<p>Every Ivy League transcript I've seen so far has had an exemplary (and somewhat ridiculous) amount of credentials and awards. It leaves simplistic students like me somewhat hopeless. I am the #1 of my grade and I have a fair amount of EC's, but I have never won any national or statewide awards besides recognition for the Johns Hopkins Talented Youth search. Although I'm fairly good at mathematics/science at my school, I could never try my hand at Intel STS or AIME. I am not good enough. That's the problem. </p>
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<li><p>But here's the point: I am a decent writer and I think it's within my capability to write an aastonishing essay for a national competition. I admit that this may seem secondary to math or science awards, but this is an aspect I think I'm really skilled at.</p></li>
<li><p>So my question is: Ivy graduates/applicants: Have you ever entered national writing contests and how has that helped you in the application process?</p></li>
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<p>In truth, the majority of science competition winners have done nothing extraordinary. While the winners used to get into ivies routinely, that’s been over for years.</p>
<p>If you’re a great writer, focus on your application essays rather than scholarship essays. First you need to have the stats. If you do, your essays can absolutely talk you into any college.</p>
<p>You are assuming that the ivy educational experience is the best [it is not] and that ivy grads lead charmed lives [they do not]. Stop thinking about the window decal and start thinking about where you will thrive and grow.</p>
<p>Doing well in a prestigious essay competition will look great on your transcript. If you’re planning on doing something academically with your writing, it is may even be more helpful than a prestigious science award.</p>
<p>In reality, most Ivy League students have not won an Intel or anything close. This is really the exception rather than the rule. </p>
<p>Also, there are many many more than 8 excellent schools in the US. In fact, quite a number of students actually turn down those 8 to go elsewhere.</p>
<p>Best way to get into an Ivy is to be a great athlete. People think that the Ivies are all about academics, but in fact they have 30+ Div. 1 teams to feed with good talent. Win your State in something like a swimming event, or wrestling, or golf, or something. The best kept secret of the Ivies is that they love, love, love talented athletes (who come with reasonable grades). Athletics is truly the best hook you can have.</p>