The Ivy League is a group of eight prestigious colleges and universities in the United States known for their academic rigor, selective admissions processes, and distinguished alumni. If you're a high school student interested in attending one of these institutions, understanding what these colleges are looking for will maximize your chances of success.

Authentic Profile

Admissions committees want to see the real you! Be honest about your interests, passions, strengths, and weaknesses. Authenticity means being true to your cultural background, family, and personal experiences. Avoid exaggerating or pretending to be someone you're not.

Specifically, in the essays, the admissions committee wants to see a glimpse of your personality and understand what motivates you. A well-written essay can help you stand out from other applicants, so take the time to craft your unique voice and perspective.

Early Planning

The most competitive applicants start preparing for college as early as eighth grade. Thoughtfully planning out rigorous AP courses and extracurriculars will ensure you stay on track throughout high school. Develop and maintain a strong academic record while taking advantage of leadership opportunities to demonstrate your potential as a future leader.

High Exam Scores

Ivy League colleges notoriously have the highest SAT or ACT averages. For reference, Yale admits have an average SAT of 1511. Choose your exam wisely, familiarize yourself with the format, and take advantage of numerous study resources like study guides, test prep courses, group workshops, and tutors. If you don’t reach your goal score the first time, identify your weaknesses (time management, subject material, anxiety, etc.), prepare accordingly, and take the test again!

Well Planned Extracurriculars

Your extracurricular activities should showcase your interests, talents, and potential as a future leader. It's not enough to participate in a handful of activities without meaningful involvement or impact. Instead, focus on activities that are important to you, have allowed you to develop your passions, and where you’ve contributed to your community.

Try to participate in activities related to academics, community service, and your personal hobbies to demonstrate your commitment to personal growth and development. This will also show you are capable of managing time and responsibilities effectively.

Academic Drive

Academic drive and a commitment to excellence is a must when applying to Ivy Leagues. Admissions committees want to see that you have challenged yourself academically and have a desire to continue learning and growing. This means taking the most rigorous courses available, maintaining top grades, pursuing independent research projects, and seeking out intellectual opportunities beyond the classroom.

The ‘It Factor’

With a sea of outstanding applicants every year, Ivy League universities are constantly searching for the students who stand out from the crowd. Sometimes applicants bring everything to the table, including an exceptional academic and extracurricular record, and still do not get in. Although they have an it factor, spark, or something that made them unique, they likely didn’t exemplify it thoughtfully throughout the application components. At Ivy Advisors, we know that everyone has their own authentic it factor and we’re dedicated to helping you communicate it to the admissions committee.

*University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA*

During the admissions process, Ivy League universities will also check to ensure that a student embodies the same values as they do. Because of this, it’s important to research the schools and understand their mission, values, vision, and what they look for in an applicant. Here are a few excerpts from the Ivy League websites on values:

Brown: Innovation, Accountability, Collaboration, Empathy, Equity, Inclusion
Columbia: All students deserve access to affordable quality education; higher learning should be individualized, innovative and flexible; a liberal arts core curriculum produces globally engaged citizens who are creative, curious and ethical; people of all beliefs and backgrounds should engage in civil discourse and discovery
Cornell: Purposeful Discovery, Free and Open Inquiry and Expression, A Community of Belonging, Exploration across Boundaries, Changing Lives through Public Engagement, Respect for the Natural Environment
Dartmouth: Expect academic excellence, encourage independent thought, and promote a robust culture of interdisciplinary collaboration; Instill in students a sense of responsibility for one another and for the broader world, and give them ample opportunities to share their expertise and passions; Promote the vigorous and open debate of ideas while encouraging mutual respect for diverse opinions
Harvard: Respect for the rights, differences, and dignity of others; Honesty and integrity in all dealings; Conscientious pursuit of excellence in our work; Accountability for actions and conduct in the community; Responsibility for the bonds and bridges that enable all to grow with and learn from one another
Princeton: Courage, Collaboration, Creativity, Community, Globalism, Imagination, Inclusivity, Resilience
UPenn: Inclusivity, intellectual rigor, research, and the impetus to create new knowledge to the benefit of individuals and communities around the world
Yale: Outstanding research and scholarship, education, preservation, and practice

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