<p>Quote from my counselor during conversation:</p>
<p>"You know, the Ivy League rejects up to half of 2400 SAT scorers. So, I don't really think that the Ivy is the best idea for you, or anyone."</p>
<p>... what to do here?</p>
<p>It's a game of numbers. Your best bet is to develop a list of 5 or so schools you really want to go to for reasons other than just "they're good," and then build a list around them. Apply to schools you're interested in, and be pragmatic and make sure you have a few safeties. If ivies are included in the list of schools you're interested in, then apply.</p>
<p>I think your GC is unsophisticated. Go with your gut. It's true about the Ivies: OUr GC (for my sons) told us that "the Ivies are a reach for anyone," and given what we saw in my sons' HS classes, I'd agree. That said, someone gets in, so why not you? If you've got outstanding grades, scores, ECs and recs, and there are one or two Ivies you can really imagine attending, you should certainly apply.</p>
<p>One thing's for sure: If you don't apply, you won't get accepted!</p>
<p>I think your GC is incorrect and oversimplifying Ivy admissions. Yale is more selective than Cornell, for instance. And the stats about half rejections I've heard all involve applicants with 800s on one section, not 2400s.</p>
<p>Don't listen to anyone but yourself. If you think you have what it takes, go for it.</p>
<p>They reject a lot of people with 2400's because, I believe, that once you have over a 2100 your SAT score is pretty much irrelevant. I just got into an Ivy League school with a 2150.</p>
<p>Apply if you are interested. Be sure to apply to a safety college too. </p>
<p>ur counselor obviously doesnt kno what hes talking about. it isnt all about grades and scores. if u really wanna go to an ivy, then apply and write a kick arse essay</p>
<p>140 applicants with 2400 SATs were REJECTED from Harvard last year. Then again, if you don't apply you'll never be accepted....XD</p>
<p>Think of it this way then:</p>
<p>So your counselor expects people with 2200s and 2300s to apply, but not those with a perfect 2400... um okay....</p>
<p>maybe your counselor knows something about your application that we don't -- maybe he knows that your teacher recs, GPA, ECs are very sub-par. We don't know the whole story.</p>
<p>As far as a GC just in general suggesting that noone apply for an ivy -- seems silly and naive, but probably not unusual. many GCs, particularly those in public schools, are most familiar with state schools and local privates. If you school hasn't sent anyone to an ivy, they may feel like it is impossible. CC will tell you otherwise:)</p>
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maybe he knows that your teacher recs, GPA, ECs are very sub-par.
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<p>He was new this year and I've still got a few more years to go before I apply.</p>
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He was new this year and I've still got a few more years to go before I apply.
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<p>Yes, but he still has your school records, and perhaps the drop file containing any information about you.</p>
<p>I think that some GCs err on the side of caution, because there are no guarantees when it comes to being accepted at an ivy. Students seem to operate from a mind set that the #s are the be all, end all and all that matters.</p>
<p>Numbers only tell a part of the story (definitely not the whole story) and the numbers may get your application to committee but it is usually what's behind the numbers that pushes your application to either the admit, deny, wait pile as the committee tries to craft a well rounded class.</p>
<p>I agree with VeryHappy; If you don't apply, you won't get in.</p>
<p>keep in mind that in many public schools, the GC job includes dealing with behavior challenges (fighting, truancy, etc) and in keeping potential drop-outs in school. He might just think that you attempting to get into an Ivy from your school is ludicrious. </p>
<p>My suggestion is to keep reading CC -- the posts where kids who successfully were admitted to top schools (so you can see what classes they took, stats they got, activities they did) and posts from parents (about having safeties, not choosing an Ivy for the name but the fit, etc).</p>
<p>What you will find is that if you work hard and think outside the box you will learn more about who you are and what is important to you. That will lead you to involve yourself in activities, classes and community service that means something to you. It will also lead you to select colleges that are a good fit -- who will then be able to see what you think is important by what you did in high school. This gives you an excellent chance to attend a school that is a good fit for you.</p>
<p>I kind of rambled -- but basically what I am saying is work hard, take advantage of opportunities and figure out what drives you. There isn't a magic formula to get into an Ivy -- and what is most important is that you have the qualifications to get into the school you think is the best fit (ivy or not).</p>
<p>What a fabulous advice! Just kidding...
I would not care what he/she said. If you have decent testscores and ECs and essays and everything, go for it.</p>
<p>hsmomstef, that was awesome.</p>
<p>I think an underlying message to take is, know why you're applying Ivy. Think: If your guidance counselor says that again, what can you tell her/him that says, "You know what? I don't care if admissions is ridiculous. Ivy is worth a shot, and this is why..."</p>
<p>And if this GC continues to give offensive advice, is there another GC at your school you can talk to?</p>
<p>If you don't apply you'll definitely not make it. Make sure your family can afford it if you are accepted and offered no financial aid. You could be a terrific academic match and a horrible financial match. Just because you were accepted doesn't mean they are going to go out of their way to give you aid if they consider that you don't qualify. Make sure you get accepted in your state flagship public university.</p>
<p>No, your guidance conselor is wrong. I knew a girl who had a 3.6 gpa, 1920 SAT,28 ACT, no special ec's who got accepted to Yale. She took some classes at Yale and i guess her teacher really liked her.</p>
<p>By the way, GCs in private school many times are no better. Sometimes they will steer you away even from the state flagship universities. It might not look good if you are not accepted.</p>
<p>Thx for the advice. Although I'm not applying this year, I've still got great grades and ECs. After reading this, I think my GC is wrong: seems like a lot of seniors are really mad at him these days.</p>