WHY IS IT SO HARD TO GET INTO
AN IVY LEAGUE SCHOOL?

The Ivy’s: “These acceptance rates are insane!”

Applying to an Ivy League school today is different than it was 50 years ago. The number of applicants (worldwide) has increased dramatically, and consequently, the competition is stiffer, as is what is expected of you. Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Dartmouth, Columbia, Cornell, Brown, and UPenn collectively have below a 10% admissions rate. That number falls even more when targeting Ivy’s like Harvard and Yale.

1. TEST SCORE AVERAGES ARE SLOLWLY CREEPING UP.

Standardized test scores have climbed over the last two decades, in part because resources are more accessible (consulting/test prep services, published books), but also due to the extreme amount of pressure students are putting on themselves. Perhaps that’s a result of social media’s inherent motive to competitively peg people against one another. Or perhaps it is a result of doing whatever it takes to exceed the expectations of our families–whether you come from wealth, or are the son or daughter of an immigrant farmer. Regardless, that necessity for perfection is a quality shared amongst many aspiring Ivy League candidates.

Average SAT scores range from 1420-1570, and ACT scores range from 31-35. Those scores indicate the 25th-75th percentile, meaning 25% of all accepted applicants score either a 1420/31, and 75% of all accepted score a 1570/34. Those numbers vary from school to school.

Students that don’t have scores close to this (i.e. a 26 on their ACT, or 1250 on the SAT) will automatically be sent into a rejection pile. This is what’s known as an initial screening.

If you’re serious about attending an Ivy League school, do whatever it takes to get those scores in the aforementioned range.

2. GPA’S AND COURSE RIGOR ARE AT AN ALL-TIME HIGH.

With AP courses, dual enrollment, and the opportunity to select much more focused and specific electives, GPA’s have skyrocketed. Juniors or seniors are frequently ending semesters with 4.8’s (although that weighted GPA will later be recalculated by admissions committees). They are also enrolling in challenging college-level courses and acing them, demonstrating to the committee that not only are they willing to take on such a rigorous class schedule, but can also thrive in that setting.

3. DIVERSITY IS MOUNTING.

Students are applying to Ivy’s from all around the world, and these schools are beginning to favor diversity over things like extracurricular activities or work experience. Speaking multiple languages, or growing up in a dying, ancient culture, or even being African American or Native American can give students a significant advantage over their peers. If you are diverse in anyway, find out how, and show that. Which leads us to our last point.

4. THE ESSAYS AND PERSONAL STATEMENTS ARE STRONGER THAN EVER.

The personal statement is the single most important part of your application. Everyone applying to the Ivy’s who expects to get accepted has similar grades, test scores, achievements, club activities, and a focused passion. Now it’s time for the committee to understand who you are, how you think, and what drives you. A student’s storytelling ability will set them apart from 90% of the applicants. The committee does not want a cover letter. Nor do they want an embellishment of a story too difficult to believe. What they’re looking for in your story are certain characteristics. If you’re funny in real life, be funny in the essay. If you’re philosophical, now is your chance to go on a small rant. The best essays come from the students who aren’t afraid to expose their true nature. Just remember, never be vanilla, because then you’re hiding everything that’s special about you.

For more assistance or advice on getting into an Ivy League school or for help with your
admissions essays/personal statement, feel free to contact us.