24 08, 2021

SAT vs ACT: What’s the difference? Which should I take?

By |2022-10-02T13:34:15-04:00August 24th, 2021|College Admissions, Common App, Harvard, Ivy League, Yale|0 Comments

Previously, there was never a question as to which one to take, most high school students took both. But now things are a little different with some colleges adopting test-optional or test-blind policies. Test-optional means the college doesn’t require testing but will take your scores into account if you submit them. Test-blind means that standardized tests such as the ACT and/or SAT will not even be considered during the admissions process.

It’s important to know what the policies are for the Ivy Leagues or elite Top 20 universities that are on your list. It’s good to check periodically because right now policies are changing daily! Many of the Ivy League schools currently have test-optional policies for now. But don’t overlook that it can only help your application if you study hard and get great scores on the SAT/ACT to submit!

The SAT and the ACT share quite a bit similarities – both tests have optional essays, math sections, reading comprehension sections, grammar sections. The essays for both are different, not harder or easier but just different. The ACT also does focus on slightly more complex math problems. It has a science section which is related to graphs and charts. The ACT is much more fast-paced. It can add to the stress if you can’t remained on task and focused during the test.

In order to gauge which one you think you would do best on. Buy or check out the latest official testing booklets for each. That alone may convince you which one makes the most sense. You can also take free practice exams online to see if that changes your mind.

Testing can be very stressful but remember that your application is made up of much more than standardized test scores. Make sure you continue to challenge yourself in your High School classes and maintain a stellar GPA. I can help you with showcasing yourself in the best light at the colleges. These are mostly in line with you as a whole person.

Reach out now for a free consultation at: www.IvyCollegeEssay.com and let me help you achieve your dream of getting into a great top college or the Ivy League! Also check out my Blog that is full of helpful information, including Things You Can Do to Boost Your Ivy League Application!.

17 08, 2021

Want to Transfer to an Ivy League? There’s still hope!

By |2022-10-03T13:52:07-04:00August 17th, 2021|College Admissions, Ivy League, Ivy League Advice, Ivy League College, Transfer|2 Comments

Sometimes you don’t get into your first or even second choice college when you apply to the Ivy Leagues or any elite Top 20 university. The top Ivies and colleges flooded with thousands of applications every year. And the most elite schools have very limited spots. It doesn’t mean you need to completely give up on your Ivy League dream. Though: you can always apply as a transfer student and give yourself a second chance to get in! Transferring to an Ivy League college would be great for you.

Here are some positives that you can take away from a perhaps delayed entrance into your dream school Ivy. Ivy League school tuition is typically more expensive. So one or two semesters at another college could help you save money in the long term. During your time at another college, you could also work to improve your grades. In case your GPA was a determining factor as to why you didn’t get in the first time around. Also, you could take the time your freshman year elsewhere to get a better understanding of what you want to study and why. All of these things could help create an even stronger application as a transfer applicant. They lead to acceptance into one of your top college choices!

Whereas, the number of transfers is actually easier to get in as a transfer student than as an incoming freshman if everything else lines up. Try to transfer to an Ivy League college which will help you in your career!

The first step: figure out why you were rejected so you can focus on steps that might improve your chances this year. If you decide to reapply – whether that’s improving your SAT or ACT scores, your GPA, or fine-tuning your extracurricular activities and interests. To make your transfer application stand out show you are working hard to constantly improve yourself and grow your horizons. Admission officers don’t want to see the same application that you originally submitted, and yes, most schools do keep files.

While half of the students I work with get into the Ivies right out of high school. About 50% of my students are transfer applicants. I can give you guidance and insights about all the things. I will help you with your school selection and work with you on the content of your transfer application. Plus, I will provide any additional information about the process that you as a transfer applicant might need.

Reach out today for a free consultation at: www.IvyCollegeEssay.com. Let me help you get into a great top college. If you were previously waitlisted or rejected try to achieve your Ivy League dreams!

Check out my other Ivy League college admission blog articles here, including: The Ivy League Essay That Will Get You Into Harvard.

10 08, 2021

Ivy League College Admissions: A Step-By-Step Guide to Submitting Your Common App

By |2022-10-03T14:33:15-04:00August 10th, 2021|College Admissions|0 Comments

Applying to Ivy League College Admissions and submitting your Common App is an amazing accomplishment – exciting and a little bit daunting when you first start. It’s important to understand the process so that you showcase yourself as a potential Ivy League or top college applicant in the best possible way.

To make sure your understanding of the college application process is clear, I’ve listed the steps required to complete your application successfully –and don’t forget, as a former Harvard admissions interviewer and Harvard grad I’m also here to help you further if you’re looking to hire a college admissions consultant who specializes in the Ivy League. So, here we
go!

1. Create an account on https://www.commonapp.org/

2. After you created your account, go to “My Colleges” by selecting the My Colleges tab.

  • This is where you can complete specific university supplemental information, questions and manage your recommendation letters for every college to which you are applying.

3. Next fill out the “Questions” section under the Application header. This can be found if you look to the left-hand side of your screen. This is where you’ll include things like your activities. You’ll be able to “Review and Submit” once you’re completely done.

4. Next select “Recommendations and FERPA” section under the Application header. Here you will be able to select the people who you would like to be your Recommenders. Focus on inviting counselors and teachers who will say positive things about you and know you well! Be sure to ask your teachers first, in person, if they would be willing to write you a rec, before you send them an invite here!

5. Finally under the “Writing Supplement” section select the “Questions” option. Don’t forget to write thoughtfully and double check your content before you submit! Your Common App essay, plus individual school supplemental essays are the most important part of your application.

6. That said, work on all of your essays beforehand, before you ever upload anything to the website. And never wait until the day of the deadline, as the servers have often gone down causing much panic! You always want to give yourself extra time to upload. If your still confused there are lots of additional resources on the Common App website, including https://www.commonapp.org/apply/first-time-students and https://www.commonapp.org/help.

And don’t forget I’m here as well to give you more guidance and insights. Especially help with your school selection, the content of your actual Common App essay, and school supplemental essays, plus any additional info you might need. Reach out now for a free consultation at: www.IvyCollegeEssay.com and let me help you get into a great top college, or achieve your dream of getting into the Ivy League!

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