Applying to an Ivy League College?

If your answer is yes, you already know that high grades, tons of AP classes, stellar SAT scores, unique extracurriculars, and fantastic teacher recs can all play a role in your college application and acceptance to some of the most prestigious Ivy League colleges in America.

As a top Ivy League college admissions consultant, let me share with you the following “Top Ten” tips you may not have thought of however that, when combined with the more traditional qualifications mentioned above, can actually serve to help you get in to the college of your dreams!

Social Media: College admissions officers check. I know it’s horrible but, that said, you want to make sure that there is nothing crude or lewd on your Facebook page and that you’re not making extreme non-pc comments all over twitter. It’s okay to show yourself having fun with your friends, and you certainly don’t have to show yourself as 100% scholarly and serious – it is a social outlet, after all! You’re even allowed to have an opinion that maybe other people don’t necessarily agree with, but just keep in mind that the college admission officers are trying to get a sneak peak and quick overview of who you might be online. If you think your FB page shows you as an all around great person with dedicated intellectual and creative interests and great humanitarian projects under your belt (and on your page) then let them look. It could help you. More often than not though, it won’t. Personally, I’d set my FB page to private right now to block anyone who isn’t a known friend. After all, why take the risk, right? Send your college admissions interviewer a thank you email: This is another tip that some college applicants might think of, and some will not. Sending a very BRIEF thank you to admissions, if you do in fact have your interviewer’s email address (some schools do not make this available) is a sign of having good manners, which translates into a sign of strong upbringing and class. The Ivy League colleges especially are deciding whether you fit into their school culture, not only if you have the grades to succeed. Sending a thank you (just 2-3 sentences at most- don’t go longer) can leave a positive impression in your admission interviewer’s eyes, and that translates to a positive feeling when they sit down to report on their interview with you, and THAT can help to get you in! Mention legacy: Do you have a family member who went to the school? If not at that that particular college, did they go to another college within the Ivy League? If so, mention it. Don’t feel like you’re bragging. The Ivy League universities value “legacies” highly, so even though it’s usually a question on the actual college application, mention it during your college admissions interview, as well. The Ivy League in particular loves tradition and preserving and honoring family lines. If your mom went to Columbia and your dad is a Harvard grad = say so Believe me, it can help! Mention if you’re 1st Generation: As an alternative to the above, perhaps you’re the first one in your family to ever even go to college – FANTASTIC! If this is you, don’t worry, instead MENTION IT – somewhere in your essays or better yet, your Common App. Again, this will only help you, as the admissions office knows it is a harder road to travel to be the first one in your family to ever go to college, and admissions people respect that! Are you a twin? Yes, I know this one isn’t going to apply to most people applying to college, but it’s worth mentioning. The Ivy League in particular loves admitting twins to their incoming college class, who are equally ambitious and have the required credentials. So, if you’re a twin – identically or fraternal – this should be everywhere in your college essays, and specifically at least mentioned in your Common App. The colleges like anything and everything that makes you unique, and having a twin or sibling puts you in that “special and unique” college admissions category, especially if you’re special and unique and can stand out on your own in others extracurricular and academic areas, as well!

So, those are just a few helpful tips that you might not find elsewhere regarding how to make your college admissions applications, and especially your Ivy League college admissions applications stand out even more.

You also might find this article on “The BEST Extracurricular Activities for Ivy League College Admissions” worth a read!

Need more help with your COMMON APP or IVY LEAGUE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS ESSAYS? I’m a former Harvard admissions interviewer and a Harvard graduate, and run the Ivy League college admissions firm: www.IvyLeagueEssay.com Check out my website, and contact me for a free conversation today! (646) 276-7042 *IvyLeagueEssayInfo@gmail.com