Guide to Ivy League Admissions Strategies

Aug 9, 2024

Review flashcards

How to Get Into an Ivy League School - Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

  • Ambitious high school student aiming for Ivy League
  • Lengthy course with details and strategies
  • Successful system developed by a Harvard student and admissions counselor

Common Misconceptions

  • Admissions focus on potential for future success, not just past achievements
  • Importance of reflective thinking

Student Examples

  • Student A: Family connections, shallow reflection
  • Student B: Proactive approach, deep reflection

Showcasing Future Potential

  • Challenge yourself with high-level classes (AP, IB)
  • Demonstrate intellectual curiosity and self-improvement
  • Adopt a growth mindset

Academics and Grades

  • Courses: Choose rigorous, passion-aligned subjects
  • Balance schedule with extracurriculars
  • Admission officers evaluate within high school context

GPA and Class Rank

  • Evaluated within school curriculum context
  • Submit both unweighted and weighted GPAs if available
  • Class rank considered if reported

Extracurricular Activities

  • Prioritize depth and sustained commitment
  • Merge passions with community impact

Tiers of Extracurriculars

  1. Tier One: Rare, high impact (e.g., national awards)
  2. Tier Two: High achievement and leadership (e.g., state-level awards, leadership roles)
  3. Tier Three: Minor leadership, local distinctions
  4. Tier Four: General membership, basic involvement

Passion Projects

  • Not a requirement but highly valued
  • Demonstrates initiative, leadership, and impact
  • Examples: Environmental sustainability, STEM research, community service, artistic expression, business/entrepreneurship

Developing Passion Projects

  1. Identify community issue
  2. Select passion
  3. Find unique approach
  4. Project development
  5. Execute and evaluate

Internships and Research

  • Local startups or student-led projects are good opportunities
  • Use summer programs as a launching pad
  • Cold emailing strategy: Express interest, request brief call, then ask for opportunities

Summer Programs

  • Important for networking and showcasing dedication
  • Apply during fall/winter before the summer
  • Selective programs are credible

Standardized Tests (SAT/ACT)

  • SAT used for comparing diverse academic backgrounds
  • Structure: Digital, shorter, adaptive
  • Competitive score: 1520+ for Ivy League
  • Start studying by sophomore year

Crafting the Application

  • Develop a central, value-based theme
  • Consistency across application components

Supplemental Essays

  1. Extracurricular Essay: Past involvement, present leadership, future goals
  2. Personal Challenges Essay: Context, influence, future direction
  3. Why Us Essay: Relate values to school features, future plans
  4. Identity/Cultural Essay: Background, current influence, future contributions

Letters of Recommendation

  • Choose academic and personal character recommenders
  • Provide resume and specific examples to help recommenders
  • Email templates for requesting and reminding recommenders

Interviews

  • Personal interaction to showcase interest
  • Evaluated on: love for learning, extracurricular profile, intellectual curiosity, values, fit and aspiration
  • Prepare by familiarizing with college, making stories for extracurriculars

Financial Aid

  • Need-based financial aid assessed through FAFSA, CSS, IDOC
  • No merit-based scholarships
  • Appeals possible if initial aid is insufficient

Conclusion

  • Information provided can alter life course
  • Full written course and additional materials available for further guidance