Moonpreneur
Update: This article was last updated on 25th Sept 2023 to reflect the accuracy and up-to-date information on the page.
As a parent, your goal is to provide the best opportunities for your children, including their education. One way to ensure their success is by helping them gain admission to prestigious universities, such as Ivy League ones. These institutions have been recognized as leaders in higher education for over a century.
The Ivy League is a group of eight prestigious private universities in the Northeastern United States. They are known for their rigorous admissions, academic excellence, and career opportunities for graduates.
These universities and their rankings are –
| INSTITUTION | LOCATION | Undergraduate Acceptance Rate (Fall 2021) | FORBES RANKING | US NEWS RANKING |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Princeton | Princeton, New Jersey | 4% | 1 | 1 |
| Columbia University | New York City, New York | 4% | 2 | 18 |
| Yale University | New Haven, Connecticut | 5% | 3 | 3 |
| University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | 6% | 4 | 7 |
| Dartmouth College | Hanover, New Hampshire | 6% | 5 | 12 |
| Harvard University | Cambridge, Massachusetts | 4% | 6 | 3 |
| Cornell University | Ithaca, New York | 9% | 7 | 17 |
| Brown University | Providence, Rhode Island | 6% | 8 | 13 |
As depicted in the table, acceptance rates for Ivy League universities are highly competitive, with rates under 10% as of fall 2021.
So if your child is dreaming of getting admission to any IVY League college, they need to be well prepared. In this article, we will answer some of the most common questions asked by parents and how you can prepare your child for IVY League college admission
- How hard is it to get into an Ivy League school?
- What is the easiest Ivy League school to get into?
- Can an average student get into Ivy League?
- Is it hard for Indians or other sub-continent students to get into Ivy League?
- How to get accepted into an Ivy League school?
- What SAT/ACT Scores do you need for Ivy League Schools?
- How can Moonpreneur help your child in college admission and become ready for IVY League colleges?
How hard is it to get into the Ivy League school?
Getting into an Ivy League school can be very competitive, as these institutions have highly selective admissions processes. The acceptance rate for Ivy League schools is typically around 5-10%, which means that only a small percentage of applicants are admitted.
Factors that are considered in the admissions process include academic achievements, extracurricular activities, test scores, essays, and letters of recommendation.
It’s also important to keep in mind that Ivy League schools also look for diversity in their student body, so they also consider factors such as race, socioeconomic status, and geographic origin.
What is the easiest Ivy League school to get into?
It’s difficult to say which Ivy League school is the easiest to get into, as all eight schools’ admissions process is highly competitive.
However, some Ivy League schools have a slightly higher acceptance rate than others. For the Ivy League schools, Cornell University and Brown University tend to have slightly higher acceptance rates than the other schools, at around 10-15%.
However, it is important to note that even though these schools have slightly higher acceptance rates, it still means that only a small percentage of applicants are admitted.
Can an average student get into Ivy League?
While it can be challenging for an average student to get into an Ivy League school, it is not impossible. The admissions process for Ivy League schools is highly selective.
These institutions look for students who are not only academically strong but also well-rounded individuals with various extracurricular achievements and unique perspectives.
An average student can increase their chances of getting into an Ivy League school by
- excelling in their classes and earning high test scores
- participating in extracurricular activities and leadership roles
- writing a compelling personal essay.
- demonstrating a strong work ethic, passion for learning, and
- ability to persevere in the face of challenges can also make a student stand out to admissions committees.
It’s also worth noting that while having a high GPA and test scores will increase the chances of getting into an Ivy League school, it’s not the only factor they consider.
![HOW TO GET INTO THE IVY LEAGUE SCHOOL [2023 GUIDE]](https://mp.moonpreneur.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/how-to-get-into-ivy-league-school.jpg)
Is it hard for Indians or other sub-continent students to get into Ivy League?
It can be challenging for Indian and other South Asian students to get into Ivy League schools, as the admissions process is highly competitive and the pool of applicants is large. However, it is not impossible for these students to be admitted.
It’s worth noting that many Ivy League schools are looking for diversity in the student body, so they also consider factors like race, socioeconomic status, and geographic origin. Indian and South Asian students can highlight their unique cultural and personal experiences in their application to showcase their diversity.
How to get accepted into an Ivy League school?
Now is the time to answer the most critical question. Below are some of the steps that your child can take to increase their chances of being admitted:
1) Excel academically
Ivy League schools are looking for students who are academically strong and have a track record of success in their classes. This means earning good grades, taking challenging courses, and having high test scores.
2) Get involved in extracurricular activities
Ivy League schools want to see you as a well-rounded student passionate about something. This could be through extracurricular activities, volunteering, internships, or independent research.
For example, Moonpreneur’s Innovator Program helps students rise above other applicants. The program thoroughly addresses the need for extracurricular activities to help build a foundation for writing stellar resumes for college admission.
Here are some ideas for extracurricular activities that can help you stand out:
Student Government: Joining student government or running for a leadership position can demonstrate leadership skills and commitment to school community.
Debate Club: Taking part in debate competitions showcases critical thinking, public speaking, and persuasive skills.
Science Olympiad: For those interested in STEM fields, taking Science Olympiad competitions exams is a testimony to their passion and proficiency in science and engineering.
Community Service: Demonstrate commitment to making a positive impact on the world by volunteering for a cause.
Sports: Sports activities or excelling in individual sports can showcase teamwork, discipline, and dedication.
Music and Arts: Pursuing excellence in music, theater, dance, or visual arts also highlights creativity and dedication to the craft.
