How to Get Into an Ivy League University.

Summary

In this video, Limy shares insider tips on how to increase your chances of getting into top universities, particularly Ivy League schools. Key factors include excelling academically (aiming for the top 10% of your class), pursuing rigorous coursework, focusing on impactful extracurricular activities, and submitting strong letters of recommendation. While awards are helpful, they aren't the deciding factor—commitment to your passions matters more. The most critical aspect is crafting a unique and authentic personal essay that reflects who you are. Despite the competition, with hard work and a strategic approach, you can stand out in the admissions process.

Takeaways

• 😀 Be in the top 10 percentile of your class to be competitive for Ivy League universities. If your high school is highly competitive, you may still have a chance even if you're not in the top 10%.
• 😀 A rigorous course load is key. Take as many advanced placement (AP) courses as your school offers to show you can handle challenging material.
• 😀 Universities compare students in the context of their high school. If your school only offers 5 AP courses, taking all 5 is enough.
• 😀 Awards are not as crucial as commonly believed. Ivy Leagues care more about the effort and context of your accomplishments rather than flashy awards.
• 😀 Don’t stress about having international awards. Hardworking students without prestigious accolades still get into top schools.
• 😀 Extracurriculars matter more than you think. Consistently committing to activities over several years shows dedication and passion.
• 😀 Admissions officers want to see how your extracurriculars align with your interests. Demonstrating passion and commitment to a cause can make you stand out.
• 😀 Letters of recommendation are essential. You should aim for two strong recommendations—one from a STEM teacher and one from a humanities teacher.
• 😀 A third letter of recommendation from an extracurricular mentor can be helpful, especially if it adds evidence of your work ethic or talent.
• 😀 Essays are often the most important factor in Ivy League admissions. They provide a chance to showcase your personality, experiences, and uniqueness.
• 😀 Be authentic in your essays. Admissions officers can easily detect when students are being disingenuous. Your essay should reflect your true self and experiences.

Q & A

What is the most important academic factor when applying to Ivy League universities?

To be competitive, you need to be in the top 10 percentile of your class. For example, if there are 1,000 students in your high school class, you should aim to be in the top 100 by GPA.

Does the top 10 percentile rule apply to all high schools?

Not necessarily. If you're attending a highly competitive high school, such as a top public or boarding school, Ivy League schools might consider you even if you're not in the top 10 percentile, recognizing the school's high level of competition.

What does 'feeder schools' mean in the context of Ivy League admissions?

Feeder schools are high schools known for sending a large percentage of their students to Ivy League schools. Examples include top boarding schools like Phillips Exeter and Trinity School in New York City.

How many AP courses should you take to be competitive for Ivy League schools?

You should take the most rigorous course load possible. If your school offers 4 AP courses, take all 4. If it offers 15, aim to take 12-14 AP courses. Ivy Leagues compare students based on the course offerings at their schools.

Do Ivy League schools expect students to have national or international awards?

No, it's a misconception. While flashy awards like winning the International Math Olympiad may grab attention, most successful applicants are just hardworking students who excel in their school context without major international recognition.

What type of extracurricular activities are Ivy League schools looking for?

Ivy League schools value extracurricular activities that demonstrate passion, commitment, and leadership. These can include clubs, jobs, sports, internships, and research. The key is to show you’ve consistently committed to activities over multiple years.

How important are letters of recommendation for Ivy League applications?

Letters of recommendation are crucial. Typically, you need one letter from a STEM teacher and one from a Humanities teacher. A third letter from someone outside school, like a mentor or supervisor from an extracurricular activity, can further strengthen your application.

What makes essays so important in Ivy League applications?

Essays are often the most critical factor in admissions. With many applicants having similar academic credentials, your essay helps differentiate you by showcasing your personality, experiences, and motivations. It's important to craft a unique, authentic narrative.

What should be the focus of your personal statement essay?

Your personal statement should reveal who you are as a person. It can focus on a key experience, personal growth, or a unique perspective. Authenticity is key—avoid trying to mimic others' essays, as admissions officers can tell when something feels insincere.

How does the admissions process at Ivy League schools affect the chances of applicants?

Ivy League schools receive tens of thousands of applications, often rejecting the vast majority. For example, Harvard may receive 8,000 valedictorian applications and only accept a small fraction. This means that while strong academic credentials are important, factors like essays and personal story can make the difference in acceptance.