How To Get Into An IvyLeague College

When it comes to academics and a holistic environment for a student aspiring to study abroad. Ivy League schools are their first choice. Ivy Leagues are colleges based in the United States of America. The social prestige and top-notch education imparted by these colleges make them the most preferred and desired destinations for students across the globe, throughout the year. Not only do they provide elite facilities, but present leaders of different sectors involving STEM scientists, Medical Professionals, Business, and Politics are from the Ivy Leagues. Seven of the Eight schools existed in the George Washington Presidency era, hence, they are even considered symbols of pride and of historic significance in America. Ivy League schools are considered “the most sought-after institutions of higher learning in the country and around the world.” – U.S. News & World Report

Considered as the most respected colleges in the US, the eight Ivy League schools include:

• Brown University
• Columbia University
• Cornell University
• Dartmouth College
• Harvard University
• University of Pennsylvania
• Princeton University
• Yale University

Now that we know what are the Ivy League colleges, Let’s make a checklist, a quick yet reliant way of getting into any Ivy League: 

1. Grades & Scores

One of how Ivy Leagues can assess your academic score through your grades and scores. Getting into an Ivy League means working on your grades and scores from day 1 of your schooling, outstanding grades are one of the prerequisites for Ivy Leagues.

2. SAT/ACT Scores

Having a strong academic base from schooling is necessary but not the only criterion for Ivy Leagues. An SAT score above 1700 is ideal for most. However, getting a good score on your SAT or ACT is not mandatory if you have a strong profile otherwise to back it up.

3. Summer Programs

Many students each year obsess over which Summer Program to choose to boost their Ivy League selection odds. However, instead of choosing any course or many programs at once. Choose a program that helps you find your calling, something you have been wanting to research or explore to gauge if that’s what you want to do for the rest of your life.

4. Bonus points for Innovation and Initiation

Ivy League schools want to see you for how creative, self-motivated, and driven you are. It doesn’t matter if you choose a mainstream path like other students or craft another lane for yourself. As far as you are into something that is creative and has your heart, mind, and soul attached to it. You are on the right track. Starting a non-profit, working on a cause that affects your neighborhood or society, contributing positively to the lives of the people around you, or starting your Blog/YouTube channel. These activities give a lot more insight about you to the schools than any test score could ever impart. 

5. Extra-curricular Activities

Any activity that isn’t bound to or a part of your academic curriculum can be termed as an extracurricular activity. The depth instead of the breadth of the extracurricular activity you chose should be of importance. Pursuing one activity with perseverance, commitment, and zeal speaks volumes about you than doing 2 to 3 activities in parallel and not knowing what you are gaining out of them. 

6. Coursework

Choosing coursework that inspires you, and helps you maintain your GPA scores is far wiser than choosing the most commonly selected courses that aren’t helping you fare well in them. Choose courses that challenge you personally, and academically.  Integrity, Continuity, and Significance are three qualities that Ivy Leagues look for in their prospective client’s Coursework. 

7. Start Applying early

Early Decision (ED) or application selection rates are close to double the rates in selected candidates of the regular rounds. Showing early interest can only have upsides, mainly, a higher chance of acceptance as by the time you do apply or get selected, you are already well-versed with the requirements of the school. 

8. Letters Of Recommendation

The opinions of your teachers, Head of Departments, Counselors, and Advisors are of utmost importance to Ivy League schools. A positive Letter of Recommendation is proof that you are eligible to be a part of the Ivy League community.

9. Personal Essay

Drafting a strong Personal Essay that showcases to the admissions officers at Ivy Leagues your struggles, your journey, how you tackled challenges, and how your experiences shaped you into the human you are today is the gold standard.  This is the place where you can narrate your most significant life stories and roadblocks in the exact manner you want to. The screen is your canvas, paint it the way you like. 

10. Networking

Networking warehouses- that’s what Ivy Leagues are even known as. Knowing students, alumni, and professors can be of huge assistance to you while applying for Ivy League colleges. The valuable feedback and insights that they provide can work miracles in your application process. 

11. Interviews

Being Interviewed by admission Counselors of Ivy League colleges is part of the application process. Being confident, polite, and grounded while showcasing your talents and abilities is the key to cracking these interviews. 

12. Substance over Perfection. 

The common belief that a college wants you to be perfect in what you do allows no room for character building. IvyLeagues are not looking for perfection. They are seeking world-changers, people with substance, integrity, and the willingness to not quit. Students with intellectual curiosity along with strong personal and academic accomplishments.