What Are 3 New STEM Careers Beyond CS & AI?
0204, 2026

What Are 3 New STEM Careers Beyond CS & AI?

By Jennifer L. When students think about STEM careers, computer science (CS) and artificial intelligence (AI) often dominate the conversation. While those fields remain exciting, the future of STEM is becoming far more interdisciplinary. Some of the fastest-growing opportunities now sit at the intersection of biology, engineering, sustainability, and advanced mathematics, offering students multiple ways to turn curiosity into impact. STEM occupations continue to grow fast, especially in life sciences,

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How to Choose the Right CS/Tech Story for Your Essay
2603, 2026

How to Choose the Right CS/Tech Story for Your Essay

By Lan N. Supplemental essays are an opportunity to showcase your most meaningful experiences. Depending on the prompt, your focus might shift between personal growth, a favorite extracurricular, or an academic accomplishment. These days, many students are interested in computer science or tech programs. If that’s you, your resume likely already includes an internship, a club leadership role, or a technical personal project. The challenge is picking the best one

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What Summer Programs Should Students Apply to in January?
1501, 2026

What Summer Programs Should Students Apply to in January?

By Sarah M. It’s already January, and if you’re a 10th or 11th grader hoping to make the most of your upcoming summer, now is the time to start applying to great programs. Many elite and exciting opportunities have deadlines in January and February, so now is the ideal time to put strong applications together. Most colleges have summer programs these days, so keep in mind that when deciding where

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Popular AI Courses for High School Students
0412, 2025

Popular AI Courses for High School Students

By Lydia C. There are several opportunities for high school students to learn about artificial intelligence (AI). Formal courses can help build AI knowledge in different ways, including: (1) understanding basic technical principles (2) exploring applications, and (3) developing interest and confidence in AI. These courses can be incredibly formative for high school students, offering both immediate and long-term academic and professional benefits. As a High School student, these courses

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3 Must-Read Updates on New College Majors
1007, 2025

3 Must-Read Updates on New College Majors

With AI and new technologies being developed every day, the fields for college majors is also constantly shifting and changing. How can students choose from hundreds of possible college majors? If a student is interested in STEM, what new college majors are out there that they haven’t even heard of? If a student’s passion is for a career in a niche field, what college major is the right one for

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Not Another Lego Essay: Rethinking the Childhood Passion Angle
1906, 2025

Not Another Lego Essay: Rethinking the Childhood Passion Angle

by Lan N. Students interested in engineering often begin their college essays by tracing their passion back to building Lego structures as a kid. Other students take a similar approach, writing about developing an interest in ballet after seeing The Nutcracker or discovering a desire to pursue business through fond memories of a lemonade stand. While heartfelt, these stories have become clichés. What To Do Instead First, ask yourself “When,

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3 Tips on a College Portfolio
2904, 2025

3 Tips on a College Portfolio

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

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3 Tips to Improve Tech & STEM Skills
1604, 2025

3 Tips to Improve Tech & STEM Skills

by David H. N., PhD Students are often wowed by the final product of a science project that makes headlines in their community. These stories can be inspiring, but they can also be discouraging to other students. The misconception that leads to discouragement is that you don’t realize that every successful STEM practitioner started as a beginner, with challenges of a journey that must happen before the final project. What

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IvyBoost Success Story: A Student’s Path to UCLA & UCB
0504, 2025

IvyBoost Success Story: A Student’s Path to UCLA & UCB

Romil was a top performing student from a private high school in Fremont, California.He had a focus on STEM and a passion for the environment. He began working with IvyBoost in the start of summer of 2024 before 12th grade, to strengthen his know-how and understanding of a complicated college applications process. With the experience and advice of IvyBoost’s counselor, Romil gained admissions for several competitive colleges for the STEM

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3 New STEM Majors to Consider
2703, 2025

3 New STEM Majors to Consider

by Justin B. From AI everywhere to renewable energy to 3D printed medical implants, advances in STEM continue to stretch the boundaries of our imagination. In this post, we’ll highlight three recently developed college majors that are shaping the future of STEM. Artificial Intelligence for Business (USC) This cutting-edge degree combines the expertise of two leading business and engineering schools, offering a distinctive learning experience for students eager to harness

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IvyBoost Success Story: A Student’s Path to Georgetown University
2603, 2025

IvyBoost Success Story: A Student’s Path to Georgetown University

Sofia was a dedicated and high-achieving student from a public high school in the Contra Consta County area of California. She was unsure which colleges would fit her criteria with for her passions towards medicine and health sciences. Early on in her 11th grade year of Fall 2023, Sofia sought out IvyBoost to help find the direction she needed for her college admissions profile. IvyBoost guidance ensured that Sofia could

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The Path to Becoming a Medical Doctor
2602, 2025

The Path to Becoming a Medical Doctor

by Sophia S. The path to becoming a medical doctor is a rigorous yet rewarding journey, involving multiple steps of training. It begins in college and continues through medical school, residency, and possibly fellowship, ultimately leading to a career as a practicing physician. How does a student become a doctor? College Students interested in a career in medicine are encouraged to pursue any college major they are passionate about. However,

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3 Great Clubs for STEM in High School
0502, 2025

3 Great Clubs for STEM in High School

by Diane N. Are you passionate about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and looking for ways to explore your interests beyond the classroom? Here are three fantastic clubs in high school that can help you dive deeper into the world of STEM: Robotics Club Robotics clubs, such as those affiliated with FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), offer an exciting blend of engineering, programming, and teamwork.

