How do you get admission into Ivy League colleges?

However, getting admission to an Ivy League college is difficult. With acceptance rates as low as 4%, these universities receive thousands of applications yearly from highly qualified and competitive applicants. That means that 96 out of every 100 applicants won’t get in.

Source: Ivyleaguecoach.com

So why do students want to go to these schools so badly? 

It’s not just the prestige and the name recognition. Studies have found that Ivy League graduates are more likely to pursue successful careers in their chosen fields, and they often get higher salaries than those with degrees from other universities.

Source: Crimsoneducation.org

Check out these impressive data related to the influence of Ivy League colleges in various fields:

• In 2021, a record-breaking 20 Ivy League graduates were elected to the US House of Representatives, making up approximately 10% of the new Congress.
• Ivy League universities are highly represented among Fortune 500 CEOs, with over 30% of the top 100 companies led by an Ivy League graduate. 
• According to a study by Forbes, 30% of billionaires in the United States graduated from an Ivy League school. 
• Ivy League graduates dominate the fields of finance and consulting, with over 40% of employees at top firms like McKinsey, Bain, and the Boston Consulting Group coming from Ivy League schools.
• In the arts and entertainment industry, over 30% of the actors and actresses nominated for an Academy Award in the past decade are Ivy League school graduates.
• Over 20% of the founders of billion-dollar tech startups graduated from either Harvard or Stanford.

How to Get Admission into Ivy League Colleges?

1. Start early and plan ahead

Getting admission into an Ivy League college cannot be achieved overnight. It requires years of planning, hard work, and dedication. Start by researching the requirements and admission criteria of the universities you are interested in. Look at the average Grade Point Average (GPA), Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) scores, eligibility, extracurricular activities, and other factors affecting your admission chances. 

Ivy League Universities offer a diverse array of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs. The specific requirements for admission will vary depending on the program and university you choose to apply for. However, certain foundational Ivy League admission requirements remain constant. Below is a list of the documents typically required to apply to any Ivy League College program:

• Exceptional academic transcripts for all courses taken from the ninth grade onwards.
• Outstanding scores on standardized tests such as the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), Graduate Record Examinations (GRE), American College Testing (ACT), or SAT.
• High scores on the Test of TOEFL (English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exams as evidence of proficiency in the English language.
• Recommendation letters from mentors, teachers, or employers who can attest to your academic and personal qualities.
• Persuasive essays that showcase your personality, skills, and goals.
• Proof of financial capability to support your studies.
• A valid passport and visa for international students.

2. Build a strong academic profile

Academic excellence is the foundation of getting into an Ivy League college. In the United States, the typical high school grade point average (GPA) is 4.0. The universities may track your academic record from as early as 14 years old. 

It’s also essential to demonstrate a consistent upward trend in your academic performance and provide evidence of diligent efforts to achieve top marks.

If you struggle in a particular subject, consider getting extra help or tutoring and include many AP (Advanced Placement), IB (International Baccalaureate), or Honors classes. Ivy League colleges also value academic rigor, so it’s important to challenge yourself with rigorous coursework. 

As for SAT/ACT test scores, good is not enough if you really want to get admission. You need no less than a 1400 SAT score or 30 on the ACT to move your application forward. 

3. Focus on Extracurricular Too

While academic excellence is essential, Ivy League colleges are also looking for students who have a variety of interests and talents. Develop your extracurricular profile by participating in activities that showcase your skills, interests, and leadership potential.

We look for students with intellectual curiosity who have pursued and achieved academic excellence. We also look for students with strong personal and extracurricular accomplishments: Princeton University Admissions

Check out some awesome extracurricular ideas that will stand out in your Ivy League application.

• Consider joining clubs and sports teams if you are an athlete 
• For people inclined to art, theater, painting, and architecture-based activities can help
• Start for a cause and work with NGOs to make a difference
• Find a problem in the community and help people in a quantifiable way  
• Win debate competitions at both school and regional levels. Take it to nationals if possible. 

4. Cultivate strong relationships with your teachers and counselors

Your teachers and counselors can play a crucial role in your college application process. They can provide letters of recommendation that showcase your academic and personal qualities. 

Cultivate strong relationships with your teachers and counselors by actively participating in class, asking for extra help when needed, and showing a genuine interest in learning.

5. Scholarships and Financial Aid

While Ivy League schools can be expensive, there are ways to make them more affordable. Many Ivy League schools offer generous financial aid packages to qualified applicants. This means that the cost of attendance can be significantly lower than the sticker price.

Conclusion

Getting admission into Ivy League colleges is no easy feat, but it can be done with the right combination of hard work and planning. Invest time to research the schools you’re interested in and use the tips and advice in this post to help you start your application process. 

And remember, even if you don’t get accepted to your top choice, there are plenty of other great schools out there. Good luck!

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