College

early decision, standardized test

What’s the Difference Between Early Decision vs. Early Action?

College applications can feel confusing, especially when you start hearing terms like Early Action and Early Decision. These are two ways students can apply to colleges earlier than the regular deadline, but they work very differently. In this article, we’ll break down what each option means, how they differ, their pros and cons, and how […]

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Do College Admissions Check for AI in Essays? New Policies and Research Say Yes

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

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Harvard Admissions 2029: Key Trends, Data Insights, and What Applicants Should Know

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

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5 Key Soft Skills That Can Transform Your 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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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 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

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University of Southern California, USC

The Story Behind Katherine’s Successful USC Application

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

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