Ivy Talent Education

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. 

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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

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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!

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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

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A Comprehensive Guide to 18 U.S. Boarding Schools with Strong Water Polo Programs

When we think about water sports, swimming and diving are usually the first to come to mind. However, water polo is an aquatic sport with a rich history of more than 170 years that deserves more attention. Often called “water football,” water polo combines the physical intensity of land-based ball games with the unique challenges

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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

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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.

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How to Ace Parent Interviews: Tips from the Director of Admissions at Loomis Chaffee

Interviews are an important part of the U.S. boarding school admissions process. While much of the attention is often on the student interview, many schools also value the parent interview just as highly. So what exactly are admissions officers hoping to learn from these conversations, and how can you, as a parent, show genuine support for your child throughout the process?

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Getting Into Tulane University: Leran’s Journey With Ivy Talent

Student Profile  Student Name: Leran  Admitted to: Tulane University  About Leran  Leran was a senior at Vermont Academy when he received his early decision acceptance from Tulane University. Before transferring to the United States, he studied remotely during the pandemic. That period was especially challenging. He experienced feelings of isolation, struggled with weight gain, and

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What Helped Grace Get Into Peddie School: Music, Growth, and Support

Student Profile Student Name: Grace Admitted to: Peddie School About Grace Grace started her education at a public elementary school in China. From early on, her family hoped she would one day study in the United States. They supported her passions in horseback riding, piano, and clarinet, and encouraged her to continue building her strengths. At first,

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