College

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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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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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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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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From Dongguan to Boston: Ray’s Journey to Northeastern University

Student Profile Student Name: Ray Admitted to: Northeastern University About Ray Ray didn’t see himself as a standout student in the traditional sense. Originally from Dongguan, China, he transferred from Tsinglan School to The Webb School in Tennessee in 10th grade. While his academic path wasn’t conventional, Ray had a wide range of interests and

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How Dora Got Into Tufts University’s Dual-Degree Program in Psychology and Art

Student Profile Student Name: Dora Admitted to: Tufts University About Dora Dora attended Virginia Episcopal School (VES), a small boarding school in the United States with just over 200 students. The school provided a supportive environment and a learning pace that matched her personality. While she did not take on leadership roles or participate in

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University of Michigan Success Story: Wendy’s Unique Academic Journey

Student Profile  Student Name: Wendy Admitted to: University of Michigan Student Profile  Student Name: Wendy High School: Cranbrook Schools (Michigan) Admitted To: University of Michigan Wendy is a senior at Cranbrook Schools, a boarding school in Michigan. Originally from Hong Kong, she moved to the United States in ninth grade to better prepare for college.

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