Ivy Options

For younger students, summer programs at universities can be a fantastic way to explore and deepen academic interests. Whether you opt for a program in the US, the UK, Canada or Europe, these opportunities can help you experience higher-level learning and university life. For students in Grades 8-10 (Years 9-11), attending these programs can be beneficial as long as the topic or topics you will study excite you. Look for a university that offers a good-fit program at a time a

By focusing on his interest in the environment and the sport of rowing, Zaidan received a coveted Early Decision acceptance to Dartmouth College in New Hampshire. The British American, who grew up in Dubai and now lives in London, shares how he got to this point. IO: Congratulations on your ED acceptance to Dartmouth College! What was it like getting the news, and how are you feeling? Zaidan: Quite surreal and happy! My dread on decision day was awful, but I tried to stay c

Early university admissions decisions are starting to reach our hard-working and expectant students. We’ve been thrilled to see many acceptances already and know more good news is on the way! However, some students have already or will be deferred, and others receiving a frustrating rejection. To help everyone stay calm, optimistic, and well-informed, here is a brief summary of what to do in all three cases. Accepted Congratulations! If you applied under the binding early d

For juniors /grade 12 students, maximizing your important second semester is critical. We hope that you're focused on your academics, and are beginning to think seriously about college selection, applications, summer plans, and test prep. To keep you organized and ease the process, we have created tasks for you to complete over the next few months and into the summer. We hope this helps you manage your time and priorities. JANUARY Meet with your Ivy Options counselor to disc

Keeping up a family tradition, Leen followed her two sisters to McGill University. The Jordanian-Palestinian, born and raised in Dubai, has just completed her first semester. As a finance major, she’s found her classes both challenging and interesting—her favorite: International Relations. She says she loves the traditional college lifestyle in the vibrant city of Montreal. We recently caught up with her. IO: Congratulations on completing your first semester at McGill Univers

You’ve hit the “submit” button on your early applications. There are mixed emotions: relief that one phase is complete and nervousness as you await decisions. You’re not alone. Nearly 60 percent of high school 12th graders now use Early Decision (ED) or Early Action (EA) in the application process, according to Common App data. While early applications can boost students’ chances at some schools, they don’t guarantee acceptance. Many students are deferred or denied. During th

As a graduate student in filmmaking at the University of the Arts London, Sophie’s latest fascination is the city's surfaces–its walls, pavements, and hidden cracks–and the histories they reveal. While working on a documentary about graffiti culture, the Austrian-Kazakhstanti, who grew up in Dubai, became fascinated with applying portable scanning– typically used for flat documents–on textured surfaces. She says her experimental techniques and results have sparked a new creat

Do you like making and creating? Have you got a keen eye for design? Then check out these majors! Here are four human-centered fields, making them great choices for degree studies if you’re looking for a future-proof career. Industrial Design According to the University of Notre Dame, “If architects design the house, then industrial designers design everything inside.” This creative and technical discipline is behind nearly every product people use in daily life. However, it

In today’s digital world, virtual meetings have become a regular—and often essential—part of the application process. Whether you're preparing for a college interview, meeting with a research mentor, attending a university webinar, or even discussing your future with a counselor or teacher, professionalism and preparation are key. Here’s a checklist of practical tips to help you shine in any online setting. Choose the Right Environment Make sure you're in a quiet, distraction