By Jennifer L. As college counselors, one of the most common questions we hear from students and families is, “Do I really need to complete the FAFSA?” The answer, almost always, is yes. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the key to unlocking financial assistance for college, including federal grants, work-study, and loans, and many colleges and states also use it to award their own aid. Who
By Lan N. When writing college application essays, one of the best opportunities to stand out is the “Why Us?” or “Why Major at Our School?” essay. These prompts are an invitation to demonstrate how you align with the school’s ethos, including its values, mission, and the ways the school lives those out. Step 1: Research the College’s Ethos Begin by studying the college’s values, which is often highlighted on
By Amy T. Let’s be honest—college applications are stressful at best, and if you feel uncertain on your college major or are considering 2 majors in different fields, they can feel even more overwhelming, especially when faced with “Why this major?” essay prompts. Here’s the good news: you’re not alone. Studies show that up to 80% of students will change their major at least once during their bachelor’s program. Admissions
by Jennifer L. The SAT and ACT remain important opportunities to showcase your academic strengths and enhance your college application profile. Several prestigious institutions have reinstated standardized test requirements, making strong scores an essential part of the admissions process. For instance, Harvard University has reintroduced the SAT/ACT requirement for applicants starting in the fall of 2025. Similarly, Stanford University, University of Texas-Austin, MIT, Caltech as well as the University of
by David H. N., PhD The SAT is a long test that requires you to learn patterns in how questions are asked, and how answers are presented. The following strategies will help you prepare to get the most out of the effort that you put in. Tip 1. Take the SAT More Than Once Now that the University of California system no longer accepts SATs scores, there is no longer
By Lydia C. Given the rising power of Artificial intelligence (AI) tools in synthesizing strings of words, it has affected the college application process in various ways. On the applicant side, students are able to use these tools to help them brainstorm and research essay application topics as well as to edit and proofread their writing for improved grammar, clarity and spelling. While we can argue the latter has been
By David N. Colleges let you apply “early”? And why would you want to do that? Well, applying early via the Early Decision (ED) or Early Action (EA) options have their pros and cons compared to applying Regular Decision (RD). Why Do Early Decision? The main advantage of applying ED is that your chances of getting in are much higher. ED signals to the school that it is your first
By Abby G. A glowing college recommendation letter from a teacher or mentor does not only come from straight-A report cards; there’s so much more than simply doing well in a teacher’s class. Teachers spend their days surrounded by grades and titles; what stands out to them is the student who shows up as a real, curious, and engaged human being. Doing things like sitting near the front of class,
While your main college application offers an overview of your academic achievements and extracurricular activities, supplemental essays provide the opportunity to go deeper. These (often) short but powerful responses help admissions committees understand who you are beyond the numbers—and how you might fit into their campus community. 1. Showcasing Your Personality Supplemental essays are a rare chance to speak directly to admissions officers in your own voice. They often feature prompts
Applying to college can be stressful, but knowing the timeline makes everything easier. Whether you’re aiming for the University of California (UC) schools, Ivy League universities, or other top choices, staying on top of key dates is essential. This quick admissions timeline breaks down what to do—and when—to help you stay organized and ahead of the game. August 1, 2025 – Opening Day! The application season for students intending to start
by David H. N., PhD Summer programs on college campuses are not just for filling a slot in the activities section of your college application, they can be a life-changing experience that alters the trajectory of your life. Benefit 1: Gain Great Experiences to Write About in College Essays Great college essays tell great stories, and great stories are based on life-changing experiences. Summer programs at colleges are a prequel
by Kathleen M. So, here is the thing. There is no magic formula to “sound smart.” The best way to accomplish this is by sounding confident. And how do you sound confident? Write about something you know well. Once you select a topic you know well, plan an essay on that subject. Make sure there is a main point, evidence, and focused organization. Then write what you know. You will
by Lan N. If you’re applying to college, you likely already know that the college essay is an important part of the application. But have you ever wondered: Who’s reading my essay—and why does it matter? Meet the Readers: Undergraduate Admissions Officers Admissions officers are trained professionals who work in a college’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions, often with backgrounds in education or counseling. They review applications, including essays, and select
