The mission of Ivychievers is to assist students in the college admission process. Unfortunately, as many of us find when poking around for some guidance on how to get into the college of our dreams, the guidelines colleges follow to admit students are very opaque. We are told to find the colleges that are the best fit for us and that everything else will fall into place. While some of us find this dream match, others are left wondering what exactly that statement means. In either situation, it often seems there is no certainty of one’s admission to a top-notch college. As it is difficult, in this way, to decrypt admissions from the point of view of the best universities, Ivychievers takes a different approach. The mentors of Ivychievers have already been admitted to some of the top colleges in the nation and are willing to share their success stories. While every student is indeed different and has varying interests, it is possible to capitalize on those parts of applications that others feel did and did not work for them in the past. By conducting a preliminary conference with students and their families, we can help analyze the summer, extracurricular and scholastic activities which will help an application be noticed. During this, we can advise a student on what steps he or she should take to add some further brightness to his or her application. A layered set of attributes defines whether or not an application is put in the green. These range from academic transcripts, SATs and essays to extracurriculars to even demonstrated interest in the school and various “hooks.” By sitting down and understanding the student’s background, we can discuss where the student shines and where a little more work could be done. Based on this uncovered information, an educated decision can be made about selecting a student’s safety, best-fit and reach schools. Because our mentors have droned through a number of applications themselves, they can really help students put together their own. We will help to revise essays and resumes, to present one’s achievements and activities and even to prepare for the often nerve-racking interview (don’t worry, there’s no need for it to be scary!). Of course, our mentors are willing to work with students at other levels of their high school careers also. Colleges look at students’ growths throughout their high school years. By working with ninth and tenth graders, we can help set the path for success in the years to come. Not only can we guide underclassmen in picking classes and other outside activities, but we can help students make the most of them so they stand out when the time comes. Thanks,
The Ivychievers Team
