Maximizing College Visits – the “Why College” Essay
We all know campus visits are an important part of applying to college – they can give students and families...
The Vine
A blog where Ivy Experience disentangles college admissions.How to Handle College Decisions
Below is an email we sent to the parents of our senior students, but its message is important for all...
7 Common Mistakes on the Common App
If you are applying to college, you will almost certainly be using the Common Application. The original intent behind the...
What Does the UC System Value in an Applicant?
The University of California system recently published a list of 14 factors they weigh in evaluating every student’s application. While...
Acceptance Rates for Top Colleges – 2018
Every year, colleges become more competitive. The top colleges in the country are not growing as quickly as the number...
Pitt and Penn State Join the Common App!
Another year, another group of schools joining the Common Application. Notable for many of our students are the additions of...
State of Admissions 2018
This is our first (of what we intend to be annual) State of Admissions – an email that recaps our...
How to approach the Common App essays (2018-2019)
The Common App recently released the prompts for the 2018-2019 personal statement. After making some tweaks for the past few...
New Year’s Resolutions for High School Students
While students might feel like they are returning to the same old grind after a fun and relaxing break, January...
What is the Coalition Application?
In this Q-&-A-style guest post by Philadelphia area college guru Cigus Vanni (edited by Ivy Experience), Cigus explains what rising...
Pre finals study tips
It’s finals season. We’re about halfway through the school year, and that means students are about to be tested on everything...
Planning your college visits
In the coming weeks and months, high school juniors and their families will take advantage of vacations and long weekends...
Why work with Ivy Experience on essays?
With college essays and applications looming on the horizon, you may feel overwhelmed by what is ahead. What are colleges...
The Pros and Cons of Study Groups
Is studying in groups helpful, or does it slow you down? Yes… and no… to both questions. Like anything else,...
Pre-midterm study tips
It’s midterm season. We’re about halfway through the school year, and that means students are about to be tested on...
When is the right time to start the “college” conversation?
Junior year is a tough time. Classes are harder than ever, and grades are at their most important. Students have...
5 Biggest Regrets Students Have AFTER getting into college
1. I didn’t shoot high enough. We’ve seen this play out countless times: a student gets into every school they...
End of Year Goals
With the week of Thanksgiving around the corner, the holiday season will be here before we know it. Don’t let...
Top Ten Common App FAQ’s
The Common App is intended to save you time, energy, and stress in the college application process. It is meant...