Getting into an Ivy; Damn near impossible, but not quite.
If your goal is admission to an Ivy League College, you’ve set the academic bar as high as possible. It’s tougher now to get into Harvard, Yale, etc. now than ever in their histories.
Ninety-five percent of the incoming freshmen at Harvard last fall finished in the top ten percent of their high school classes. And, a fairly high percentage came from highly competitive high schools in which graduating at the top of the class is a noteworthy accomplishment.
They were no slouches on the SAT or ACT either, with the middle 50% of the incoming Harvard class scoring in the top 1% of national test takers.
Clearly, students who want to wind up at an Ivy must beat out some very talented competitors. But…here’s some worse news for applicants…they have to beat out lots of them. Harvard received 22,754 applications this year. Only 2,124 received the letter they wanted from the Office of Admissions.
The statistics at other Ivy League colleges are similarly grim. So, is it hopeless? No, just difficult.
If you hope to attend an Ivy, know two things. First, no matter how big a star you are in high school, there are no guarantees. Even valedictorians and students with perfect ACT or SAT scores are sometimes denied admission.
Fact number two is that if you have any business considering an Ivy, you will be able to get into some great colleges. So, don’t worry about what will happen if you don’t get a “yes” from an Ivy…you’ll be fine.
So, how do you maximize your chances for admission to an Ivy or other highly competitive college? First, take the most challenging high school courses available to you. And, if you can take a few college courses while concurrently enrolled in high school, you might want to do so, especially if you run out of genuinely difficult high school courses.
Take both the ACT and SAT early. Analyze the results and determine where you need to improve. Then, get to work. Do it in a test prep course, by yourself (with professionally prepared materials) or with a tutor…preferably one with test prep experience.
Become engaged in clubs, activities, and at least one important public or community service organization or project. Lots of great, worthy organizations will welcome your participation. Three or four co-curricular areas in which you are a difference maker or leader are better than a dozen in which you are passively involved.
A good or bad essay can be an important “tip” factor for you. And, it’s your best opportunity to tell the admissions committee who you are. Don’t waste it.
If an early decision option is available, consider it seriously. It can improve your odds.
Choose carefully the teachers you ask for recommendations. Be as certain as possible that they will recommend you with enthusiasm.
Take advantage of the personal growth opportunities available to you. And, spend some ongoing time helping others. You’ll be a better person. And you might pick up some good kharma. You need every edge you can get, right?
The Ivies, and other highly selective colleges, are after bright, motivated, high-achievers. In addition, they seek diversity and students whose backround, accomplishment, and talents indicate their potential to be significant contributors to the campus community.