Ivy League Accepted Extracurricular Activities | Harvard, Cornell, Columbia Student Profile!

Summary

In this educational video, Salon, a Cornell University alumnus, explains the distinction between securing a scholarship and gaining college admission. She emphasizes the importance of a holistic profile that demonstrates academic excellence and extracurricular involvement. Salon highlights the competitive nature of Ivy League admissions, with only about 300 international students accepted annually out of tens of thousands of applicants. She advises on crafting a standout profile through activities that showcase personal development, community growth, and academic resilience. Salon dispels myths about tailoring activities to a specific major and stresses the value of authenticity and commitment over a broad range of interests. She also introduces resources like the Research Boot Camp by Incognito Blueprints for enhancing academic credibility and encourages viewers to make the most of their unique situations.

Takeaways

• 🎓 Getting a scholarship and getting accepted by a university are two separate processes that occur sequentially, not simultaneously.
• 📚 To stand out in college applications, students should have a well-rounded profile that showcases their uniqueness beyond academic achievements.
• 🏛 Ivy League universities are highly competitive, with only about 300 international students accepted on average out of tens of thousands of applicants.
• 📈 A high GPA, preferably above 3.75 (equivalent to around 90%), is common among students who get into Ivy League schools.
• 📊 Extracurricular activities are crucial for standing out, especially when many applicants have excellent grades. They should demonstrate personal development, community growth, and academic resilience.
• 🏅 Leadership roles, academic competitions, volunteering, and passion projects are examples of activities that can enhance a student's profile.
• 🚫 Avoid tailoring all activities to align with the intended major; a well-rounded profile is more appealing to admissions officers.
• 📅 It's better to have fewer, long-term commitments in extracurricular activities rather than many short-term ones, as it shows dedication and consistency.
• 🌐 With the rise of virtual opportunities, lack of school-provided activities is no longer a valid excuse for not participating in extracurriculars.
• 📄 Certificates for extracurricular activities are not always required, but having proof of participation, such as a letter from an organization, is important.

Q & A

What is the primary difference between getting a scholarship and getting accepted by a university?

Getting a scholarship and getting accepted by a university are two separate processes. One must first be accepted by the university before they can receive a scholarship.

What does the transcript suggest is essential for a student to stand out when applying to colleges?

The transcript suggests that showcasing a wholesome profile with extracurricular activities, research, volunteering, internships, and passion projects are essential for standing out in college applications.

What is the approximate number of international students accepted by Ivy League universities on average?

On average, approximately 300 international students are accepted by Ivy League universities each year.

What is the average GPA of students who get into Ivy League colleges, according to the transcript?

The average GPA of students who get into Ivy League colleges is above 3.75, which is roughly equivalent to a 90% score.

How does the transcript categorize extracurricular activities that can help students stand out?

The transcript categorizes extracurricular activities into three types: personal development, community growth, and academic resilience.

What is the significance of academic credibility in college applications, as mentioned in the transcript?

Academic credibility is significant in college applications because it showcases a student's ability to learn and engage in academically competitive environments, which is a key aspect of college life.

Why does the transcript discourage students from tailoring all their activities towards their intended major?

The transcript discourages this because colleges expect students to explore various interests and not have everything figured out during high school. A well-rounded profile is more appealing.

What is the advice given in the transcript for students whose school does not offer many activities?

The transcript advises students to find virtual opportunities or online courses to participate in, emphasizing that the school should not be an excuse for not engaging in extracurricular activities.

Why is it important for students to participate in activities outside of their school, according to the transcript?

Participating in activities outside of school adds diversity to a student's profile and demonstrates initiative and commitment beyond the classroom, which is highly valued by colleges.

What is the role of virtual opportunities in building a student's profile, as discussed in the transcript?

Virtual opportunities, such as online courses and research programs, play a significant role in building a student's profile by providing access to a wide range of activities and experiences that may not be available at their school.

How does the transcript suggest students should approach choosing extracurricular activities for their college applications?

The transcript suggests that students should choose activities that showcase their personality, character, and interests, rather than simply copying what others have done to get into college.