To get into one of the elite US schools, a high GPA isn’t enough. Instead, candidates must have numerous intangibles that will separate them from thousands of other applicants. Given that the number of students applying to these programs is continually increasing, the required skills change accordingly.
To figure out what’s required from them, many applicants hire a college admissions consultant. A professional can explain to them what areas they must focus on. Alternatively, you can read our guide to gain valuable insights that will increase your chances of getting in.
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Academic Results
As you can presume, top colleges in the world are rather strict when it comes to grades. If you don’t have a 4.0+ GPA, which would place you in the top 5% of your high school class, there’s no point in applying. Similarly, you must have ACT scores between 33 and 35 and SAT scores between 1460 and 1580.
Unfortunately, due to massive competition, having excellent high school results is not enough. You must also have finished IB, AP, honors, and dual enrollment classes to gain the necessary edge. This would show your commitment to excellence and ability to take on a more demanding curriculum.
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Intellectual Curiosity
Elite colleges are always on the lookout for people who can improve society, whether as entrepreneurs or scientists. As such, admissions officers place a high value on intellectual curiosity when evaluating candidates. They prioritize students who consistently strive to expand their knowledge, challenge existing norms, and conduct independent research.
Furthermore, Ivy League colleges love candidates who ask hard-hitting questions and go against authorities (in a respectful way). However, that doesn’t necessarily mean they want someone who lacks focus and is a part of numerous clubs. Their priority is finding students who focus on a single area of study and excel at it.
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Global Impact
With all that we’ve said in the previous section, Ivy League colleges are looking for talent who want to do good on a large scale. These individuals should be driven by the betterment of society, instead of focusing on their personal financial gains. Those who show empathy and initiative through their activism and volunteering often have higher chances of being accepted.
The ideal student should also exhibit an entrepreneurial spirit. Whether we’re talking about ideas, patents, or starting nonprofits, these candidates should showcase the ability and drive to run successful companies. They should be interested in inclusion and projects that would have a broader global impact.
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Focus on Authenticity
As they’re trying to get to the best schools in the country, most students are willing to say and promise just about anything. They will write essays that make them look perfect and present themselves as if they have no flaws. Contrary to what you may think, admissions officers actually prefer vulnerabilities.
When getting to know you, they’re interested in the challenges and failures you’ve faced in your life. In fact, having a hard life is often an indication that you’ll have an easier time handling a demanding curriculum. We recommend that you stay true to your values and ambitions, as admissions officers can easily spot when someone’s faking it.
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Complete Personality
During the interview and while revising your documents, Ivy League college representatives are looking to get to know you. They take into account your entire academic history, but also your personality. For example, they will consider your long-term commitments, leadership roles you’ve assumed, and initiatives you’ve taken.
They’re always looking for small bits of information that would tell them who you are. Whether through a letter of recommendation or essays, admissions officers want to enrol those who will contribute to campus life and other students.
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College Fit
Most high school students are too focused on getting into top US colleges that they completely disregard the fit. They will prioritize schools that parents have repeatedly praised or that their older siblings went to. Unfortunately, they might be promptly rejected by that school because they are simply incompatible with its values, community, and programs.
When creating an application, you must showcase how your personality and goals align with the school’s values. Provide examples of how you can contribute to campus life and support other students attending the college.
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Extraordinary Talent
Of course, you can also get into a top college by simply possessing an incredible talent. For example, you can be one of the best sports recruits in the country or a musical maestro. Colleges also pay attention to kids who have won science competitions, created incredible art, or made their mark through other activities.
However, simply having this amazing talent doesn’t mean you’ll easily get into the school of your choice. You must also consider other factors that we’ve previously mentioned and, specifically, your fit. If a school doesn’t have a great basketball program, and you were one of the country’s best players in high school, it might hurt both you and the school.
Final Tips for Your Application
Before sending your college application, here are a few other things you should keep in mind:
- The best Ivy League colleges get tens of thousands of applications every year, which is why their acceptance rates are rather low. For example, Stanford usually revolves around 3.6% and 3.9% while Harvard has 3.5%.
- Take some time to explore different programs and majors. Consider what’s the best option given your interests. Make sure that you’re a suitable fit for the colleges you’re applying to.
- Find ways to improve your CV before sending it. Smart students invest several years into different activities so they can look better when they finally apply to college.
- Consider hiring college consultants. These experts can help prepare documentation for you and create customized essays that showcase your skills and personality to admissions officers.
Even if you fail to get into an Ivy League school, don’t consider it a defeat, as there are numerous other programs that will serve as a basis for a great career.