How to Get into USC: All You Need to Know
The University of Southern California — or USC, as it’s best known — is a top research university and one of the most selective schools in the country. Located in sunny Los Angeles, California, it’s been a pioneer in academic and research initiatives since its beginnings in 1880.
Class of 2028 Admission Rates
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.
How to Pace Yourself on the ACT and SAT
Join IvyWise college admissions and test prep experts to learn about important changes in standardized testing, including:
Many selective universities, including Brown, Caltech, Dartmouth, Harvard, and Yale, will be returning to requiring test scores for the 2024-2025 admissions cycle Others, including Cornell, Johns Hopkins, and Stanford, will reinstate the requirement for the 2025-2026 cycle The Digital SAT is now being offered both in the U.S. and abroad The ACT recently announced changes to its test format and length Watch nowThe SAT and ACT are the most often used exams for college admissions in the U.S., and given that they are standardized, they must be taken under strict time constraints. Students can struggle with the limited amount of time per question, leaving points on the table when they’re unable to finish certain sections. Simple pacing strategies, however, can help students improve their test performance and overall scores.
The SAT and ACT, rather than strictly measuring aptitude or knowledge, are essentially set up to also gauge how well students perform under pressure and implement test-taking strategies. Each section on
6 Tips For Recording a College Application Video
Many colleges are known for getting creative with their essay prompts, sometimes asking weird and wacky questions to encourage students to dig for thoughtful, creative responses. Another way some colleges are shaking up the college admissions process is with college application videos.
5 FAQs I Get as a Counselor and Former Admissions Officer
By Carolyn, IvyWise College Admissions Counselor
In a recent interview on the Smartless podcast, renowned scientist and MIT professor Max Tegmark was asked how he explains his job to people he just met. If he doesn’t feel like talking to the person asking, he explained, he simply says he works in physics, which is boring and confusing enough that there are typically no follow-up questions. If he feels like talking, however, he calls himself an astronomer, which usually leads to more interesting and entertaining conversations.
How to Get into Vanderbilt: All You Need to Know
Whether you are beginning the college search process or finalizing your list, this is a great opportunity to learn all about Vanderbilt from those who used to recruit and admit students to the university. There will be a live Q&A session following their presentation, allowing attendees to have their questions about college admissions and Vanderbilt answered directly by IvyWise experts.
Join us on Monday, November 4 at 3pm ET.
RegisterA highly selective institution that’s known for its engineering, education, music, and humanities programs, Vanderbilt University is a top choice for many students. The institution attracts applicants from around the world due to its stellar academic reputation, beautiful campus, and location in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee.
Due to Vanderbilt’s selectivity, admission is highly competitive and challenging even for the most talented students. If you dream of being a Commodore, you will need to start early on college prep and build a profile that helps you stand out. Keep reading to learn what it takes to get into Vanderbilt.
How to Get into Vanderbilt: Table of Contents
When to ApplyPSAT Math Test Explained: Key Areas and Question Types
The Preliminary SAT (PSAT), also known as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT), is an important standardized exam for high school students, typically taken in the 10th or 11th grade. The PSAT Math test assesses your proficiency in mathematical reasoning, problem solving, and critical thinking. A strong performance on the math section not only reflects a solid foundation in math skills but can also help you qualify for scholarships and prepare for future college admissions tests such as the SAT.
Dealing with College App Anxiety: Tips to Help Students Cope
For many high school seniors, fall semester can feel particularly stressful. Between maintaining top grades, putting the finishing touches on personal statements, and applying to colleges, students have a lot of important items on their agendas.
How Early Decision Works: A Guide to the Early Rounds
Learn the differences between the various application rounds (Early Action, Early Decision, and Regular Decision), how to identify the best round to apply in for each college on your list, and what steps to take if deferred during an early application round.
Watch now Once you’ve put the finishing touches on your list of best-fit colleges, it’s time to consider application strategy. More specifically, seniors need to decide when they will apply to the schools on their list.Early Decision can be a great application option for a student who is passionate about a certain school and able to meet the deadline. While it may not be for everyone, understanding how Early Decision works can help students determine what kind of application strategy aligns with their needs and goals.
