It’s no secret that the college application process can be an anxious time for high schoolers. For those with dreams of attending an Ivy League university, “stressed out” is often an understatement. These premier institutions are very difficult to get into. And with more applicants each year, the bar for gaining admittance increases with every applicant pool.
While getting into an Ivy League school may be competitive, it’s not impossible. Students are accepted each year to join the ranks of their well-known, established alumni. Whether you dream of studying in the rural tranquility of Dartmouth or the urban bustle of Columbia, Harvard, or Penn, read on. Here are three ways to make your application stand out from the rest.
1. Academic Achievements
While “standing out” may be your ultimate goal, you first have to make it onto the playing field. Put simply, if you want to attend an Ivy League institution, you’ll need the grades to back it up. While your grade point average isn’t the sole means of evaluation (more on this later), it is one of the most important qualifications. Thousands of top-notch students apply to Ivies every year. The fact of the matter is, getting into an elite school will be more challenging without a near-perfect GPA.
This is where a college admissions consultant can be beneficial. They can help you design an academic program to achieve good grades without resorting to “easy A” courses that won’t fool any admissions officer. They can also advise you on the study strategies, time management tactics, and self-advocacy practices needed to earn top marks. If your grades aren’t quite there, they can provide recommendations to better your chances. They may suggest, for example, applying early decision or early action to specific colleges, which will increase your odds of acceptance.
In addition to your GPA, academic achievements also include awards and recognitions. If you are an Advanced Placement student or a member of any honor societies, you’ll want to make this known on your application. School-based subject awards, National Merit Awards, and President’s Awards are also all worth mentioning. If your high school course list was rigorous and included numerous AP or higher-level classes, be sure they are all listed on your official transcript.
2. Strong Essays
The essay portion of the college application may feel like a burden, but it’s vital to standing out. It’s your chance to reveal your personality, highlighting yourself, your achievements, and your take on the world. Without the personal statement essay, your individuality and uniqueness are stripped away. This leaves you as just another applicant with a strong GPA.
Furthermore, the college essay is a chance for you to explain yourself and any deficiencies in your transcript. If your grades suffered during the pandemic or due to a death in the family, for instance, you can let the admissions staff know. Alternatively, if you found a passion that you’d like to continue to pursue in college, such as creative writing or singing, now is your opportunity to share it.
Besides the primary essay, Ivy League school applications often include supplemental essays. While it may be tempting to skip these since they aren’t required, avoid the temptation. After all, these essays aren’t just more words that admissions counselors want to read. They typically fill in any gaps from the main essay, providing further insight into your character. Think of them as splashes of color within your application — a little something extra that will make you memorable.
3. Extracurricular Activities
Speaking of extra, extracurriculars matter to Ivy League schools. Admissions officers don’t want to see a nose-to-the-grindstone student who didn’t participate in any clubs. They want to know that you were an engaged student, giving back to your high school, community, house of worship, or other organizations. Extracurriculars are more than hobbies; they can demonstrate that you’re a team player, a devoted volunteer, or a leader in your school.
When it comes to extracurriculars, longevity matters, too. Admissions officers will see right through applicants who joined every club and sport during their senior year to boost their resume. It’s important that you think about your extracurriculars prior to knowing where you want to apply, meaning during ninth and tenth grade.
Don’t think that extracurriculars are confined to clubs or sports teams sponsored by your high school, either. They could include internships, part-time jobs, church commitments, scouting, and more. Summer camps devoted to sports, languages, computer programming, or the performing arts count as well. Keep track of the activities that you’ve participated in each year so you’ll remember the specific dates as you complete each application.
Putting It All Together
Your application to any Ivy League university should be the very best representation of you. Remember, admissions officers only have a few minutes to review each candidate. If you don’t stand out immediately, your application runs the risk of going to the bottom of the pile — or recycling bin. Your application is your place to shine, so don’t be afraid to make your case. While you don’t want to come off as obnoxious or boastful, you do want to sell yourself.
This is why it’s important to think of each application holistically. In addition to your transcript, grades, and AP test scores, your application should highlight who you are as an individual. This is where your essays and extracurricular activities come into play. Admissions officers want to know that you will excel academically and personally at their institution. The best way to do this is to be yourself, letting your best traits shine through.
