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IvyWise KnowledgeBase

IvyWise What Do Retention Rates Mean to College Applicants?

What Do Retention Rates Mean to College Applicants?

When it comes to researching colleges, there is certainly not a lack of information available — so much so that it can be overwhelming to figure out which data points are most useful. Numerous ranked lists are published annually, there are websites that provide students’ reviews of colleges, and then there’s my personal favorite, the thick, desktop Bound-For-College Guidebook.

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IvyWise Applying to College as an Undecided Student

Applying to College as an Undecided Student

One of the most compelling and authentic applications I read during my time as an admissions officer at Duke University was from a student who applied as undecided.

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IvyWise What High School Students Need to Know About Applying to Direct Dental Programs

Direct Dental Programs for High School Students

Direct dental programs allow high school students to apply to and, if successful, be admitted into an undergraduate institution and a partner dental school simultaneously. These programs are referred to by several names such as accelerated dental, B.S./DDS or B.A./DDS, and B.S./DMD or B.A./DMD.

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IvyWise What to Know About Private School Admissions: Pre-K through High School

What to Know About Private School Admissions: Pre-K Through High School

Congratulations! You’ve made the decision to apply to an independent or boarding school. There’s a lot to consider in this process, and often families are unsure of how this process works and what to expect.

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IvyWise U.K. vs. U.S. Master’s Degrees

U.K. vs. U.S. Master’s Degrees

If you are considering applying to master’s programs, you may have debated the merits of attending a program in the U.K. vs. the U.S. Depending on where you completed your undergraduate studies and your career ambitions, both locations offer exciting opportunities and benefits. Below are some factors to consider when choosing between master’s programs in the U.K. and U.S.

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IvyWise ED vs. EA vs. RD: Which College Application Round Is Right for You?

ED vs. EA vs. RD: Which College Application Round Is Right for You?

Applying to U.S. colleges can be a confusing and stressful process. Part of this stems from the fact that schools typically have several application rounds and deadlines that you need to know about. Understanding and leveraging these different options, however, can provide a strategic advantage in the college application process.

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IvyWise Undergraduate Business School Essay Tips from a Former Admissions Officer

Undergraduate Business School Essay Tips from a Former Admissions Officer

Business is the number one undergraduate degree in the US. According to the National Center of Education Statistics, 19% of bachelor degrees granted in 2019-20 were business degrees. However, some of the most selective universities do not offer undergraduate business degrees.

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IvyWise Tips for Applying to the University of California System

Tips for Applying to the University of California System

As a University of California alum and California native, I cannot imagine another institutional system that truly offers something for everyone. From STEM to humanities, research to innovative arts, extremely focused students to those still figuring out their next steps, highly selective campuses to those with a great foundation for exploring yourself, the UC system packs it all in one and offers limitless options to explore, develop, and shine! 

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How to Make an Art Portfolio for College or University

When applying to arts programs or majors, many colleges will require an art portfolio for college admission. This is a critical piece of your college application that often requires many hours of planning and creating to ensure that you’re accurately highlighting your creative background, skills, and interests.

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The Benefits of Athletics at a Division III College

So, you’re a high-level athlete who wants to compete collegiately. You’ve committed time, effort, and energy to being the best athlete you can be, competing for your high school team, your club team, working on speed and agility, lifting weights, and developing your skill set.

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