How to get into ivy league colleges smoothly?

Japjyot Singh

Study Abroad Expert

Ivy League schools are notoriously difficult to get into, becoming even more so recently. With acceptance rates as low as 3.19%, Harvard and Princeton remain at the top of the list. The acceptance rates for the Class of 2026 at all eight Ivies were among the lowest in history. When the acceptance rate numbers for regular and early decisions are compared, the Ivies appear much more attainable. While there is no evidence that applying in the early decision round will significantly increase your chances of getting into an Ivy, expressing interest in specific universities early on will undoubtedly help you. The following are critical components of your Ivy League application:

Academic performance (grades): Ivy League schools expect you to have excellent grades, and it's almost a requirement to apply. Unless you've had a life-changing illness or experience, Ivy League schools expect you to have a GPA of at least 4.0.
Test scores: SAT and ACT scores are important, but not as much as you think. Students accepted into Ivy League schools have extremely high test scores, but the majority are far from perfect. Only 300-500 SAT takers achieve a score of 1600.
Personal essays: The personal essay is, well, personal. A well-written essay can capture an applicant's authenticity better than any other aspect of the Ivy League college application. A personal essay allows students to communicate personal motivations, share more about their passions, demonstrate leadership qualities, and build trust. A personal essay also assists admissions officers in determining whether or not they are a good fit for their campus community. They want to know that you are capable of furthering the university's mission as well as your own.
Extracurriculars: Extracurricular activities are essential to get into the Ivy League. Ivy Leagues are not looking for applicants who have participated in dozens of extracurricular activities and discourage from doing so. They prefer that you delve deeply into a subject, devote significant time to it, and use this experience to help the school propel you into a career that will change the world.
Recommendation letters: Recommendation letters contribute to the overall strength of your application by allowing influential people in your life to provide personal and professional perspectives on your academic performance, character, and drive. Establish strong relationships with teachers, key staff, and leaders of your extracurricular activities if you want to receive favorable and convincing recommendations.
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