Do you want to find out how to get into an Ivy League school? Thousands of students all around the world dream of being admitted to an Ivy League college or university, but accomplishing this goal has become more and more difficult. You can increase your odds of getting accepted into an elite institution if you make the most of your high-school years and if you are ready to put up a fight. Getting an Ivy League degree is also the dream of a lot of young, talented and smart people, so you’ll have a fierce competition. Data shows that starting this year, six of the eight colleges and universities that make up the Ivy League have lowered their acceptance rates. Here are 7 helpful tips on how to get into an Ivy League school:
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1. Challenge Yourself
If you want to learn how to get into an Ivy League school, one of the most important things you should do is to challenge yourself. Just seek out the most demanding opportunities at your school, especially the ones in the academic arena. Try to remember that it’s better to do well in a difficult program than to be exceptional in an average one. Also, if your school offers advanced courses, you should probably take them because an Ivy League school will expect you to have taken them.
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Taking rigorous classes shows commitment and the ability to handle challenging material, attributes highly valued by Ivy League admissions committees. Aim to excel not just in any classes, but particularly in honors, AP, or IB courses if available. Remember that quality is more important than quantity; it's not about having a long list of tough courses, but rather showing deep engagement and achievement in them. Balance your coursework so you can maintain a high GPA while still pushing yourself academically. Participating in academic competitions can also bolster your profile, signaling a passion for learning and problem-solving.
2. Start Early
Always aim to be a well-rounded achiever. If you’re a slacker and you decide to start aiming for good grades later in your high school years, then you probably won’t be admitted. There are some colleges though that love to see some improvement but you shouldn’t count too much on this.
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Starting early in high school to achieve good grades and well-rounded accomplishments is crucial for admission into Ivy League schools. Admissions officers look for consistency and dedication throughout a student's academic career, so it is important to not wait until later years to strive for excellence. While some colleges may consider improvement in grades, it is not a guarantee for admission. It is also important to note that Ivy League schools look for more than just grades, they also value extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and community involvement. Therefore, starting early and being involved in a variety of activities can greatly improve chances of getting into an Ivy League school.
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3. Have an Excellent GPA
It’s not enough to take good grades in high school if you want to get into an Ivy League school. You should have an excellent GPA and you must be in the top 10% of your class. Just keep in mind that you plan to apply to prestigious institutions where many of their students are valedictorians.
4. Have Excellent Scores on Your SAT
Pay attention to your standardized test scores because this is one area where you’ll be on equal footing with any other applicant. Just aim for attaining at least 700 points (out of 800 points possible) on each section of your SAT or at least a composite of 30 on the ACT if you want to have a reasonable chance of being admitted. Also, try not to repeat the test more than three times because the admission panel will notice this, so take a preparation class or simply get a few books and start studying.
5. Get Involved in Extracurricular Activities
If your dream is getting into an Ivy League school, it’s not enough to get good grades; you must get involved in extracurricular activities too. Ivy League schools usually want to see a well-rounded applicant, so join a sports team, sign up for an acting class or join a club or two.
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Extracurricular activities demonstrate your passion and commitment to interests outside of the academic realm. Whether it's captaining the debate team, leading a community service project, or showing dedication through the arts, each activity tells a story about who you are. It's not just the number of activities but the depth of engagement that counts. Ivy League admissions officers look for candidates who show leadership potential and ability to contribute to their campus community. Choose activities that resonate with your personal interests and where you can make a significant impact, which will shine through in your application.
6. Volunteer
Volunteering is one of the things you need to do if you want to get into a prestigious university. Don’t just limit yourself to the opportunities provided by your school or your home town - think on a national or international scale. For example, you could try spending a summer raising funds so that the kids in a third-world country can get an education.
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While volunteering, aim to showcase your leadership skills and drive. Consider creating your own community service project or jumping on board with a cause you're passionate about. Not only will this demonstrate initiative, but it will also provide a compelling narrative for your university application. Remember, quality over quantity; a few well-chosen projects that show committed involvement and real impact will stand out far more than a long list of surface-skipping activities.
7. Lead
If you want to get into an Ivy League school, it’s essential to be a good leader. Just look for opportunities that can help you work on this skill. For example, you could run for class president or you could become the cheerleading captain. Take your job as a leader seriously and do your best to improve this skill.
There are a lot of things you must do if you want to get into a prestigious college or university. I just mentioned a few but I’m sure that there are many more I could add to this list. Do you know any other tips on how to get into an Ivy League school? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments section!
Sources:
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Comments
Shannon: I just graduated from an Ivy League school, and while the above is true, make sure to be yourself. Don't just take on activity just because you want to look good on your application...do what you love and are passionate about. Try new things and learn from each opportunity! On the other hand, remember there are so many schools and programs out there! Ivy League or not, you're bound to find the school that is the best fit for you :)
Olivia: Foreign language is good too
SugarPoww55: It's an advantage if you have at least C1 certificate for both English and another foreign language and your GPA has to be at least 3.7
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