Getting into an Ivy League College; How tough is it?

By: Daniel Z. Kane

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.

Ninety-five percent of the incoming freshmen at Harvard last fall finished in the top ten percent of their high school classes. And, a fairly high percentage came from highly competitive high schools in which graduating at the top of the class is a noteworthy accomplishment.

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.

Clearly, students who want to wind up at an Ivy must beat out some very talented competitors. But...here's some worse news for applicants...they have to beat out lots of them. Harvard received 22,754 applications this year. Only 2,124 received the letter they wanted from the Office of Admissions.

The statistics at other Ivy League colleges are similarly grim. So, is it hopeless? No, just difficult.

There are two things students applying to Harvard, Yale, Princeton, etc. need to know. First, some Ivies, in some years, will admit fewer than 10% of their applicants. Nobody, however bright or accomplished, should count on being admitted to an Ivy. Nobody.

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.

OK, so how do you position yourself for admission to an Ivy? Start by taking the most challenging courses your high school offers. If there aren't enough of them, think about enrolling in some courses at a college in your area.

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.

Become engaged in clubs, activities, and at least one important public or community service organization or project. Lots of great, worthy organizations will welcome your participation. Three or four co-curricular areas in which you are a difference maker or leader are better than a dozen in which you are passively involved.

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.

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.

Anything in which you are involved that contributes to your personal growth and/or is charitable will make you a better person, and may help separate you from other applicants.

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.

Article Source: Loan Info Center

Daniel Z. Kane has had a long career in education. His many educational websites deal with subjects such as degrees online , online universities , and adult education online.
This article is available as a unique content article with free reprint rights.

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