Getting into an Ivy League College; How tough is it?

If you aspire to an Ivy League College, you have your work cut out for you. To say it's not an easy task would be a big understatement.

Only five percent of the students admitted to Harvard this year were not in the top 10% of their high school graduating classes. And, many came from very rigorous independent and public high schools...schools with standards well above average.

These students also scored highly on standardized tests, with the middle 50% earning SAT scores of 2080-2370 and/or ACT scores of 31-34. To earn a composite score of 31 on the ACT, by the way, you must answer about 90% of the questions correctly.

As you can see, to win a seat at an Ivy, you must successfully compete with some top students. And, you must compete with lots of them...nearly 23,000 at Harvard this year. Of that number, not even ten percent were admitted.

Are the other Ivies easier to get into than Harvard? Maybe, but not much. Is it impossible to be admitted to an Ivy? Not impossible. But, awfully difficult.

Start by knowing two realities. One is that are no guarantees you will be admitted no matter how high your grades and test scores are. Ivy League admissions officers will be the first to tell you the sheer number of good applicants force them to turn away thousands of students who would be successful on their campuses.

Fact number two is that if you have any business considering an Ivy, you will be able to get into some great colleges. So, don't worry about what will happen if you don't get a "yes" from an Ivy...you'll be fine.

So, how do you maximize your chances for admission to an Ivy or other highly competitive college? First, take the most challenging high school courses available to you. And, if you can take a few college courses while concurrently enrolled in high school, you might want to do so, especially if you run out of genuinely difficult high school courses.

Take both the ACT and SAT early. Analyze the results and determine where you need to improve. Then, get to work. Do it in a test prep course, by yourself (with professionally prepared materials) or with a tutor...preferably one with test prep experience.

Become engaged in clubs, activities, and at least one important public or community service organization or project. Lots of great, worthy organizations will welcome your participation. Three or four co-curricular areas in which you are a difference maker or leader are better than a dozen in which you are passively involved.

A good or bad essay can be an important "tip" factor for you. And, it's your best opportunity to tell the admissions committee who you are. Don't waste it.

If an early decision option is available, consider it seriously. It can improve your odds.

Choose carefully the teachers you ask for recommendations. Be as certain as possible that they will recommend you with enthusiasm.

Anything in which you are involved that contributes to your personal growth and/or is charitable will make you a better person, and may help separate you from other applicants.

The Ivies, and other highly selective colleges, are after bright, motivated, high-achievers. In addition, they seek diversity and students whose backround, accomplishment, and talents indicate their potential to be significant contributors to the campus community.

Article Source: http://www.myaddirectory.com

Daniel Z. Kane has had a long career in education. His many educational websites deal with subjects such as online college degrees , online universities , and adult education online.

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