In the Media

U.S. News & World Report

How Your Hometown Could Affect Your College Prospects

In this article from U.S. News & World Report, the influence of a student's hometown on their college prospects is examined. John Morganelli, director of college admissions at Ivy Tutors Network, highlights how admissions officers may use geographic diversity as a factor in decision-making. Morganelli explains that students from underrepresented regions may stand out more in competitive college pools, while students from larger, well-known areas may face tougher competition due to oversaturation.

Financial Times / EdSurge

Educators warn AI must be a teaching — not a cheating — aid

In this article, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in education is explored, highlighting both its benefits and challenges. John Morganelli Jr., discusses how AI is increasingly used by students for applications but believes employers and admissions officers will eventually emphasize real-time assessments, such as interviews or video portfolios, to gauge true abilities. He foresees a shift toward AI-generated interview questions, ensuring candidates' authenticity and skills are better evaluated.

Cornell Daily Sun

New Senior Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education named

Under the new plan, the college created positions for a director of advising and a director of admissions, filled by John Morganelli Jr. and Bonnie Comella, respectively.

Inside Higher Ed

Advocacy Is Missing in College Applications

John Morganelli Jr. argues that counselor advocacy is an underutilized tool in college admissions. He emphasizes that beyond academic performance and extracurriculars, personal calls or emails from high school counselors to admissions officers can significantly enhance an applicant's chances. Morganelli encourages more schools to prioritize advocacy, particularly through relationships formed at conferences, to humanize and differentiate students during the admissions process.

Business Insider

I'm a former director of admissions at Cornell. Here are my 4 tips for writing a successful application for a highly selective college

Read insights from John Morganelli Jr., a former Director of Admissions at Cornell University. He offers four key tips for crafting a compelling college application: carefully select a prospective major, effectively use the activity list, leverage the additional information section, and build a personal brand that showcases your values and perspective.

CBS News New York

New York lawmaker co-sponsoring bill to end legacy admissions in schools

John Morganelli, director of college admissions for Ivy Tutors Network, helps students get into college for a living, but was previously director of admissions at Cornell. He says legacy is not the most common indicator of privilege that he sees.

The New York Times

Study of Elite College Admissions Data Suggests Being Very Rich is Its Own Qualification

"Parents rattle off that a kid got in because he was first chair in the orchestra, ran track," said John Morganelli Jr., a former director of admissions at Cornell and founder of Ivy League Admissions, where he advises high school students on applying to college. "They never say what really happens: Did the guidance counselor advocate on that kid's behalf?"

Tests and the Rest Podcast

Admissions Insights For Highly Selective Universities

Amy Seeley and Mike Bergin, Hosts of the College Admissions podcast "Tests and the Rest" featured John Morganelli Jr. to share admissions insights about college admissions at highly selective universities.

The Morning Call / Lehigh University

Lehigh University, Moravian College officials spell out what they look for in applicants

Ninety percent of students who apply to Lehigh University are academically qualified, says John Morganelli Jr., senior associate director of admissions. But before that fat acceptance letter arrives in the mail, the admissions staff wants to know if you have something else.

Cornell University

A&S welcomes new director of admissions

John Morganelli Jr. has been named the new director of admissions for the College of Arts & Sciences. In his role, he is responsible for overseeing all undergraduate admissions activities of the college — developing a plan to identify, recruit, select and yield the top applicants for whom Cornell is the best fit.

Growing Ivy Book

Most students admitted to great universities engage in the learning process a bit differently. A former Ivy League Admissions Director provides insight into the difference between those qualified to get-in; and those who actually get-in.

Boston Herald

Former Ivy League Admissions Director Helps Students Crack the Code on College Applications Process in New Book

Colleges do not want well-rounded students; they seek a well-rounded class. There is a significant difference. That means universities often seek to admit great physics students, great violinists, great historians, great computer scientists, and together they create a well-rounded class. In comparison, traditionally "well-rounded" students are often left on the outside looking in.