My high school usually sends at least a few seniors to ivy league colleges every year. However, it seems like the majority of them get into these schools because of some huge award that they’ve won. For example, this past year a girl got into Yale because she has been competing nationally at gymnastics but really isn’t very smart, a neighbor of mine also got into Yale and IS very smart but also has won state-wide recognition for cello, another boy got into Harvard and has gotten state-wide recognition for tuba…just to name a few. Are the big awards like that the only way to get into these schools? I want to apply to top-tier schools, although not ivies, but i am more of an “average” achiever. Sure, i have the NHS and probably some kind of national merit and some school scholarships for band and state solo and ensemble recognition, but nothing huge. Are good grades, a heavy course load, strong extra-curriculars, high test scores, and a love of learning enough?
<p>State-wide recognition in an instrument is excellent, but it isn't like that was the one award that shined through everything else. </p>
<p>All the stuff you mentioned is good but try doing some essay contests or some science project.</p>