ED vs. EA vs. RD: Learn how to plan your decision round strategy in our webinar.
REGISTER NOW

IvyWise Blog

College counselor meets with student to discuss academic planning and goals.

Academic Advising 101: What Is Academic Advising?

Most people understand what teachers, guidance counselors, and professors do. Yet, there is a lot of uncertainty about an adjacent educational career that is just as important: academic advisor. You can find academic advisors at colleges and universities or work with one outside of campus.

Read More
Smiling student with backpack, headphones, and red folder ready for college.

The Ultimate Guide to Navigating College Fairs Successfully

Fall is college fair season, and high school juniors across the country will have the opportunity to explore different colleges and learn more about schools they’re interested in applying to next year. If you’re starting to think about what you want out of your college experience, college fairs are a great opportunity to get valuable information and speak directly to college representatives.

Read More
Smiling student with laptop and headphones looks toward her bright future.

How to Write an Impressive College Application Essay

College application essays are a critical aspect of the admissions process, offering an opportunity to showcase your individuality beyond the standard application forms and test scores. A well-crafted essay can highlight your unique personality, experiences, and aspirations, providing college admissions officers with a more holistic view of who you are.

Read More
Smiling student with camera and laptop explores visual storytelling for college application.

How to Choose the Right Extracurriculars for College

When preparing students for the college admissions process, we place a lot of emphasis on identifying and developing students’ interests in addition to good grades and test scores. As we’ve said before, students’ interests are important because it helps colleges make admissions decisions and build well-rounded classes.

Read More
Student thoughtfully considers college essay ideas with pen and notebook.

IB vs. AP: Which Is Best for College Admissions?

For high school students looking to make the most of their courses, choosing between an International Baccalaureate (IB) and Advanced Placement (AP) curriculum is often a top priority. While both choices are academically rigorous and can lead to college credit, there are also profound differences between the two programs.  

Read More
Student writing college application essay with laptop nearby.

High School Classes: What to Choose to Prepare for College

While college may feel like a distant challenge on the horizon, it’s important for high school students to choose their classes carefully to begin preparing for their next academic milestone. Admissions officers will review the courses students take from their first year of high school onwards, which is why it’s crucial to be selective about the classes you’re taking to ensure they align with your long-term goals.

Read More
Diverse group of students laughing and collaborating with laptops and tablets.

How to Apply to a U.S. College as an International Student

High school students across the U.S. aren’t the only ones trying to navigate the often-confusing college application process — students around the world are, too. And many are thinking about coming to the U.S. for their higher education.

Read More
Diverse group of smiling students walking on a college campus path.

Yield Rates for the Class of 2030

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.

Read More
Students collaborate on college applications using laptops and a phone.

4 Reasons Why College Prep Can Be Fun

Who says preparing to apply to college can’t be enjoyable? Of course, college prep still involves working hard, earning the best grades possible, and achieving your target scores on standardized tests, but there’s a lot you can control about the process that can — and should — be fun. 

Read More
College students walk towards a campus building, ready to learn and succeed.

Starting College: Resources for New Students

Summer is almost here, and college-bound seniors will soon start preparing for their first year on campus. While it’s tempting to just enjoy the lazy days of summer — especially if you have been accepted to college — it’s still important to spend your summer productively. Fall term will be here before you know it, so it’s good to be prepared.

Read More