in order to have environmentally-friendly campuses, and for some students an emphasis on green living is an important aspect of campus culture. In honor of Arbor Day on April 26, Dr.

March is National Nutrition Month, and nothing complements a strong mind more than a healthy body. For students, it's important to eat well and get plenty of sleep, but sometimes college life isn't positively associated with healthy living. With common misconceptions about the "freshman fifteen," stress eating when cramming for finals, and the overall nutritional quality of campus food, students may feel like a healthy lifestyle might be lost on campus.

Many colleges and universities in the US spread the holiday spirit by giving back to the community through fundraisers, food and toy drives, and other holiday events. By committing time and resources to those in need, students and colleges bring holiday cheer during this season of giving. In honor of the holiday season, here is Dr.

In an increasingly global environment, international relations is becoming more relevant and popular as a course of study at colleges throughout the U.S. If you dream of being a United Nations ambassador, a volunteer for the Peace Corps, or maybe even the President of the United States, the expert counselors at IvyWise have compiled a list of schools where you can get a global perspective on cross-cultural interactions.

It's February, and if that isn't indication enough, the falling temperatures and snowstorms across the country certainly prove that it's winter here in the United States! While some people may dread the cold weather, a select breed has been patiently anticipating this season for months: skiers and snowboarders. Whether you're an expert when it comes to alpine sports or a novice looking to learn, if you want to combine a great college education and experience with snowy weather, then you'll definitely want to consider this list of colleges for skiing and alpine sports compiled by the team of expert counselors at IvyWise.

STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) is a hot topic in higher education, with many colleges expanding their STEM programs in order to meet student demand. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, “employment in occupations related to STEM is projected to grow to more than 9 million between 2012 and 2022.” Students interested in science, technology, engineering, and math have a variety of college options – from specialized institutions to large universities and small private colleges.

The 2014 Winter Olympics opened last week, and with the games comes a renewed interest in fun, and even unusual, winter sports. If proximity to the slopes or the ability to hit the ice in between classes is a high priority in your college search, check out Dr. Kat's favorite schools for winter sports and activities.

From welcome weekends to new student mixers, colleges and universities put on a variety of orientation programs to welcome freshmen to the campus community. These activities scheduled in the days and weeks before classes start are an exciting time for incoming freshman and mark a right of passage. Dr.

Though it may seem hard to believe, the topic of women’s history is a relatively recent addition to higher education, having been largely absent prior to the 1970s. To address this issue, the Education Task Force of California established Women’s History Week. Strong support eventually led to Congress declaring March as Women’s History Month, and today thousands of events celebrate the accomplishments of female leaders in various fields.