IvyWise KnowledgeBase

Just like playing slots in a casino where the outcome is not something you can predict with any degree of certainty, so, too, is the game of collegiate athletic recruitment. In light of the Operation Varsity Blues scandal, the college admissions process and particularly athletic recruitment practices have come under heavy scrutiny, but the process is actually much more complicated and selective than many believe. Here’s a look at what really goes into being recruited as an athlete at the Division I level.

The Common Application for the 2025-26 college application season opens on August 1, 2025! The Common App essay prompts will remain the same for the upcoming admissions cycle.

For students that have already selected an essay topic, starting on the actual writing process can be just as intimidating. “Process” is the key word here. Writing takes time, and you must set aside at least several weeks to work on the personal essay. So how do you dive into the “process?” And where do you start? Well, I’m here to help you get started!

If you’re looking to apply to graduate school or plan to take the ACT, you might soon be faced with a computer-based standardized test. Computer-based testing (CBT) is increasingly the norm, as test makers feel they can be delivered and administered more securely, with the trend moving towards exams entirely unique to individual test-takers. This trend accelerated with the College Board’s recent move to an all-digital SAT, which involved a major overhaul of that test’s content.

Superman pajamas, summer road trips in an RV, driving a carriage, a Cuban grandfather. All seemingly disparate topics, yet these subjects happen to be from some of the most memorable college essays I read as an admissions counselor. Selecting a topic for your college application essay can be one of the most daunting tasks, and finding the right topic takes creativity and soul-searching.

Applying to grad school is a big decision for many students and working professionals. Whether you’re still in college or have a few years of work experience under your belt, it’s likely been a few years since you’ve applied to school. The graduate admissions process can be daunting, but understanding how it works and when to start can make it more manageable.

For some international students applying to U.S. universities, the SAT or ACT might not be the only test scores required as part of their application. Some colleges and universities might require international applicants to submit TOEFL scores, too.

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.

It’s important to dream big when planning for your future, but college bound students also need to dream smart when it comes to their college lists. A list too heavy on “reach” schools leads to an unbalanced college list and a greater chance of students being left with few offers of admission come decision day.

The spring semester is a popular testing time for college-bound students and is often the first time that high school juniors crack open an SAT or ACT prep book. What’s important for younger students to realize, however, is that starting test prep early — even in ninth or 10th grade — can help students have the best chance of reaching their goal scores and mitigate the stress caused by too much testing at once.