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IVY OPTIONS BLOG
AI in Admissions
Since ChatGPT’s launch in late 2022, AI has become an integral part of everyday life. Not surprisingly, both university applicants and admissions officers are simultaneously wrestling with – and embracing – this new technology. The key is using it wisely. When AI first emerged, many universities were alarmed and responded by trying to prevent its use in applications. Schools experimented with AI detection programs like Turnitin, hoping they could identify AI-generated essays.
Oct 2
Elissar Haidar, Duke University
Elissar has wholeheartedly jumped into her first semester at Duke University, her first-choice school. But it wasn’t a sure thing: she was initially deferred when she applied Early Decision. The Lebanese-American, who has lived most of her life in Dubai, shares her first impressions of the North Carolina campus and how she stayed positive during the exhausting application process. IO: Congratulations on starting your first semester at Duke University! How was your summer as y
Oct 2
Applying to Canada – The Guide
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
Aug 28
Writing an Excellent UCAS Statement
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
Aug 28
Concourse Match: Let Universities Compete for You
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
Aug 28
William Hammerson-Jones, UC-Berkeley
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
Jun 3
Foundation Courses 101
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
May 3
Uncertain Times and University
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
Apr 2
Waitlist Survival
“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
Apr 2
Wynona Barua, Barnard College
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
Apr 2
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