by Sarah M. As the summer begins, it’s the perfect time to start your college applications. This encompasses a lot, so in order to avoid being overwhelmed and stay organized and motivated, it can help to divide the job into sections. Here is a list of tasks, in order, that you can take on in the summer to structure your time and set yourself up for success in the fall
by David H. N., PhD College applications make the first semester of senior year THE busiest semester of high school. Thus, it will serve rising seniors well to be prepared ahead of time so they are not caught off guard by surprises. Here are 3 online resources on college applications that provide crucial information that you should know at the beginning of the summer before applying. Being aware of these
College applications can seem like an intimidating labyrinth for any student new to the process.How many colleges should a student put on their list? What’s the difference between a major in biology or biochemistry, and is one of them ‘better’ if you are aiming for the medical field? What makes an Ivy League college different from other colleges? Confused on what you should know about college applications? Here are 4
by Kathleen M. It is time to write an essay, and you’ve read all of the prompts and have selected the one you want to respond to. You do the brainstorming, look at your activity list for inspiration, and choose the story you want to tell. Then you sit down to write, and somehow, you come up short. Your essay draft is well below the requested word count, and honestly,
by Sarah M. When it comes to college applications, most of the big tasks are self-explanatory (which is not to say easy): take the tests, write the essays, create the activities and awards lists. When it comes to optional and/or supplemental materials, though, it can be harder to figure out what to do. Assuming you’re not applying to school specifically for art or design, should you consider submitting an optional
Grace was a curious and striving student from a private high school in California.
Grace understood the need for a game plan before tackling college applications, but didn’t know the exact steps she would need to take for such a plan.
by Kathleen M. Yes and no. How is that for an answer? As with many things you are considering as you prepare to write a college admissions essay, the answer is maybe. It depends on what example you are using and why you want to use that answer. If the pop culture reference shows the reader something about you, then the answer is more likely to be yes. But remember
Meifan was a driven student with a strong academic performance from a public high school in Fremont. She knew exactly what she wanted to pursue in her college studies and career towards nursing, but was also aware of how complex the college applications process could be. Before the start of her 12th grade for Fall 2025, Meifan looked to IvyBoost to guide her through the challenges and changes in each
by Sarah M. Recommendations from your teachers are vital to most applications, and particularly those for college. Still, they can be a mysterious part of the package, for students, since you do not get to see them. While there’s nothing you can or should do to directly affect what a teacher says about you, there are 4 tips you should keep in mind as you begin high school, in order
Athmika, as a creative and focused student from a public high school in Fremont, considered college as a place to pursue various intellectual interests and work towards practical career paths. Though she found colleges in the East Coast the most appealing, she was overwhelmed by how to narrow down her college selection choices and how to focus her energy. With this forethought, Athmika looked to IvyBoost’s counseling during the 11th
by Jennifer L. Junior year is a crucial time for college preparation. While senior year is when you’ll submit applications, the groundwork you lay now will make the process smoother. Here are 5 key areas to focus on to begin preparing for college applications. 1. Stay Focused on Your Grades Your junior-year grades are the last full year of academics colleges will see before you apply. Strong grades can boost
by Kathleen M. You selected your dream school, you applied and …. wait list! Now what? If this school is still the school you want, now is the time to refocus your energy and writing skill and send a letter of continued interest (if the school has asked for one, or as long as they didn’t say don’t write!). What are some tips you should know for writing a waitlist
by Jennifer L. Being placed on a college waitlist can feel like being in limbo – you’re not in, but you’re not out either. Understanding the timeline and process for waitlist decisions can help ease the uncertainty and prepare you for the next steps. This timing can vary depending on the institution. Most colleges begin addressing their college waitlist decisions after May 1st, which is the national enrollment deadline. By
by Kathleen M. If you are stumped about how to present your achievements in an application essay for a summer program or for a college application, think about what you want to highlight about you. What makes you different? What makes you a good applicant? One articles suggests that what may be important to link to your achievements are character traits you might not initially think of a part of
by Kathleen M. When you start to think about the UC PIQ 7: What have you done to make your school or community a better place?, focus on the word “better” and a little less on “done.” What would it mean for you to make a place better? How would you show that you had improved the place? For example: I made my softball team into a better place by
