Ivy Options

Two years of test-optional admissions cycles have raised many questions in students’ and parents’ minds about which, when, and even why standardized tests are important. We have seen that testing is still required by some universities and can certainly make an application more competitive. Therefore, the earlier you start, the better. Properly preparing for the SAT or ACT will not happen in one sitting. So when to begin? Is there a time that’s too early to begin prepping? To

One important decision to make in the application process is whether or not to include your standardized test scores. As a result of decades of criticism about the fairness of the exams and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, almost 75% of universities in the US and Canada have adopted a “test-optional” policy in evaluating candidate admissions. This means that universities will not require you to submit scores and will consider your application complete without them. It’s also im

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

Writing a great university essay can feel quite challenging. Whether you are applying to the US, UK, Canada, or Europe, you need to understand what universities are looking for and display excellent writing skills. Here, we discuss some strategies to help you craft the perfect essay. The Common App Personal Statement Students applying to colleges in the USA will write the Common Application Personal Statement (CAPS), a 650-word essay that showcases the student’s personality a

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...

After a long and challenging school year, the last thing students want to think about is doing extra work over the summer. However, the summer can be an excellent time for students to improve performance while still being able to have a long and relaxing break. Here are some tips that students can use in order to improve their performance on exams: Cap Study Time Setting a limit on study time forces us to be efficient. Instead of sitting in front of the computer for 3 hours a

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.

Deciding when to sit for the SAT for the first time can be a stressful choice. Which year of high school is best? What time of year is...