College Counseling

Tips for Admission to the California State University (CSU) System

loading… The California State University (CSU) application is straightforward. Still, consider this list of background information and tips while navigating through the CSU application: Similar to the UC system, the CSU application has a single application system for ALL 23 CSU campuses. Students need the following to apply: In the application portal, scroll down to … Read more

Debunking Five Common Myths Surrounding College Admissions

loading… Green Ivy has now worked with students on their college applications for over two decades, and we’ve heard our share of myths, rumors, and misconceptions about the college admissions process. To help students keep things in perspective, we wanted to write about the five myths we hear most often, and explain why they don’t … Read more

Supporting Middle Schoolers For a Brighter School Year

loading… This blog post was originally posted on anahomayoun.com. Greetings! After reading a recent article, I wanted to write some reflections about supporting middle school students (which also applies to high school students!) to have a brighter, and more successful school year. The CNN article “Middle Schoolers Face ‘Growing Crisis’ in Wellness, Experts Say” sheds … Read more

Advising 101: How To Handle the Waitlist

loading… It’s spring, and admissions decisions are rolling in! For most seniors, this is an exciting and nerve-wracking time to sort through acceptances and rejections, not to mention what happens in one of the most vexing admissions situations: a spot on the waitlist.  If you’re no longer interested in a school that has put you … Read more

Letters of Recommendation: A Key Aspect of Your College Applications

loading… Students spend countless hours perfecting every part of their college applications–showcasing grades, test scores, and carefully choosing words in their essays. But there’s one critical piece that feels out of their control: letters of recommendation.  For many private colleges and some public universities, letters of recommendation can be an important outside perspective of a … Read more

Advising 101: How Best to Spend the Summer Before College—Great Ideas for High School Graduates

loading… The summer before college can be a pivotal time for students, in part because finishing high school means they are one step closer to adulthood. At Green Ivy, we believe graduates should relax, see friends, and pursue enjoyable activities. We also see it as an optimal time to think more concretely about the transition … Read more