College Admissions Blog

Students bike on the road leading to Baker Library at Dartmouth College.

My Mom, The Private College Counselor

Our family business, Ivy Coach, has taken off from my mom’s moonlighting side gig into the world’s premier private college counseling business.

November 21, 2024

The exterior of a gothic Duke University building is featured.

Love in College Essays

Love stories don’t belong in college essays. Skip the clichés and focus on your unique story with Ivy Coach’s expert guidance.

November 20, 2024

A look inside an interior hallway with a high ceiling that connects two buildings at Dartmouth College.

College Admission Is Not Random

College admission isn’t random. Just because elite college admissions can be disheartening doesn’t mean you should buy into misguided ideas.

November 20, 2024

Red-bricked Harvard Hall sits atop a staircase.

Debunking Misconceptions for Deferred and Denied Students

Learn some common misconceptions about deferrals and denials perpetuated by parents, students, school counselors, and admissions officers.

November 20, 2024

A view down the staircase at Dartmouth College's Baker-Berry Library.

How Much Is an Ivy League Diploma Worth?

Is an Ivy League diploma worth the hype? Explore the data behind Ivy League and the true value of an Ivy League degree in today’s job market.

November 19, 2024

Students walk on a path in front of a brick building with a light blue door at Harvard University.

Citing a Book in College Essays

Books can be cited in your college admissions essays to demonstrate how you dove into studying your singular hook.

November 19, 2024

The Harvard Museum of Natural History is featured from the exterior.

College Endowments

A college’s endowment, the fund that stores all the money donated to it since its inception, plays a crucial role in shaping the student experience.

November 19, 2024

An MIT Museum banner hangs from a flagpole on MIT's campus.

College Admissions FAQs: 35 Common Questions Asked During Admissions

Find out the answer to many commonly asked questions about the elite college admissions process!

November 15, 2024

Students walk under the arches of Duke University's gothic architecture.

Writing About Travel in College Admission Essays

There is no doubt that travel experiences can profoundly impact a young mind. But they absolutely should be left out of your college essays!

November 15, 2024

A path leads through Columbia University, surrounded by lawns.

Donations to Ivy League Colleges and Admissions

Can a donation secure your child’s spot at a top college? Learn how major vs. loyal donors impact admissions and approach college giving strategically.

November 14, 2024

Gilman Hall is featured at Johns Hopkins University beyond a brick path.

Admission Requirements for Johns Hopkins

Learn what it takes to get into Johns Hopkins University, one of the nation’s most selective schools (acceptance rate has hovered around 7.5%).

November 14, 2024

A rotunda sits between two brick buildings at Columbia University.

10 College Application Tips for Military Veterans

Here are our top ten tips for America’s veterans taking the courageous step toward applying to highly selective universities.

November 14, 2024

Duke Chapel sits beyond a freshly manicured lawn at Duke University.

Bad College Essay Examples and What Not to Write

High school seniors are decidedly bad at writing college admissions essays. Learn their common mistakes!

November 13, 2024

Baker Library sits beyond the road at Dartmouth College.

How to Demonstrate Your Interest to Colleges

Ivy Coach offers advice on demonstrating interest in top schools, including tips on visiting, applying early, and more to help your chances.

November 13, 2024

People walk and bike along Massachusetts Avenue at MIT.

Elite College Admissions Is Not Arbitrary

Is elite college admissions really arbitrary? Of course not! Yet what may seem obvious to some is highly contested by others.

November 13, 2024

The gates leading to the Quadrangle are featured at the University of Chicago.

University of Chicago’s Test Optional Admissions Policy

Well before the pandemic, UChicago made history by implementing a test-optional policy. This move was highly characteristic of the prestigious school.

November 12, 2024