Dr. Kat (right) and friends Tanya Warren and Coralie Charriol.

With IvyWise, Dr. Kat Cohen and her team of experts help students reach their full potential ahead of college admissions — the education consulting firm provides college admissions counseling in the New York area and around the world. From what you need to know about building your college list to selecting the right high school courses to submitting the most compelling college applications, Dr. Cohen reveals what to keep in mind for a successful admission at the college of your choice.

What is your connection to the Hamptons? Could you tell us how you love to spend your time here?

Dr. Kat’s daughters.

My family and I love to spend time in Southampton. It feels like a true vacation from the city — it’s our secluded, serene getaway. I sleep in, unwind, practice hot yoga, read, catch up with friends, listen to podcasts, and watch drama series. I love spending quality time with my two daughters, blasting music, and dancing in the kitchen. Plus, I love to cook in my Hamptons kitchen — my specialties range from mushroom dumplings to Spanish tortilla. I also have an ice bath just like I have in the city, so I can keep up with my cold-water therapy. I keep it at 36 degrees, and stay in for eight minutes, right next to the pool.

What inspired you to first launch IvyWise?

While studying as a PhD student at Yale, I worked as a reader in the admissions office evaluating undergraduate applications. As a reader, I noticed a lot of mistakes that students made that could have been avoided if they had more guidance. This inspired me to help students as a college admissions counselor so they could reach their full potential. I started IvyWise and have since built a team of counselors who have worked in the admissions offices of some of the most selective colleges in the world. 

In your work, what brings you the most fulfillment?

Working with students. It’s exciting to watch them discover who they 

are and who they want to become during their high school and college preparation journeys. It’s also gratifying to help them explore their interests and uncover their stories. 

Which classes prepare you most for college?

Always the most rigorous ones offered at your high school, especially in the subjects that you are the most interested in and plan to pursue. Colleges are looking at grades in the context of the students’ course rigor — and what is available to them at their high school. Are they taking the most challenging courses available to them? Schools want to ensure that students are prepared to handle a challenging college course load.

What are three qualities of a great college list?

Fit: Prioritizing schools that match your goal, as well as specific academic and social needs, is crucial. 

Balance and length: I recommend students applying to a balanced list of 13-15 best-fit schools. The goal is to have a range of colleges to choose from — some that might be easier to get into, some that might be harder, and some that are right on target. 

An understanding of admissions policies and requirements: It is crucial to research and stay informed of each institution’s admissions policies and requirements, including standardized testing requirements.

What are a few important things to do before submitting your college applications?

Follow directions: make sure to carefully read every instruction given on the application and that you’re providing the correct information. 

Avoid redundancy: every component of your application should add new information to the picture. 

Proofread essays yourself: don’t rely on spell check.

ivywise.com

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