Take care of your school GPA from 9th grade/freshman year
This is obvious but should be said regardless. Some students like to slack-off after middle school - it’s a new school, you may not have a solid group of friends, you’re still getting use to the teachers and lockers. But a poor freshman year GPA can kill you.
You may think that a few C’s can be made up later by strong AP and Honors grades, but Harvard pays attention to your FULL TRANSCRIPT. A few C’s and 70’s in easy courses like World Geography will make Ivy League schools think that you can’t handle basic academic material. Your high school GPA matters - all four years.
Study for and take the SAT now
In an earlier article on how to conquer the SAT for Ivy League admissions, I explain the “minimum” score necessary for top schools.
My overall advice is that you should shoot for a perfect score but be happy with a “good score” (anything above 2100). Don’t take the test too many times - anything more than 2 or 3 without huge 100+ strides each time just makes you look desperate and incapable.
You should also take the test as early as possible - take the Duke University TIP in 7th grade, take the PSAT in freshman year at least once. It won’t go on your permanent score transcript and Harvard won’t be mad that you got a 1800 as a freshman high school student.
It’s a great opportunity for practice that is without risk. Why would you not do that?
Get involved in clubs from day one
Notice my advice here - an early start is critical for Ivy League schools. By joining different clubs early in high school, you show schools like Yale and Princeton that you are committed to specific passions and have clear hobbies.
Ideally, you’d stay involved in those same clubs over at least a few years. However, if you find that the French Club is really not where you’d prefer spending Tuesday afternoon, that’s ok too - just make sure you’re not using the time watch reruns of the Simpsons.
Diversify at least a little
I usually say it’s more about your unique admissions stories than it is about diversification. After all, Ivy League admissions offices want diversified student bodies but don’t need everyone to be completely well-rounded.
Build a core passion
By having a clear theme - for instance, a passion for inner city issues or a love of music (as expressed through your participation in the String Orchestra and involvement in music-related charities and the like) is a great way to build a CLEAR IDENTITY that, if strong enough, is your best shot at getting into the Ivy Leagues.
Visit campuses
By visiting campus, you show a clear interest in that school. Plus, you’ll meet people along the way that will help you understand whether you’re a better fit for Columbia or Stanford, Penn or Brown.
Prepare for college interviews
DON’T FORGET to start doing this early. If you have a strong shot, this isn’t something that you wait until the last second to study for.
The ideal way to prepare for admissions interviews is to practice interviews with older people - not your brother or your best friend. Have them ask you questions about your accomplishments, your life story, your reasons for wanting to attend Stanford.
If you would like to make a comment, please fill out the form below.
