I’m an 8th grader currently studying in British International School Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. I was recently introduced to the Ivy League colleges and I’m interested to get into one. I know that it is extremely difficult to get into an Ivy League college, nevertheless, I would like to try and aim for one. However, I don’t really know a lot about them yet and I wanted to know how I could manage my time and prepare for it. I have about 5 years left until I graduate from high school so it would be helpful if any alumni or any students currently attending an Ivy League College could give me some guidance. I think that I’m quite good in academics and I have an interest in music. I’ll be waiting for any advice.
Sigh.
Try your best in school. Play with your friends. Forget about colleges for at least two more years. Enjoy being a kid.
Probably a good idea, rather than sighing because someone did not answer your specific question, would be to read the thousands of threads on CC which have a lot of the information that you are seeking. You’ll see that much of the advice is similar – take the most rigorous courses your school offers, do well, be involved in things that you are passionate about, rather than just trying to create a resume, and pretty much everyone would agree that you don’t really have to worry too much about college for a couple of years as long as you do try to do your best. Good luck!
Thank you!
@bonenz the sigh was not the OP
@DireRaven Google MIT admissions blog applying sideways and read that
Sorry @DireRaven . My bad. Thanks @i-wanna-be-Brown.
- Will you need financial aid?
- Things may change considerably by the time you apply to college (I hope and pray), but given our current political situation I would think twice about coming to the US from anywhere in the Mideast.
- Don't focus on "the Ivy League."
- I agree with prezbucky.
I think I was misunderstood. Its not that I only want to go to college if its an Ivy League college. It’s more like I want to prepare like I’m going to one of the eight colleges. If I do that, it’s like I automatically prepare for lots of other prestigious colleges. And regarding the political situation of the U.S and the fact that things can considerably change, I think that I should stop thinking about college for the next two years or so and just try to do my best and take part in extra-curriculam activities and since I haven’t really thought of a particular job I want to do, I’ll just do some community service in high-school. Thankyou for all the advice.
Acceptance to the Ivies is very difficult, and there is some luck involved. When it is time to look at colleges, think about what you want. There are many, many small liberal arts colleges that offer similar experiences to the Ivies. I’m not saying don’t apply to the Ivies, just make sure you apply to some safety schools that have qualities you love. I think it is smart to do some extracurriculars and see where your passion lies.
Along with the excellent advice above, read the admissions hindsights threads, especially the advice on "how to Impress with your extracurriculars. Bottom line: do what excites you!!!
keep your chill. life is fresh and dangerous. live it. shazam
There really isnt a way to prepare for these colleges, like others, I agree that you should continue living like a kid while you have it…and about perusing music, I am not sure on how good the ivies are at music/good music programs…you might want to do your research or find a good music academy or teacher around your area to begin with…
As you are an 8th grader, If I were you, I would experiment in lots of really specialized extra-curriculars like debate, pre-med club, robotics, marine biology, politics, whatever. See which kinds of things you really like. If you want to get into Ivies, you have to accomplish something really amazing in an area that you like. While you may be thinking that music and sports will get you in, understand that unless you accomplish something really cool with those (world champion, playing for president, successful albums) you cannot rely on those two cookie cutter ecs.
I would really ask you to try things that you may not be interested in and learn new things. If you follow my advice, in 5 years, you could be a national chess champion or an acclaimed scientific researcher or a successful author. Now those things will get you in somewhere nice NOT “took music lessons for 5 years”.
@DireRaven keep your high school grades up as much as possible, once you hit end of 9th/ beginning of 10th grade start prepping for the SAT. Also try to find what are some things you are really interested in and apply yourself through meaningful extracurricular activities.
Another things to consider is that not all ivies are the same. Yes the ivy league is seen as a group of some of the most prestigious schools, but there are substantial differences between the ivies. I would suggest looking more in depth into each of them.
Lastly, you are still very young, Try to also enjoy life.