Getting into an Ivy League school
You are starting to think about applying to a top-tier university; your grades are excellent, and you have enough extracurricular activities to choke a guidance counselor - making you well rounded. There are things you need to know to help you gain acceptance. The Ivy League schools take the best and the brightest, and competition is fierce. Students apply from all over the world; so needless to say, you need to be on your game. If an Ivy League education is your dream, you need to know some things to help you:
Do the Research: It is very important that you conduct research about the school, including the student body, social aspects of the campus, location, professors, living conditions and other things. Remember, you are going to be spending four years there. You need to understand and ensure that the overall environment, including academic and social aspects is appealing to you. Speak with alumni if you can. Understanding the experience from someone who has been to the school can shed invaluable information to help you make an informed decision. If possible, visit the school to demonstrate your interest.
Get an Early Start: One of the hallmarks of gaining entry into an elite program is to consistently obtain solid high grades throughout academic history. You cannot decide in your junior year of high school that you are going to pull it together. The excellent grades need to start earlier – like in elementary school. Keep in mind that you will need to complement these strong grades with activities. The Ivies look for well-rounded students that demonstrate leadership (a position in student government, or other leadership positions) and involvement in other things besides academic achievement. Make sure you are passionate about what you do so you are the best you can possibly be in those couple of things. A consistent record of achievement is essential.
Advanced Placement Classes: Ivy League schools evaluate your ability to seek new challenges – especially where academics are concerned. If your elementary school and high school offer AP (advanced placement) classes, you need to take them. You will likely be tested to gain entry into those programs at the elementary and high school level; and you will need to do well if you are thinking about an Ivy League program for college.
Standing out in the Crowd: A perfect SAT score does not automatically mean entry to an Ivy League program. You need to be a bit more creative. Consider volunteer activities where you give back to the community or raise funds for a worthy cause. If you have the means, gain some international exposure during your high school years. The exposure and cultural awareness will help set you apart from your peers.
The GPA: Of course you will need to maintain a very high academic standing. Being in the 10% of your class is critical. If you are ranked among the top few students, that will increase your chances too.
The SAT: You will want to obtain at least 2100 on the SAT – 700 across all three sections. Anything less will raise concerns. Take as many sample tests as you can to help prepare you; the more comfortable with the questions you are, the more success you will have. Review workbooks and consider taking an SAT prep course. Make sure you do the research about the prep courses before you sign up. They can be quite pricey, and you want to ensure you get the most for your money. Sylvan, Kaplan, and Princeton Review are the most well-known programs although there have been questions about whether they really help boost your scores or by how much. You can also spend a lot of time at the local Barnes & Noble, and avail yourself of lower cost online resources. If you are focused and diligent, you can do it yourself without the big-ticket cost. Don’t take the test more than three times; that raises a red flag.
The Application Process: Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare your application. You will need to write essays, get recommendations, and interview with an admissions officer. It is important that your essays are well constructed, thoughtful, and compelling. You will want to spend time reviewing them to ensure that you have captured the most salient points of what you are trying to convey. The interview can be very demanding; just remember to be yourself. Dress appropriately and maintain a composed attitude.
The Waiting Game: Once you have been through the application process, you will most likely hear something by April. If you are waitlisted, it is unlikely that you will get in, so you will need to explore your other options.
There are many wonderful institutions of higher learning out there that will provide you with a quality education and engaging social experience. Make your choice wisely; given the rising costs of education, you want to do the proper due diligence before making your selection.
Comments and feedback are requested and desired; and you are welcome and encouraged to submit questions to thecareerdoctor.
Debra Wheatman, CPRW, CPCC is the founder and Chief Career Strategist of ResumesDoneWrite, a premier career services provider focused on developing highly personalized career roadmaps for senior leaders and executives across all verticals and industries.
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