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
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 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
Vincent, a bright and determined private high school student in Fremont, had always excelled academically. With a natural affinity for science and a deep commitment to his studies, he aimed to push beyond his limits and realize his dream of attending the University of Pennsylvania. However, Vincent knew that achieving such a lofty goal would require more than just good grades—it demanded a strategic and comprehensive approach. Recognizing this, Vincent
by Sarah M. One of the most common questions students ask early in high school is how many extracurriculars they should pursue in order to make themselves as competitive as possible for college. There is no one simple answer to this question, but here are some tips to keep in mind:
by David N., PhD Should students major in Artificial Intelligence (AI)? With a number of colleges now offering a major in AI, the question is understandable. But a better way to ask this question is to turn it into several questions, each nuanced with an ounce of wisdom. After we explore the different purposes of AI, it will become clear why this question can be misleading. Is your goal to
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 Sarah M. It has become clear that at many schools, a brief flirtation with test-blindness has ended and the SAT is back. So how should students go about sending in the best scores possible? You can take the SAT as many times as you like. However, since the test is very time and labor intensive, you don’t want to exhaust yourself or waste your precious time by retaking it
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 Jennifer L. Very important! Your senior year grades, especially those from the first semester, can significantly influence your college application decisions. The fall semester of your senior year helps demonstrate academic consistency and improvement to admissions counselors. A strong academic finish can highlight your reliability and sustained effort, showing that you are ready for college-level work and will be academically successful at the next level. If your GPA has
by Shiv G. In this blog post, I’ll discuss my personal journey and insights gained so far in my medical school career and hopefully assist other future doctors in understanding what the journey will entail. How the Journey Began My fascination with medicine started in a way that might sound familiar. Personal health challenges, volunteer work in clinics, and clinical research – these experiences ignited a deep desire within me
by Hanan R. I found out that I was accepted to Stanford for medical school while teaching a grammar lesson on colons and semicolons to my high school students. Because I’m a southerner with no contacts in the Bay Area, the 650 area code that appeared on my phone was a near-total giveaway that the dean of admissions was calling to share my acceptance, a tradition upheld at the school.
by Aaron L. Attending medical school at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine was a transformative experience that shaped my medical career in profound ways. One standout aspect of Vanderbilt was the emphasis on personalized learning. The school recognized that every student had unique interests and career goals, and they encouraged us to explore those passions. This approach allowed me to delve deeply into my chosen field of radiology. Whether it
by Justin B. For high school students, finding a job can be tough! Most find themselves working at a restaurant, retail store or movie theater, and while these jobs can be worthwhile, many students are looking for opportunities that are better aligned with their future career aspirations. Unfortunately, most entry-level paid employment opportunities in STEM, law and other pathways have advanced training and certification requirements that a typical 16 or
by Aaron L. (Additional note for students: Aaron is a Harvard Medical School physician specializing in Radiology.) Are you a high school student with an interest in healthcare and medicine? Embarking on a career in medicine can be both rewarding and challenging. As you consider this path, let’s delve into some insights and advice that might help you navigate your journey towards becoming a medical professional. 1.The Spark of Interest
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 Sarah M. With thousands of colleges in the United States, it can be overwhelming decided which ones to apply to. One way to make this decision easier is to break all those schools down into categories. The most basic way to do that is to separate the public colleges from the private ones. What is a public college? These are government-funded through their states. The University of Illinois, the
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 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 it may be tempting to spend these months doing nothing but lounging by the pool or binging on TV shows, actively investing in personal development during summers between high school can lead to long-lasting benefits. In this blog post, I’ll discuss the significance of personal growth during high school summers and provide practical strategies to accomplish it. 1. Self-Reflection and Goal Setting To embark on a
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
Watch and see how you can begin your college admissions journey with IvyBoost! Sign up here today for your free consultation!
by Tony T. Summer is coming up soon, and what you do in summer may help you in many perspectives and also help you get into colleges. Thinking about finding a job, being a volunteer or doing some research this summer? There are many summer jobs high school students can do. Some popular high school summer jobs include swimming lessons instructor, lifeguarding, pool cleaning, starting a blog, tutoring, babysitting, pet
by Tony T. Summer is a critical time for college applicants because it offers you a unique opportunity to take advantage of your free time and work on your application materials and to explore colleges. Here are a few reasons why: During the summer, you have the chance to reflect on academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal experiences. You can use this time to plan and strategize how you want
by Tony T. The Year of 2023 has proven to be another incredible year in college admissions. With the test-optional policy in place for most colleges, dramatically increasing applications caused a dramatic drop of the admission rate for some schools. With a jaw-dropping 120,000 applications for Class 2027, NYU admitted 9,600 applicants with a historic low admission rate of 8%, compared to Class 2026’s 105,000 applications with the admission rate
by Tony T. If you are a current sophomore student in high school, you will experience the SAT revolution soon. The College Board has recently released information detailing the SAT’s transition to a fully digital test by 2024. The new digital SAT represents a quantum leap from the traditional SAT evaluation system, justifying the drastic changes in its format, length, pattern, and interface. In the U.S., the PSAT will change
