My chances of going Ivy?

Question

All honors classes

6.0 GPA (All A’s)

Orchestra (Concert Master)

All State and IMEA

Newspaper (Editor-in-chief)

Varsity tennis

Student Council (Vice President)

Class Board

Service Club Executive Board

Volunteer at Library

Tutoring experience at Elementary

English Tutoring over the summer

Talent Development Program

Junior Leader 

Senior Leader

My own website teaching English

PSAT - 202

Can i get into Harvard or Cornell?

Answer 1

Cornell is a heavy possibility.  I will offer you some grand advice: Apply to the school/program in the university which you feel is easiest to get into.  For example - Cornell's Architecture program is extremely competitive.  If you want a guaranteed spot, apply to one with a higher acceptance rate.    It is much easier to do inter-school transfers after you've finished one year of college.

Also your personal essay will be extremely important.  Let them know how you differ, and whats something unique about you that will enrich their campus.  

Answer 2

There is no doubt your credentials are excellent. Unfortunately, all the other applicants will be as well.

The secrets to getting in are readily available, but they are far from fair.

Basically, realize going into this everyone is going to have perfect credentials. You need something to stand out. As bad as this may sound, it is the truth- applicants that go to the top of the list will have disabilities, will be minorities, and will come from unique regions. This doesn't count those whose fathers are alumni, families make large donations, or immediate family works for large corporations or political figures with direct ties to the school.

If this is what you really want, AND you have the tuition lined up (loans, trust fund, etc), the secret is to apply early, keep in touch, and try to find any groups mentioned above (politicians, corporations with direct lines to admissions, etc) who may have an open slot that year.

If you don't get in first try, keep trying. Your chances of getting in the second year are actually higher.

Also, DO NOT lie or embellish on your application- you'll be blacklisted immediately.

Instead of putting a lot of "good" things you have done on your app/essay, concentrate on one or two things you did great.

Do you excel at any sports? This can actually help.

Lastly, and it's sad I have to even type this, if you are a non-caucasion/asian, make sure to attach a photo to your app. If you are caucasion/asian, you are better off leaving out the photo.

Sad but true.

Answer 3

Sure you can. You also might not, since the Ivies turn down a ton of heavy-hitters every in order to get diversity. Not that you shouldn't try--you should, and your essay may make the difference. What major might you look for? Spread yourself around since lots of fine schools for particular subjects aren't Ivies. Ask your guidance counselor and be brave--go to a local college and ask some of their dept. members.