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IvyWise Blog

 

Class of 2029 Regular Decision Notification Dates

Are you ready for Regular Decision notification dates? Admissions offices across the U.S. are working hard to get through hundreds of thousands of Regular Decision college applications for the class of 2029 in order to notify students of their decisions this spring.

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Class of 2029 Early Decision Notification Dates

The college admissions season is flying by, and before you know it early admission decisions will be released. Here’s our annual list of early admission decision notification dates!

Beginning last year, the college admissions cycle feels like more of a return to “normal.” After two years of primarily virtual college tours, many schools reopened their campuses for visitors. While remote during the COVID-19 pandemic, students applying during the 2023-24 admissions cycle have spent most of their time in high school attending in-person classes.

However, some of the college admissions changes brought about by the pandemic remain. Most notably, many schools are maintaining test-optional admissions policies. Students also still have the option to discuss how the pandemic impacted their admissions process in the Common App’s optional section.

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2025-26 Common App Essay Prompts

The Common Application has announced the personal statement essay prompts for the 2025-26 admissions season.

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College Waitlists: How to Get Admitted

You’ve worked hard throughout high school, hoping to be admitted into one of your top-choice colleges. You put time and effort into your application and supplements, only to find out you’ve been placed on the waitlist. Confused? You’re not alone. Fortunately, there are steps you can take in this situation.

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A List of Testing Policies by School

More than 2,100 colleges and universities in the U.S. extended their test-optional policies through the 2024-25 application cycle or beyond, with some making the move to test-optional permanent. Other schools have since reinstated their standardized testing requirements.

Curious about the testing policies of the schools on your best-fit list? Check out our recently updated list.

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3 Skills to Master for Standardized Test Success

Love ‘em or hate ‘em, standardized tests are an important part of college admissions, especially with more schools going back to requiring test scores. While test prep can certainly help you improve your score by a lot, mastering a few key skills can make all the difference when it comes to achieving your goal score on the SAT or ACT.

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Exploring Academic Enrichment Beyond the Classroom

If you’re a college-bound high school student, you are likely already aware that it’s important to build a strong profile for college admissions. Colleges wants you to demonstrate on your application how you developed and deepened your academic interests throughout high school. A good way to do this is through academic enrichment.

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Test Prep Resources

Standardized tests are an important part of the undergraduate and graduate admissions process. That’s why it’s crucial to have a good test prep strategy. Whether you’re gearing up for the SAT, ACT, GRE, or any other standardized test, we’ve got you covered.

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How to Use Social Media in College Admissions

In today’s digital age, social media plays a significant role in various aspects of our lives, including the college admissions process. While it can have both positive and negative impacts, understanding how to navigate and leverage social media effectively can help you elevate your profile and stand out in your college applications.

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Using Chess to Your Advantage in College Admissions

In the competitive world of college admissions, students are constantly seeking ways to stand out from the crowd. One unique and intellectually stimulating activity that can give applicants an edge is playing chess. Beyond being a classic game of strategy and skill, chess offers numerous benefits that can enhance a student’s application. From developing critical thinking and problem-solving abilities to demonstrating dedication and discipline, the skills honed through chess can make a compelling case to admissions committees. 

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