by Tony T. After 3 years of unstable testing registration and proctored test chaos, College Board and its managed SAT have been both in doubt. As a result, more and more higher education institutes have adopted a test-optional policy, which means applicants are not required to submit any standardized test, such as SAT or ACT, to apply to colleges. Ivy League and almost all selective colleges are in the list
Getting into a selective college has never been more competitive or expensive. Give yourself an advantage by using IvyBoost Education to assist in your college goals. With one-on-one personalized counseling, we will take the stress out of the process and help you find the perfect school for you. At IvyBoost Education you will: learn to build your confidence and let your personality shine; learn how to highlight your creativity skills;
Sign up now for our summer classes and save $100 off your fee! IvyBoost will help you make the best of your summer months for a smoother start next school year! Are you planning to take the PSAT/SAT? Summer offers an excellent opportunity to boost your preparation. Were you struggling with a subject like science or math in the past? Use summer to boost your smarts. IvyBoost’s Summer Program provides
Have questions on college admissions? Visit us and chat about your concerns! On October 3rd and 4th, Fremont will hold its Olive Festival in Mission San Jose! For those who love food, fun, and music of the Olive Festival (http://msjchamber.org/events/olive-festival/), they might be glad to know that IvyBoost is also open that day. Come join IvyBoost’s Open Counseling on October 3. This FREE event is open to all high school
Need tutoring in Chemistry or advice on studying Biology in college? See if one of our science tutors below can be of help! For questions or for arranging tutoring, you can call 510-656-6800. Counselor & Tutor, Connie Wu Connie is a third year medical student at Boston University School of Medicine. She graduated cum laude with a neuroscience degree from Pomona College, which is currently ranked as the #1 college
Enjoy a cup of fruit punch for the last taste of the summer and receive some fun and free counseling tips regarding college applications, college planning, and the new school year! Come join IvyBoost’s Open Counseling on August 29. This FREE event is open to all high school students and families! Open College Counseling Date: Saturday, 08/29 from 1:00pm-5:00pm Location: 43301 Mission Blvd, Fremont, CA, 94539 For a 12th grade student,
Myths About Making A College List Myth #1: The more selective a college is, the better it is. Myth #2: The higher the college ranking in US News, the better it is. Myth #3: The more colleges in my list, the better result I will receive. Myth #4: If I don’t get into a name brand college, I will not have a good future. Myth #5: A public college will
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
Students face many stresses in high school. It is even worse in a competitive school district where all the students are aiming for top colleges. Without proper guidance, students will deal with a lot of anxiety and uncertainty, which can cause problems. Come to IvyBoost’s seminar on 03/28 to find out how IvyBoost can help your students with our six-module college planning methods! IvyBoost College Counseling: Get Ready for
Calling all high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors! Do you know how to best prepare for college admissions? What are all the requirements? What classes should you take? To discover the answers, you should attend IvyBoost’s free seminar below! College Planning and Application Seminar Date: Saturday, January 31st at 1:00pm Speaker: The seminar will be hosted by Counselor Lindsay Fitzpatrick; her profile can be read here. Location: IvyBoost Education 43301
Or to flip the question, how many students do you think a school counselor can handle while still working effectively? 50 students? 100 students? What about 500 students? According to a recent article from the New York Times, the national ratio of high school students to counselors is almost 500-to-1. Last year, Time Magazine also mentioned a similar figure, stating that a public high school counselor usually has a caseload
Students and Families! For your scheduling convenience in advance of the winter holidays, please take a look at IvyBoost’s December schedule below! IvyBoost is Open at Normal Hours Monday, 12/22 Tuesday, 12/23 IvyBoost Closes for Winter Holidays Wednesday, 12/24 – Thursday, 01/01 IvyBoost Re-opens at Normal Hours Friday, 01/02 & Saturday, 01/03 If you have any questions about the winter schedule, you may call us at (510)656-6800.
IvyBoost Education is glad to introduce Lindsay Fitzpatrick as a new counselor to our team! Lindsay has been a credentialed high school counselor for 9 years; during that time, she provided college counseling and advising services to students on a daily basis. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Counseling from California State University, Sacramento. After several years as a high school counselor in California
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
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
Summer may be a great time to go outside and work your muscles, but it is also a great time to work your mind! Students and parents who have already seen IvyBoost’s Summer 2014 schedule are aware of our many summer offerings. During summer, if a student wishes to sharpen their SAT Critical Reading skills, then TestBoost would be the best program of choice. If a student wants to preview
IvyBoost Education will host a series of free seminars about college application and planning from June to December 2013. The upcoming seminar is on Sunday, July 14, 2013 from 2:00pm to 3:30pm about financial aid. Parents and students will have the opportunity to understand and discuss cost of attendance, financial aid type, Expected Family Contribution, FAFSA, CSS Profile, Cal Grant and many more interesting and important topics. Please register online or call 510-656-6800
IvyBoost Education held a college counseling seminar on June 9th, 2013. Our professional counselors talked about ” Getting into Top Colleges with Confidence”. A lot of students and their parents attended and gave very good feedback for the seminar. IvyBoost Education plans to hold free college counseling seminar once per month in this Summer, to get more information for our next seminar topic and date, please follow our website, newsletter
IvyBoost Education will host a series of free seminars about college application and planning from June to December 2013. The upcoming seminar is on June 9 from 2:00pm to 3:30pm featuring top colleges application for Class 2014 and college planning for 7th-11th graders. Please register online or call 510-656-6800 to reserve since seats are limited.
UC (University of California) system application are coming due on Nov. 30th! IvyBoost has a Special Promotion for the UC application now. Call 510-363-3889 for details. IvyBoost Education has extensive experience on the UC application. We have helped tons of students getting into the top notch of UC universities. Whether you need assistance with your application essay, preparing for SAT and AP exams, or selecting the right schools for you
