From Baltimore with Gratitude: Reflections on the IECA Conference
Every year, the IECA Conference reminds me why I love this work — and this year in Baltimore was no exception. I had the privilege of presenting alongside four incredible colleagues: Julie McNair, Sarah Applegate, Marta Vajda, and Theo Wolf. Our session, “No Mentor, No Model, No Problem,” explored something many of us in this […]
Choosing a Gap Year
For some students, the best next step isn’t immediately stepping onto a college campus. A well-planned gap year can build confidence, maturity, and direction. We discuss what makes a gap year meaningful and how colleges typically view this choice. After years of structured schedules, deadlines, and pressure, it’s not surprising that many students arrive at […]
Why Giving Back Gives You More Than You’d Expect
Even though some high schools require community service to graduate, the best reason to volunteer has nothing to do with resumes, applications, or future plans. The best reason is that you care. You don’t have to travel far to make a difference—some of the most powerful acts of service happen right in your own community. […]
Focus on Majors: Not a Major – Pre-Law
If you’re thinking about becoming a lawyer, you might assume there’s a specific “pre-law” major you’re supposed to choose. But here’s something most students don’t realize until later: there’s no such thing as a pre-law major. In fact, law schools welcome students from nearly every academic background—from political science to physics. What matters most isn’t […]
Alternative Start Dates for College Freshman
When most families envision the college journey, they picture the classic scene: moving into dorms on a fall day alongside hundreds or thousands of other freshmen. While this traditional path works well for many students, colleges now offer several alternative start dates that might better suit your child’s needs and goals. These alternative starts can […]
Financial Matters: Making Private Colleges Affordable
Private colleges across the United States have expanded their merit-based aid programs in response to competition from public institutions and affordability concerns. This strategy has made private education more accessible to middle-income families. According to the National Association of College and University Business Officers, private nonprofit colleges reached a record average tuition discount rate of […]
Choosing the “Best” Test Prep Method
Most students are anxious about taking standardized tests. Taking a good test prep course or working one-on-one with a tutor can help alleviate some of this anxiety by allowing students to become familiar with the exams and test-taking strategies. Here are some questions to guide you when looking for classes or tutors: Who will be […]
Is a Gap Year Worth It?
For students who are at the end of their high school journey they are often left wondering what comes next. For some it’s college. For others the answer may be a bit more blurred. An increasing number of students are considering an alternate path that’s known as a gap year. At Beyond Ivy, we believe […]
How To Pay For College Without Loans
Whether you’re applying to a state school, private school, or community college, you probably view college as a way to get ahead in life. You certainly don’t want to start your career saddled with a bunch of debt. The cost of tuition is one of the biggest reasons that students avoid continuing their education after […]
What AP Classes Should I Take?
The AP classes you take can significantly influence your college applications and your future academic path. But with a variety of subjects and challenging courses available, how do you decide which AP classes are right for you? Ultimately, the choice of which Advanced Placement (AP) classes to take (or whether to take them at all!) […]