by Justin B. “You may not realize it, but you do it all the time. Begin with the end in mind, that is. You draw up a blueprint before you build a house. You read a recipe before you bake a cake. You create an outline before you write a paper (at least I hope you do). It’s part of life.” (The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean
by Sarah M. With early decision and early action applications on the rise, it’s easy to focus on getting those October and November applications submitted. After that’s done, though, what should you be doing to stay on top of the game for the rest of the application season? It might be tempting to sit back and take a break, waiting until you hear back from your dream schools in December,
by Justin B. As we head into the peak of college application season, keeping track of the wide-ranging dates and deadlines to complete requirements can be dizzying for seniors. I often tell students that one of the most essential aspects of a successful (and minimally stressful) application process is getting and staying organized throughout. So with that in mind, here is a quick “cheat sheet” of some key college applications
by Diane N. As you prepare your college applications, one key element that can significantly impact your application is the recommendation letter. These letters offer admissions committees a deeper insight into your character, academic abilities, and potential for success. Here are three essential tips on how to request a recommendation letter that truly stands out. Choose Recommenders Who Know You Well Selecting the right person to write your recommendation letter
by Kathleen M. One of the main challenges in writing a Common App Essay is writing something that isn’t boring or cliched or overused. How can you avoid writing a boring essay? Let’s go over some examples that may be more boring or expected. For example: My aunt was the one who always babysat me ever since I was five years old. I always remember her love for the outdoors,
by Sarah M. If you’re a high school senior applying for college, how can you decide on a decision plan? There are five possibilities for college decision plans: Regular Decision: you apply usually in early January (depending on the school), hear back around April, and decide in May. This is the standard option, which gives you the most time and flexibility to craft your application and come to a final
by Jennifer L. Applying to an Ivy League school is notoriously challenging. With acceptance rates as low as 3-5%, the competition is intense. Applicants are not only competing with top students from across the country but also from around the world. These prestigious institutions are known for their rigorous academic standards, distinguished faculty, and strong alumni networks. However, they are not the right choice for everyone. So, when is it
by Diane N. August 1st marks a significant milestone for high school seniors as the Common Application and University of California (UC) applications become available. Here are three essential tips to help you prepare: Start Early and Stay Organized The Common App requires detailed information about your academic history, extracurricular activities, and personal statement. Begin gathering necessary documents like transcripts and test scores well in advance. Create a checklist to
by Kathleen M. Have you ever tried to convince someone that you can multitask? If yes, you probably need to work on limiting your distractions while writing! Or at least considering these elements of your work/distraction balance will help you to be more efficient and write more effectively. Designate time for writing. Then turn off notifications, set a timer, and work. If your phone lighting up is distracting, then turn
by Justin B. From grade inflation in high schools, to personal statements authored by AI to 50% of applicants not reporting SAT/ACT scores in their application, it’s become harder and harder for college admissions officers to answer the most fundamental question about each applicant: can they do the work? Even before the pandemic, educators, admissions professionals, parents and students had concerns about the role and importance of testing, including that
by Sarah M. When beginning the college application process, some students may know exactly what they want to major in. Other students may have no idea at all, and still others may be confused or on the fence about which majors will be most helpful for them based on their interests. Regardless of which of those camps you fall into, here are some questions that can be helpful to ask
by Jennifer L. Receiving a college waitlist notification from an institution can be both frustrating and hopeful. Recognize that being waitlisted is not a rejection! It means the admissions committee sees the potential in your application, but needs to wait to make final decisions. While the continued uncertainty is challenging, there are a few steps and 3 tips you can take to navigate the situation effectively. Tip 1: Follow Instructions
by Michelle P. Have you ever finished a draft of an essay, after hours and hours of thinking, then sat back and looked at it? Did you ever think that the story of the essay was there, but somehow read as stiff and a little boring? One big issue that comes up for students writing a personal essay, whether for college applications or a summer program, can be understanding how
