The 2024 college application season is beginning for this year’s seniors, and many students are applying to Ivy League Colleges despite the selective nature.
“Applying to Ivy League is not just about prestige but most importantly the opportunities and level of education you are able to receive,” said Kyler Jeong (12).
As a student applying for Cornell, Kyler shares that Ivy League are Ivy league because of its elite education and that even having a chance of being admitted into one of the colleges can grow an individual greatly.
One difficulty is that applying for college is more than just submitting essays, test scores, and extracurricular achievements. It can be a transformative experience, where students refine their goals, articulate their passions, and discover the depth of their intellectual capabilities. College admissions officers must see the student’s strengths and uniqueness on top of having good grades.
“It is all about selling yourself, you have to know your own strengths and weaknesses and use that to your advantage in your essays,” said Jayme Chen (12).
Having good academic achievements, supplemental questions and essays are the main way admissions officers understand who you are. This is how they decide what kind of person you are and if you are a good candidate for their school.
To ensure a smooth application with a high acceptance rate, students must begin preparing for their college applications before their senior year.
“Extracurricular activities are super important. Clubs, sports, and programs are all essential to showing your hunger for knowledge and making an impact,” said Jayme Chen (12).
Extracurriculars are essential to demonstrate dedication in a respective field and motivation to strive for a cause. Many clubs and extracurriculars offer leadership positions such as presidents and captains. This allows students to take initiative and show off their leadership skills.
“Ivy League want students that contribute to their communities beyond the school walls in activities like volunteering and internships,” said Alina Moisa (12).
To be truly passionate about the major you wish to pursue, you must show college admission officers that you are determined to go beyond and receive knowledge on your own.
Volunteering demonstrates compassion for helping your community while internships show that you have received hands-on experience in your respective field of study.
The most nerve-wracking part of all are the interviews offered by Ivy League schools. Sometimes an interview is able to make or break an application’s chances of getting accepted as it is where admission officers can connect and evaluate your character.
“It is important to just stay true to yourself. If there is anything that anyone does not understand, we will always be here,” said Mrs. Ngyuen.
Mrs. Ngyuen, from the College and Career Center, informs all Seniors and students that she and other teachers at CCC are always available to guide the process through which students apply to any sort of college and, of course, with Ivy League.
