From Conan O’Brien to George W. Bush, the list of Ivy League grads seems as prestigious as it is endless.
But how can you figure out if an Ivy League school is right for you? According to some experts, there’s more to consider than your SAT scores and the size of your bank account. Whether you’re dreaming of attending an Ivy or wondering if it’s even worth it to apply, take a look. These tips could change your life.
There is no barometer for acceptance
First things first. Even though everyone has the same exact questions when it comes to Ivy League admissions (Who gets in? What are my chances?), there is, unfortunately, no one exact answer.
According to Shannon Duff, founder of the educational consulting firm Collegiate Compass and a former Yale admissions essay reader, it is important to realize that there is no standard formula that will get you admitted to the Ivy League.
“There is no ‘ideal student’ who will always get in, and no one barometer to predict your odds,” Duff says. “The bottom line is that there is nothing typical or average about the Ivy League because, when it comes down to it, there is no average Ivy League student. Each one is exceptional and unique; that’s why they get in.”
So even if your SAT or ACT scores fall below your dream school’s range, don’t get discouraged. Perfect scores do not automatically guarantee that you’ll be accepted, and less-than-stunning results do not mean that you should immediately lose all hope. It is
possible to sway your application by standing out in other areas, such as your high school transcript, extracurricular record and personal characteristics. You are more than the sum of your SAT scores. Figure out what makes you unique.
Money comes second
If money is a concern, realize that while the cost of tuition continues to increase, so does the amount of available aid. All too often, students pass up a chance at their dream school based on the perception that they can’t afford it. However, a majority of Ivy League students apply for financial assistance each year.
The good news is that, because Ivy League schools focus on creating a diverse student body, applicants from many different backgrounds and socioeconomic environments have a shot at admission.
Students who are the first person in their family to attend college can be just as important to the makeup of the freshman class as those who are fourth- or even fifth-generation legacies. Above all else, the Ivies want students who are active, ambitious and able to contribute positively to the community.
In fact, some Ivy League schools like Harvard and Yale are now waiving the cost of tuition altogether.
Last year, Yale’s president, Richard Levin, announced that families with incomes below $45,000 will no longer be required to pay for any part of their children’s education, while families with incomes between $45,000 and $60,000 will receive reductions of approximately 50 percent.
“We will be expanding significantly our efforts to reach out to students who may believe their family’s financial circumstances rule out the possibility of a Yale education,” he said. And remember, even if you don’t get a free ride, you can always petition the financial aid office for an increase.
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