Your Insider Blueprint to Crack Ivy League Admissions

You're standing in front of an imposing set of Ivy-covered gates.

Your heart racing with a mix of excitement and nerves.

You've dreamed of this moment for years - the chance to step foot on the campus of your dream Ivy League school.

But as you check the acceptance rates (merely 4% to 9%), you can't help but wonder:

What does it really take to get accepted into one of these elite institutions?

Sure, admission to an Ivy League school is no easy feat.

Countless students across the world apply for limited seats making the path to admission even tougher.

But here's the good news: this insider blueprint is all you need to resolve your doubts and give yourself the best possible chance of turning that dream into a reality

This edition is what we came up with after all those insights. This blueprint is all that you need to crack the Ivy League School admissions. 

So what is the secret sauce? Let us break it down:

*Note: This is an approximate breakdown. Some schools may place a slightly higher weight on academics.

✍️ | Academic Achievement & Test Scores: Yes, grades matter - but it is not just about straight A’s

⚽ | Standout Extracurriculars & Leadership Skills: How you spend your time outside class speaks volumes

📝 | Compelling Personal statements, Essays & Recommendations: Your chance to tell your unique story

And there is one more piece of the puzzle many forget (we will discuss it in the latter half of this newsletter).

Interested in learning more? Let us dive in and unpack each of these elements. By the end, you will have a clearer roadmap to your Ivy League dreams.

▶️ Academics and Standardized Tests

The first aspect of your application the admission officers will check is your academic performance. This consists of two key components:

• Grades and Coursework: Your GPA and the rigor of your classes demonstrate your academic prowess and commitment to challenging yourself.

• Standardized Test Scores: Your SAT/ACT scores provide a standardized measure of your academic abilities across key subjects.

Admission officers use these elements to determine if you meet their rigorous academic standards. Both are crucial in showcasing your readiness for Ivy League-level studies.

It is important to note that low academic scores cannot be compensated for by extracurricular activities or essays, so prioritizing your studies is essential. 

Begin by maintaining a high GPA throughout high school. Ivy League schools seek students who have enrolled in challenging courses, including Advanced Placement (AP), Dual Enrollment, summer programs, and honors classes.

Here are some resources to help you excel academically:

📌 Rigorous coursework: Take the most challenging classes available at your school, including AP, IB, or honors courses. Aim to maintain a strong GPA, typically in the 3.7-4.0 range on a 4.0 scale, or 90-100 on a 100-point scale.

📌 Standardized test prep: For Ivy League schools, aim for SAT scores of 1550+ or ACT scores of 34+. Use free resources like Khan Academy for SAT prep, or invest in reputable test prep books and courses for SAT/ACT such as Princeton Review for SAT, Barron's for SAT and ACT, and 5 Steps to a 5 for AP exams.

📌 Academic competitions: Showcase your skills in prestigious contests. Participate in science fairs, math olympiads, or writing competitions. Examples include the Intel ISEF, International Mathematical Olympiad, and NSDA tournaments.

📌 Summer programs: Attend university-hosted pre-college programs or secure research internships to gain advanced academic experience.

📌 Independent learning: Engage with Massive open online courses (MOOCs) from platforms like Coursera or edX to explore subjects beyond your school curriculum.

Some top universities like MIT, Yale, Harvard, and Dartmouth have made the Standardized tests mandatory for the batch of 2029. To prepare for these exams, consider the following:

• Create a study schedule that allows you to gradually build your skills and knowledge

• Utilize free online resources to access practice questions and tutorials.

• Consider hiring a tutor or enrolling in a test prep course if you need extra support

• Consult experts with proven track records such as Lets Unbound for valuable insights 

In addition, Advanced Placements (APs) can strengthen your application by demonstrating your expertise in specific subjects. APs can show colleges that you are focused and passionate about a particular field of study.

Finally, you may need to take an English proficiency test, such as the IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo. U.S. students generally do not need English proficiency tests if they complete their high school education in English.

However, international students, including those who studied in English but are from non-English speaking countries, typically need to submit test scores from these exams depending upon university requirements, and specific policies.

Make sure to check the English proficiency requirements for each university you are applying to, as they can vary from one institution to another.

While these tests are relatively easy compared to the SAT or ACT, they are still an important part of your application and demonstrate that you meet the language requirements for the university.

▶️ Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular activities are your canvas to paint a vivid picture of who you are beyond grades and test scores. 

Ivy League schools seek students who are not just academically gifted, but also passionate, engaged, and impactful in their communities. 

Let us break down what makes a standout extracurricular profile:

Variety and Depth

The key is to strike a balance between breadth and depth. Aim for a mix of activities across different areas:

📌 Academic (e.g., debate club, science olympiad)

📌 Creative (e.g., art, music, theater)

📌 Athletic (sports teams or individual pursuits)

📌 Community service (local volunteering or global initiatives)

📌 Leadership (student government, club officer positions)

The focus should be on quality over quantity. It is better to excel in a few areas than to spread yourself too thin.

Impact and Initiative

Colleges value sustained commitment. Your extracurricular journey should show development over time:

📌 Start Early: Begin your college application as soon as you enter high school. Explore diverse activities, develop skills, and foster genuine connections with teachers. This long-term approach not only builds a compelling extracurricular profile but also ensures strong, personalized recommendations. These endorsements provide Ivy League admissions committees with crucial insights into your character beyond grades and test scores.

