Strive to excel in all academic subjects. While Ivy League schools do not advertise a minimum grade point average requirements, understand that you will be applying alongside candidates with GPAs of 4.0 and higher. Give yourself a competitive edge by enrolling in Advanced Placement classes and college courses that can boost your GPA above 4.0, should you earn straight As.
Prepare for the Scholastic Aptitude Test. While the ACT, which isanother standardized test used in some high schools, has certain merits, the SAT I and SAT 2 are absolutely essential for Ivy League admission. You will want to shoot for scores of 700 or higher in each section. Purchase SAT preparation books, enroll in study courses at your current school, and take the PSAT, a preliminary test, as many times as possible, in order to prepare yourself.
Save money. Ivy League universities are among the most expensive schools in the nation for tuition alone. If you plan to live on (or near) campus, your costs will be even higher. For example, Harvard University, as of 2011, has yearly undergraduate costs of $50,724 for tuition, room and board and service fees. If possible, open a savings account with your parents and begin putting money away. Apply for scholarships and financial aid, if needed.
Participate in extracurricular activities. Participate in student government, community service, campus organizations, sports and other activities. This will further improve your resume when applying to Ivy League universities, while also preparing you for the challenges of balancing multiple time-consuming activities, an essential skill in the Ivy League.