The college admissions process is now more competitive than ever before. Applicant numbers are consistently rising at colleges across the country, so it’s important to do everything you can to ensure your application is as competitive as possible. But to be competitive, you also need to understand how college applications are reviewed and what factors into admission decisions.
At IvyWise, we stand in full solidarity with all students affected. We firmly believe that international students are an essential part of the fabric of U.S. higher education; they are not political pawns or mere statistics — they are crucial contributors to U.S. higher education and to society at large. International students enrich classrooms, foster global collaboration, fuel innovation, and strengthen the U.S.’s role as a global leader. Their presence is not only valuable — it is vital.
The term “Ivy League” often conjures images of ivy-covered buildings, academic prestige, and a long lineage of influential alumni. But what exactly defines an Ivy League school and why do these institutions hold such an esteemed reputation in the world of higher education? Why are Ivy League rankings among the highest globally? And is the Ivy League worth it? We’ll explore what sets these schools apart and why they continue to hold such a powerful place in the world of higher education.
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 part of our IvyWise Gives Back initiative, we offer the IvyWise Scholars pro bono counseling program. Each year, we accept a select number of eligible students into the program. Through a combination of college counseling and tutoring, IvyWise Scholars are empowered to achieve their personal and academic goals.
If college is the gateway to the real world, then high school is the long highway that precedes it. After four years of high school, you might feel as though you are totally unprepared for the challenges of higher education. Although pumped-up academic standards are a big part of the college transition, being a college student also calls for independence, maturity, and responsibility.
New York University (NYU) continues to be one of the most sought-after institutions for higher education, attracting a diverse and talented pool of applicants from around the globe. This has led to increased competition for admission and lower acceptance rates. If you wish to join the student body, understanding NYU admissions statistics is an important first step.
Summer break is a great time to relax, but it shouldn’t be spent just lounging around! In fact, summer is a perfect time to pursue your interests, and one way to do that is through reading and research. A productive summer keeps you engaged, fights summer brain drain, and gives you the opportunity to pursue activities that relate to your interests to better prepare for the college admissions process.
If you have a passion for STEM, stepping outside the classroom curriculum and diving into STEM resources can deepen your understanding in ways traditional learning sometimes can’t — not to mention, it makes you a more competitive STEM applicant. This curated list of books, periodicals, podcasts, and documentaries is designed to introduce you to new ideas and perspectives, help you develop critical thinking skills, broaden your vocabulary, and perhaps even discover the specific area of STEM that truly captivates you.
The SAT may have changed a lot in recent years, including going digital-only for international students in 2023 and for the U.S. in 2024. But one thing hasn’t changed — a good SAT score will help you gain acceptance into the schools on your college list, even if they’re test-optional. Of course, standardized test scores are just one component of a strong college application, but they help provide a more comprehensive picture of your college readiness. If you’re preparing to take the SAT, keep reading to learn more about how the score is broken down, what’s considered a good score, and what the score range is for the middle 50% of enrolled students at some of the top universities in the U.S.
