Q&A for How to Get Into an Ivy League School

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  • Question
    How can you prepare to see if you're a good fit for a school?
    Felipe Corredor
    College Admissions Consultant
    Felipe is a Senior College Admissions Consultant at American College Counselors with over seven years of experience. He specializes in helping clients from all around the world gain admission into America's top universities through private, one-on-one consulting. He helps guide clients through the entire college admissions process and perfect every aspect of their college applications. Felipe earned a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Chicago and recently received his MBA.
    College Admissions Consultant
    Expert Answer
    Reach out to past alumni and talk to them about their experiences so you can see what the school is like.
  • Question
    Do I have to attend an excellent or private high school?
    Community Answer
    No. Ivy League schools look at many factors when they assess applicants. While attending a private or top high school could be an advantage in the competitive process, students make it into Ivy League schools without attending a really good high school because high school is just one area they consider. If your high school is not top-notch, use it as an opportunity to demonstrate your dedication by seeking out other ways to learn: take online classes, find a part-time job in an area of interest, join or start a math or debate team... Be creative and you will stand out to Ivy League Schools more than someone who simply attended a private school.
  • Question
    Are there scholarships for graduate programs in an Ivy League school?
    Community Answer
    Yes, they all have various forms of financial aid available - especially since Ivy League schools usually come with a hefty price. Whichever school you're interested in should have a website that contains information on financial aid.
  • Question
    How far back will they look in my grades?
    Hopelesshumanitarian
    Community Answer
    Universities will generally consider grades from 9th to 12th grade. So, you do not need to worry about middle school and elementary school during the application process.
  • Question
    Will my obsessive compulsive disorder hurt my chances of getting into an ivy league school?
    Community Answer
    It shouldn't, as long as your symptoms do not inhibit your ability to function in daily life too drastically. If they do, I would advise you to seek help from a medical professional.
  • Question
    Do Ivy League schools specifically look at Grade 9?
    Community Answer
    It depends on the university. Some do and some don't. Work hard and they'll see that through your improvement.
  • Question
    How do I get into an Ivy League school when I'm poor?
    Community Answer
    Search for financial aid options at the school and apply to FAFSA. Also search for scholarships that are specific to your circumstances (local/regional scholarships, race/gender/sexuality-based scholarships, etc.). Talk to your guidance counselor at school.
  • Question
    If I get rejected by an ivy league school, do I have a chance to get into another ivy league school?
    Community Answer
    Yes. All ivy league schools are different, they all have different standards, and they look for different things. You should definitely apply to others.
  • Question
    Would I be eligible for an Ivy League school if I skipped several grades and I am 11-years-old in my senior year of high school?
    Community Answer
    You'll still have get impeccable grades and a good SAT score. But you sound like you're very bright, so if you apply yourself, you have a good chance.
  • Question
    If I start getting good grades in middle school, will that help me get into an Ivy League school later?
    Community Answer
    While an Ivy League school won't look at your grades in middle school, getting good grades in your early years may help you do better later in high school and even in college.
  • Question
    Can I still get in if I was in special education for ADD?
    Community Answer
    Of course! In fact, your learning struggles and how you've overcome them might be an excellent subject for you admissions essay.
  • Question
    On the new SAT, what would be a good score for admission into an Ivy League school?
    Community Answer
    The range for a good score on the new SAT would be at least a 700 in both the math and critical reading sections. This would amount to a 1400 out of 1600 in total.
  • Question
    I would like to get into Harvard but, I don't think that I have enough extracurricular activities. I was thinking of taking a gap year so I could work on some more things to put on my college application and make it more impressive. Should I apply this year anyway?
    Community Answer
    Although extracurriculars are important, universities mainly look at your grades. If your grades are flawless and you have at least one activity that you have dedicated a lot or have excelled in, you have a good shot at getting accepted at Harvard. I would recommend that you still apply this year, especially if you are planning to do a science or math course.
  • Question
    Do I have to be in advanced classes to get into Ivy league schools?
    Community Answer
    No. If you are in advanced classes it might give you a step up, but if you are not then you still have a chance. Schools will also look at your extracurricular activities.
  • Question
    Can the International Baccalaureate program help me get into an Ivy League school?
    Community Answer
    Yes. It definitely makes you look better on an application, and it shows colleges your work ethic and intelligence. An IB diploma will help you stand out among other applicants.
  • Question
    What can I do to prepare for getting into an Ivy League starting in middle school?
    Community Answer
    Study a lot and make sure you do your best on tests. They might not look as far back, but it will still help you. Be organized and energized (study lots and lots), and you'll be just fine.
  • Question
    Are AP or IB courses more rigorous and recognized in the Ivy League schools?
    Community Answer
    Yes, AP and IB courses are generally the most rigorous courses you can take and look good on your college application.
  • Question
    How do I find contact information for ivy league schools in my region?
    Community Answer
    You can just do a Google search for "contact information for Ivy League schools near me."
  • Question
    Will it be harder to get accepted to an Ivy League university if I am from another country?
    Community Answer
    Yes, it usually is harder. Most schools have a limit on the amount of international students that they accept, so it's a more competitive process.
  • Question
    Can I still get into an Ivy League University theater program if my high school doesn't offer theater arts?
    Community Answer
    Yes, Ivy Leagues are aware that not all schools have the same facilities but maybe you can start your own theater arts group. That will make you stand out to the admissions officers and showcase that you are a leader and you deserve a space in their universities.
  • Question
    Do I have to be perfect all the time to get into an Ivy League school?
    Community Answer
    No, but you have to do very well in your classes and standardized tests and have several extra curricular activities. Don't stress about being perfect, but work hard and do your best.
  • Question
    Can I still be accepted to an ivy league school if I repeated a grade, but have a good GPA score?
    Community Answer
    If you repeated a grade because of extenuating circumstances, depending on the school, you may still have a chance. If you repeated a grade because of poor grades, you might be looked over for someone who has a good GPA but did not have to repeat a grade.
  • Question
    If I got my GED, could I still get i to an ivy league school?
    Community Answer
    Yes. If you had to get your GED because of extenuating circumstances, you might still have a chance. It depends on the particular school and what else you bring to that schools proverbial table.
  • Question
    I am upper middle class, but my family only has $120K saved up for college for me, and I want to go to med school as well. I likely won't get financial aid, so is there another option?
    Community Answer
    Scholarships can help you pay for med school. Many of these are merit-based, not need-based, but you will have to have excellent grades in order to qualify. Most people also take out student loans, especially those planning to attend med school.
  • Question
    Can I still get in if I was in special education for ASD?
    Community Answer
    It's possible, if you make a good impression. Writing eloquent essays that express your unique experiences, goals, and perspective can help, along with good recommendation letters and any interesting activities or passions you can highlight. Focus on the positive - how the things you've struggled with have made you better, how you hope to contribute to the world, etc.
  • Question
    Can I get into an Ivy League School if I only took AP classes in my senior year?
    Community Answer
    Getting into an Ivy League school is very very hard and there are lots of factors that decide admission. To be realistic, you probably will not get into an Ivy League school. The most important factors for admission are extracurriculars and grades. You also must have around at least a 1520 SAT score.
  • Question
    What is the best Ivy League school?
    Ruthanny K.
    Community Answer
    Harvard is the oldest but has a higher rank than all the other Ivy League schools.
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