The path to being an Ivy League student starts with having a long history of academic achievement, possibly dating back to the elementary school years. If nothing else, Ivy League schools are looking for excellent grades during all four years of high school. A perfect grade point average is not required but strongly encouraged, and being in the top 10 percent of your graduating class is necessary. Admissions counselors will want to see that you have excelled in challenging courses such as AP and honors classes. Many Ivy League college students were their high school's valedictorians.
Ivy League colleges will look for a history of participation in extracurricular activities such as student government, athletics and volunteer work or community service. They are looking for proof that you are a hardworking and well-rounded individual who can manage time well and also excel in areas outside of academics. Admissions counselors prefer applicants who have been recognized either at the regional or national level for this type of activity. Activities that exhibit leadership skills, such as being your high school's student body president, will also be highly sought after.
The majority of Ivy League applicants have earned perfect or near perfect ACT or SAT scores. Although you can take the test more than once, admissions counselors will be less than impressed if it took you several attempts to get a good score, so you should plan accordingly. Test preparation classes, books, coaches and pretests are great resources to help ensure you will do your best. Also, avoid waiting until the last minute to take the test just in case you score lower than you'd like and need to take it again.
The application is where many fail to excel. The hardest and most exhaustive part is the essay portion. Take your time and put thought into what you are submitting. Recommendation letters from teachers, school counselors or volunteer coordinators should also be included with the application. Keep in mind that if your application is accepted, you will be invited to the school for an entrance interview. You should treat this as you would a job interview. Dress and act professionally. Be prepared to discuss your personal and academic achievements, your goals and how you can help the college and community.