Ivy Talent Education

Back-to-School Checklist for U.S. High School Students (Grades 9–12)

The end of August and the beginning of September signal the start of a new school year for high school students across the United States. Whether you are entering ninth grade or preparing for your senior year, how you plan and organize now can set the tone for a successful year.
To help students get started, we have created a practical back-to-school checklist with tips designed for students in grades 9-12.

Back-to-School Checklist for U.S. High School Students (Grades 9–12) Read More »

George’s Success Story: How He Earned Admission to Fessenden School

Student Profile Student Name: George Admitted to: The Fessenden School  About George  George is an athletic and outgoing student with a wide range of interests. Before moving to the U.S., he won the national U11 youth squash championship in China, and within a year of relocating he rose to fifth place nationally in his age

George’s Success Story: How He Earned Admission to Fessenden School Read More »

Hidden Gems: 8 Underrated High Schools in the United States

When applying to U.S. high schools, many families focus on the most well-known institutions. However, there are other schools that, while less widely recognized, consistently provide strong academics and encourage personal growth, helping students build both their skills and confidence. In this article, we’ll introduce eight schools that offer strong academic programs along with opportunities for

Hidden Gems: 8 Underrated High Schools in the United States Read More »

A Senior Consultant’s Guide to Highlighting Soft Skills for College Applications

Most students applying to U.S. universities use the Common Application, which includes sections for listing your activities and awards. You can include up to ten activities and five awards, covering everything you’ve done from ninth through twelfth grade. For each activity or award, you’ll describe your role, the work you did, and any accomplishments or impact you had. This is your chance to show admissions officers not just what you’ve done, but how you’ve contributed, grown, and made a difference. 

A Senior Consultant’s Guide to Highlighting Soft Skills for College Applications Read More »

Stand Out to Admissions: Perfecting Your Common App Activity List

While good grades and test scores are important, they only tell part of your story. At top U.S. colleges, admissions officers see many applicants with strong academics, so what sets you apart is your unique experiences and personal qualities. The Common App Activities List is a powerful way to highlight these aspects, giving you the

Stand Out to Admissions: Perfecting Your Common App Activity List Read More »

Massachusetts’ Top 10 Best School Districts for 2025

Niche has released its 2025 rankings for the best public school districts in Massachusetts. These rankings are based on detailed data from the U.S. Department of Education, combined with authentic student and parent reviews, all analyzed carefully. Key factors considered include state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, teacher quality, and overall district performance.
Curious about which school districts made the top 10 this year? Let’s take a closer look!

Massachusetts’ Top 10 Best School Districts for 2025 Read More »

Fall 2026 Standardized Test Requirements for the Top 70 U.S. Universities

The Common App officially opened on August 1, marking the start of the Fall 2026 application season. To help applicants better understand the requirements of their target schools, the Ivy Talent team has compiled a detailed summary of the standardized test policies for the top 70 U.S. universities, along with application tips and answers to

Fall 2026 Standardized Test Requirements for the Top 70 U.S. Universities Read More »

How Angela Got into Cornell and 14 Other Top 30 Universities

Student Profile Student Name: Angela Admitted to: Cornell University About Angela Angela always had a passion for literature and storytelling, which came through in both her writing and the way she engaged with her community. She remained consistent in her academics while exploring the subjects and causes she genuinely cared about. Her thoughtful approach and

How Angela Got into Cornell and 14 Other Top 30 Universities Read More »

A Guide to the Top U.S. STEM Summer Programs for 2025

Starting in November, applications will begin to open for some of the most prestigious summer programs in the U.S., including those offered by MIT, Yale, NYU, and others.

For students interested in science, math, engineering, or technology, these programs can serve as a valuable opportunity to deepen subject knowledge and gain hands-on experience. While not required for U.S. college applications, participation can strengthen your academic profile by demonstrating initiative and commitment.

A Guide to the Top U.S. STEM Summer Programs for 2025 Read More »

Scroll to Top