Applying to college can be tough, but there might be even more pressure when you are applying to an Ivy League college. Ivy League schools are legendary, including Harvard, Princeton, and Yale. They are known for academic excellence, prestige, and their strong alumni networks. With all of this considered, it’s understanding why applying can be daunting.
This feeling can be eased with the correct preparation, though. As there is a lot of competition to go up against during the application process, you should remember three key aspects when applying. These three aspects have been outlined in this post below.
More Aspects Matter Than Just Test Scores
A prospective student’s academic scores are essential when applying for college. In fact, this is one of the most significant factors in the application process, and admissions officers will review your test results to ensure you meet the requirements of your selected course. With this in mind, you should work to maintain good grades and strive for success on standardized tests.
However, there is more to a successful application that just academic results. An Ivy League’s admissions office will be more interested in well-rounded applicants; those who have their own passions and have used these interests to better themselves and their communities. This is why you must select one of two extracurriculars that you enjoy and can dedicate your time to. It is best to make this decision early on in the application process, usually at the beginning of your high school experience.
Extracurriculars will give you the opportunity to work in teams, develop leadership skills, and display passion for a subject and your community. This is a key aspect that will determine the type of person you are to colleges and allow them to determine whether you would be a good fit for your chosen Ivy League institution.
Keep Your College Essay Personal to You
When writing a college essay, you must remember that this is personal to you. The essay is the perfect way to showcase your character traits, perspectives, and any unique experiences you have. This gives college admissions officers the opportunity to obtain a deeper understanding of who you are as a person outside of grades and test results. They use this as a primary source when determining if they want you at their school.
This is an excellent way to set yourself apart from the competition, as there will be hundreds (if not thousands) of other applicants to your selected Ivy League school. You can portray yourself in a unique light, but you should ensure the essay is written well.
Thankfully, there are services available that specialize in assisting with the college application essay process. Going Ivy, for example, understand the importance of this essay, stating that “your words are a window into who you are and what you will add to the college.” These experts can help prospective students display how unique they are and how this uniqueness will fit into the Ivy League college community.
Focus on What You Can Contribute
Ivy League universities are special, but not just because of their innate talent. Instead, it is the fact that they contribute to society while working towards academic success. More and more colleges are looking for students who can add something and better their campuses. What you can contribute will be displayed in the extracurriculars that you participate in, as previously discussed in this post.
You must think about what you can offer when filling in your application and writing your college essay. Each Ivy League school is unique, with their own cultures, strengths, and values. This means that you will not be a good fit for all of them, but you might find that you resonate more with one or two. To figure this out, and see which one you can best contribute to, you should research each college thoroughly to make a final decision.
When you are applying to an Ivy League college, you must remember the three aspects outlined in this post – know that more matters than just test scores, ensure the college essay is personal to you, and focus on what you can contribute to the college.
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