Lecture Notes: Getting Into Your Dream School

Introduction

• Speaker: Jack Anderson
  • Currently at Harvard University on a Frank Knox Memorial Fellowship
  • Accepted to every Ivy League applied to
  • Finalist for 13 major scholarships worldwide
• Objective: Share knowledge on getting into dream schools

Ivy League Acceptance Rates

• Average acceptance rate: 4%
• For every student accepted, 25 are rejected
• Importance of directing energy effectively

Key Strategies for Admission

• Grades: Aim for top 5-10% of your cohort
• Student Archetypes:
  1. Student Entrepreneur: Lead a non-profit or social enterprise
  2. Student Researcher: Deep passion for innovative research
  3. Student Athlete: Excel in sports and aim for recruitment

Detailed Requirements for Archetypes

• Student Entrepreneur:
  • Legitimate organization with a volunteer base (25+) or staff (3+)
  • Generate ~$50k in funding/revenue
  • Clear impact metrics
• Student Researcher:
  • Multiple competitive research placements
  • Clear future research impact plan
• Student Athlete:
  • Be among the best in state/country
  • Build athletic resume and connect with recruitment staff

Creating a Strong Application

• Components:
  • Resume
  • Personal Statement
  • Supplemental Essays
  • Recommendation Letters

Writing a Great Resume

• Focus on tangible impact rather than duties
• Example: Highlight budget management and team leadership

Personal Statement Structure

1. 250 words: Life story and upbringing
2. 150 words: Professional achievements
3. 100 words: Lifelong ambitions
4. 250 words: Importance of the school's program
5. 150 words: Contribution to the campus
6. 100 words: Conclusion

Supplemental Essays

• Use past, present, future framework
• Highlight key events and future plans

Recommendation Letters

• Start early and provide referees with detailed information
  • Include resume, statement of purpose, academic achievements, etc.

Interview Preparation

• Content prep with common Ivy League questions
• Conduct 3-5 mock interviews
• Be authentic during the interview

Conclusion

• Celebrate getting into dream school
• Acknowledge it's just one milestone
• Embrace the journey and continue dreaming big

Additional Resources

• Free resume templates, essay guides, and interview guides available
• Opportunity for one-on-one college admission support via Google form