College

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. 

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

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

With the 2026 college application season on the horizon, now is the time to start preparing for Early Decision (ED) and Early Action (EA). Applying early can give you a strategic edge in the competitive admissions process and set you up for success in the next stages. To help you plan ahead, Ivy Talent has

The University of California (UC) system is considering a significant change involving the transition of all its campuses from the quarter system to the semester system. Although this may seem like a minor adjustment in scheduling, as reported by the Los Angeles Times, it could have a much greater impact on international families preparing for U.S. college admissions.

Colgate University, located in the picturesque village of Hamilton, New York, offers a classic liberal arts education shaped by a strong sense of community, intellectual curiosity, and personal growth. With undergraduates representing all 50 states and more than 160 countries, the university fosters an environment where diverse ideas and experiences are central to the learning process.

Duke University is one of the nation’s most prestigious institutions, known for academic excellence and a strong sense of tradition. Originally founded as Trinity College in 1838, the school became Duke University in 1924 after a gift from James Buchanan Duke, honoring his father, Washington Duke. This expansion led to the creation of Duke’s iconic West Campus, with its Gothic architecture and the Duke Chapel, as well as East Campus, where all first-year students live.

Though not part of the Ivy League, Duke is often regarded as its academic equal, attracting top students from around the world. Ranked sixth among national universities by U.S. News & World Report in 2025, Duke combines rigorous academics with generous financial aid, a global student body, and a commitment to holistic admissions.