Ivy League expectations?

Hi! So I've been thinking about applying to some Ivy League schools and I'm wondering what they specifically look for in applicants. What sets Ivy League expectations apart from other colleges?

Ivy League schools are known for their highly competitive admissions processes and seek applicants who excel academically and have demonstrated strong leadership skills or exceptional achievements in various fields. Here are some key factors that Ivy League schools may look for, which distinguish their admissions processes from those of other schools:

1. Exceptionally high academic achievement: Ivy League schools typically have a high Academic Index cutoff, which means you'll need strong grades, test scores (if available), and class ranking. Be sure to surpass the average admitted student profiles for these schools to improve your chances of admission. You can read more about the Academic Index, and how to improve your own, on CollegeVine's blog. https://blog.collegevine.com/what-is-the-academic-index-how-is-it-calculated.

2. Rigorous coursework: Taking AP, IB, or honors courses and maintaining a high GPA while doing so is crucial, as Ivy League admissions officers need to be confident that you'll be able to thrive in a highly competitive academic environment.

3. Strong extracurricular involvement: Ivy League schools appreciate students with a demonstrated interest and commitment to extracurricular activities, as they want to accept applicants who will make a broader impact on their campus community, not just in the classroom. Aim for Tier 1 or Tier 2 extracurriculars, which involve high levels of achievement or leadership at the national, state, or regional level. You can read more about extracurricular tiers on CollegeVine's blog: https://blog.collegevine.com/breaking-down-the-4-tiers-of-extracurricular-activities.

4. Well-crafted essays: Your essays help convey your personal story, values, and ambitions. Avoid cliché topics and focus on crafting a unique, genuine narrative that showcases your individual strengths and character. Writing about a specific moment or experience will make your essay more engaging and memorable. CollegeVine's blog contains useful breakdowns of how to tackle the supplemental essay prompts for each Ivy League school - for example, you can find the post on Harvard's prompts here: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-harvard-university-essays/.

5. Recommendations that highlight your strengths: Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak to your strengths, particularly talents or abilities that may not be obvious from other parts of your application. Remember, don't try to "game the system" with your rec letters - a glowing recommendation from a coach or teacher who has directly observed your dedication and consistency in your field will be more effective than one from someone with a prestigious title who doesn't know you as well.

Finally, while these factors are essential, it's crucial to consider that each Ivy League university has its own culture and priorities when it comes to admitting students. For example, Brown values intellectual curiosity, while Dartmouth gives heavy weight to community involvement. Research each school's specific requirements and expectations, and tailor your application accordingly. And remember, the admissions process for Ivy League schools weighs many different aspects of your application - you'll want all of them to be strong to maximize your chances of acceptance at these highly selective institutions, as no single thing, no matter how impressive, will get you in on its own.

Best of luck with your college applications!