Category: College Prep
The NYU Interview: What to Expect and How to Prepare
With a location in the heart of New York City and a plethora of renowned programs and internship opportunities, it’s easy to understand why New York University is a top choice on many students’ best-fit lists. As a result, New York University is also a highly competitive college, with acceptance rates falling to approximately 12% in recent years.
Given the school’s rigorous admissions process, applicants must do everything they can to stand out for all of the right reasons, including acing the NYU interview. Keep reading to learn more about what these conversations entail and how you can maximize your performance to boost your admissions odds.
IvyWise Scholars Spotlight: Benson
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As part of our IvyWise Gives Back initiative, IvyWise Scholars is our pro bono college admissions counseling program for high-achieving, low-income students. We caught up with IvyWise Scholar Benson, a gifted student from Louisiana, to learn more about his college admissions journey, what it’s like to work with IvyWise during this process, and get some of his college prep advice for other students.
IvyWise Scholars Spotlight: Nicole
IvyWise Scholars Spotlight: Nevaeh
IvyWise Scholars Spotlight: Mary
IvyWise Scholars Spotlight: Mariel
IvyWise Scholars Spotlight: Erica
IvyWise Scholars Spotlight: Alyssa
IvyWise Scholars Spotlight: Afua
What Does a College Counselor Do?
When students start learning about the college admissions process, typically during their freshman year of high school if not before, there’s a lot of uncertainty around what their admissions journey might look like.
While every student will have the support of their friends, family, and teachers, it can also be beneficial to receive personalized guidance from a trusted source who knows the admissions process inside and out—which is exactly what your counselor can help you with.
How to Set Test Prep Goals for 2020
Get a Head Start on Planning for the New Year
With the new year right around the corner, now’s the time to start thinking about your test prep goals for 2020. Whether you’re a freshman who is just beginning to think about college, a sophomore gearing up to start test prep, or a junior who is already in the thick of it, there are concrete steps that you can take in 2020 to get closer to achieving your test prep goals.
What You Need to Know Before You Apply to Duke
Learn More About this Top College Before Applying
Duke University is a renowned university in North Carolina with a rich history, top-tier academics and lots of school spirit. Consequently, it is an extremely popular choice amongst high school seniors with a variety of different interests and specialties.
What to Do The Morning of the SAT and ACT
U.S. vs. U.K. College Costs
How Do College Costs Stack Up Across the Pond?
Cost a very important factor to consider for most students applying to college, especially for those interested in schools in both the U.S. and the U.K. In order to adequately budget for a college degree, applicants need to not only account for tuition costs, but also related expenses such as application fees, tuition, the cost of living in certain cities, and more. U.S. colleges can be pricey, however, it’s not a guarantee that attending university in U.K. will be less expensive in the long run.
Extracurricular Activities for Freshmen and Sophomores
Colleges want to see what students are doing outside of the classroom, so high school students should seek out extracurricular opportunities that they’re passionate about and match their interests. For high school freshmen and sophomores, it can be hard to figure out exactly what their interests are and the activities that best suit those passions. Luckily, there are a number of resources for high school freshmen and sophomores to help them identify their core interests and find opportunities that support them.
January Feature: What’s the 1 In a 4-1-4 Academic Calendar?
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At IvyWise we like to highlight colleges, programs, and facets of college life that many students may not be aware of. Each month, we will highlight a unique aspect of a school, program, or event in an effort to help students learn more about the variety of institutions in the US – and the many different ways they can get a best-fit education.
Dartmouth Announces AP and IB Credit Changes
School reevaluates awarding college credit for high school courses
Students take Advanced Placement (AP) courses throughout high school, in a variety of subjects, for many different reasons. AP courses can positively weight a student’s GPA, are challenging and are viewed favorably by college admissions counselors on transcripts, and they offer a student with a particular academic curiosity more knowledge and work in that interest. Additionally, most colleges award students who have earned a particular score on the AP exam, usually a 4 or 5, college credit or exemption from core requirements. Gaining credit before enrolling in college courses can lighten students’ workloads, give them the option of graduating early, and may save them money on tuition.
Finding Your Best Fit School: Spotlight on Tulane
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This week, our IvyWise intern, Becca, shares what she loved about attending Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana.
I have always believed that attending college in New Orleans is like studying abroad for four years. The food, music, and Mardi Gras make living in the “Big Easy” an experience unlike any other. “Lessez les bon temps roulez” (let the good times roll) is a city mantra ever apparent throughout NOLA, including on the campus of Tulane University.
Standardized Tests – ACT vs SAT
The Best Test: ACT vs SAT
Today is the registration deadline for the October 1st SAT, and tomorrow’s ACT marks the first standardized test of the 2011-2012 academic year. While the concept can be intimidating, standardized testing doesn’t have to be an ordeal. As of 2007, every four-year college that accepts the SAT also accepts the ACT. Determining which test is best for you (based on format, timing, and content) is an important step in ensuring testing success. At IvyWise, we recommend taking one practice SAT and one practice ACT test under realistic testing conditions, scoring both tests, and comparing initial scores. Once you determine which test is better suited to your individual abilities and begin studying, we recommend taking a practice test weekly for eight to ten weeks leading up to the actual test date.