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IVY OPTIONS BLOG
New Launch: IO Expertise Online
Ivy Options is excited to announce the launch of Advantage IO, our online university admission courses covering applications to the US, UK, Europe, and Canada. This program has been designed to help a wider array of students access the tools needed to achieve their college admissions goals and dreams. The new online offerings are packed with Ivy Options' expertise and insights gained from years of experience in counseling and working in admissions offices. Participants can c
May 1, 2024
Yasmin Gulamhusein, Georgetown
Yasmin is graduating from Georgetown University this May after an exciting journey of self-discovery. Find out how the British student, who grew up in Dubai, sought out great mentors on her DC campus, secured brilliant internships, and discovered how majoring in economics can lead to an impactful business career. In September, she will start working for one of the most sought-after companies in the United States. IO: It seems hard to believe that you graduated from ASD four y
May 1, 2024
Accepted: What's Next?
Congratulations to all our students on their university acceptances! You’ve worked hard, schools have rendered their decisions, and it’s now time for you to make a choice. As you sort through your options, here are some helpful tips: Review Your Acceptances: Carefully read through your acceptance letters and any accompanying information. Review and compare the different schools and the offers. Pay close attention to any deadlines and instructions. Decline Unwanted College Of
Apr 3, 2024
Graduate School 101
Applying to graduate school – immediately after obtaining an undergraduate degree or after working for a few years – requires careful planning and strategic action. Applicants are expected to articulate their academic and research interests and demonstrate how their past experiences have prepared them for advanced study and an eventual career in the field. Admission to graduate programs tends to be more competitive, with fewer available spots compared to undergraduate program
Apr 2, 2024
The Competition Advantage
When applying to college, everyone wants to know, “How can I stand out from the crowd and get admitted to my dream school?” While good grades and standardized test scores are key, a strong profile also matters. Motivated students can enhance their resumes and profiles through ‘super-curricular’ activities – pursuits that help you test your interest in a planned major or course at university. For example, if you’re interested in biology, you can intern in a lab or hospital, re
Apr 2, 2024
Celeste Maawad, American University
For Celeste, graduate school had always seemed like the ultimate goal that she would ‘one day’ pursue. But after a life-altering London internship in the British Parliament, she's fast-tracking her way to a masters. The British-Lebanese senior, who grew up in Dubai, will get her undergraduate degree in May and has already been accepted to her top-choice universities. IO: Hi Celeste. Thank you for taking time to talk with us. I know it’s a busy time for you with graduation in
Apr 2, 2024
Evolution of Testing Requirements
Five short years ago, taking the SAT and ACT appeared to be an immutable component of the college application process: most colleges and universities mandated them. However, following pandemic quarantines and test access issues, nearly all schools embraced the test-optional trend. Now, once again, changes are underway. With the SAT fully transitioning to online in the US this month, the standardized testing policies of universities and colleges are in a state of flux, with so
Mar 1, 2024
Rayane Koubaa, UCLA
Attending a French high school in Dubai and ethically Tunisian, Rayane wasn't planning on applying to universities in the US until his father intervened. Although he got a late start on the college application process and had to scramble a bit during the fall of 12th grade, he is now a sophomore at UCLA studying chemical engineering. IO: Hi Rayane. How are you enjoying UCLA and life in Los Angeles? Rayane: College life in LA is surreal and limitless! The university and city h
Mar 1, 2024
Canada Caps Study Permits
Starting this year, Canada is cutting the acceptance of new international students by at least 35 percent. The country, grappling with a shortage of housing and other social services tied to the surge in the international student population, is limiting the number of study permits issued. Additionally, the financial proof requirement from international applicants will increase from CAN$10,000 to $21,000; however, Quebec will remain at $7,500. British Columbia, Ontario, and No
Mar 1, 2024
Write a Winning CAPS Essay
The greatest shawarma in Dubai. Lasting lessons learned on a “cursed” bus. A bold vision for the future of biotechnology. The joy of pairing different types of literature with particular drinks. What do these strange and interesting topics have in common? Ivy Options students wrote about them in their Common Application Personal Statements (CAPS) and used these stories to get into some of their top choice schools. The personal essay required by more than 1,000 US universities
Jan 31, 2024
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