Here's What International Students From the UAE Need to Know When Applying to US Universities

By Dr. Kat Cohen, IvyWise CEO & Founder

Applying to US universities as an international applicant can be a daunting process, especially since admission rates for international students at top US universities can be significantly lower than those for US students. According to the most recent Open Doors report, there are over 90,000 students from the Middle East studying in the US. Applicants from all over the world are competing for spots at the top universities in the US, and with limited spots, the process is extremely selective.

Learn What it Takes to Stand Out at This Elite West Coast University

Although not technically part of the Ivy League, Stanford is virtually as selective as any of the institutions within this esteemed group of colleges. In fact, after Stanford’s acceptance rate plummeted to less than 5% in 2018, the school decided to stop releasing information on its admission rate.

Stay Calm Throughout Application Season with These Top Tips

For many high school seniors, the fall semester can feel particularly stressful. Between maintaining top grades, putting the finishing touches on personal statements, and applying to colleges, there are a lot of important items on students’ agendas.

Simple Things Students Can Do to Go Green This Year

Everyone should do their part to protect the planet, and for some students "going green" can also be a valuable opportunity to explore a pressing cause that has become a major focus in the US lately. Recent reports have found that the Earth is warming much faster than previously thought – raising concerns among teens around the globe. A recent survey found that a majority of US teens are worried about climate change and 1 in 4 have participated in some form of activism on the topic of the Earth's climate. 

Your College Recommendation Letters Should Set You Apart

In addition to fine tuning essays and submitting standardized test scores, high school seniors need to prioritize preparing college recommendation letters. Admissions officers are eager to gauge how a student has contributed to their local community, and input from teachers and guidance counselors can help provide this additional context to applications.

Understand the Importance of College Essays in Order to Increase Your Chances of Admission

If you’re under the impression that grades and test scores are the only admissions criteria that really matter, it’s time to think again. While it is true that these types of hard factors carry significant weight throughout the admissions process, well-written essays that reveal your true personality are also extremely important.

IvyWise Pro Bono Student Jennifer Shares Some Insight into the College Admissions Process

As college-bound high school seniors head into their last year of school, there’s a lot to think about. The college application process is in full swing, and in addition to applying to a balanced list of best fit schools, students need to maintain good grades, improve test scores if they’re retaking the SAT or ACT this fall, and keep up with their extracurricular activities. It can be hard to keep an open mind during this process, especially when students have such definite goals, but it’s important to explore all options when applying to college this fall.

Figure Out if This Popular Early Application Plan Will Work for You

Once you’ve put the finishing touches on your list of best-fit colleges, it’s time to consider application strategy. More specifically, rising seniors need to decide when they will apply to the schools on their list.

Learn How Rolling Admissions Work and How to Use Them in Your Application Strategy

When it comes to preparing college applications, there are many factors to consider. In addition to crafting a personal statement and narrowing down your best-fit list, students need to decide if they will apply early, in the regular rounds, and/or to colleges with rolling admission.

Learn What to Ask (and Avoid) On College Tours

College tours are an exciting opportunity for students to get a feel for life on campus, narrow down their list of best-fit schools, and explore a variety of academic options. Asking questions can help students gain more specific information about each institution and walk away with a nuanced understanding of the school.