Thousands of students apply for a chance to attend these prestigious institutions. Only a small percentage of those students are
actually admitted. Here's a few suggestions:Think about it, who's the typical student that applies to the Ivy League? They've got high SATs, GPAs through the roof, and extracurriculars like debate team and
student government. There is a term for these candidates- they're your typical nerds. Despite the commonly held belief that nerds are the only ones who get an Ivy League education, it's simply not true. The
typical nerd often gets rejected because besides stellar academics, they have little else to offer.
Ivy League admissions officers don't look kindly on the typical nerd because he/she is active in school
but not much else.
If your ranked in the top ten percent of your class, are in the honor society, have stellar SATs, and was class treasurer you fall into the nerdy department, but there's still hope. Everyone else who is applying to Ivy League schools probably has similar credentials.
Distinguishing yourself from your fellow competitors therefore becomes paramount.
Extracurriculars are looked at in-depth by Ivy officers. Remember quantity counts little, it's quality that is
important. A few unique extracurriculars can go a long way. Instead of jotting in your application how you were class secretary, it might be more beneficial to include activities that are unique in some way. Maybe you
do part time illustrations for a local publication, or maybe you train show ponies on the weekend. These activities can make you rise above a sea of nerds.
Since Ivy applicants usually have comparable scores and grades, the essay is used as a way to single out particularly talented individuals. Your uniqueness should really shine in your Ivy
essay. Come up with an original idea, and don't be afraid to take a chance. The typical nerd is someone who stays within the lines and is unwilling to take chances (after all, it could damage his/her GPA). So
create an essay with a little life, and you're one step further away from the typical nerd, and one step closer to an acceptance.
