Blogs & Latest News

Cultural differences and how to embrace it as an international student
Student Life

How International Students Can Embrace Cultural Differences:

Embracing Cultural Differences Traveling to the U.S. on a family holiday is vastly different from being a student in the U.S. There is the dizzying feeling of independence, coupled with nervousness and adventure. Many students are accompanied by their parents, while many students make their

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Need Blind or Need Aware
Financial Aid

Need Blind vs Need Aware- Differences in Admission Policies

Need Blind vs Need Aware You may have come across these two terms when looking for colleges that offer financial aid and wondered what exactly they mean. These describe how universities and colleges view the financial needs of students during their admission process. Somehow colleges

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College Grading System
US Colleges

The U.S. Grading System-A Guide for International Students

OVERVIEW OF THE U.S. GRADING SYSTEM Transitioning to the U.S. education system may be challenging for international students unfamiliar with it. Visa bureaucracy, culture shock, time difference, new friends – you will already have a boatload to manage upon landing in the U.S. Understanding the

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U.S.News Rankings
Rankings

2025 US News & World Report College Rankings

2025 US News & World Report College Rankings The right university is a pivotal decision for students. Despite some controversy, the US News & World Report’s 2025 rankings remain a valuable source.  Nearly 1,500 colleges and universities across the United States were evaluated, and the

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Developing skills with Humanities
Career Counseling

The Enduring Value of a Humanities Education

Value of a Humanities Education For centuries, scholars have been threatening the downfall of the humanities. James Hankins, a professor of History at Harvard University, argues that a systemic “dehumanizing” of the humanities in favor of science education, promoted through the imperial agenda as the

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Misconception about applying to all Ivy leagues
Acceptance Rate

Misconceptions About Applying to all 8 Ivy League Colleges

Misconceptions About Applying to all 8 Ivy League Colleges Deciding which college to apply to in the U.S. is mired with confusion. The dream of studying at  Ivy League colleges is so great that often students make unrealistic decisions without considering the implications. In Spring

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Using the common data set for college search
College Choice

Common Data Set- How to Use It for College Search

The Common Data Set- How to use it The Common Data Set results from a joint initiative among data providers in the higher education community. The publishers for the same are College Board, Peterson’s, and U.S. News & World Report. The purpose is to enhance

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How to choose a major
Majors

How to Choose a College Major that is Right for You

Choosing the right college major can impact career paths, personal fulfillment, and education experiences. This post provides actionable steps for selecting a major that aligns with a student’s strengths, passions, and future goals. Assess Your Interests Every academic discipline provides a lens through which to

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Extracurriculars
Extra-Curricular

Extracurricular Activities-How to quantify your work

The college admission landscape has become exceedingly competitive. It is becoming critical for students to stand out in their college application and differentiate themselves from the next candidate. Extracurricular activities thus are important indicators of students’ demonstratable interests, skills, and dedication. But is just doing

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Letters of Recommendation
College Applications

How to Get Letters of Recommendation that Wow

Strong letters of recommendation are crucial for college applications. Letters of recommendation humanize an applicant. They give admissions officers an understanding of the student they are reviewing behind solely qualitative measures like GPA and SAT scores. Nearly all top- and second-tier colleges require students to

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College Application 2024
College Applications

Application Trends for 2024-25-Stategies to Stay Ahead

Strategies to Stay Ahead in the Application Process As the 2024 college application is around the corner, Ivy Central has identified significant trends that are shaping the landscape of college admissions. Here is a list of things to look out for and what you can

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Open vs Core Curriculum
College Counseling

Navigating College Curricula: Open vs. Core Options Explained

You may have heard the words “open curriculum” or “core curriculum” and haven’t a clue what your counselors or the speakers at information sessions are going on about. It’s important to clarify these concepts for you, a potential applicant because they encourage you to think

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College Applications

How AI is Transforming College Admissions: Emerging Trend

Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing various industries. Slowly it has now entered the realm of college admissions. Just as Human resource departments in companies use the Applicant Tracking System (ATS), Schools are beginning to use AI as an assistant tool in the initial phases of college

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How to avoid procrastination
Student Life

From Procrastination to Productivity: Managing Time

From Procrastination to Productivity You may have heard the famous saying, “Procrastination is the thief of time.” Are you a student who has gained the reputation of a ‘procrastinator?’ Handing over assignments at the last minute and not sleeping before the impending deadline, yet getting

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Career Counseling

U.S. College Classrooms: A Guide for Students

Entering a U.S. classroom can be a heady experience. You will be part of a distinctly diverse student body, where you will engage in an informal exchange of ideas, and your professors will encourage you to think critically. This unique experience, called college life, will

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