📌 Deepen Your Involvement: As you progress through high school, focus on the activities you are most passionate about. Take on more responsibilities, seek leadership roles, and look for ways to make a bigger impact.

📌 Go For Leadership Positions: Look for opportunities to take on leadership roles, such as serving on the student council or captaining a sports team. 

📌 Try to push your activities beyond the school level: Participate in national competitions, join district-wide organizations, or start your own initiative.

Aligning with Your Narrative

Choose activities that reflect your values and future goals. This creates a cohesive story for your application. For instance:

If you are an aspiring doctor, consider volunteering at hospitals and joining science clubs. Future entrepreneurs might start a small business or lead school fundraisers. Budding artists could showcase their work and teach art to underprivileged kids.

By focusing on activities that truly matter to you, you will be able to create a compelling narrative that sets you apart from other applicants.

▶️ Personal Statements, Essays, and Letters of Recommendation

The third aspect of a strong Ivy League application is your personal statement, supplemental essays, and letters of recommendation (LORs). 

These components give you the opportunity to showcase your unique identity, passions, and experiences beyond your grades and extracurricular activities.

Your personal statement is a chance to tell your story and give admissions officers a glimpse into who you are as a person. 

Bonus:

In the Common App, essays need to be typically around 650 words, and can be used to apply to multiple universities, so it is essential to craft a compelling and well-written piece. It is advised to check the prompts provided for personal statements every year.

Example Prompts:

1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

2. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Here are some tips for creating a standout personal statement:

📌 Brainstorm topics that highlight your personal growth, values, or unique experiences

📌 Use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points

📌 Show instead of just telling. Use vivid descriptions and sensory details to bring your story to life

📌 Edit carefully for grammar, spelling, and clarity

In addition to the Common App essay, many Ivy League schools also require supplemental essays. These essays are your chance to demonstrate your fit with the specific institution and showcase your knowledge of their programs and resources.

When writing your supplemental essays, be sure to:

📌 Research the school thoroughly and mention specific programs, professors, or opportunities that appeal to you

📌 Avoid repeating information from your Common App essay

📌 Tailor your writing to the specific prompt and word count requirements

Finally, your letters of recommendation provide valuable insight into your character, work ethic, and potential from the perspective of teachers, mentors, or supervisors who know you well. 

When selecting recommenders, consider the following:

📌Choose teachers or mentors who have worked with you closely and can speak to your strengths and growth over time

📌Provide your recommenders with a brag sheet or resume to help them write a detailed and specific letter

📌Give your recommenders plenty of time to write their letters, and be sure to thank them for their support

Do not be afraid to seek guidance from counselors, teachers, or mentors. They can provide valuable feedback and help you brainstorm ideas that showcase your unique strengths and experiences.

▶️ BONUS: Interview Process

In addition to your written application materials, some Ivy League schools may also require or request optional interviews. These interviews typically come towards the later end of the application process and may be conducted by alumni or admissions officers.

While interviews can be nerve-wracking, they are also an opportunity to showcase your personality, passions, and fit with the institution. To prepare for your interview, consider the following tips:

📌 Research the school thoroughly and be prepared to discuss specific programs or opportunities that interest you

📌 Practice answering common interview questions with a friend, family member, or mentor

📌 Dress professionally and arrive early at the interview location, or in the meeting room if it is an online interview

📌 Be authentic and honest in your responses, and do not be afraid to ask questions of your own

Gaining admission to an Ivy League school is a challenging but achievable goal. 

The Ivy League admissions process is holistic - there is no one "perfect" applicant. 

So, instead of trying to fit a specific mold, focus on authentically pursuing your passions, challenging yourself academically, and sharing your story through your essays and interviews.

At a Glance ⚡

📌 Focus on three main pillars: academics and standardized tests, extracurricular activities, and personal statements and essays.

📌 Maintain a high GPA and take challenging courses like AP, IB, and honors classes.

📌 Prioritize SAT/ACT scores and consider taking Advanced Placement (AP) tests to demonstrate expertise in specific subjects.

📌 Choose extracurricular activities that align with your passions and interests, and aim for leadership roles.

📌 Tell your unique stories through personal statements and essays, and ask for glowing recommendations from teachers who know you well for admission-winning LORs.

📌 Prepare for the interview ahead of time and if possible test interview skills by conducting mock interviews with friends or teachers.

Question of the week ✨

Last week, we asked you, what would you delete from this planet if you had the ability to do so.

The answer has been submitted by Imon Chatterjee. And we loved the approach they took with their answer.

This week’s question:

Which colleges are you aiming for and what would you like to hear next from us?

We will decide our next issues based on your answers.✨

Ready to take your Ivy League application to the next level? 🚀

In the 2024 Digital SATs, Our students have scored 1560, 1550, 1530, 1510.

If you also want to start your Ivy League journey, Sign up for our exclusive Ivy League Admissions Bootcamp, where you will work one-on-one with experienced admissions counselors to craft a winning application strategy. 

Reply "Bootcamp" to this email to learn more and secure your spot for our SAT and Admission Bootcamp. The SAT Bootcamp focuses on test preparation, while the Admission Bootcamp helps you review your profile and craft your application to enhance your chances of getting into your chosen colleges.

Want to learn how to get into an Ivy League from a Dartmouth Admit, Listen to The College Crest Podcast below.

Amol & Nishant,

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We have worked with thousands of students over the past 7 years. This newsletter captures the essence of our insights to simplify the college readiness journey