| Ivy Coach

Columbia University's campus is visible under a cloudy sky.

Can My High School Limit How Many Colleges I Apply To?

Some high schools try to limit the number of applications students submit. But these schools have no right to do so, and there’s an easy workaround.

May 21, 2024

Students sit on the library steps of Columbia University.

Disclosing Criminal History in College Admissions

For many years, college applicants with a criminal history were made to reveal this history on The Common Application.

May 20, 2024

This wide shot of Dartmouth College at sunset features a green lawn and Dartmouth Hall in the distance.

How Much Does College Admissions Counseling Cost?

Learn more about the fees of private college consultants. And learn about the fees of Ivy Coach, the world's leading college consultancy.

May 16, 2024

A brick building sits below a staircase at Harvard University.

College Admissions Officers and Implicit Biases

The Supreme Court's decision outlawing Affirmative Action did not eliminate the implicit biases of admissions officers.

May 15, 2024

A student walks down an outdoor staircase under trees at Harvard University.

Ivy League Admissions: The Asian American Parent’s Dream

For many Asian American parents, their bible in the elite college admissions process is the US News & World Report Best National Universities ranking.

May 13, 2024

Students walk on MIT's campus on a sunny day.

How to Get Into MIT

MIT requires applicants to submit an SAT or ACT. Amongst members of the MIT Class of 2027, 78% submitted SAT scores and 32% submitted ACT scores.

May 12, 2024

Students sit on the library steps at Columbia.

5 Lies Perpetuated by College Admissions Officers

Over the years, we have not been shy to call out admissions officers for perpetuating falsehoods about the elite college admissions process.

May 12, 2024

Harvard Yard is featured after a snowfall.

Debunking the Need-Blind College Admissions Myth

Need-blind admissions is a farce -- a total, absolute lie perpetuated by admissions officers to unsuspecting high school students and parents.

May 11, 2024

Talented Asian Applicants, Talented Asian Americans, Talented College Applicants

Asian American Violinists in College Admissions: Dare to Be Different

The world-class at their craft — be it distance running or the violin — are always exceptions to the rule, not the rule.

May 11, 2024

Admissions Lottery, Lottery Admissions System, College Admissions Lottery

Should Elite Colleges Run Admissions Like a Lottery System?

Our modest proposals to fix the college admissions system have never generated as much excitement as instituting an admissions lottery system.

May 10, 2024

A statue of a Greek goddess is featured at Barnard College.

How to Get Into Barnard College

As an affiliate under the Columbia umbrella, Barnard allows students to cross-register for classes at the prestigious neighboring institution.

May 10, 2024

This is a photograph of an A+ on drawn on paper.

What Looks Better: An A in a Regular Class or a Lower Grade in a Regular Course?

Over the years, many students and parents have asked us at Ivy Coach if it's better to get an A in a non-honors course or a B in an honors course.

May 7, 2024

Maryland Hall is featured after a snowfall at Johns Hopkins University.

How to Get Into Johns Hopkins University

Getting into JHU isn’t easy—use our expert breakdown to boost your odds with the right academic and application strategy.

May 3, 2024

UCLA's Royce Hall is featured under a blue sky.

How to Get Into UCLA

Applying to UCLA? Find out what matters most—rigor, PIQs, and your unique hook—with expert advice from Ivy Coach.

May 2, 2024

Swimmers and University Admission, Swimmers and Ivy League, Ivy League Swim Recruits

Swimmers and College Admission: A Measurable Advantage

Swimmers enjoy an advantage in the college admissions process. Unlike athletes in subjective sports, swimmers can know precisely where they stand.

May 1, 2024

Chapin Hall is featured at Williams College.

Top 25 Liberal Arts Colleges in 2024

The list of top 25 liberal arts colleges reveals some surprising and not-so-surprising names.

April 30, 2024

Whig Hall, home to the American Whig-Cliosophic Society, is featured beyond a lawn at Princeton University.

Jewish Students at Princeton University: Population, Community, and More

According to Hillel, there are approximately 500 Jewish undergraduates at Princeton, comprising about 9.6% of the undergraduate student body.

April 28, 2024

A panoramic view of Stanford University's well-manicured campus.

How to Get Into Stanford University

Stanford applicants must complete The Common Application, the Stanford supplement, a counselor recommendation, and two teacher recommendations.

April 25, 2024

A gothic building is featured at Harvard University.

The History of Legacy Admissions: When Did It Begin?

Legacy admission at elite universities is a controversial practice with highly suspect origins. Learn more about the history or legacy admissions.

April 24, 2024

Georgetown University's Healy Hall is featured from the east at sunset.

LGBTQ+ Life at Georgetown University: Past, Present, and Beyond

In recent years, Georgetown University has made major strides in the acceptance of LGBTQ+ students on campus.