IVY OPTIONS

What’s your ED? Don’t be surprised if you hear students asking each other this question as autumn approaches. It has become common knowledge among US-bound students that applying under an EarlyDecision (ED) application plan can increase their likelihood of gaining admission. With university acceptance rates low and continuing to fall, this powerful strategy should be considered by students who have a clear favorite destination for their university studies. In this article, we

Have you been thinking about alternate paths to university or maybe taking some time to think about the next steps? A gap year gives students the opportunity to take a break from their studies to focus on personal growth, new experiences, work, and travel. There are often particular reasons for taking a break, which we list below. We’ve also highlighted two very different gap year experiences in our Students in the Spotlight section. Taking a sabbatical After you have been ac

● Despite some universities remaining test-optional, SAT and ACT scores do make a difference. Keep studying, preparing, and trying your very best. This advice also applies to Advanced Placement exams and any others like IGCSE’s, IB Exams, or A-levels. Ask your counselor about online and in-person tutoring to help you ace your exams. ● Review your academic work and finish strong. Think about next year’s classes because your junior and senior year schedule matters a lot. Prove

Decision Time! You’ve applied and you have choices! How do you decide where to attend? Now more than ever, you need to think about fit. This little word is so significant; it is important to analyze what matters to you when you envision your ideal university experience. Here are our tips for finding your perfect home for the next four years. First – Ask Questions When you are holding an offer, you are in the driver’s seat. The universities that have offered you a place want y

Each element of your college application (your personal statement, your activities, your supplemental essays, your course selection, and...

Calling all freshmen, sophomores, and juniors…this article is for you! When applying to college, your grades and the rigor of your...

It’s never too early to ask for a recommendation letter! Right after spring break, juniors will need to start asking teachers to write these key letters for you. So now is the time to start thinking about who will advocate for you as strongly as they possibly can. It’s also important to know how you can make your recommendation letters stand out. Teacher recommendations are more valuable than ever, as they are the one aspect of the application that is untouched by students or

We are thrilled to announce the new Ivy Options & Lumiere Education Mentored Project Program. University campuses around the world are filled with academics and students who conduct compelling research and complete groundbreaking projects. In diverse academic disciplines ranging from psychology to engineering and history to marketing, these leaders are making discoveries and devising effective strategies that change our world. At Ivy Options, we have seen that amazing insight

You’ve been accepted to your dream school and can’t wait to begin planning the big move. If you are going to a country like the US that...

Students who have worked on a significant research project outside of high school classes, performing artists, visual artists, and makers may often be invited to submit portfolios as a supplement to their applications. Even if you are not applying for a visual or performing arts degree but you have a special talent you want universities to see, consider putting a well-prepared portfolio together to showcase your interests and skills. It will present admissions officers with a

The university application process can be stressful for everyone involved. Here are some tips to help you navigate through this...

What do you do when you aren’t sleeping, doing schoolwork, or enjoying life with family and friends? Universities want to know! Whether you are applying to the US, Canada, Europe, or the UK, it is helpful to develop an extracurricular profile that reflects your values and intellectual curiosity. University life involves so much more than attending classes; undergraduates contribute to an environment that is rich in culture, innovation, and service to others. Your application

At Ivy Options, we offer several tools to help our students identify their optimal career paths. One such tool is the Strong Interest Inventory, an online career interest assessment. In this article, we will discuss how Strong can help you identify career preferences and pick a university major. About Strong The Strong Interest Inventory was developed by the Myers-Briggs Company, a pioneer in personality research. This assessment consists of over 300 questions, asking you abo

Summer is coming and many of our students will visit at least one college campus before the school year resumes. Here is what to do, what...

As an American who trained in US holistic admissions, I am surely biased toward US universities. I think there are many benefits to studying in America. Perhaps its most distinctive advantage is the liberal arts culture and holistic admissions processes. When I worked in admissions, we were fond of students who were undecided about their major, but bursting with intellectual curiosity across the disciplines – everything from the sciences, social sciences, and the humanities.