Many students aspire to get into Ivy League schools, but these colleges are highly selective. A stellar GPA and high test scores are important, but admissions officers take a holistic approach to reviewing applications. They also consider extracurricular activities, recommendation letters and the personal statement. And they look at the student-to-faculty ratio, research opportunities and study abroad programs.
High GPA And Test Scores
Having a high GPA and a high test score are crucial to getting accepted into an Ivy League school. However, there is much more that goes into Ivy League admissions than grades and scores alone. Dave Berry at College Confidential compares the process to a piano competition, where judges look beyond the technically perfect players to find the rare individuals who embody the music and make it alive.
Ivy League schools want to see students who have pursued their passions in high school, whether that’s playing a sport, being the president of a club, or volunteering at a soup kitchen. Avoid being too well-rounded in your activities; excelling at just one or two areas will show more depth than juggling a few at the surface level. Additionally, a strong showing in the most challenging coursework will help Ivy League colleges determine if you can handle the academics of their program. So, focus on taking the hardest AP, IB and Honors courses that are available to you.
Extracurricular Activities
It’s no secret that top universities want to see well-rounded candidates, and extracurricular activities are a major part of that. Ivy League admissions officers look for a range of things in extracurriculars, from leadership and initiative to creativity and commitment. The first rule to remember is that quality trumps quantity when it comes to extracurriculars. It’s important to pursue your true interests and not pick something just to impress admissions officers. For example, traveling doesn’t automatically count as an extracurricular – it’s the purpose of your travel and how you apply what you’ve learned that matters. A student who travels to learn more about monkeys, trains or wire sculptures will find that the experience will provide far more value than a trip to a new city.
Additionally, volunteering may be considered a Tier 2 activity, meaning it’s an excellent addition to your application, but it’s not as impressive as taking on a leadership role in a club or creating a non-profit. Ivy Leagues are looking for students who have a real passion and pursue it, not simply checking off a few extracurriculars.
Recommendation Letters
In addition to a strong academic record, Ivy League schools also require letters of recommendation. These provide a fuller picture of your child than transcripts and test scores can, shedding light on his or her character and attitude toward learning. Ivy League schools expect students to select teachers who know them well. They should be individuals whom your child likes and respects, people who share his or her sense of humor, and who believe that hard work pays off.
A teacher’s impression of your child is built over hundreds of interactions–in class discussions, in group projects, on homework assignments, and during presentations. He or she has a unique perspective on the applicant’s potential to succeed at college and contribute to society in ways that go beyond the classroom.
Personal Statement
A personal statement is a huge part of any college application. In addition to grades, standardized test scores and extracurricular activities, schools look at who the student is as a person. This is an opportunity to show a well-rounded individual with a passion for something in particular. This could be in the form of volunteering, internships or even independent research. Unlike high school students who may dabble in many activities, Ivy League colleges are looking for applicants who have dug deep into one thing and invested significant time into it. The best way to demonstrate this is through a strong essay that shows the unique lens you view the world through.
With a comprehensive admissions strategy, you’ll be able to navigate each step of the process. You’ll be a judo master when it comes to decisions about college prep courses, extracurriculars and how to articulate your core motivations in memorable essays. This approach ensures that the Ivy League application process will serve as a meaningful journey instead of a stressful hurdle that you’re trying to overcome at all costs.
Conclusion
As private institutions, each Ivy League university has its own admissions processes and requirements. However, the most essential elements are similar. Ivy League admissions officers want students who have a solid academic background and high test scores. They also want well-rounded students who have something to offer their school community.
