Category: College Application Tips
Juniors: How to Get on Track with College Prep Before Summer Break
After three years of hard work, it is almost time for the Class of 2025 to apply to college! But what comes next? Join IvyWise college admissions counselors Judy and Tasha for a deep dive into the college application process and how you can set yourself up for success as you look ahead to the 2024-2025 college admissions cycle.
RegisterJunior year is a busy time for students, and arguably one of the most critical college prep years. There’s only a little bit of time left before summer break and juniors are suddenly rising seniors and ready to start applying to college. There’s a lot that juniors can do between now and then to prepare and get on track with their college prep.
Meet with Your CounselorFirst and foremost, if you haven’t already, make time to meet with your college counselor. Your college counselor is a great resource to help you figure out where you need to be with your prep and what you can do now to ensure that you’re prepared come next fall. Your
College Prep Planning for 8th Grade Students
As the Class of 2028 finishes up eighth grade and looks ahead to beginning high school, now is the perfect time to start thinking about how to make the most of their next few years. Join IvyWise college admissions counselors Kayon and Robin for a deep dive into the college application process and how you can set yourself up for success in high school.
Watch Now The easiest way to minimize the stress associated with the college admissions process is to start early! If you understand what admissions officers are looking for and what you need to check off your to-do list and when, you can avoid last-minute time crunches.Direct Admissions: How to Get Admitted Into College Without Applying
What if you could enroll at college without the additional stress of the competitive admissions process? It’s possible with direct admissions — a growing trend that more colleges and universities are using to increase education access, decrease gatekeeping, and save both applicants and admissions officers time and stress. But what is it, and how does it work? Learn more about direct admissions and how the process differs from traditional applications.
How to Find Accurate College Acceptance Rates
Every year we hear about “record-low college acceptance rates” for a number of already highly selective colleges and universities. With more students applying to more colleges, it’s no surprise that many schools across the U.S. are seeing their admission rates drop; however, that’s not always the case for every institution.
When building your balanced college list, it’s important to understand how your profile stacks up against the most recently admitted class and the overall college acceptance rates for each school to which you plan to apply. There are a number of places to find this information, but it’s not always easy to find, so we’ll break it down for you:
Yield Rates for the Class of 2027
After many colleges reported all-time low acceptance rates, some students might be curious about their yield rates, or just how many of these admitted applicants have chosen to enroll. Yield is a priority for every college because it impacts their place on rankings lists and it can also influence their bond ratings. Additionally, yield rates help schools evaluate their admissions process and how attractive they are to prospective students.
When Should You Write a Letter of Continued Interest?
A letter of continued interest (often referred to as a LOCI) is a written statement that a student sends to the admissions office of a school they are still interested in attending, despite being deferred or waitlisted. Generally, these letters reiterate the student’s interest in and fit for the college in question and update the admissions office on any achievements that the student has earned since submitting their initial application.
2024-25 Common App Essay Prompts
The Common Application has announced the personal statement essay prompts for the 2024-25 admissions season.
Test Score Submit Rates for the Class of 2027
The COVID-19 pandemic shifted the way higher education institutions review applications, with many colleges choosing to adopt a test-optional application review process. However, with record-breaking applicant pools and record-low admit rates, families are worried that test-optional may not really mean test-optional at all. Here is what we know, so far.
What If I Get Rejected From My Top-Choice College?
As colleges begin notifying applicants of their admissions decisions, many students — especially those who applied to highly-selective universities with notoriously low admit rates — may be faced with their worst-case scenario: getting rejected from their top-choice college. Receiving a rejection from a top-choice college can be crushing to students, but it’s not the end of the world.
Application Strategy: Learn How Early Decision Works
Once you’ve put the finishing touches on your list of best-fit colleges, it’s time to consider application strategy. More specifically, rising seniors need to decide when they will apply to the schools on their list.
Early Decision can be a great application option for a student who is passionate about a certain school and able to meet the deadline. Keep reading to learn more about this application strategy and to determine whether applying early is the right move for you.
