College

Think attending an Ivy League school is only possible for affluent families? Well, let’s debunk that myth a bit: approximately 75% of undergraduate students at Ivy League institutions receive financial aid, and you could be one of them!   Many families worry that top universities are only for those with six-figure incomes or for students whose […]

Nearly half of U.S. high school students in the Class of 2025 took the SAT, while only over a third took the ACT. The gap has been widening for years, and now the ACT itself has entered a new chapter after being acquired by a private equity firm. This development raises valid questions, one of

In recent years, artificial intelligence has reshaped how students approach writing. Tools like ChatGPT, Grammarly, and other AI assistants can produce clear, grammatically correct text within seconds. For students preparing their college application essays, this can be tempting. After all, writing about personal growth, identity, or resilience is not an easy task, and AI offers

In October 2025, Harvard University released the official admissions statistics for the Class of 2029. The numbers from the report revealed two striking findings: Asian students now make up a record 41% of admitted freshmen, and international students account for about 15% of the incoming class, a testament to Harvard’s strong global presence. Here at

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