The Ivy Coach Daily

“Way to tell it like it is, Ivy Coach.”

— The Dartmouth
A look inside an old Cornell University library, filled with stacks of books.

What to Do After Being Deferred by Cornell

Were you deferred in the Early Decision round by Cornell University to the Class of 2028? After making a binding commitment to the Ivy League school in the Early, it’s undoubtedly not the news you had hoped for when you submitted your application at the beginning of November.

December 13, 2024

A student walks with a pizza box outside a castle-like building at Harvard University.

Harvard University Class of 2029 Early Action Admission Statistics

Harvard has yet to release admissions statistics for the Early Action round of the Class of 2029.

December 12, 2024

The Dartmouth Engineering banner hangs inside a hall at Dartmouth College.

The Ultimate List of Test-Optional Colleges

Check out the ultimate list of test-optional colleges! See which of America’s top universities don’t require SAT or ACT scores.

December 11, 2024

A person exits a red brick building at Columbia University.

Class of 2029 Early Action/Decision Notification Dates

When will the school you applied to in the Early Action/Early Decision round notify you of their decision?

December 11, 2024

The top of the dome above a columned building at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is featured.

Top 10 Non-Ivy League Colleges To Apply To

Let’s take a look at ten highly selective universities in America outside the Ivy League that are worth considering for your applications.

December 10, 2024

A person walks through the door to a gothic building on Duke University's campus.

Questions to Ask on College Tours

Find out how to make your campus tour count without stressing over the questions you ask.

December 9, 2024

The Von KleinSmid Center, with its arches, is featured at the University of Southern California.

Admission to the University of Southern California

USC has steadily climbed the annual “US News & World Report” college ranking. Just how good of a school is USC?

December 9, 2024

A student walks near a brick building with big glass windows at Dartmouth College.

Ivy League Tuition and Fees for 2024-2025

Let’s compare and contrast tuition rates for the 2024-2025 academic year across the eight Ivy League schools.

December 9, 2024

Students walk down the steps in front of the philosophy building at Harvard University.

Ivy League Grade Inflation: Why Is It So Prominent?

Let’s unpack the extent of Ivy League grade inflation in 2024, the reasons underlying the phenomenon, and what the future holds.

December 8, 2024

A person walks under a glass bridge connecting two buildings at Dartmouth College.

Do Ivy League Schools Offer Application Fee Waivers?

Let’s take a look at application fees across the Ivy League and discuss the pros and cons of applying for a fee waiver.

December 8, 2024

The Duke University Store is featured.

The Importance of Course Rigor in Elite College Admissions

The students filling up highly selective college campuses typically go above and beyond their high school course offerings.

December 8, 2024

A lamp post is featured by a window at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

How Much Time Do Admissions Officers Spend on Each Application?

Admissions officers, believe it or not, can determine an applicant’s admissibility after just 8 minutes of reading and evaluating their applications.

December 8, 2024

A red brick building with columns and a blue door is featured at Harvard University.

Intended Major on College Applications: What it Means & How It Impacts Admissions

Your intended major is not set in stone. It’s simply the major you choose on your college applications to contribute to your angle or singular hook.

December 8, 2024

Founders Hall is featured beyond a snow-covered lawn at Haverford College.

How to Identify Safety Schools in College Admissions

There are no guarantees when it comes to college admissions. That’s why it’s wise to apply to one or two safety schools.

December 8, 2024

Duke Chapel is visible through the trees at Duke University.

The Wealthy Gap Year Student: How a Gap Year Impacts College Applicants

We do not advise students to take a gap year before securing acceptance to an elite university. Learn why!

December 7, 2024

Students bike down the street at Dartmouth College, next to the campus Green.

How Formal Should a College Essay Be? A Word on Writing Style

Your college essays are not academic papers. It’s a means to an end. As such, you should express yourself colloquially.

December 7, 2024

A scantron is featured with some numbers bubbled in.

What Is a Good PSAT Score in 2024?

The PSAT, which is now digital, shorter, and comes with more time per question, is not a significant factor in the elite college admissions process.

December 7, 2024

An upward view of the George Eastman Science Laboratory at MIT.

College Application Stress: What Parents and Applicants Should Know

With a healthy understanding of your strengths and weaknesses, you can navigate the elite college admissions process without unnecessary turmoil.

December 6, 2024

A view of Dartmouth College's campus from between two buildings.

How to Write a College Essay About Nothing

Admissions officers don’t want to be blown away by essays describing every last accomplishment, award, or life-changing experience.

December 6, 2024

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's engineering hall is featured beyond a pond.

What To Do After Being Deferred by UIUC

Over the past few years, between 1,500 to 2,000 students have earned admission to UIUC after receiving a deferral in the Early Action round.

December 6, 2024

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