By Jennifer L. Selecting courses for a new school year is an important decision that can shape both your academic experience and your future college opportunities. Colleges do not view your transcript year by year in isolation; they read it as a four-year story. Thoughtful course selection in ninth, tenth, and eleventh grade helps demonstrate growth, academic maturity, and readiness for college-level work. 9th Grade: Explore Interests and Build a
by Jennifer L. When building a college list, it’s easy to get caught up in rankings. While those numbers might offer a general sense of prestige or competitiveness, they don’t tell the full story—and they definitely shouldn’t be the only factor guiding your decisions. Here are five often-overlooked elements that matter just as much, if not more, when choosing the right college fit. 1. Academic Programs That Match Your InterestsNot
by Amy T. So, you’ve landed on a topic for your college essay and you’re ready to get started. The only issue is that you’ll be writing about an academic subject or major that happens to be complex, and you’re not quite sure how to approach it. How much do you have to explain the topic for your intended audience—the admissions reader? Since admissions readers come from diverse academic backgrounds,
by Jennifer L. If you’re a high school student wondering how to stand out on college applications, here’s a secret: you don’t need a national award or a research lab internship. You can create a mini passion project—right from your bedroom—that showcases initiative, creativity, and genuine curiosity. These “micro-projects” are small, self-directed experiences you build around a topic you care about. The key? Make it real, personal, and purposeful. Step
by Jennifer L. Advanced Placement (AP) classes offer a great opportunity for high school students to challenge themselves academically, potentially earn college credit, and boost their transcripts. However, choosing the right AP classes can be overwhelming, especially with so many options and limited studying time. Here are five tips to help you make the best decision: Align with Your Interests and Strengths Start by identifying your favorite subjects and academic
Time and Date & Registration For families and students from 8th grade to 11th grade: Join us on our free online forum on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 1:00pm Pacific Time Register for the forum today! *Please mark Free Monthly Counseling Forum on the sign-up. After registering, the online invite and reminders will be sent to you later in February to add to your calendar. February Forum Agenda 1:00pm – 1:05pm
by Kathleen M. So by now you have recognized the pattern and know we will be discussing UC PIQ number 6 this week: Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside the classroom. If your first impulse is to wax poetic about what you love about calculus… I am here to remind you that this UC essay 6, like all
by Tony T. Junior year is critical in building up your college admission profile, and getting you ready for your upcoming college application. Following is a brief list of areas that IvyBoost may help you with to boost your profile in junior year: Grades: Junior year grades are the most recent grades that colleges see when you apply. IvyBoost will monitor your GPA, help you manage your time more efficiently,
by Shiv G. As a high school student, juggling academics, extracurriculars, and a social life can sometimes feel like walking a tightrope. With so much on your plate, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and stressed out. However, prioritizing your mental health is essential for maintaining balance and overall well-being, even if it means dropping an extracurricular from your schedule or foregoing an AP course. Here are some of my personal
by Jennifer L. As a student or a parent, you may have heard of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, but have wondered about their importance and benefits in the college application process. AP courses can offer several benefits for high school students who are interested in challenging their high school curriculum. Preparation for College: AP courses are modeled after college-level courses, so taking them can provide students with a taste of
by Shiv G. Hey there, aspiring STEM enthusiasts! Are you ready to embark on an exhilarating journey through the realms of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics? Brace yourselves, because I’ve curated a set of study tips tailored specifically for high school students like you, aimed at helping you conquer these intellectually stimulating subjects with confidence and finesse: Active Engagement: Move beyond passive learning and immerse yourself in hands-on exploration. Rather
by Sarah M. UC prompt #6: Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside the classroom. This is an ideal topic for students with a longstanding intellectual passion, but writing it well can be a bit tricky. First of all, if you love a topic and know a lot about it, it can be tempting to write an essay about
by Michelle P. UC Prompt #5 asks: Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement? As a hopeful applicant for a UC, students may see this prompt with relief and understanding that colleges do not expect all applicants to have a perfect record on their grades. Of course, having a strong academic
