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 Activity List is a powerful way to highlight these aspects, giving you the […]
Common App Activities List: 4 Smart Positioning Tactics Read More »
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 »
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 »
Starting in November, applications will begin to open for some of the most prestigious STEM 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 STEM summer programs can serve as a valuable opportunity to deepen subject knowledge and gain hands-on
A Guide to the Top U.S. STEM Summer Programs for 2025 Read More »
With the Fall 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
Fall 2026 ED & EA Deadlines for Top 70 U.S. Colleges Read More »
Student Profile Student Name: Katherine Accepted to: University of Southern California About Katherine Katherine is a creative and curious student who attended Westover School, an all-girls boarding school in Connecticut, and graduated in the spring of 2024. Originally from China, she chose to study in the U.S. to experience a more flexible and exploratory learning environment. She
The Story Behind Katherine’s Successful USC Application Read More »
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.
Potential UC Calendar Change and Its Impact on International Students Read More »
Student Profile Student Name: Jack Admitted to: Swarthmore College Jack’s Background At SCIE, a high school recognized for its emphasis on science and mathematics, Jack pursued a less conventional academic path by focusing on literature, philosophy, and the social sciences. While he initially explored STEM-related activities such as biology competitions, his interests gradually shifted toward
From STEM School to Swarthmore: A Student’s Path to Liberal Arts Success Read More »
Student Profile Student Name: Mason High School: Public high school in Massachusetts Admitted to: Stanford University, MIT, Princeton University Enrolled at: Princeton University Mason’s Background Mason is an outstanding student from a Massachusetts public high school who, despite early setbacks in the college application process, went on to receive offers of admission from three of
Mason’s Journey to Princeton, MIT, and Stanford Read More »
Student Profile Student Name: Madison High School: Public high school in New Hampshire Admitted to: Cornell University – College of Engineering Madison’s Background Madison is a student from a public high school in New Hampshire, introduced to Ivy Talent through a referral from a family friend. After meeting in person at Ivy Talent’s Boston office,
From Traditional Dance to Computer Science: Madison’s Journey to Cornell Engineering Read More »
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