by Justin B. The possibilities of summer are endless and can include academic enrichment, international travel, volunteering, paid jobs, internships, overnight camps or leadership training. While there isn’t necessarily a “right” or “wrong” program or opportunity to select for the summer, what matters is to plan an experience that is engaging & rewarding. College admissions officers love to see a deep commitment to your personal passions. So when considering academic
by Lillie W. UC Prompt #3: What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time? Chances are, you know very well what your greatest talent or skill is. What popped into your head when you read this prompt? Likely, that’s your answer. But if this question intrigues you yet you’re wavering on what to name as your niftiest gift,
by Hanan R. The notion of being a doctor first came to me when I was a kid. I felt drawn to medicine because I loved the idea of helping sick people feel better. To explore the medical field, I took up a volunteer position at a nearby nursing home, a commitment I continued throughout middle school, high school, and college. The patients that this experience introduced me to reinforced
by Jennifer L. In a rapidly evolving world driven by technological advancement and specialized careers, the concept of a liberal arts college might seem like a relic of the past. However, these institutions continue to hold tremendous value, offering a holistic education that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability. At its core, a liberal arts college provides a well-rounded education that encompasses a wide array of disciplines, including humanities, social
by Shiv G. For high school seniors navigating the college application process, three common early application options stand out: Early Action (EA), Early Decision (ED), and Restricted Early Action (REA). Each option comes with distinct differences and varying implications, making it essential for students to understand the benefits and drawbacks to make an informed decision that aligns with their college goals. Early Action (EA) allows students to apply to multiple
by Shiv G. Aspiring young minds often dream of becoming doctors to make a positive impact on people’s lives. For ambitious high school students with a passion for medicine, the BS/MD programs offer a unique and accelerated pathway to achieving their goals. These combined Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Medicine programs are designed to streamline the journey towards becoming a physician, providing a seamless transition from undergraduate studies to
by Jennifer L. On August 1, 2023, the application platforms for both the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems will open for the 2023-2024 application cycle. At this time, students can open their own application portals and begin applying! With nine UC campuses and 23 CSU campuses to choose from, there are plenty of college opportunities to consider. The UC Application Students can apply to all
by Shiv G. As high school seniors embark on their college application journey, one crucial aspect often overlooked is securing strong teacher recommendations through the Common Application (Common App). These recommendations can play a significant role in the admission process, providing colleges with valuable insights into an applicant’s character, abilities, and potential. To help seniors make the most of this opportunity, here are a few key things to know about
by Sarah M. While college essays provide the most direct opportunity to tell admissions officers about who you are, it is important to use the other sections of the application to support and expand that portrait. Your activities section paints a picture of who you are outside the classroom, but the honors section is a demonstration of the things at which you really excel. This section might not make or
by Jennifer L. While last week’s post discussed the basics you should consider for your college list, how do you actually go about researching and building it in detail? With over 5,000 degree-granting universities in the United States, how do you decide which one is the right fit for you? Step 1: Reflection The college search process starts with you understanding yourself and your college goals. Once you have an
by Sarah M. There are thousands of colleges in the United States, and picking which ones to apply to can be an overwhelming task. Schools differ in size, location, academic requirements, selectivity, extracurricular opportunities, and culture. With so many choices, you will need time to explore what is out there and how the options match your interests and needs. Start your research early, and as you make a list of
by Shiv G. While medical school may feel like a distant thought as a high school student, preparing for a career in medicine starts long before your first college organic chemistry lecture. For high school students aspiring to become successful premeds in college, it’s crucial to develop a solid foundation that will set the stage for future success. In this blog post, we will explore valuable tips to help high
by Jennifer L. Applying to college has become much more complex than in the past when parents applied. It can have a stressful impact on students with performance expectations and making all the “right” decisions for admission into their dream college. The most important role for parents and guardians in the college application process is one of SUPPORT. Here are some ideas for providing that support to your student: 1.
