Hey guys, not really familiar with this site or it’s culture, but I tend to overthink and stress about these things, so I supposed that I might as well ask for an outside opinion. So, I’m going to high school at the moment. My grades are good, but not really amazing. I’ve gotten all honor roll so far. I also have a very high upwards streak, with my classes improving alot both in difficulty and final grades throughout high school in all subjects (mostly all A’s now, and before end of high school I’m guessing all A’s based on my current streak). I’ve heard sometimes an upwards streak can give you a better chance, even if the overall grade isn’t as good as another student, though this could be false. Now all in all this is pretty good, but my main “selling point” if you will is what I do outside of school. I’m one of two leaders of a pretty well sized political club in my school, participate in other extra circulars, and I have participated in numerous internships (often at the same time) in different areas of politics, both in campaigns and legislation, and can likely get a very good amount of recommendation letters, as I am generally regarded as hard working by my bosses and teachers. I have also done a very large amount of community service over the past couple years, and I have organized some programs at my local library for young children. I have also learned Spanish relatively well through school, and on the side have been self teaching myself some Chinese (Mandarin) and French (though I’m not great with French). I also self study some Physics, and thinking about eventually taking a physics certification test to demonstrate that I’ve learned this (if you guys think that would help), though I’ll have to learn more before I do. I was in one of the lower level math classes at the beginning, but I am currently taking two math classes so I can get ahead. I am considering trying to volunteer at a local physics lab, so I can get some more credentials and get a little more comfortable with the concept of physics, as I really enjoy it. I will likely also be able to test out of high school level physics when the time comes due to my on the side studying. I have also considered taking Allison.com classes to demonstrate more self teaching, but I do not know if this would do me any good. I am also considering taking Track.
Anyways, sorry for the wall of text, but I was wondering if you guys think that I have any chance at possibly getting into an ivy league school in the future if I could write a good enough essay, and if not, anything I can do to increase my chances. First couple quarters, I got alot of B’s but as I said, I am improving quite steadily. Thanks!
by the way, i didn’t mean to brag, sorry if that is how i came off, just trying to paint a full picture
Check each college’s common data set and you’ll see the stats on the last freshman class. You’ll also see what is important to each college in their admission criteria.
But, however your stats compare, remember that the Ivy league colleges have incredibly low admit rates.
thanks! I’ve done a bit of research there, but I always worry, due to the main good things about me as a potential student are pretty specific.
What year are you in high school? How much can your family afford to pay for college (or do you think you will be eligible for need-based aid)? What major are you interested in?
Last, what kind of things appeal to you when you think about going to college (a close knit environment or lots of people and tons of class options? really knowing your professors or being able to pick and choose whether you can be more anonymous at times? a school with no Greek life or one with a heavy Greek presence? are certain areas of the country out of the question? etc).
Rather not touch on region too much for privacy reasons, but I’m relatively fine with traveling. Don’t really care about Greek life, not a deal breaker if they have it, but not really a fan of the culture surrounding frats and the like. I’d like to have a close enough relationship with professors, at least enough that I can ask them questions outside of class. I am interested in pursuing a political science degree. I’d also consider a government degree.
Depending on if I can learn enough physics before college to test out of parts once I get there, I’d consider a double major with one in physics.
Do you have any standardized test scores yet? Strong ECs are great but you also need strong GPA and test scores to be in the running for top schools.
no test scores yet. GPA is 3.75 but with a strong upwards streak and lots of time to improve.
Too early to chance then. Just focus on keeping up your grades and preparing for your tests.
I respect your desire for privacy but in the absence of specifics it is hard to give you an accurate evelauation or advice. So I will approach this from the schools perspective you have expressed interest in.
First off the Ivy League is comprised of 8 very unique and different schools. Urban/rural, large/small, core/open curriculum, pre profesional/liberal arts, intense/laid back, etc. The schools don’t just admit based upon academic criteria but “fit”. Your question suggests you want the implied presitige of Ivy without having done the personal assesment of fit or the ability to distinguish among the schools. In order to get accepted at any of the aforementioned schools you will have to be able to express in detail both why you want to attend a school and what you will uniquely add to its community.
Typically think 1500,34+, 3.9uw, 4.35w multiple AP type stats. That is what it takes to get looked at. For perspective the schools your are considering typically receive applications from 1,500-2,500 valedictorians and only accept about 20%.
On top of that you will need to distinguish yourself in other ways. Community service, entrepreneur, national awards or have a “hook” as an athlete, URM, or are your parents willing to build a stadium.
Assuming all that falls into place a great interview that reveals the paper version is consistent with the living breathing addition and a healthy dose of luck (because at the very end you and a few other folks on the bubble will all be equally qualified).
I know you started out by saying you over think things so sorry but pursuing an Ivy (or any top tier) admission requires a ton of thought, effort, introspection, and most importantly consistency and proactive preparation. Good luck
Interested to hear given the description I laid out do you think you are a good candidate and what do you think you can do to improve your chances? The ball is in your court as they say.
Hmm, not sure, but maybe I have a shot. I have done a very large amount of community service, as well as participated in some internships. I may be able to get some recommendations from said internships that could set me apart. Not really anything athletics wise, but I am considering trying to take track. Not sure if I will be doing well enough grades wise, but I am improving pretty well, so I’m not sure where I will end up, seeing as how I still got a fair amount of high school left. Also, as far as not distinguishing between what school I’d like that is more for personal reasons than not thinking about it. Anyways, ideally, I would attend a school along the lines of Harvard, with strong social and government programs, which is what I’m interested in. I would also like a fairly intense class set, as I tend to do better when I am in more intense and to the point classes.
