<p>I'm a freshman in high school. My question is: What do I need to do to get into an Ivy League School? I know there are about a billion books out there on this topic, but I was hoping to get a little bit more personal feedback. I mean what can I do that is within my abilities and interests? Secondly, how do I go about these things? My parents are immigrants and they moved here about 13 years ago. They are not too keen on the college admissions process in America. </p>
<p>Well, I've been hearing a lot about research that students take part in. How do I get involved in research, and where? I realize that I should probably wait a few years before engaging in this.</p>
<p>I am not athletic. That automatically rules out anything related to sports.
As of yet, I can see in myself no "hook" that would attract colleges.</p>
<p>However, I do get straight A's, and am relatively intelligent.</p>
<p>What can I do to capitalize on my strengths? I have seen students with many different "scholar" awards. How do I apply for or recieve one of these?</p>
<p>Be a well-rounded, desirable candidate. Getting straight A's don't really help your chances, since I know someone who got straight A's and some ECs and got rejected from Ivies. Find something that you're passionate in, and invest a lot of time into that. Sometimes you don't need a hook and still get into your first choice college.</p>
<p>You're a freshman, so try lots of different things and experience lots of different activities so you can find something that you like. Everyone has something that they love, it's just a matter of finding it. Do you, perhaps, have a passion for government and law? Creative writing? Math? Awards are plentiful in every field, you just have to know where to look.</p>
<p>Sign up for activities that interest you, just so you can see if you like them. If you don't, quit, move on, and find something to be passionate about. There's something out there, and just being a straight A student isn't enough. You have to be...remarkable.</p>
<p>The best thing you can do to prepare for college admissions right now is to not worry about it. Keep your grades up. Try hard in your classes. Pursue your interests. </p>
<p>That's all you need. </p>
<p>By the way, there are hundreds of fantastic schools out there--not just the Ivy League.</p>
<p>Don't build your high school life around trying to get into the Ivy League. Do what you want, and don't worry about college for another 2 years (as long as you keep your grades up!)</p>
<p>I think I just repeated what corranged said.</p>
<p>dont even bother. Freshman preparation is jumping the gun and siometimes it becomes painfully obvious to the adcoms that you are trying to impress them...</p>
<p>Just live a normal life and enjoy. In the name of exceptional grades and 400 AP's dont lock urself in ur room and become a desk potato. Get good EC's.... they want spirit not talent..</p>
<p>And dont worry about summat years in advance <em>(meaning dont strart scr</em>wing around... but dontm over plan)</p>
<p>"I do stuff over the summer in India and documentation would get kind of sketchy....especially if its not in english."</p>
<p>:@...... I dont like this.... I am an Indian have lived in India for the last 12 years since I moved from CA. Why are there so many comments like this? Indians know english as well as any others in the world and I complete didnt get the 'sketchy' bit.</p>
<p>Documentation is easy to get, just request for it..</p>
<p>Bleh.. I disklike this stuff. India is not that bad u know......</p>
<p>Don't get me wrong, I go to India every year and love it. And yes, the no english part is maybe an overstatement. But things I do are not through any "official" organization. I go to a small town.</p>
<p>ahh thank you... Thne english part is a BIG overtstatement. I dont think that proof is needed... just be honest. I did volunteer work at charities here and at the animal welfare society with no proof... I kjust wrote what I did honestly. If they do ask for it, u can always call up or ask sumone who was with u</p>
<p>You also might want to get off this forum after a year or 2. The students who post here are often obsessive-compulsive overachievers (no offense, guys) who aren't sure about college admissions themselves because they're not adcoms...and therefore can only speculate. Don't get sucked in by this board your junior/senior year! Your brain can get a little screwy...=P</p>