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Sam Joustra

IEA Series

Navigating College Search and Applications as a Jewish Student
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By Sam Joustra
August 22, 2023 | 7 minute read

As we near the end of August, many students are packing up their suitcases and heading off to their first year of college. And for our freshly-minted high school seniors, they’re starting...

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College Applications

Early Action vs. Early Decision vs. Regular Decision: Full Guide
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By Sam Joustra
March 9, 2023 | 19 minute read

Ready to apply to college but don't know the difference between early action, early decision, and regular decision? Here's the difference between the three.

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Choosing a College

Work Colleges: Schools for Service Learning & Work Opportunities
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By Sam Joustra
November 9, 2022 | 8 minute read

There are many colleges in the country that are part of consortiums (groupings of colleges that share resources) where students can utilize the library at a nearby campus, join other...

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Choosing a College

3 Best Colleges for Ice Cream Lovers
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By Sam Joustra
June 14, 2022 | 8 minute read

Did you know that there are almost 4,000 colleges and universities across the country? It’s easy to forget that fact when the same 50-100 schools get the most news and media attention. At...

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Course Selection

Your GPA Doesn't Tell Your Academic Story
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By Sam Joustra
January 26, 2022 | 5 minute read

During my eight years working in selective college admissions, the question I got asked most often was, “Is it better to get an A in a standard-level class or a B in an AP-level class?” The...

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College Applications

Admissions Committees: What Goes On Behind-the-Scenes
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By Sam Joustra
September 22, 2021 | 5 minute read

If you’ve seen the 2013 movie Admission starring Tina Fey, you’ve gained some insight into a representation of an admissions committee. The operative words there are “a representation.” We...

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