Are you a high school senior who has been accepted into more than one college? Congratulations! However, some students may have trouble with choosing just one school from the list of colleges which accepted them. What should be considered to narrow down their decision? 1.Academics What are the class sizes at each college and how easy is it for you to sign up for the classes you need? What is the learning
If you are a junior in high school, you might be thinking about your college list for next year. How many schools should you apply to? What schools do you have a good chance of being admitted into? And how many ‘reach’ schools should you include on your list? When including a reach school on a college list, there are 3 questions a student needs to answer: 1. Is my
For high schoolers who are creating their college list, do you know how to prepare for a college visit? Some questions you should keep in mind: When is the best time to visit? It is best not to go during the early summer. Other times, like spring break, may be more preferable. What should you check out on campus? Areas like the dorms or the public transportation system will be
The Common App essay prompts for 2017-2018 have recently been revealed! Other than some revised wording on a few prompts, 2 new essay prompts were added to the list: Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more? Share an essay on
Out of all the UC campuses this year, the Washington Post reported that UCLA is the first campus to have over 100,000 students apply as freshmen applicants. Additional data also noted that UC campuses in general attract more applications than some other universities; for instance, UC Irvine and UC Berkeley both received more than 80,000 freshmen applications. As college admissions continues to increase in competitiveness, it remains even more vital
During this season, many students and parents worry about college applications. What are some helpful tips that students should know to send out the best application possible? Tip 1: The application essay is a chance to show your writing skills and to show your contributions to the community around you. Make sure to spend time carefully writing your essays. Tip 2: Throughout high school, it is better for students to
Perhaps you are a high school senior, and three of the colleges on your list require recommendations. Or you may be a high school student intent on attending a particular summer science camp or that prestigious debate program, and the applications also require a teacher recommendation. So how do you go about asking for a letter? Do you: A) Barge into a teacher’s classroom three days before your application is
Have you rewritten and erased and rewritten your introduction hundreds of times? Tired of staring at a blank document page on your laptop? Confused on how to even begin your UC application essays? There is no need to panic. If you have 5 minutes, the short video below from the UC’s YouTube channel sums up the expectations for all student essays. Still have questions on writing? You can find writing
During the 12th grade, between all the college application forms, essays, and financial aid, and a student’s usual schedule with classes, sports, or music rehearsals, it is not unusual for a student to struggle with finishing everything they need to do. As the 12th grade is usually a student’s first time working on college applications, there are a few mistakes they can watch out for regarding college admissions. 1.Significant changes
Currently a high school senior or a student planning to apply to college? This week, a number of college application platforms have opened for students to begin working on their applications. The Coalition Application is the newest type of application to open this year. Students using the Coalition App will need to check if a college will take this kind of application this year or next year. The Coalition App
Since the start of summer, hundreds of students and their families take the chance to travel and sight-see through different colleges in their state or around the country. Students get plenty of advice on how to handle these visits; family members who also want to prepare for these tours may want to read What Parents Should Do During a Campus Visit. With enough planning and discussion, students and their families
Between the new SAT, the addition of the Coalition as an application platform, and many new essay prompts to look over, rising 12th graders will have a lot to study up on before beginning their applications. Other high schoolers may also want to read on these changes listed in this article to become more familiar with the old and new processes for college applications. (Source: The Huffington Post)
There are many things people tell students about college admissions: that it is important for their future, that it takes a lot of good planning, that hundreds and thousands of other students are also applying for colleges at the same time. However, some students and families may have no idea how to begin discussing college admissions. In that case, it could help to read this recent article sharing advice that
For students who have finished with their applications and are already looking ahead to any college interviews, consider reviewing some of these practical tips from the Huffington Post.
You have finished every essay and every part of your application and are ready to send it in and relax for the rest of the year, right? However, as there is no ‘undo’ button for submitting your college application, you might think first about going through this checklist from USC.
For students currently struggling to polish their college application essays, this article gives an encouraging snapshot of how one student rewrote a solid supplemental essay into an even stronger version. There are also other online resources students can find helpful for their essays.