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Share Your Passion in an Essay
2501, 2025

Share Your Passion in an Essay

by Kathleen M. You have always loved math (or whatever subject is your passion!) and now is your time to shine – you are applying for a summer program or college and one of the short essay questions is for you to explain a subject you feel passionate about. If you are tempted to start with “I am passionate about math”, I would ask you to step back for a

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How to Find Research Opportunities
2201, 2025

How to Find Research Opportunities

by Sophia S. Research offers high school students a valuable opportunity to explore topics in STEM and medicine by asking questions, engaging in scientific inquiry, and diving deeper into specific subjects. It’s also a great way to strengthen your resume and college application through hands-on research experience, presentations, and publications. Additionally, research provides exposure to careers in scientific fields and the opportunity to learn from experienced mentors. How can a

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How to Write About STEM Projects
1801, 2025

How to Write About STEM Projects

By Kathleen M. So you are a STEM student who has lots of application essays to write and are struggling to write about all of the work you have done. You have a list of projects and internships and summer programs that you have participated in and are unsure of how to move from list to essay. How can you write about a STEM project? Here are a few ideas:

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What to Expect in Summer Program Research?
1501, 2025

What to Expect in Summer Program Research?

by Diane N. Are you a high school student considering a summer research program? Diving into the world of scientific research can be both exciting and intimidating. Here’s what you can expect from your first research experience: The Research Process Literature Review: You’ll start by reading scientific papers related to your project. This helps you understand the current state of research in your field. Hypothesis Formation: Based on your reading,

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How to Write a COSMOS Essay
1101, 2025

How to Write a COSMOS Essay

by Kathleen M. The COSMOS Application is open and live for 2025.  One big reminder right from the start – Choose which COSMOS campus you would like to apply to and read about their specialty. Then you can choose two clusters at that campus to apply for. Tailor your interests to the clusters of your choice and apply away! How should students write their COSMOS essay? The COSMOS essay is

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Should Students Major in AI?
1812, 2024

Should Students Major in AI?

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

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Summer Activities to Explore Medicine
1112, 2024

Summer Activities to Explore Medicine

by Sophia S. Summers can be a valuable time to explore your career interests outside the classroom by gaining a better understanding of what different careers entail and how they align with your passions. This can, in turn, make college planning and identifying a major easier. If you are interested in exploring a career in medicine, below are a few types of summer activities you should consider. Shadowing a Healthcare

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Plan Extracurriculars for College
1311, 2024

Plan Extracurriculars for College

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

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3 Potential Careers in Health Care (Vlog)
0811, 2024

3 Potential Careers in Health Care (Vlog)

by Sophia S. High school is an exciting time to explore different fields and develop a better understanding of how you see yourself spending your career. If you are interested in health care, here are 3 potential career options you may want to look into: Dentistry A career in dentistry involves “maintaining the health of the teeth, gums and other tissues in and around the mouth” through the diagnosis and

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Exciting New UC Majors (Vlog)
0111, 2024

Exciting New UC Majors (Vlog)

by Jennifer L. The University of California (UC) system continues to expand its academic offerings, introducing innovative new majors across its campuses during 2025. These new programs are designed to meet emerging industry demands and address our many modern challenges. At UC Berkeley, a new standalone Neuroscience undergraduate major will allow students to explore the intricacies of brain function through coursework and research. Additionally, UC Berkeley will offer a minor

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3 STEM Activities that can be done Remotely
2009, 2024

3 STEM Activities that can be done Remotely

by David N., PhD There are many options for great STEM extracurricular activities, but not all of them require that you travel far or even leave the house. Here are three that you can do at home or at least remotely. Learn How to Do Image Analysis. Learning how to do image analysis unlocks the creative potential of STEM students who do not know how, or who do not enjoy,

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How to Choose a STEM Major
0908, 2024

How to Choose a STEM Major

by David N., PhD If a student is considering majoring in STEM, how should they go about choosing their major? Tip #1. Pick Something That Can Be Your Hobby The first piece of advice that I give students is to pick a topic that they think they will enjoy doing. But how do you define “enjoy”? This means different things for different people. In general, it is defined as a

