top of page
IVY OPTIONS BLOG


Primer on Work Experience
When it comes to this important activity, there are plenty of misconceptions. The words ‘work experience’ and ‘internship’ are used interchangeably, but it is important to remember that high school students generally secure unpaid placements through informal arrangements. Some people describe this activity as job shadowing; however, Ivy Options advises students to be active contributors rather than passive observers whenever possible. Here's a primer and tips on work experien
Oct 2, 2024


Felipe Cuellar - SpaceX
Fascinated by space exploration from a young age, Colombia-born Felipe set his sights early on working in this field. After graduating from the University of California-Berkeley with a bachelors in mechanical engineering, he worked for a major US auto company – but SpaceX was his dream. He applied to the Texas-based space company three times before finally being hired last year. He is now one of the engineers formulating plans for space rockets. He recently talked to us about
Oct 2, 2024


Mandatory Financial Documentation for International Students Applying to U.S. Universities
It's application season! While high school students in grade 12/year 13 are busy writing essays, parents shouldn't overlook an important component of the application to some U.S. universities: non-US citizen applicants are required to provide financial proof that their families have sufficient liquid funds to pay for tuition, fees, and living expenses during the first year of studies. It is important for students to review the international applicant section of each of their
Oct 1, 2024


Demonstrate Interest & Stand Out
University admissions officers are returning in full force to high school campuses around the world to meet potential students. By taking advantage of these visits, students not only learn specifics about universities but, more importantly, engage personally with the admissions officers – the ultimate form of demonstrated interest. Demonstrated interest is one of the easiest and most effective ways to show universities that you are an enthusiastic and engaged college applican
Sep 4, 2024


To UC or Not to UC
The University of California is the United States' largest public university system, offering undergraduates a prestigious name and nine campuses with exciting programs. However, given the lengthy and highly competitive application, students and parents must weigh some key factors to decide if it’s right for them. Here’s what you need to know! The Pros Efficiency: Nine universities in one application, with options ranging from more likely to high-reach The most competitive
Sep 3, 2024


Faisal Al Hashar, Columbia University
Born and raised in Oman, Faisal recently started his first year at Columbia University as an engineering major. He initially hadn’t considered attending university in the US, focusing on UK institutions, but was drawn to the New York school’s engineering philosophy of Engineering for Humanity. His goal after graduation is to return to his homeland to help shift its economic focus away from oil and gas to renewable energy. IO: Hi Faisal. Congratulations on starting your first
Sep 3, 2024


Super Supplemental Essays
Students can easily overlook supplemental essays; however, admissions officers consider them one of the most important parts of the application. It’s here they look for evidence of academic potential and the student's fit with their university. These essays also show whether the applicant is genuinely excited and serious about attending. For admissions success, it’s vital to write them well. Most supplemental essays fall into the following categories: Why This University?: W
Jun 3, 2024


Admissions Insights: 2023-24
As we emerge from another application cycle, the competitive environment and shifting policies in university admissions continue to challenge students applying to university. Acceptance rates are still falling as applications—particularly to top-tier schools—continue to rise. Given the challenges, it’s imperative for students to distinguish themselves with stellar grades, extracurriculars, compelling essays, and high SAT/ACT scores for admissions success. According to the Com
Jun 3, 2024


Defne Ergoz, University of Chicago
Ethnically Turkish, but raised in Moscow and Dubai, Defne has a way with English. Two years ago, her creativity and strong time management enabled her to write the bulk of her college application essays before the start of 12th grade. Her efforts paid off. We recently caught up with her. IO: Hi Defne! Thank you for speaking with us. You’re completing your freshman year at the University of Chicago. Has it met your expectations, or was it surprising in any way? In particular,
Jun 3, 2024


Maximizing Your Summer
Summer is an important time to relax and reset, but it is also a crucial time for high school students of all grades to plan and power ahead. Unless you use your summer wisely, you may find yourself time-poor and less effective in the school year ahead. What if you haven’t had time to make a plan? We have you covered. Follow the steps below to optimize your summer: Get a jump start on challenging subjects Summer is a great time to prepare for the rigors of the upcoming schoo
Jun 3, 2024
We are here to help you succeed. Contact us by phone or email to set up a consultation.
bottom of page