Based on the 14+ years of college consulting work we have done as the premiere college consultants in Arizona, we know what makes applicants stand out among their competition. Here is a collection of our tips for maximizing your odds at the Ivies (Harvard, Dartmouth, Princeton, U Penn, Cornell, Brown, Columbia, and Yale) and other top schools:
1) Be Different Pursue an unusual activity if you love it. Colleges appreciate “niche” applicants: budding meteorologists, expert costume designers, Revolutionary War reenactors, etc….
2) Pursue Awards that validate your talents: For musicians, receive top national awards; for math geniuses, enter national math competitions. U.S. colleges may not know your high school, but they will recognize top international and national awards.
3) Don’t Play Sports just because you think colleges want you to be well-rounded: If you’re not going to be an athletic recruit, it’s silly to do a sport all three seasons. Pick your strongest sport if you love it but spend the other seasons on academic pursuits.
4) Get a Job The humbler the better, especially if you come from a wealthy area. Show you are not spoiled and not afraid to work. However, maintain your high grades, high GPA.
5) Be High impact If you’re an artist, create a portfolio. If you design jewelry, sell it locally and/or online. If you’re a philosopher, take a course online through Yale and publish your final paper. Show colleges what you’re capable of producing.
6) Be Scholarly Valedictorians are plentiful at the Ivies, however, colleges want to admit those who LOVE LEARNING, not just good students! Show them your desire to learn by being academically ambitious.
7) Don’t be limited by the Common Application The Common App is becoming less and less adaptable, but there are still ways to pop off the screen/page and present as a focused scholar. Leverage the Common App, don’t be confined by it, use all the real estate available on the Common App.
8) Establish “Dominant Areas” in one-two academic areas and one-two extras: Colleges don’t want well rounded KIDS, they want a well rounded CLASS; the more specialized you are, the better. Focus on one or two things.
9) Craft Your Applications Don’t dash off your applications three weeks before they are due. Colleges want to see that you have put effort into your applications – a sloppy application will not help your case. Write essays that push you into an Ivy once your scores and grades put you in range.
10) Teacher Recommendations Matter Ask your teachers to focus on your intellectual strengths (and give examples) more than on your character. Too many teachers talk about how “nice” the applicant is, while colleges want to know how strong an intellect you are. And, of course, SHOW your teachers that you love to learn and aren’t just a grade grabber. Participate to the positive discussion in class.
Do you need a proven success plan to increase your chances of admission to highly selective colleges? Give us a call now or fill out the interest form.
AZ College Planning provides:
- One-on-one Student Coaching Meetings
- Personal Consulting
- Individualized Personal Plans
- Career & Major Advising
- College Selection and Best Fit Guidance
- Scholarship Direction
- Application and Essay Coaching and Editing
- Financial Aid Maximization Strategies
- Assistance with Financial Aid Forms including FAFSA and CSS Profile
- Plus a Variety of Specialized Classes
- And More!