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What do Students Study in a Data Science College Major?
1907, 2024

What do Students Study in a Data Science College Major?

by Mia J. With the rapid development of AI and internet companies, coupled with high salaries and countless job opportunities, data science has become an increasingly popular major. Like many millennials, I have a deep love for social media, enjoying meeting new people and learning about others’ lifestyles. I am particularly fascinated by how social media recommendation systems work. I often marvel at how the internet knows exactly what to

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3 Tips to Make Your Essay About Technology More Understandable
1207, 2024

3 Tips to Make Your Essay About Technology More Understandable

by Kathleen M. You had a wonderful summer internship or extracurricular where you learned a lot about tech or STEM, and you would like to showcase that as part of your college application essay. Perfect!  Now take a minute to remember that the audience for your personal essay and the audience who might understand what you did related to CS or programming or AI may not crossover. Here are 3

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What Counts as Advanced Training in STEM Research?
2106, 2024

What Counts as Advanced Training in STEM Research?

by David H. N., PhD Advanced training in STEM research is one of the most important extracurricular activities in college applications. This type of training is often unique compared to what a student learns in AP courses or community college courses. Due to the nature of these training programs, they might also allow the student to create novel contributions to STEM or intriguing proof of concept discoveries. However, these trainings

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Starting Your First Internship or Research Project: 3 Essential Tips
0706, 2024

Starting Your First Internship or Research Project: 3 Essential Tips

by Diane N. Starting your first internship or research project can be both thrilling and daunting. Here are three essential tips to help you make the most of this opportunity and set yourself up for success. Understand the Dress Code and Safety Procedures First and foremost, it’s crucial to understand the dress code and safety procedures of your lab environment. In a wet lab, where we analyze and test biological

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3 Interdisciplinary Majors – Where Your Interests Intersect
2405, 2024

3 Interdisciplinary Majors – Where Your Interests Intersect

by Jennifer L. Are you interested in exploring multiple areas of study? Do you have varied interests and are not sure if you can combine them?  Maybe an interdisciplinary major is the right fit for you. The wonderful part of studying an interdisciplinary major is that you can combine multiple fields of study and create a more holistic and versatile educational experience. Three examples of popular interdisciplinary majors are cognitive

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Personal Statements for Computer Science: 3 Great Examples of Writing
1904, 2024

Personal Statements for Computer Science: 3 Great Examples of Writing

by Michelle P. From AI to data science to cybersecurity, students have a multitude of options and interests to consider in the field of computer science. If Computer Science is an intended college major for a high schooler, it is highly important to plan for how you may write about it for one of your later college application essays. A previous blog post covers how a student can write about

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How to Write About Your Interest in Computer Science
0904, 2024

How to Write About Your Interest in Computer Science

by Michelle P. Instead of detailed business spreadsheets, perhaps you are most used to examining new versions of code. Or, instead of scrutinizing variables for a science lab, you feel most at home testing out solutions for coding bugs. While Computer Science is a fascinating area with many applications within your daily life, it can prove a challenge to write about for a college essay or summer program application. What

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3 Free Online Science Resources for Students
0904, 2024

3 Free Online Science Resources for Students

by Diane N. As a college counselor at IvyBoost, I’m often asked by high school students about the best ways to deepen their knowledge and passion for science outside of the classroom. While textbooks and coursework are certainly important, there are also a wealth of free online resources that can supplement a student’s scientific education and exploration. Here are 3 of my top recommendations for high school students looking to

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Science & Healthcare Volunteering Opportunities for High School
0504, 2024

Science & Healthcare Volunteering Opportunities for High School

by Ziba R. High school offers a chance not just for academic growth, but also to explore passions outside the classroom. For high school students pursuing careers in the sciences or healthcare, volunteering can provide hands-on experience, meaningful connections, and valuable skills. Here, we explore science- and healthcare-related opportunities for high school students and offer tips on finding these enriching experiences. Volunteering Opportunities: Hospitals and Clinics: Hospitals and clinics offer

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Steps to Securing STEM Research Opportunities for High School Students
2203, 2024

Steps to Securing STEM Research Opportunities for High School Students

by Ziba R. By engaging in STEM research internship programs, students can explore diverse fields and develop a deeper understanding of their interests. These experiences not only bolster college applications but also cultivate critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills essential for their future careers. Ultimately, research program internships empower students to make meaningful contributions to the scientific community while paving the way for their academic and professional growth. Below is

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Excelling in STEM: 3 Study Tips for High School Students
1503, 2024

Excelling in STEM: 3 Study Tips for High School Students

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

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Personal Statements for Engineering: 3 Tips to Learn
0803, 2024

Personal Statements for Engineering: 3 Tips to Learn

by Michelle P. Do you get excited about the chance to take apart and repair a gaming computer? Or what about working on robots for NASA and scientific discoveries? If your future college interest is towards engineering or robotics, how can you write a strong essay about it for college applications, either in the supplements or the main essays? See what you can learn with these 3 tips from the

