EASYUNI Ultimate University Guide 2013 July Issue | Page 22

Revealed

How to Get Into an
Ivy League University

Getting into an Ivy League university has always been
challenging, with so many other kids having performed
as well, if not better, and the chances of being accepted
into these institutions are pretty slim, given the high
number of applications with a small number of seats. So,
how did the successful ones make their way into the Ivy
League universities? We spoke to some successful ones
and came up with a list of how you can prepare yourself.

1. Grades & Standardised Test Scores

Needless to say, your grades are the most important determinant of college
acceptance. Your path ahead is smoother with straight As and the admission
of?cer will also tell you that they prefer straight-A students. However, just
because you have a few Bs here and there doesn’t mean you are done
for. Generally, you need to take as many Advanced Placement (AP) and/or
International Baccalaureate (IB) classes as possible and score as high as you
can; they help you to stand out and prepare you for the work load when you
actually get into these Ivy League colleges.
Class rank also plays an important role in ensuring your entrance. If you go
to a high school where the top 5% regularly gets into the Ivy League, make
sure you are in the 5%. If only the valedictorian gets in, do whatever you
can to be the valedictorian.
SAT and ACT are the two most common exams requested by most colleges.
You will be sitting for three main sections in these exams with 800 marks
maximum for each section: Verbal, Math and Writing. A combined score of
2100 is the minimum you should get, but it is safer to aim for a combined
score of 2200 to 2250. The good thing about these tests is, practice makes
perfect and a perfect score is possible with enough practice. There is also
the requirement of at least two SAT II subject exams as well; the closer your
score is to 800 for each exam, the better.

2. Extracurricular Activities

Although you need to have outstanding grades, Ivy League colleges don’t
want robots. In other words, you will have to be well-rounded which
contributes to your success in the future, which is what the college wants:
successful people. There are three main types of extracurricular activities:
creative, athletic and volunteer. The admission of?cer will be looking at
the three dimensions in each of your activities: commitment, leadership
and recognition.
It is highly recommended that you have at least one creative, one athletic
and one volunteer activity regularly for four years. It is good to start early
and rack up extracurricular experiences that make your application stand
out. Start now if you have none yet; better a year than none at all. A more
prestigious-sounding activity will give a better impact; yearbook, debate, etc.

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EASYUNI Guide 2013