How to Get into an Ivy League

Written by: Pranav Vaddepalli (‘26), Abhijith Chitrala (‘26), Dishant Palkar (‘27)

& Dhanush Suresh (‘28)

Getting into an Ivy League college is one of the most competitive academic challenges in the world, but it is also an achievable goal with the right mindset, preparation, and strategy. The Ivy League, made up of Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Brown, Dartmouth, the University of Pennsylvania, and Cornell, looks for students who are more than just smart. These schools want motivated thinkers, passionate leaders, and people who make a meaningful impact. If you want to earn a spot at one of these elite institutions, you need to understand what they value and how to show them that you belong.

The first and most important factor in Ivy League admissions is academics. Nearly every student who gets accepted has a strong academic record, usually with a GPA above 3.8 in challenging courses. Ivy League schools do not just want high grades, they want evidence that you pushed yourself by taking advanced classes like AP, IB, or Honors if they were available at your school. Admissions officers respect an upward academic trend, so even if freshman year wasn’t perfect, showing improvement over time can work in your favor. Standardized test scores, while currently optional at many Ivy League schools, still play a role in strengthening an application. Most admitted students score 1500 or higher on the SAT or a 34 or above on the ACT. These scores help show academic readiness, especially if your school does not offer many advanced classes.

However, academic excellence alone is no longer enough. Thousands of Ivy League applicants have perfect grades, great test scores, and honor roll certificates. What truly sets applicants apart are their extracurricular achievements, personal growth, and unique contributions. Ivy League colleges are not looking for students who simply join many clubs. They want students who do something meaningful. Instead of being “well-rounded” in a shallow way, successful applicants usually develop a "spike": a deep talent, passion, or accomplishment in one area. This could be scientific research, building a business, creating an app, becoming a nationally ranked athlete, excelling as a musician or artist, or launching a community program with real impact. Admissions officers want to see long-term commitment, leadership, initiative, and results.

Another major part of the Ivy League application is the personal essay. This is where grades and activities come to life. A strong college essay is honest, engaging, and reflective. It does not restate a résumé or try to sound overly impressive. Instead, it reveals the applicant’s character, motivation, and way of thinking by telling real stories from their life. Ivy League admissions officers read thousands of essays, so the key is to be personal and genuine. The best essays show growth through challenges, passion for learning, or a powerful personal experience.

Recommendations also matter. Ivy League schools want letters from teachers and counselors who know you well and can describe your character, classroom presence, and potential. A recommendation that says, “This student earns good grades” does not help. A strong letter explains how you think, how you solve problems, and how you contribute to the learning environment. For that reason, it is important to build strong relationships with teachers early in high school.

The application strategy itself also plays a role. Many Ivy League schools offer Early Action or Early Decision options, and applying early can improve your chances of getting in. Early applications are usually due around November 1, and Regular Decision applications are typically due in early January. Staying organized is important because each school has its own set of essays, deadlines, and application requirements. Creating a college application calendar and working on essays during the summer before senior year can help reduce stress and lead to stronger applications.

Financial aid is another important part of the process. Ivy League schools do not offer merit scholarships, but they do offer generous need-based aid. Many students think they cannot afford these schools, but in reality, families earning under a certain income may pay little or even no tuition. To qualify for aid, students must submit the FAFSA and CSS Profile on time.