Seniors: The Common App is open! Get expert guidance on your applications.
Contact Us Today

IvyWise KnowledgeBase
Extracurricular Activities

IvyWise Exploring an Interest in Psychology

Exploring an Interest in Psychology

Do you enjoy learning about the brain and how it works, why we make the decisions we make, and how the brain influences our behaviors? Are you interested in mental health? If you answered yes to either (or both!) of these questions, psychology might be the path for you.

Read More
IvyWise How to Get Creative With STEM-Focused Passions

How to Get Creative With STEM-Focused Passions

Do I have to participate in STEM Olympiads? Should I have a research internship? I need a wow factor independent project, right? How do I find my thing?

Read More
IvyWise Uncovering Your Passions Using the College Admissions Process

Uncovering Your Passions Using the College Admissions Process

Most U.S. colleges and universities use a holistic review method when reviewing applicants for admission, considering various aspects of a student’s academic and personal record. This includes the tangibles, like a student’s four-year transcript, test scores, recommendation letters, and essays. 

Read More
IvyWise Exploring Independent Projects Using Social Media and Research

Exploring Independent Projects Using Social Media and Research

Are you interested in turning your love of memes and social media into a project that could help you get into college? There are a lot of creative ways that students can engage in their interests and have something for their college applications through independent projects.

Read More
IvyWise How to Plan a Productive Summer Break

How to Plan a Productive Summer Break

Summer will be here before you know it, and with time off of school, students should pursue activities and programs that align with their interests instead of coasting through their school break. A productive summer break can help students stand out in the admissions process — while also helping them to explore their interests and gain a better understanding of what they want to do with their college education.

Read More

Recruited or Not: How Sports Affect College Applications

When watching the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, I was in awe of the high school-aged kids like Chloe Kim and Red Gerard on Team USA. How do they balance their intensive training and extensive travel schedules with homework and school commitments? Surely being an Olympic athlete is impressive, but how do sports affect the college admissions process for regular students?

Read More
IvyWise Making an Impact Inside and Outside of the Classroom

Making an Impact Inside and Outside of the Classroom

When applying to college, the goal of most students is to “stand out.” They want to know what they can do to differentiate themselves from the thousands of other applicants they are competing against to win a spot at their top-choice college. Some students think a stellar essay will separate them from the pack. While others think a lengthy activity list, or an outstanding teacher recommendation, will tip the scales in their favor. While these are all important elements of college applications, one of the best ways to stand out when applying to college is to show how you’ve made an impact with your interests inside — and outside — of the classroom.

Read More

Developing Your Interests: Kickstarting Your Own Blog

We all know that grades and test scores are key factors in college admissions, but activities outside of the classroom are also very important. Schools are looking to build a class of specialists, so it’s important to hone in on a few interests you’re really passionate about and develop them.

Read More
IvyWise The Value of Research Mentorship

The Value of Research Mentorship

In the highly competitive world of college admissions, high school students seek every possible advantage to distinguish themselves from their peers. One significant, yet often overlooked, strategy is engaging in research mentorship — a unique opportunity to deeply explore an academic area of interest, develop critical skills, and demonstrate intellectual curiosity and a commitment to academic excellence. These attributes can substantially enhance your appeal to college admissions committees.

Read More
IvyWise What Colleges Look for in a Student’s Activities List

What Makes Extracurriculars Stand Out to College Admissions

“But what about the kids who start charities and do cancer research?” a mother asked me recently. She, like many others, was concerned about how her daughter’s list of extracurricular activities would stack up next to a group of lauded, accomplished high school seniors on her college applications.

Read More

Get the IvyWise Newsletter