Getting into an Ivy League school takes a lot of hard work and determination— but the payoffs are immense. Acceptance into an Ivy League school can greatly improve your career prospects and provide you with a deep understanding of your field.
If you need help setting yourself up for success at an Ivy League school, keep reading to learn the best ways to prepare.
Earn a High SAT Score (and Take a Prep Course!)
One of the most important parts of your application to an Ivy League school is your SAT score. A high score can help you earn admission to the best schools and can even help you earn scholarships to help cover the cost of your education. Because the SAT is such a difficult exam and covers so many different subjects, one of the best ways to guarantee a high score is to enroll in an online prep course.
Online SAT prep courses can help you earn a high score on the exam by providing a structured study schedule and practice materials to ensure you are ready for test day. With a prep course, you can focus on the areas where you know you need to improve and maximize your potential score.
Participate in Extracurricular Activities
Extracurricular activities are an important part of your application to an Ivy League school because they demonstrate a wide range of knowledge and skills. You should participate in extracurriculars offered by your school and look to your community for volunteer opportunities.
When looking to your community for opportunities to volunteer, try to find something that you are passionate about. If you find something you like and work hard, you can impress the admissions staff reading your application with your dedication and passion for whatever you want to do.
Take Challenging Classes
If you want to impress the admissions staff reading your application, you need to make sure you have a strong transcript. Take challenging classes in subjects like math, English, science, and language to show that you are capable of handling the difficult coursework at Ivy League schools.
When choosing which classes to take, do not take a class just because it is AP. Difficult classes in STEM subjects carry much more weight on your application and transcript than AP art or music classes.
If you succeed in difficult classes, you can ask teachers for recommendations that will further increase your chances of being accepted into an Ivy League school. If there are few AP courses offered at your school, or if you’re missing some extracurriculars, a good recommendation can go a long way during the application process.
Visit Your College
Before you apply to any schools, you should visit campuses that you think you would like to attend. Whether your goal is Harvard or Princeton, visit campus and take a tour to learn more about campus life and the curriculums you would be studying. After learning about your college, you are ready to make informed decisions about your applications.
Start Applying Early
Applying to your college early is the best way to improve your chances at getting in. You can only apply early for one Ivy League school, so make sure you are committed to your decision before applying. If you are accepted for early decision (ED) you must withdraw all other college applications and fully commit to attending the school that accepted you.
Alternatively, you can be accepted for early action (EA) which is non-binding and allows you to keep your applications with other schools.
Prepare for Your Interview
The final step to getting into an Ivy League school is your interview with admissions staff. You need to make sure you are prepared for your interview by knowing as much about the campus and your desired program as possible. While in your interview, stay formal but try to make it conversational. Ask informed questions, smile, and try to relax — if you have come this far, you know you can do it.
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