What Happens if You Are Not Accepted Early Decision
Early Decision and Early Action notifications are right around the corner, and many students have already received their admissions decisions. With so many more students applying to college this year, unfortunately, there isn’t a spot for everyone. But remember, it isn’t the end of the world if you were not accepted early!
What to Do While Waiting for College Admissions Decisions
This time of year makes for very anxious high school seniors as many wait to hear back from colleges about their admissions decisions. The period between submitting applications and receiving decisions can feel like an eternity and often leaves students in an academic limbo with many thinking, “I’ve done all I can and the decision is in the hands of the admissions committee — what else can I do?”
4 Things to Review Before Submitting Your College Apps
Regular Decision deadlines are around the corner, which means it’s time for students to put the finishing touches on their applications. It’s a good idea to carefully review your applications before submitting, but what should you be mindful of when proofreading your college apps?
How to Find and Apply for Scholarships
Scholarships are a win-win: students can help reduce the costs associated with attending college while also adding to their resumes. As a bonus, the vast array of scholarship options means there is truly an opportunity for every student. However, it can be challenging to know where to find the right scholarships, and the process of applying for them on top of your college applications can seem daunting.
While the application process will vary depending on the scholarship you are pursuing, there are some tried-and-true tips that can help students stand out from the pack. Keep reading to learn more about what it takes to craft a compelling scholarship application.
Understanding EA vs. ED vs. EDII and More
Did you know that you can apply to a college early and get a decision way before most other students? Many colleges offer early application options, with students usually submitting their applications in October or November and receiving a decision by December. With the rise in the number of students applying to multiple colleges, and the difficulty of predicting yield, many colleges are offering a number of early application options. So how do you know if applying early is right for you?
Staying Up Late to Study Hurts Students More Than It Helps
For many high school students balancing standardized tests, school projects, assignments and extracurriculars, it may seem like there are not enough hours in the day to get everything done. As a result, many students are staying up late to study. According to a 2015 study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about seven out of 10 high school students aren’t getting enough sleep. In fact, Stanford Medicine refers to teen sleep deprivation as an epidemic.
UCLA Personal Statement: FAQ, Examples & Insider Tips
UCLA is part of the University of California system, which is comprised of nine campuses throughout the state. Students applying to UCLA must use the UC application — the University of California system does not use the Common App or Coalition Application. The application process includes several personal statement prompts, or what UC refers to as personal insight questions. Keep reading to learn more about these prompts and tips for responding to them.
Time Management Tips for Students
Energy and sanity can run low when a pile of work is never ending. Managing good grades, performing well at a big game or academic competition, spending quality time with family, and maintaining a social life can be exhausting. That’s why every student should invest in a time management game plan.
Valuable College Prep Resources for Every High School Student
If you’re planning to go to college, it’s essential to make all four years of high school count. Colleges look at your entire high school record — courses, grades, activities, and more — when evaluating college applications. They want to see how you have progressed over your time in high school and if you’re truly ready for the rigors of a college education. So, whether it’s your first year in high school, your senior year, or somewhere in between, these resources can help you on your path to higher education.
Guide to the Common Application: What Is the Common App and How to Use It
The Common Application officially opened for the 2023-24 college application season on August 1, allowing students across the globe to begin their college admissions journey. But what is the Common Application, exactly? Who can use it and when? You can build your college prep strategy more easily by understanding the Common App. Here’s what you need to know.
USC Letter of Recommendation: What You Need to Know
Is the University of Southern California on your college list? Part of USC’s application process includes submitting a letter of recommendation. While your academic performance in high school carries the most weight in the admissions process, a strong letter of recommendation from a teacher or school counselor will tell another piece of your story — who you are, how you conducted yourself at school, and how you might contribute to the campus community.
The letter of recommendation is an important part of your USC application, so it’s important to choose a recommender who can present you in the best possible light. Keep reading to learn more about what should go into the USC letter of recommendation.
