Difference between revisions of "Get Into an Ivy League School"
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#Have an excellent GPA. Having a [[Calculate GPA|GPA]] in the top 10% of your class is essential, and being ranked among the top few students dramatically betters your chances. Keep in mind you're applying to institutions where many of the other applicants are [[Become Valedictorian|valedictorians]] at their school. | #Have an excellent GPA. Having a [[Calculate GPA|GPA]] in the top 10% of your class is essential, and being ranked among the top few students dramatically betters your chances. Keep in mind you're applying to institutions where many of the other applicants are [[Become Valedictorian|valedictorians]] at their school. | ||
#Have excellent standardized test scores. This is a critical part of your overall application because it's the one area where you're on equal footing with everyone else. Aim for attaining at least a 700 (out of a possible 800) points on each section of the [[Do Better on the SAT|SAT]] (and on individual SAT II tests), or a composite of 30 on the ACT for a reasonable chance of being admitted. Bringing these scores up to 750+ on each [[Register for the SAT|SAT]] section (meaning at least 2250 out of 2400 points in total), or a 33+ composite ACT, will give you solid scores that need not be improved. | #Have excellent standardized test scores. This is a critical part of your overall application because it's the one area where you're on equal footing with everyone else. Aim for attaining at least a 700 (out of a possible 800) points on each section of the [[Do Better on the SAT|SAT]] (and on individual SAT II tests), or a composite of 30 on the ACT for a reasonable chance of being admitted. Bringing these scores up to 750+ on each [[Register for the SAT|SAT]] section (meaning at least 2250 out of 2400 points in total), or a 33+ composite ACT, will give you solid scores that need not be improved. | ||
| − | #*Do not repeat the test more than three times. According to Chuck Hughes, a former senior admissions officer at Harvard, the admission panel will notice this and your repeated attempts to get a high score may come off as too focused on scores.<ref>http://money.cnn.com/2005/02/22/pf/saving/willis_tips/index.htm 5 Tips: Harvard-bound - CNN Money Feb. 23, 2005</ref> Get good before you take it. | + | #*Do not repeat the test more than three times. According to Chuck Hughes, a former senior admissions officer at Harvard, the admission panel will notice this and your repeated attempts to get a high score may come off as too focused on scores.<ref name="rf15695">http://money.cnn.com/2005/02/22/pf/saving/willis_tips/index.htm 5 Tips: Harvard-bound - CNN Money Feb. 23, 2005</ref> Get good before you take it. |
#*Take a test-preparation class or get a few books and practice. [[Think Fast|Speed]] and accuracy on these tests is a unique skill which needs to be learned. Start preparing early and keep at it diligently until you can solve the problems without much thinking. | #*Take a test-preparation class or get a few books and practice. [[Think Fast|Speed]] and accuracy on these tests is a unique skill which needs to be learned. Start preparing early and keep at it diligently until you can solve the problems without much thinking. | ||
#Get involved in extracurricular activities. Ivy Leagues want to see a well-rounded applicant who didn't lock themselves away for four years to get good grades. Join a sports team (even if it's just an intramural team), join a club or two and get involved with the theater department. | #Get involved in extracurricular activities. Ivy Leagues want to see a well-rounded applicant who didn't lock themselves away for four years to get good grades. Join a sports team (even if it's just an intramural team), join a club or two and get involved with the theater department. | ||