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How to Write a Personal Essay on a Research Project
0103, 2024

How to Write a Personal Essay on a Research Project

by Michelle P. From our past blog posts, many students would be aware of the importance of summer research or other research project experiences during the school year. Not only is research a good way to demonstrate a specific academic interest for colleges, it also helps students deepen their enthusiasm and exploration for later career directions. But whether your research project centers around analyzing data on native bumblebee populations or

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What is Biomedical Engineering?
2902, 2024

What is Biomedical Engineering?

by Diane N. When it came time for me to choose a college major, I found myself at the crossroads of my two favorite subjects: the precise, problem-solving nature of math, and the fascinating, intricate workings of human physiology. This led me to discover Biomedical Engineering (BME), a field that seamlessly blends these interests into one dynamic and impactful discipline. What is Biomedical Engineering? Biomedical Engineering is at the forefront

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6 Benefits of Summer Research Internships for High School Students
1602, 2024

6 Benefits of Summer Research Internships for High School Students

by Ziba R. From making scientific discoveries to developing new technologies, improving healthcare, addressing social issues, and informing decisions, research is a cornerstone of progress and innovation. Embarking on summer research internship as a high school student can be a transformative experience, providing invaluable insights, skills, and connections that can enrich students’ academic, personal, and professional development. Here are several reasons why pursuing a summer research internship in high school

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My Path to Chemical Engineering
1201, 2024

My Path to Chemical Engineering

by Abigail G. As a high school student, you’re at a crossroads, making decisions that can quickly shape your future. Around my junior year of high school, I clearly knew that I loved chemistry and biology, and I was also pretty good at math. But when it came to choosing a college major, I was a bit lost. I thought I wanted to study chemistry until a suggestion from my

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STEM Summer Programs
2810, 2023

STEM Summer Programs

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

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Is There a Career Combining Humanities and STEM?
1509, 2023

Is There a Career Combining Humanities and STEM?

by Jennifer L. Yes!  There are many career possibilities in which humanities and STEM go hand-in-hand.  You don’t have to pick one over the other, but can pursue a career that balances both.  One of these paths is a patent attorney.  A patent attorney is a lawyer-scientist who understands advances in the scientific fields and explains and argues differences in technology to judges, juries, and Patent Office Examiners. Patent attorneys

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Tips for Aspiring Premed Students in High School
2005, 2023

Tips for Aspiring Premed Students in High School

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

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Ways to Brainstorm about STEM Interests (for Free) before College Essays
2403, 2023

Ways to Brainstorm about STEM Interests (for Free) before College Essays

by Michelle “After I finished that difficult lab in AP Biology, I realized I wanted to become a doctor.” “I really want to major in Chemistry, because of that great summer internship I had at a research center at that college, and because of my experience in placing first in the science fair.” One area that students can really struggle with in writing is how to show their interest in

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AP Courses, Majors and Careers
1912, 2019

AP Courses, Majors and Careers

For many high schools, course selection for the next school year begins as early as now, and it’s a great time to consider whether or not you should register for an AP course next year. Most students have their first chance to take an AP course in their junior year. Why are AP courses important? The answer is simple: AP courses help an admissions team determine an applicants foundation in

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1201, 2017

How to Find a STEM Summer Program

Do you love STEM? Are you a student who has a passion for computer programs or a brain for biology? Summer is approaching quickly, and now is a great time to begin researching STEM summer programs. Here are some tips to get you started: 1. Carefully consider your interests. The types of programs available to you will depend on whether your interests are connected more to math, medicine, or another

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0502, 2016

Excited about STEM? Consider COSMOS!

Thinking about pursuing science in the future at a top college? Want to spend your summer studying topics like bioengineering or robotics? COSMOS may be the summer program for you! During COSMOS, students spend 4 weeks on a UC campus working on a STEM-related subject of their interest. Students may choose to apply for this program at a campus like UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC San Diego, or UC Santa

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2603, 2015

San Jose Student in Top Three for Intel Science Talent Search

In March, the Intel Science Talent Search announced Andrew Jin, a San Jose student, as one of its top winners for his project on DNA mutations. Besides Andrew Jin, a number of Californian high-schoolers also placed as finalists. More information on the Intel Science Talent winners can be read in the San Jose Mercury News. For students who hope to enter the Intel Talent Science Search or have a passion

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1111, 2014

Want a Creative Career? Study Up on STEM

As a student, have you ever wondered “Why do I need to know what derivative is?” or “Why should I care what a quantum mechanical system does?” If you’re interested in one of the careers below, you might want to dust off your textbooks and get back to your math and science notes.   1. Fashion Designer (Algebra, Geometry) Besides knowing the difference between red and blood-orange, math is a

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