For those who have no idea like what IVY League is, then you should know that it is actually a group of colleges all in the United States, which, of course, are super-famous in the entire world. Which colleges exactly? Oh, they’re Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Brown, Dartmouth, Cornell, and UPenn. But the problem with these colleges is that the acceptance rate is super low here, like, just around 3% to 8%, and that’s it. And if you’re thinking of getting into the IVY League colleges from India, sure enough, it isn’t going to be an easy thing at all. Though, we’ll let you know what’s the best possible way you can achieve just that, so here we go.
First of All, Why Are Indian Students Crazy About Ivy Leagues?
Oh, for that, there are a number of reasons actually, like:
- Global Reputation: Sure enough, these Ivy League names carry serious weight everywhere.
- Better Jobs: It is true that once you graduate from these colleges, you can expect to get hired in top companies and get high salaries.
- World-Class Education: No doubt in the fact that you’ll learn from amazing professors and peers.
- Financial Aid: Once you’re in, you can expect financial aid, which is for international students too.
- Proud Moment: Oh, it’s just a pure proud moment thing when you tell someone that you made it to one of the best colleges in the world, right?
When Should You Start Planning? (Hint: Not in Class 12!)
To be honest, after 12th class, it is kinda a bit late for many students to get into these IVY League colleges, so it is always best to start as early as you can. Like:
The earlier, the better! Ideally, start thinking about Ivy Leagues by Class 9 or 10.
- Class 9-10: Build strong grades and pick activities you love from the very start.
- Class 11: Start SAT/ACT prep. Join clubs. Do projects. And things like that.
- Class 12: Finalize the college list. Write essays. Apply early.
Grades Matter (A Lot!)
There is literally no way you can think otherwise, like, grades are the most important thing when it comes to getting into these IVY League colleges. Like, you should:
- Aim for 90%+ or GPA 4.0.
- Take difficult subjects if possible (like AP or IB).
- Be consistent, you know, don’t just score well in Class 12, keep it up from Class 9.
All About Tests (Don’t Worry, You Got This)
There are a few tests or exams you should also be preparing for and cracking to get into the top colleges in the world. Here:
Here’s what you may need to take:
- SAT: Aim for 1450+ out of 1600.
- ACT: Target 32+ out of 36.
- IELTS: At least 7.0 or 7.5 band.
- TOEFL: Score around 100+.
- Optional: GRE or GMAT for postgrad (only if needed).
One thing to note here is that some IVY League colleges out there are now test-optional ones, but if you get a good score, send it!
You Can Try To Be More Than Just a “Topper”
Sure, grades and marks are great, but that’s not the only thing you need in order to get into these top colleges, there is some other stuff you should be focusing on too. Like:
Grades are great, but Ivy Leagues want more.
- Do cool stuff: Debate, write blogs, play sports, join school clubs.
- Be consistent: Stick to a few activities for years.
- Take charge: Start a club, lead a project, or help your community, or do anything like that.
Essays, SOPs & All That Stuff (Tell Your Story!)
See, these top colleges aren’t just about how high you can score, it is kinda 50-50 when it comes to your grades and your personality. Like, you should:
- Be honest and real, and write like you.
- Don’t copy samples online; that’s a big mistake right there.
- Talk about your journey, goals, and what you care about and not just the basic stuff.
- And sure enough, it is always great to get feedback from teachers or mentors.
Who Should Recommend You?
After scoring high, being a great personality, taking part in projects, and all that, you’ll still need one more thing, which is the recommendation letters, just to get into these top colleges. So:
- We’d say that you should ask teachers who really know you.
- It is always best to just give them time and help them with your achievements list.
- Make sure they highlight your personality and skills, not just marks, that’s kinda the important bit right there.
Oh, There Is Always Plan B, Too!
See, it is true that sometimes students do everything right, but they just can’t make it to these top IVY League colleges, but you don’t need to be disheartened in that situation, there is always a plan B. So, here:
- You always have the option to apply to other top U.S. universities (like Stanford, MIT, Duke, you know, not Ivy but equally great).
- Try the SUNY Pathway, like, you can also study in a cheaper college and transfer to Cornell later.
- How about you also add some safety schools to your list (with higher acceptance rates)?
Santosh Kumar is a Professional SEO and Blogger, With the help of this blog he is trying to share top 10 lists, facts, entertainment news from India and all around the world.