The essay is an extremely important part of college applications, as it is a chance for the students to present their own voice directly to a college. Students can find the essay the most intimidating step for 3 reasons: 1) Students find it difficult to focus on an idea for their essay 2) Students have no frame of reference for the types of essays written for college applications 3) Students
All your college letters have arrived in the mail and you are excited by your acceptances. Congratulations to you! It’s good to know how your hard work during high school and the application period has paid off. So after you have decided on your college, you can relax and look forward to summer after your final round of finals, right? The truth is, after your acceptances have come in, there
The envelopes have arrived in the mail. Heart pounding, you open one and scan the first lines of the letter, only to feel a wave of disappointment as you realize…you’ve been waitlisted. What can you do, if you’ve been waitlisted for a college? The following articles from U.S. News and World Report, the Huffington Post, and Time offer valuable techniques for handling the waitlist. First, take a deep breath. You
A recent article in The Atlantic looked at the reasons of students who decided not to apply for selective colleges. More specifically, low-income students who scored in the top 10 percent of the SAT or ACT. Their application decisions were found to have resulted from a lack of information on college aid and college programs. However, once students of that profile received more detailed info on colleges, they had a
For seniors, the middle of November can be an especially stressful time. Throughout this period of college applications, you’ve prepared all the tests you needed, studied up on your lists of colleges, and have used many a midnight dreary to labor over drafts of your essays. “What if my application essays aren’t good enough?” some students may worry. Reviewing the links below can help put your concerns to rest and
Everyone knows that college applications can be a stressful time. Between regular schoolwork, activities, college applications, essays, financial aid, and deadlines, any family will start to feel the strain on both the student and their parents’ dispositions. To reduce tears over the college application process, how can parents better support their students in this time? Liz Willen has some good tips to share: 1. Do not yell or put down
Describe your experience of using the Common Application for college applications in under 250 words or less. Time-consuming? Yes. Stressful? Certainly. Limited in college choices? Perhaps not. Last week, an announcement was made that for admissions in 2015-16, colleges who do not have an essay or recommendation requirement can join the Common Application. Originally, the Common Application’s mission statement required colleges to use holistic review to select applicants, which usually
The Common Application for 2014-15 has been released for an entire month. For students who are working on the Common App, how can you be sure that you have filled in every required question? One area students may be especially concerned with are the application essays. On the Common App, there are 2 types of writing questions which students need to look out for. The first type of writing questions
High school seniors! You have spent the last 3 years diligently studying for your classes and wholeheartedly pursuing your activities and interests. Now is the time to concentrate on your college applications. Do you know which colleges and majors you are applying for? If you are still unsure, IvyBoost gladly invites you to our free seminar next Saturday! Choosing Colleges & Majors Seminar Date: Saturday, September 6th at 2:00pm
IvyBoost Education opened its doors on Saturday, July 26 for a free seminar on the college application essay. Before a crowd of students and their families, Dr. Karen Brown-Wheeler covered many excellent points about the college application essay, like the timeline, common topics, and tips on the dos-and-don’ts of the college essay. Students brought up their concerns about essay length and the repetitiveness of some of potential essay topics,
Which colleges receive the most applications? According to the U.S. News, the college which has received the greatest number of applications is UCLA. The application numbers below are collected from the Fall 2012 admissions year and based on data received from 1,242 institutions. Listed below are the first 5 colleges on the list which received the greatest number of applications from first-time, first-year degree-seeking students. For the rest of the
Attention all students! You and your friends and family are cordially invited to IvyBoost’s free seminar on college application essays on Saturday, July 26! College Application Essay Seminar Date: Saturday, July 26 at 2:00pm Location: IvyBoost Education 43301 Mission Blvd, Fremont, CA, 94539 Seminar Topics: How do I begin writing a college application essay? How should I handle a challenging essay prompt? Additional Info: 1. Seats are limited, so
Come to IvyBoost’s free seminar on college application and planning next week on Saturday! This College Counseling Seminar is a great chance for parents and students to learn more information on college admissions and ask questions about college applications! College Counseling Seminar Date: Saturday, June 14 at 2:00pm Location: IvyBoost Education 43301 Mission Blvd, Fremont, CA 94539 Seminar Topic: Decision Plans – Early App & Regular App What are the
