Get into Princeton in less than 30 minutes

Take care of your GPA starting freshman year

Some students like to slack-off after middle school – it’s a new environment, you may not know where the water fountains are, you’re still getting use to the teachers. But a poor 9th grade GPA can kill your chances to get into Ivy League schools.

You may think that a few C’s can be made up later by strong AP and Honors grades, but Harvard pays attention to your FULL TRANSCRIPT. A few C’s and 70′s in easy courses like World Geography will make Ivy League schools think that you can’t handle basic academic material. Your high school GPA matters – all four years.

Get ready for and take the SAT as soon as you can

In an earlier article on how to conquer the SAT for Ivy League admissions, I explain the “minimum” score necessary for top schools.

My general advice is that you should shoot for a perfect score (why not??) but be happy with a “good score” (anything above 2100). Don’t take the SAT too many times – anything more than 2 times or so without 100+ strides each time just makes you look desperate.

You should start taking it early – take the Duke TIP in middle school, take the PSAT in sophomore year at least once before the real PSAT. Don’t worry, it won’t go on your permanent record and Stanford won’t be mad that you got a 1800 as a freshman high school student.

It’s a great opportunity for practice that is without risk. Why would you not do that?

Get involved in clubs early

Notice my advice here – an early start is necessary for Ivy League admissions. By joining different clubs early in high school, you show Stanford that you are committed to specific interests/passions.

Ideally, you’d stay involved in those same clubs over at least a few years. However, if you find that the French Club is really not where you’d prefer spending Tuesday afternoon, that’s ok too – just make sure you’re not using the time watch reruns of the Simpsons.

Diversify within reason

I usually say it’s more about unique stories than it is about being good at everything. After all, Princeton and Stanford admissions want diverse and well-rounded student bodies but don’t need everyone to be an early Renaissance man.

Build a core passion

By having a coherent theme – for instance, a passion for inner city issues or a love of music (as shown through participation in things like the String Orchestra and involvement in music-related nonprofits) is a great way to build a CLEAR AND UNIQUE IDENTITY that, if strong enough, is your best shot at getting into Ivy League schools.

Visit campus

By visiting campus, you show a clear interest in that school. Plus, you’ll meet people along the way that will help you understand whether you’re a better fit for Columbia or Stanford, Penn or Brown.

Prepare for admissions interviews

DON’T FORGET to start doing this early. If you have a strong shot, this isn’t something that you wait until the last second to study for.

The best way to get ready for alumni interviews is to practice interviews with family and older people – not your twin brother. Have them ask questions about your accomplishments, your life story, your reasons for wanting to go to Yale.

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