The college application should just be the icing on the cake. Making the cake starts in 8th/9th grade where proper planning can lead students down successful paths. By the start of the 10th grade, students should be in full-swing developing their themes and profiles with a concentrated, well-managed group of core activities. Read the articles below to gain a deep understanding and helpful tips on how to ready your student for Ivy League admissions.

How to Make Your Extracurricular Clubs Great
[Wow-Modal-Windows id=1] Founding, leading and participating in his own clubs are one of the best extracurricular activities a student can engage in. It demonstrates leadership, initiative, social skills and a passion for a certain area. The last part is particularly...

Building the perfect theme for future math majors
Settle in, all you math wizards, because this is a long one. If you are interested in attending college to major in mathematics, then there are many things you can do now to prepare yourself for admissions. Like every IvyZen theme, your plan of attack will be divided...

How to make your club great (Part II)
How to make your club great (Part II) Last month we gave you five tips for making your club the best at your school. Here are several more pieces of advice to help you plan your club's success. 6. Great clubs take themselves seriously. This is especially important if...

How to make your club great (Part I)
Every high school has them: one or two clubs that everyone wants to be a part of. They have the most fun meetings, go on the most fun trips, seem to be a tight-knit group, and everyone wishes they could join. Creating one takes a lot of work but is well-worth the...

Building a business theme for your college application
Do you dream of owning your own company? Are you interested in commerce, trade, or sales? Are you a born leader? Perhaps you should consider a career in business. Business schools can be highly competitive, so if you want your application to stand out, then you should...

How to create an IT theme for your college application
How to Create an IT Theme for Your College Application If you are considering a career in computers or technology, then why not tailor your application to reflect just that? College admissions officers are searching for demonstrated interest to a given topic, so give...

Set your own trend and create your own club
Set your own trend and create your own club If you check out the "Clubs and Activities" bulletin board at your standard American high schools, you will likely see the same offerings: math club, science club, newspaper, yearbook... more of the same. While you stand...

Dead weight: Seven extracurricular activities that aren’t as great as they tell you
Dead weight: Seven extracurricular activities that aren’t as great as they tell you As we have mentioned a number of times in our articles, choosing extracurricular activities that fit into your overall theme is a critical exercise. However, it seems to be a popular...

The Ivy League Guide to Extracurricular Activities
[Wow-Modal-Windows id=21] If you have been actively researching Ivy League admissions strategies, then you have most likely heard of the “spike” approach. Contrary to being a well-rounded student who participates in a variety of unrelated extracurricular activities,...

How to Get into an Ivy League Using the Hedgehog Concept
The Hedgehog Concept High achieving students are always looking to improve their chances of getting into Ivy League colleges. While there are plenty of people to give you advice on the perfect college essay, the perfect test score, and the perfect extracurricular...