So as an aspiring Harvard man/woman forge your own path. Make it informed, unique, ambitious and prepare accordingly. Most of us on this sight could only dream of a Harvard education so why would you seek our guidance. Distinguish yourself not by seeking our advice but by achieving what you now know it takes. Good luck.
An ‘upward trend’ doesn’t surpass other kids who started strong and continued. And community service isn’t about the number of hours, but the challenges and the good you do, hands on. Many kids are doing more than the library or tutoring or the like. Some do research or internships, but on top of other balance.
If you’re just now self studying physics, and are still catching up with math, it’s far too soon to name it as a possible major. You have yet to sit in the class or otherwise test and measure your abilities. Don’t even think about “testing out” of physics. You need the rigor on your transcript No certificate replaces the academics (the exception being some kids on vocational/trade paths- not college.) On top of that, for stem, you need some math and science activities in the high school.
Nor is the volume of things you say you are or will self study the same as classes, an actual teacher. (The difference is homeschoolers, but the best ofthem are learning on a college level now, at a local college or using that level of texts and work, sometimes packages, sometimes reputable onlne courses.)
How young are you? I think you may be jumping the gun a bit. Your curiosity is admirable, but the work needs to be done in the right ways and proper order.
Take a look at what the target colleges say they look for.
And I agree, you are being so private we can’t tell much. All this becomes too abstract. It’s fine to say region, sort of high school, generally describe other activities, etc.
ps. And get a Fiske Guide to Colleges. You have miles to go and lots of exploring and learning to do.
“Self studying” sounds good but means nothing-- just like “upward trend”. Grades, scores, awards, being on a sports team or math team etc with meaningful participation is REAL and what matters. Again-all Ivy League schools are not the same and to lump them together in your chance me query demonstrates a lack of serious consideration and understanding of this whole process. It also says, I just want to go to Ivy League school.
You need to think of the Ivy League and equivalent (MIT, Stanford,…) schools as very high reaches. The typical applicant to these schools is academically excellent, and many very strong students get turned down by them every year. Even straight A students often get rejected at the top schools (although some do get accepted also).
You also need to think about what you want in a university. There are a lot of very good universities and frankly the very top ranked universities are a “good fit” for only a relatively small percent of the students who think that they want to go there.
One thing that comes to mind reading your original post: You need to work a bit on your writing style. For example, it is important to organize your thoughts into paragraphs, with a clear point to each paragraph. Learning to write effectively will provide a skill that will be valuable for your entire life.
@lookingforward Thanks for the advice, I’m pretty young, going into sophomore year. This was less of a “at my current state” and more “do I have a chance to improve enough”. To give a little more info on what I’ve been doing specifically, I have participated within internships at the state legislation level, and on campaigns. Within these, I’ve had experience with writing up fact sheets, general filing, research, and canvassing door to door. During my time at the library, I mostly organized and cataloged books, though I did design and run some children’s programs at the library, which gave me good experience.
As far as self studying, I agree that it is hard to quantify, so I was wondering if trying to get certifications via testing for such things (Mostly languages) would do me any good.
@Center All apologies if I caused any offense, not at all my intention. I did not originally specify which school specifically out of a wish for privacy, but I have since clarified in another comment. I am looking for a school with strong classes in social sciences and government, as well as one without much of a party culture, as it really doesn’t interest me. I would also like a more urban and north eastern location, though if needed, I would be willing to go anywhere in the country if a better opportunity presents itself. So far Harvard seems like the best fit for this, though I’m not sure if there is a better choice.
I will be the first to admit that I do not fully understand the process. The main reason I came to the site was to learn a little more. If I used the wrong category, or if this is not really the correct usage of the site, I am sorry, again I am quite new and I have little experience with this site beforehand.
Thanks for the context of what you are looking for and how early in the process you are. I would respectfully suggest you do some research and then ask specific questions of the forum. FYI given your description of wants I would look at Columbia and Penn if Ivies are suitable as reaches.
Thanks so much for the advice!
While it is certainly true that great EC’s may be the difference between an acceptance and a rejection from the most highly selective schools, that is between students with superior academics. Those that get admitted, subject to boosts from hooks (e.g. recruited athlete, URM, child of major donor, legacy…), have to also distinguish themselves through their LoR’s and essays. However, you need to understand that EC’s don’t make up for mediocre academics in terms of grades and test scores. Also there is a tendency for people to overestimate how great their EC’s are relative to all the other top applicants vying for very limited admissions spots.
Absolutely shoot high, but what college you get into does not define success or worth. As a rising sophomore focus on doing your best in school, taking challenging courses that your school offers (top colleges, like the Ivies, look at rigor of courses based on what is offered at your school). Beginning next calendar year (or earlier), start preparing for standardized tests. The first one that will matter will be the PSAT fall of your junior year. Do some research on the colleges you are interested in to see if they in fact interest you and what they are interested in in their students. Sometime toward the end of junior year, assess realistically how you compare to the entering class of the schools you are interested in. You can then develop your list of schools to apply to, including some reachy schools (reachy based on your academic stat’s and other accomplishments), some “match” schools and some “safety” schools. At that time you will also need to sit down with your parents to determine which schools are affordable.