If you aspire to an Ivy League College, you have your work cut out for you. To say it's not an easy task would be a big understatement.
Ninety-five percent of the students admitted to Harvard graduated in the top ten percent of their classes. And, remember that a significant number of those students come from academically competitive schools public and private schools.
As you might guess, their test scores were also pretty impressive, with the middle fifty percent of the class (25-75%) scoring in the top 1% of all students tested. To put that in perspective, the middle half of the class (excluding the top and bottom 25%) correctly answered about ninety percent (90%) of the ACT or SAT questions.
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.
If you hope to attend an Ivy, know two things. First, no matter how big a star you are in high school, there are no guarantees. Even valedictorians and students with perfect ACT or SAT scores are sometimes denied admission.
Fact number two is that if you have any business considering an Ivy, you will be able to get into some great colleges. So, don't worry about what will happen if you don't get a "yes" from an Ivy...you'll be fine.
So, how do you maximize your chances for admission to an Ivy or other highly competitive college? First, take the most challenging high school courses available to you. And, if you can take a few college courses while concurrently enrolled in high school, you might want to do so, especially if you run out of genuinely difficult high school courses.
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.
A good or bad essay can be an important "tip" factor for you. And, it's your best opportunity to tell the admissions committee who you are. Don't waste it.
If an early decision option is available, consider it seriously. It can improve your odds.
Choose carefully the teachers you ask for recommendations. Be as certain as possible that they will recommend you with enthusiasm.
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?
The Ivies' goal is to bring in a class of bright, academically accomplished, highly motivated students; students with the potential for academic and professional success. They also seek diversity, leadership, and students whose demonstrated special talents and abilities make them likely to be valuable members of the community.
Ninety-five percent of the students admitted to Harvard graduated in the top ten percent of their classes. And, remember that a significant number of those students come from academically competitive schools public and private schools.
As you might guess, their test scores were also pretty impressive, with the middle fifty percent of the class (25-75%) scoring in the top 1% of all students tested. To put that in perspective, the middle half of the class (excluding the top and bottom 25%) correctly answered about ninety percent (90%) of the ACT or SAT questions.
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.
If you hope to attend an Ivy, know two things. First, no matter how big a star you are in high school, there are no guarantees. Even valedictorians and students with perfect ACT or SAT scores are sometimes denied admission.
Fact number two is that if you have any business considering an Ivy, you will be able to get into some great colleges. So, don't worry about what will happen if you don't get a "yes" from an Ivy...you'll be fine.
So, how do you maximize your chances for admission to an Ivy or other highly competitive college? First, take the most challenging high school courses available to you. And, if you can take a few college courses while concurrently enrolled in high school, you might want to do so, especially if you run out of genuinely difficult high school courses.
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.
A good or bad essay can be an important "tip" factor for you. And, it's your best opportunity to tell the admissions committee who you are. Don't waste it.
If an early decision option is available, consider it seriously. It can improve your odds.
Choose carefully the teachers you ask for recommendations. Be as certain as possible that they will recommend you with enthusiasm.
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?
The Ivies' goal is to bring in a class of bright, academically accomplished, highly motivated students; students with the potential for academic and professional success. They also seek diversity, leadership, and students whose demonstrated special talents and abilities make them likely to be valuable members of the community.
About the Author:
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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