IvyWise Blog

The COVID-19 pandemic brought on numerous changes within the standardized testing industry, including the introduction of a new, entirely digital testing format and many colleges shifting to a test-optional admissions process for the 2020-21 admissions cycle.

Fast forward a few years. More than 1,900 colleges and universities in the U.S. extended their test-optional policies through the 2023-24 application cycle, with some making the move to test-optional even longer or 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 below.

One is on the East Coast, the other on the West Coast. Both have the industrious beaver as their mascot. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the California Institute of Technology are both scientific and technological titans and world leaders in cutting-edge research and innovation. Let’s explore the distinctive features of MIT and Caltech, so you can decide which college is right for you.

When searching for best-fit colleges, size is often one of the first things that students consider. Many college-bound students already have an idea of what they’re looking for in a school before they start researching specific institutions. Maybe they prefer a large student body with endless possibilities, like what you find at public research universities. Perhaps a small campus with an intimate atmosphere is preferable — a characteristic of many private colleges. Going with your gut is a good place to start, but there are many pros and cons to certain college sizes that students might overlook when building their balanced college list. 

Cornell University is an Ivy League institution nestled in the natural beauty of upstate New York. Its world-renowned programs in engineering, architecture, and hospitality, among others, are just a few reasons that many prospective students dream of attending Cornell. 

Like every other highly selective university and Ivy League member, Cornell has become increasingly competitive through the years. It’s important to understand what Cornell is looking for and what you can do to increase your chances of admission. Read on to learn more about Cornell and about what it takes to get in.

The value of a college degree is a topic of constant debate and often something families consider when preparing for the college admissions process. There is no denying that a college education is one of the most important investments families will ever make.

Students and parents often look beyond the prestige of name-brand schools and give more consideration to institutions with reputations for the best return on investment. If you’re looking for schools with great value and post-grad success, here is our list of schools with a great ROI!

Georgetown University, nestled in the heart of Washington, D.C., is renowned for its commitment to educating global citizens who are academically proficient and socially conscious. The admissions interview at Georgetown serves as a unique opportunity for applicants to expand on their written applications and showcase their personality, passion, and alignment with the university’s values. Keep reading to learn what the interview entails and how to ace it. 

Do you dream of writing a book or spend hours crafting poetic verses? Even if you have a natural talent for the written word, it never hurts to expand your knowledge and skills through a creative writing program in college. Here’s a look at some programs that will help aspiring writers improve their craft.  

College applicants often find themselves immersed in a sea of application deadlines, admission requirements, and decision anxieties. Among the various admissions policies, rolling admissions stands out as a flexible and dynamic approach. Understanding how rolling admission deadlines work can help you unlock a smoother and more personalized application process.

For those enamored with fashion and the latest style trends, there are a few fashion-specific colleges that immediately come to mind when considering where to pursue a degree in fashion. However, there are several great fashion design and merchandising programs at large and small colleges across the country. If you’re looking to break into the fashion industry, look for programs that offer the education and experience you need to succeed. We’ve picked out a few for you here.

Many colleges include an admissions interview as part of the application process, which is a great way to further demonstrate your interest, learn more about the school, and get answers to your questions. It’s a good idea to send a thank you note via email after you’ve been interviewed. Not only is it a good practice, but it helps keep you top of mind and gives you one more opportunity to make your case for admission. Keep reading to learn more about how to craft a good thank you email.