The Ivey Files

Law School Transfer Applications

Anna Ivey — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 10:08:01 -0500

What an interesting year this is shaping up to be. It's only early September, and we've already received an unusual number of emails from people who have just started law school and are already looking to transfer. They're not even willing to give their schools a chance. Why is that?

I imagine that 2010 saw a large number of people saying "yes" to their law schools out of desperation, and now that they find themselves at school and are bumping into so many 3Ls who are up to their eyeballs in debt and still struggling to find jobs, they're having second thoughts.

US News Best Colleges Rankings 2011: Changes in Methodology Make Them Less Helpful!

Alison Cooper Chisolm — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 11:46:41 -0500

In a previous blog post about the Forbes rankings, I explained why I think understanding the methodology of a ranking is the key to determining if and how a particular ranking is helpful in your own college search. Since US News is the granddaddy of the college rankings (now in their 26^th year), I’m always interested in how they change their methodology each year.

Yes, US News changes their methodology each year.

MBA Off-Campus Information Sessions

Clear Admit — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 10:56:25 -0500

For all those applicants who have recently opened a calendar to plot out the next few months only to realize they can’t possibly fit in campus visits on top of full time jobs and essay writing, never fear!

How Should I Present My Military Service in My Applications?

Anna Ivey — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 11:29:14 -0500

Anna, I am an Iraq veteran and I have read that military service is anywhere from "extremely valuable" to law school admissions to something akin to any other job. What is your take? Is there anything I should do to highlight its strengths while also countering its possibly negative connotations?

As for another, more specific question: I am struggling with whether to include my platoon's "number of enemy captured/killed" on my resume.

52 Weeks to College -- Week 52: College Starts Now!

Alison Cooper Chisolm — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 08:12:27 -0500

Congratulations!

You've arrived at the 52d week and college is officially in session (or about to be). You've made it. Take a bow!

As you finish this year and begin your first year of college, I can't resist giving you 3 final tips.

Manage your own expectations. College is a transformative experience and transformative experiences aren't always fun; in fact, they are work and they have as many miserable moments as joyful ones.

Applying to Business School as a Younger Applicant

Clear Admit — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 13:11:06 -0500

As many of our readers know, it has become increasingly common for younger individuals to apply to MBA programs. Whereas the average age and years of work experience at the leading business schools has traditionally hovered at around 28 and five respectively, many programs are now carefully considering the more youthful end of the applicant pool.

52 Weeks to College -- Week 51: The Core Four -- Things You Must Have in Order Before You Leave

Alison Cooper Chisolm — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 12:28:00 -0500

As you read this blog, you should be in the last hectic days before leaving for college. You are so very close to starting this new chapter of your life!!!! Since you are probably dizzy from excitement, not to mention a little dazed from all the end of summer social activities, I'm going to make your final checklist for you.

Ah, yes, there is a final checklist – you don't think I'd send you off to college without a final checklist, did you?

52 Weeks to College -- Week 50: What about my Friends?

Alison Cooper Chisolm — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 11:13:04 -0500

The countdown continues.

Forbes Best American Colleges Ranking -- Helpful Only for Its Information on Cost of Education

Alison Cooper Chisolm — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 09:08:36 -0500

Forbes has just released its annual ranking of America’s Best Colleges for 2010 (online at www.forbes.com/colleges and in hard copy in the August 30, 2010 issue of Forbes now on newstands).

"Uniqueness" Is a Red Herring

Anna Ivey — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 08:47:34 -0500

I am often asked how applicants can make themselves “look unique,” and I actually think it’s the wrong question to be asking.

To see why this is, let’s start with what the word actually means, courtesy of Random House Dictionary (here are the first three definitions):