Ivy Options

When it comes to Canadian university applications, there is no single centralized platform like the Common App in the U.S. or UCAS in the U.K. Instead, application processes vary by province and university. Here’s a guide to navigating the Canadian systems. How to Apply Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta have their own application systems. In Ontario, most students apply through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC). In British Columbia, students can use Edu

It's UCAS personal statement season again! Many rising Year 13s and Grade 12s have already started putting their thoughts on paper. Whether you are writing your first draft or feel you are nearly done, read on to learn our four-part test to determine if your UCAS statement measures up in terms of content. After that, our short checklist will help you upgrade your essay even further. The test: Have you... Organized according to the prompts? Provided specific examples? Shown co

Imagine an admissions environment in which you are the prize and universities compete for you. Such a platform exists! Over the past three years, Ivy Options has piloted Concourse Match applications with selected students. During that time, our students have received admissions offers from a wide variety of universities in the U.S., Canada, U.K., and Europe such as Tulane, Purdue, Parsons, Simon Fraser, Western University (Canada), University of York, American University of

William got his wish! He’s headed to the University of California, Berkeley for academic rigor and sunshine. The bilingual British student, who is half Polish, successfully juggled 10 years of boarding school in Hampshire while playing tennis at the national and international level. Read on to learn about the key factors he thinks helped him unlock his multiple, top-tier admissions results. IO: Congratulations on getting into so many great universities: Vanderbilt with schol

You’ve probably heard the term ‘foundation’ course, but what exactly is it? It’s a one-year academic bridge, usually offered by a university, for high school graduates that prepares them for entry into an undergraduate degree. It is designed to develop subject knowledge, study skills, and to strengthen English language proficiency, enabling students to transition smoothly into higher education. An international foundation year (IFY) is similar, but specifically targets intern

Transitioning to university or starting the college application process can be nerve-racking in the best of times, but it is particularly fraught now given the current conflict in the Middle East. With service disruptions at embassies and the cancellation or rescheduling of external academic tests, many families in the region are uncertain about what lies ahead. However, history shows that even in times of crisis, the international education system is remarkably adaptable. D

“Thank you for your application. After careful consideration, our selection committee is unable to make you an offer of admission at this time, but we would like to offer you a place on our Waitlist.” Ahh, the dreaded waitlist! After months of anticipation, eagerly waiting to hear back from your dream school, you’re still in limbo. While you may feel frustrated and disappointed, don’t be disheartened! Contrary to popular belief, the waitlist is not just a “nice” rejection – c

Growing up in the UAE, Wynona never considered being an entrepreneur. She perceived it as a male-dominated field. But her empowering education from Barnard College inspired a change of heart. Earlier this year, she partnered with her mother to launch Gunaa, a company that produces custom-made women’s clothing from the distinctive, heirloom silks woven in Assam, a region in Northeast India. She talked to us recently about her evolution and the challenge of starting a new busin

Personalized university counseling for families in the UAE with Ivy Options If you have tried figuring out study abroad planning just by Googling things, you probably already know how confusing it gets. One place says start early. Another says focus on test scores. Someone else says essays matter the most. And after a point, it all starts to blur together. That’s usually where things go in circles. It’s not a lack of information. It’s too much of it, and most of it isn’t spec

Wondering how to get SAT test preparation help in the United Arab Emirates? This 2026 guide covers everything UAE students need to know, from choosing between coaching centres and private tutors to mastering the Digital SAT and strategic admissions planning with Ivy Options.