These Are a Few of Our Favorite Things...
This week, our Executive Assistant, Amanda, shares what she loved about attending New York University in New York City, New York:
Recent Posts
5 Ways to Narrow Down Your List of Colleges
5 Ways to Narrow Down Your List of Colleges
So many colleges, so hard to find the best fit. As rising seniors create their college lists this summer, many students find that creating an expansive list of schools they’d like to go to is easier than winnowing down the list. Here are some tips from Dr. Kat to help narrow your focus.
Topics:
For High School Seniors
For Choosing a College
For College Admissions Resources
For Creating a College List
Read More »
One Year of the IvyWise Blog
Happy Birthday, IvyWise Blog!
One year ago today, we launched the IvyWise blog. We wanted the blog to be a free and accessible way to share expert information about the college admissions process with students and their families. Our IvyWise staff and counselors have truly enjoyed contributing to the blog and we hope that you enjoy reading it. In honor of our first birthday, we thought we’d take a look at some of the topics we’ve covered in the past year, and hope that you will tell us what you want to see from us in the year to come.
Finding Your Best Fit School: Spotlight on Skidmore College
Finding Your Best Fit School: Spotlight on Skidmore College
This week one of our new interns, Sara, shares why she chose Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY. Sara will be a freshman at Skidmore this fall:
Dr. Kat’s List: Colleges for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Dr. Kat’s List: Colleges for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Do you dream of opening a restaurant, launching a tech start-up, or spearheading a social justice initiative? Are you excited by leadership and innovation? Do you see yourself as the next Bill Gates or Oprah Winfrey? While there are many ways to prepare for an entrepreneurial career, an undergraduate degree in Entrepreneurial Studies may provide you with a strong academic foundation and the resources to develop the next great idea. Dr. Kat and the expert counselors at IvyWise have identified a list of schools to invest some time researching as you start your college search:
College Acceptance Rates, Then and Now
College Acceptance Rates, Then and Now
This summer, as many rising seniors create their college list, we remind our students that there are no guarantees when it comes to college admissions. Admission at the nation's most selective schools has become much more competitive over the past decade. To add some perspective, keep in mind that parents of today's high school students likely applied to college 20 or more years ago.
Topics:
For Choosing a College
For College Admissions Resources
For Creating a College List
For College Acceptance Rates
For College Applications
Read More »
IvyWise Experts' College Application Tips
Our Best Advice for Students Embarking on the College Admissions Process
IvyWise students often begin working on the college admissions process in the spring of 11th grade, and many of our rising seniors complete the bulk of their college application work before even starting senior year! Once school ends, many students begin intensively researching colleges, creating a college list, and drafting essays. We’ve asked some of our college admissions counselors, advisers, and friends to share their best advice for students embarking on the college admissions process:
College Application Resume and Activity List
Creating and Updating Your Activity List/Resume
When it comes to your college applications, you will likely need to submit a resume or activity list. Colleges are not admitting facts and figures, they want living, breathing human beings with likes and dislikes, passions and aversions. What Dr. Kat calls your "soft factors," your essays, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular involvement, will tell an admissions committee what kind of person you are. From the quality and duration of your participation in certain activities, a college admissions officer will gain a more in-depth understanding of your personality and character.
College Applications: How to Address Red Flags
College Applications: How to Address Red Flags
As the academic year winds down, students finishing their junior year may be looking to get a head start on the college application process. Almost every student gets nervous about college applications, but for students who have to explain an infraction, grade dip, or extenuating circumstances, there's an even higher level of anxiety. Are you afraid that a "red flag" on your file will drop it straight into the ‘denial’ pile? Make an appointment with your guidance counselor or with an independent college counselor to address any red flags on your application in an articulate, comprehensive, and responsible way.
Hiring an Independent College Counselor
10 Tips for Choosing an Independent College Counselor
Previously, we gave you a list of ways that you can work with your high school college counselor during the college admissions process. For families seeking additional guidance, it may be helpful to also use an independent college counselor.
Topics:
For Students and Parents Interested in IvyWise
For College Planning
For Working with an Independent Counselor
Read More »
