college application and gender

The Humanities Develop Leaders – Not Specialists

In a recent post, we described Columbia University’s Core Curriculum, a set of mandatory classes that forms the foundation of the academic experience of every Columbia undergraduate. It’s considered essential to the education of students regardless of their major. … read more

Columbia University Curriculum

Columbia University’s Core Curriculum

On Columbia University’s New York campus, an imposing statue of Alexander Hamilton stands at the entryway to Hamilton Hall, which houses the University’s main offices. This is fitting, because Hamilton is the school’s most revered alumnus.

A scholar, polymath, and … read more

studying for an AP class

Superscoring to Optimize Your SAT and ACT Scores

As a college admissions consulting firm that helps students gain admission to top-tier institutions, Ivy Select develops a college admissions strategic plan that is uniquely suited to each individual student.  As part of this plan, we advise our students on … read more

yale doors open

Yale’s New Essay Topics

Most elite colleges and universities require supplemental essays in addition to the essays that are part of the Common App or the application of the Coalition for Access and Affordability. A school’s essay topics may change from time to time … read more

studying for an AP class

The Test-Optional Trend and Top-Tier Colleges

IvySelect has become a successful college admissions consultancy by guiding students to gain admission to Ivy League and other top-tier institutions. At the start of each engagement with a new student, we learn about them and collaborate in developing a … read more

College Fairs for Aspiring Ivy League Students

Should you bother to attend college fairs if you plan to attend an Ivy League or similarly elite top-tier college or university? The answer is yes, but be selective. You should attend fairs and other events conducted by organizations that … read more

finding the right major

BS/MD Combined Programs

If you aspire to attend an elite university to obtain a Bachelor’s degree and then continue your education in medical school to obtain an MD degree, then a combined BS/MD program may be right for you. These programs also referred … read more

brown campus tower

Brown University’s Engaged Scholar Program

The Engaged Scholars Program (ESP) at Brown University is a major initiative that combines student coursework with out-of-class learning experiences such as community service and research projects. The purpose of the ESP is to integrate the education of students across … read more

international students at the library

Social Media and Admission to the Ivy League

Am I special? What distinguishes me from my peers? Do I stand out from the crowd in some vital way?

These questions are not symptoms of narcissism. They’re legitimate questions to ask yourself if you aspire to attend an Ivy … read more

international student in consulting

How Do Colleges Evaluate You For Admissions?

The Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) is one of the two national professional organizations in the college admissions field that focus on private admissions counselors exclusively. IECA’s purpose is to enhance the ability of its members to provide the highest … read more