Research Projects: Conducting independent research in a field of interest provides an opportunity to showcase intellectual curiosity and dedication to academic pursuits.
Entrepreneurship: Starting a business, even a small one, can demonstrate problem-solving, leadership, and entrepreneurial spirit.
Cultural or Language Clubs: Joining or starting a club related to cultural background or an interest in languages can showcase diversity and global awareness.
Publications: Writing for the school newspaper, literary magazine, or starting a blog testifies for writing and communication skills.
Leadership in Existing Clubs: For those passionate about a particular club or organization, taking on a leadership role within it can show commitment.
STEM Competitions: Taking part in competitions like the Intel Science Talent Search or Google Science Fair can showcase dedication to science and innovation.
Political or Social Activism: Getting involved in political or social causes can demonstrate commitment to creating positive change in the world.
Internships: Securing internships in fields you’re interested in can demonstrate real-world experience and a commitment to future career.
3) Write a compelling personal essay
The personal essay is an important part of the application and allows you to showcase your personality and unique experiences. Take the time to think about what makes you different from other applicants and how you can show that in your essay.
Free eBooks to write a personal essay for ivy league admission
- The Art of the Personal Essay by Phillip Lopate
- 50 Successful Ivy League Application Essays by Gen Tanabe and Kelly Tanabe
- On Writing the College Application Essay by Harry Bauld
- Conquering the College Admissions Essay in 10 Steps by Alan Gelb
- Essays That Worked for College Applications by Boykin Curry and Emily Angel Baer
4) Seek recommendations from teachers, counselors, and other adults who know you well
Recommendations can provide valuable insight into your character, work ethic, and potential for success.
5) Highlight your unique experiences and diversity
Ivy League schools are looking for students with a variety of perspectives and experiences. If you come from a diverse background or have had unique experiences, be sure to highlight that in your application.
6) Apply Early Decision
Early decision programs are binding, meaning that if you are accepted, you must attend that school, which makes the process slightly more competitive, but increases the chances of getting admitted.
7) Grades (GPA)
It is important to take the most challenging coursework available and achieve high grades. A high GPA, typically a weighted 4.0, and a strong showing of AP, IB, or Honors classes can demonstrate that an applicant has the academic ability and drive to succeed at a top university.
| Ivy School | Average GPA | SAT Range | ACT Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brown University | 4.08 | 1460-1570 | 33-35 |
| Columbia University | 4.16 | 1470-1570 | 34-35 |
| Cornell University | 4.04 | 1450-1560 | 33-35 |
| Dartmouth College | 4.06 | 1440-1560 | 33-35 |
| Harvard University | 4.10 | 1480-1580 | 33-36 |
| University of Pennsylvania | 3.93 | 1480-1570 | 33-35 |
| Princeton University | 3.90 | 1460-1570 | 33-35 |
| Yale University | 4.19 | 1480-1580 | 33-35 |
What SAT/ACT Scores do you need for Ivy League Schools?
To be competitive for admission to an Ivy League school, it is important to achieve high scores on the SAT or ACT. A “good” score for the Ivy League would typically be no less than 1400 on the SAT or 30 on the ACT.
It is important to note that these are just general standards and the actual cut-offs for these scores vary from year to year depending on the applicant pool, university policies, and other factors.
Factors in College Admission Beyond Your Control
In this blog, we’ve talked about things you can do to increase your chances of getting into an Ivy League university. However, there are some factors in the admissions process that you can’t control. If the above factors work in your favor, great! But if they don’t, do not worry. Most accepted students don’t have these advantages:
Legacy Status
Some students have an advantage if they have a family member (like a sibling or parent) who attended the same Ivy League school they’re applying to. This can help because colleges often like to admit legacy students. It’s not just about tradition; it can also lead to more alumni support.
Diversity
Your background can also impact your chances. For instance, an international student from a place like Bangladesh might have an edge over someone from a well-represented state like Connecticut.
Similarly, a strong applicant from an underrepresented group may have an advantage over a strong student from a more common background. Some people think this isn’t fair and have even taken it to court, but many Ivy League schools believe that a diverse student body enriches the college experience by bringing together different perspectives.”
How can Moonpreneur help your child in college admission and become ready for IVY League colleges?
Moonpreneur’s College Prep Program helps students rise above other applicants. The program thoroughly addresses the need to give your child the edge in the early stages of their life. A child who enrolls at Moonpreneur in 8th grade proceeds to learn Product Design and Entrepreneurship throughout the years only to develop their own idea or passion project by the time they are in 12th grade! Students share the experience they gain while working on their passion project and how it shaped their perspectives in college essays to gain an edge in the admission process.
Moonpreneur is dedicated to transforming conventional education, preparing the next generation with comprehensive learning experiences. Our Innovator Program equips students with vital skills in AI/ML, Robotics, Coding, Game Development, and App Development, fostering entrepreneurship through hands-on learning. This initiative aims to cultivate the workforce of tomorrow by integrating innovative technologies and practical skills in school curriculums.
Register for a 60-minute free workshop today!
How early should students start preparing for Ivy League college admissions?
One can start preparing as early as their freshman or sophomore year of high school.
Do these Ivy League schools provide any scholarships?
Yes, they provide various scholarships and financial aid options.
I don’t think getting into an Ivy League college guarantees success. I think skills are more important than a degree these days.
I am applying for Harvard. Any suggestions?
Apart from a competitive SAT score, try adding extracurricular activities like volunteering, playing sports, and leadership into your college application.