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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.
Only five percent of the students admitted to Harvard this year were not in the top 10% of their high school graduating classes. And, many came from very rigorous independent and public high schools?schools with standards well above average.
These students also scored highly on standardized tests, with the middle 50% earning SAT scores of 2080-2370 and/or ACT scores of 31-34. To earn a composite score of 31 on the ACT, by the way, you must answer about 90% of the questions correctly.
But, not only must a student hoping to be admitted to an Ivy compete against incredibly capable students, he/she must compete against lots of them. There were 22,754 applicants to Harvard?s most recent incoming class. Just 2,124 were admitted. You do the math.
Is Harvard tougher to get a ?yes? from than the other Ivy League schools? Perhaps, but not much. So, does anybody really have a decent chance to find himself or herself on an Ivy League campus? Sure, but their numbers are limited.
Start by knowing two realities. One is that are no guarantees you will be admitted no matter how high your grades and test scores are. Ivy League admissions officers will be the first to tell you the sheer number of good applicants force them to turn away thousands of students who would be successful on their campuses.
The second reality is that if you are anywhere near the statistical profile of a student with a chance of admission to an Ivy, you have no reason to feel sorry for yourself. You may not get into an Ivy, but you should have great college choices.
What can you do to improve your chances at the Ivies? You must demonstrate your interest in learning and your intellectual ability with not just good grades, but good grades in the most difficult courses available to you. If the possibilities at your high school are limited, consider enrolling in a few courses at a local college.
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.
Make yourself what used to be called a ?well rounded? person; it?s good for you and good for your candidacy. Join clubs or organizations in which you have genuine interest. I repeat, genuine interest. Accept positions of leadership if they are available.
As difficult and stressful as essays may be, they give you a chance to be viewed as a whole person, not just another faceless high-achiever. You need to do your best thinking and best writing. And, ask at least two adults in whom you have great trust (perhaps a teacher or counselor among them) to review your final draft.
Consider early decision or a similar program if it is available to you. Such options can improve your chances, but they may not make sense for everyone.
You will be asked for two or three references. Choose them carefully?very carefully. A single luke warm or negative comment on a recommendation may be damaging.
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?
Remember that the Ivies want academically motivated, capable, high potential students; students who will do well in college and beyond. They also seek diversity, and students who can and will contribute to the college community because of their leadership skills, special interests, and/or talents.
Daniel Z. Kane has had a long career in education. His many educational websites deal with subjects such as online college degrees , online and distance education , and adult education online.
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