PURIST: What should students in each grade be doing now to prep for college?
KAT COHEN: All four years of high school are evaluated by colleges, so it’s important to have a strategic four-year plan from day one of ninth grade. In ninth grade, map out a course load that becomes increasingly rigorous, develop strong study and executive functioning skills, and start identifying your interests to build your profile.
Refine interests and add depth in your extracurriculars in 10th grade. Impactful activities, research projects and internships aligned with your passions set the stage for shaping your hook. With many top colleges reinstating standardized test requirements, a personalized prep strategy—supported by expert tutors—is invaluable.
Eleventh grade is the most critical college prep year. Continue achieving strong grades, ace the ACT/SAT, refine your college list, demonstrate leadership skills and impact in extracurriculars, and start brainstorming personal statement/supplemental essays.
Senior year, maintain strong grades and stay on top of application requirements and deadlines! Expert guidance ensures applications are flawless and compelling.
How has the banning of affirmative action and elimination of legacy considerations changed admissions?
While race-conscious admissions have ended, many schools added “community” questions for students to share diverse experiences. Several colleges have also terminated legacy admissions, but at those that do consider legacy status, students must still have strong applications and should apply early.
What do students need to know about application essays?
All essays should reveal something not found elsewhere in the application, with supplemental essays demonstrating interest in, and fit at, each school. IvyWise’s signature Roundtable process—where our full team of former admissions officers review applications—ensures every essay is compelling and authentic.
How have you seen college lists evolve?
We are seeing what I am calling “the wave” of more schools becoming highly selective. Many schools that were once considered reliable backups, like Colgate, Northeastern, Tulane and UMiami, are becoming increasingly selective. As the list of prestigious colleges becomes longer, more students need expert guidance when applying. IvyWise counselors use their admissions office and enrollment management experience and deep knowledge of application data to predict each student’s chances of admission.
What should students know about applying from a competitive high school?
Applicants are evaluated against others from their high school, so it is imperative to stand out. Students from top schools are expected to submit strong standardized test scores, even to test-optional colleges. They should also take a rigorous curriculum, pursue impactful extracurriculars and strategically use early application rounds.
What should families know about hiring a college admissions consultant?
Look for counselors with admissions and enrollment management experience, verified results, and a comprehensive methodology. At IvyWise, our team’s real-world experience, personalized approach, proven methodology and track record set us apart.
What is new at IvyWise?
We launched the Elevation Experience, a luxury, curated college tour led by former admissions officers, offering exclusive access via a private jet. Our Unlimited Counseling program provides the most comprehensive college prep guidance to families, and includes additional benefits like project mentorship, tutoring and executive functioning support. ivywise.com