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IVY OPTIONS BLOG
US Supreme Court, Race & Admissions
In 2024, the United States Supreme Court ruled that universities in the US could no longer use race as a factor for admissions. Though this ruling may seem clear, how universities have chosen to interpret and implement it is fascinating. Let’s look at two universities as examples of how wide-ranging the impact of the ruling on actual admissions practices has been. Johns Hopkins and Northwestern universities are both highly selective private institutions with similar undergra
Mar 3, 2025
Mishka Punjabi, Cornell University
From a young age, Mishka loved art. But this evolved in 10th grade when she began working on a project to design a residential space for the virtually impaired. She gained an understanding of how art and design intersect, and her passion for architecture was born. Throughout high school, she nurtured this interest through her academics, creative endeavors, leadership positions, and international competitions. Her efforts paid off recently when she was accepted Early Decisio
Mar 3, 2025
Middle School Steps to Uni
For middle school students, one of the biggest milestones in life–attending university–may seem like a distant prospect. However, it’s never too early to set yourself up for admissions success. By preparing now, you can hit the ground running from the start of high school. Ivy Option's 10 tips: Organized study habits: This is something you will value your entire life. Establishing effective study habits allows you to stay on top of your schoolwork while also having enough ti
Mar 3, 2025
Why Study at US Universities?
As an American citizen who attended university in the US, trained in US holistic admissions, and has had three children pursue higher education in private US universities, I deeply appreciate the power of the US university system. Although studying in America is not for everyone, there are particular aspects of the US approach to education that set it apart from highly competitive universities in the UK and Europe. Perhaps its most distinctive advantage is the idea that stude
Mar 3, 2025
Senioritis Survival Guide
As early university decisions continue to trickle in and you await your Regular Decisions in March and April, here are some key considerations for college-bound Grade 12 and Year 13 students. Remember that Grades and Exam Results Matter. With nearly all applications submitted and graduation only a few months away, it can be tempting to relax and look forward to the future. However, your academic performance this semester is critical. Universities expect you to maintain the s
Feb 3, 2025
Studying in the UK 101
Do you hear London, Manchester, or Edinburgh calling? The UK’s world-renowned universities appeal to many international students. Here are some key features to keep in mind when considering if it's the best place for you to study. Narrow Academic Focus The UK offers courses to suit every passion and interest; however, you must know which subject you wish to study. ‘Undecided’ isn’t an option. British universities typically offer students the opportunity to pursue one favorit
Feb 3, 2025
Vicky Stogiannidou, University of Cambridge
A dual citizen of the US and Greece, and raised in Dubai, Vicky studied biology at the University of Bath. However, she wanted to step beyond the confines of pure science and into the commercialization and business side of the field. To do this, she is now pursuing a Master’s in Bioscience Enterprise at the renowned University of Cambridge. She provides a window into her new life in Cambridge and what led her there. IO: Hi Vicky. Congratulations on pursuing your Master’s at y
Feb 3, 2025
Study Visa Cuts and Rising Financials
With the increase in international students worldwide, some of the most popular countries for study are trying to juggle the positive aspects of these enrollments with the strains on housing, immigration, and other social services. Recently, nations with the highest international student populations have implemented stricter study visa criteria and raised their financial proof requirements. Among them, Canada, the UK, and Australia have increased the monetary thresholds the m
Jan 6, 2025
Purdue University
Purdue University, located in West Lafayette, Indiana, is a large public research institution renowned for its top-ranked programs in engineering, technology, business, and agriculture. Established in 1869 as a land-grant university, Purdue now has a diverse student population of 58,000, including over 44,000 undergraduates. Nearly 20% of its students come from outside the United States. The university's College of Engineering is among the best in the U.S., with notable progr
Jan 6, 2025
The New ACT: What to Know
One of the main standardized tests used for college admissions in the United States, the ACT is undergoing significant changes that will take effect starting April 2025 for the digital test and September 2025 for paper-based versions. These updates are designed to make the test more accessible, reduce stress for students, and offer greater flexibility. For students planning to take the ACT in the near future, it’s important to understand how these changes might affect the tes
Dec 6, 2024
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