For many people, a healthy income from a flourishing career is one of their goals in life. The journey toward that flourishing career often starts with college. Getting admitted to most any college is a step in the right direction for many strivers. However, if you want to truly excel, you’ll have to aim higher.
An Ivy League education can provide premium career opportunities and social capital that help pave your way toward financial success. From the Fortune 500 to the U.S. Senate to the New York Times, Ivy League alumni can be found at the top of many career fields. If you’re aiming for the upper echelons yourself, an Ivy League school can be the first step. With a little planning and a lot of perseverance, you can start building your future today.
Securing admission into an Ivy League university requires a multifaceted approach, as these universities look for well-rounded candidates. Aim for your dream university by following these five steps to success.
1. Lean On the Experts
The earlier you start preparing, the more time you will get to polish your credentials. To make your best case, get help from experts. A college admissions consultant can provide a personalized academic plan to increase your odds of acceptance to the school of your choice. They can suggest the kinds of classes and extracurriculars a student should participate in to stand out in the college admissions race.
If you’re still unsure about your career path, they can help you determine an academic area of interest. Having a go-to person to consult on college admissions questions lessens the pressure of the process and keeps you moving in the right direction. The time you save by having one credible source of information can be invested toward improving your application.
2. Showcase Your Achievements
Simply having an outstanding academic record is not enough to get into an Ivy League school. You must prove your grit by scoring high in challenging courses like Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or honors classes. Challenge yourself with rigorous schedules, maintain a high GPA, and shine on standardized tests like the SAT. The competition is cutthroat, and you need to go the extra mile to ensure your academic record is impeccable.
The same rule applies to extracurricular activities: It’s not just about participating, it’s about excelling in whatever you choose. Instead of joining a club, start a club. Compete in national-level math competitions and debates. Get your articles published in local newspapers and apply for competitive internships. These activities not only boost your application, but also help you find like-minded people for networking.
3. Find Your People
Speaking of people, consider the adage, “You’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” Not everyone wants to leave their comfort zone, so if you’re aiming for the best, you need to leave the rest. Connect with other students who are also applying to Ivy League colleges and share updates and information. Hanging with fellow high achievers will keep you from losing motivation or slacking off.
And don’t forget the influential adults in your life. Cultivate relationships with teachers and mentors so they vouch for you in a strong letter of recommendation. Such letters can make a world of a difference, especially personalized recommendations, which are of more value than generic ones. When asking for a recommendation letter, consider mentioning the points on which you would like the writer to focus. The application process is competitive, and you need all the help you can get.
4. Ace the Application Process
Don’t think of a college application as just a form to fill out. It’s your past and present in a nutshell. Make use of every word allowed in the college essay. Including a personal incident makes your essay less generic and will set you apart from the rest of the candidates. Proofread your essay meticulously and seek feedback from friends and family to polish your writing.
Submit the school-specific supplemental essays so the admissions officers know you are not just copying and pasting the same pitch. Tell them why you would be a great fit for their school. Mention what you liked on the college tour or if you met with a professor who inspired you. Get all transcripts and letters of recommendation lined up early so there’s no delay in submission. Deadlines may vary from school to school, so keep a log to ensure you don’t miss any or get confused.
5. Be Yourself
The biggest mistake some candidates make is to pretend to be someone else. Stay true to yourself and don’t try to make up stories to impress others. Show your enthusiasm about the school by linking your personal values with the core values of the university. Highlight them in a way that adds depth to your application.
Many universities offer interviews with alumni. Practice answering questions, but also prepare to ask the interviewer questions of your own. Ask them about their best memory at college and what advice they would give incoming freshmen. These interviews are intended to be conversational, so go with the flow and make it enjoyable for the interviewer. Sending a thank-you note after the interview is a good idea, as it shows courtesy and gratitude.
Start Early to Stay Ahead
It’s a well-known reality that Ivy League universities have sky-high standards. If you know exactly which school you want to attend, apply early decision to boost your chances of acceptance. However, always have a Plan B.
The application process can seem overwhelming, so take time out to rest occasionally. Stay patient and positive. All the effort you put in making your application stand out will not go to waste. It’s like training for a heavyweight championship. Even if you don’t win the competition, the inner and outer strength you acquire in the process is a win in itself.