3 Fun Friday the 13th College Campus Traditions
While Friday the 13th is traditionally associated with superstitions and fears, it has paved the way for some unique college campus traditions. Beyond the folklore, some universities have created their own quirky and spirited traditions that turn this supposedly ominous day into a day of fun.
How to Get into MIT: All You Need to Know
Whether you are beginning the college search process or finalizing your list, this is a great opportunity to learn all about MIT from those who used to recruit and admit students to the university.
Watch nowAs a leading research university with acceptance rates that mirror the Ivy League, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology attracts students from around the world. MIT has plenty of top-tier programs, in addition to a dual degree program with neighboring Wellesley College.
Gaining admission to MIT is a challenge even for the best students. That’s why it’s important to get an early start on college prep and build the strongest profile you can. Learn more about getting into MIT and what to consider as you prepare your application.
How to Get into MIT: Table of Contents
When to Apply to MIT How Hard Is It to Get into MIT: Early Prep How Do You Actually Get into MIT: The Application Class Profile What Makes MIT Unique? MIT FAQs When to Apply to MITStudents who hope to gain admission to MIT need
How to Get into New York University: All You Need to Know
With a location in the heart of New York City and an array of top-ranked academic programs, New York University is a popular choice for many students. The institution has plenty of research and learning opportunities to offer, as well as all the advantages associated with going to school in a major metropolitan city.
How to Set Effective College Prep Goals
by Scott, IvyWise College Admissions Counselor
Setting goals is a great way to motivate yourself to achieve something that’s meaningful to you. And if getting into college is a major goal, then you can break it down into smaller, more manageable steps related to academic performance and expanding your knowledge in areas of interest. These two go together, and both are important for college admissions.
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.
How to Get into Princeton: All You Need to Know
Whether you are getting ready to start the college search process or are already finalizing your balanced college list, this is a great opportunity to learn all about Columbia, Princeton, and Harvard from those with firsthand admissions experience at these Ivy League universities.
Watch now Princeton tops many students’ lists for dream schools to attend. Like most other Ivy League colleges, the university is known for its rigor and increasingly competitive applicant pool. As competition for a seat at the top-rated college intensifies, most future applicants are asking themselves the same question: What does it really take to earn admission to Princeton University?How to Write Princeton Supplemental Essays
If Princeton is at the top of your list for best-fit colleges, you know that every component of your application counts. With an acceptance rate of 4.5% for the class of 2027, it’s clear that applicants are going to have to submit their best work to be competitive, and that includes writing compelling supplemental essays.
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.
How to Get into Harvard: All You Need to Know
Whether you are getting ready to start the college search process or are already finalizing your balanced college list, this is a great opportunity to learn all about Columbia, Princeton, and Harvard from those with firsthand admissions experience at these Ivy League universities.
Watch nowWhen it comes to college acceptances, many applicants view Harvard University as the gold standard for admissions success. While the Ivy League college may not be a best-fit option for every student, there’s no doubt that plenty of future applicants are eager to gain a seat in Harvard’s next class of admitted students. So, what does it really take to get in?
How to Get into Harvard University: Table of Contents
When to Apply to Harvard University How Hard Is It to Get into Harvard: Early Prep How Do You Actually GetHarvard University Supplemental Essay 2024-25 Prompt Guide
If Harvard is one of your top-choice schools, you may be wondering how you can make your application stand out to the admissions committee. This is where your college essays come in. If done well, they can set you above other applicants. However, these essay prompts require short, creative answers, which is not an easy task. Keep reading to learn more about Harvard’s supplemental essays for the 2024-25 admissions cycle and how to craft them.
How to Get into Columbia University: All You Need to Know
Whether you are getting ready to start the college search process or are already finalizing your balanced college list, this is a great opportunity to learn all about Columbia, Princeton, and Harvard from those with firsthand admissions experience at these Ivy League universities.
Watch nowAs an Ivy League school based in New York City, Columbia University is a top choice for many students. The school offers a variety of well-regarded programs and is known for its signature Core Curriculum, part of the Columbia student experience for over a century.
Thousands of students submit applications to Columbia University each
How to Write the Columbia University Supplemental Essays
Columbia University is a popular choice for many students. Its prime location in the heart of New York City and its renowned Core Curriculum are just two of the many reasons this Ivy League institution receives tens of thousands of applications each year.
