college applications

Letters of Recommendation: A Key Aspect of Your College Applications

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 student’s … Read more

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

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 to … Read more

The Summer Before Senior Year: A Fantastic Time to Work on College Applications

The senior year of high school comes with a significant amount of responsibility, especially when it comes to applying for college.  To stay on top of the application process, we recommend working on applications during the summer before senior year. Summer provides the perfect opportunity to lay the groundwork without the added pressure of schoolwork. … Read more

Advising 101: Getting a Jump Start on Your Common App Activities List

Sharing interests, hobbies and extracurricular activities can be nerve-wracking, especially since the Common Application’s ‘Activities’ section offers ten spots with very short descriptions. In our office, we suggest students create a log beforehand so they can work through their descriptions. For those students also applying to the University of California schools, a thoughtful activities list … Read more

How to Approach Letters of Appeal for CSUs and UCs

If a student is denied admission to a Cal State University (CSU) or University of California (UC), they can try to persuade the admissions office to reconsider their application by writing a letter of appeal. Each of the UC and CSU campuses offer their own appeals process, and have the exact guidelines on their respective … Read more

Advising 101: What Are Admissions Officers Looking for in College Essays?

When working with students on the college application process, we see personal statements and supplement questions as an *incredible opportunity* for students to showcase their unique background, perspective, and interests. Over the years, we’ve had so many students become excited about their essay topics, and craft compelling statements on why they want to attend a … Read more