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advice for high schoolers
what advice do you have for incoming hs sophomores??
for someone who wants to get into an IV leauge
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2 answers
Updated
Jamie’s Answer
For someone who is in high school but wished to get into Ivy League school, here are a few words of advice:
1 - Focus on getting the highest GPA possible
2 - Standardize Test Scores - prepare/study for SAT and ACT
3 - Extracurricular activities - participate in extracurricular activities that you are passionate about especially ones that you can show leadership skills. Quality is more important than quality.
4 - Volunteer - participate in opportunities that give back to the community
5 - Consider applying during Early Admissions
1 - Focus on getting the highest GPA possible
2 - Standardize Test Scores - prepare/study for SAT and ACT
3 - Extracurricular activities - participate in extracurricular activities that you are passionate about especially ones that you can show leadership skills. Quality is more important than quality.
4 - Volunteer - participate in opportunities that give back to the community
5 - Consider applying during Early Admissions
Updated
Lirio’s Answer
If you’re a high school sophomore aiming for an Ivy League college, it’s a great time to start laying the groundwork for a strong college application. Here’s some targeted advice to help you prepare:
### **1. Focus on Academics**
- **Maintain High Grades:** Prioritize excelling in your classes. Ivy League schools look for students who have consistently strong academic performance.
- **Advanced Courses:** Enroll in honors, Advanced Placement (AP), or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if available. These courses demonstrate your willingness to tackle challenging material.
- **Develop Good Study Habits:** Cultivate effective study and time management skills to help you handle increased academic rigor.
### **2. Build a Strong Transcript**
- **Course Selection:** Take a rigorous course load that includes a mix of core subjects (math, science, English, history) and electives that interest you.
- **Seek Help When Needed:** Don’t hesitate to ask for help or use resources like tutoring if you’re struggling with any subjects.
### **3. Get Involved**
- **Extracurricular Activities:** Participate in clubs, sports, or other activities that interest you. Leadership roles and long-term commitment to activities can be particularly impressive.
- **Community Service:** Engage in community service or volunteer work. Ivy League schools value students who contribute to their communities.
### **4. Explore Interests and Passions**
- **Pursue Interests:** Deepen your involvement in areas you are passionate about. Whether it’s science research, music, debate, or another field, show commitment and achievement.
- **Summer Programs:** Consider attending summer programs or internships related to your interests. These can provide valuable experiences and enhance your application.
### **5. Build Strong Relationships**
- **Develop Relationships with Teachers:** Build strong relationships with your teachers. They will be the ones writing your recommendation letters, so it’s important they know you well.
- **Seek Mentorship:** Find mentors in your areas of interest. They can offer guidance and potentially help with future recommendations.
### **6. Prepare for Standardized Tests**
- **PSAT/SAT/ACT:** Start preparing for standardized tests. Take the PSAT seriously as it can qualify you for National Merit Scholarships and give you a benchmark for the SAT.
- **Test Prep:** Consider test preparation resources, such as study guides, practice tests, or prep courses, to improve your scores.
### **7. Research and Plan**
- **Learn About Ivy Leagues:** Research what Ivy League schools are looking for in applicants. Understand their specific programs, culture, and values.
- **Visit Campuses:** If possible, visit campuses or attend virtual tours to get a feel for each school’s environment.
### **8. Work on Personal Development**
- **Time Management:** Develop strong time management and organizational skills to balance academics, extracurriculars, and personal life.
- **Resilience:** Learn to handle setbacks and challenges constructively. Resilience is an important trait that colleges appreciate.
### **9. Start Early with College Planning**
- **College Counseling:** Utilize your school’s college counseling resources. They can help with college selection, application strategies, and essay writing.
- **Create a Timeline:** Develop a timeline for standardized tests, application deadlines, and other important milestones.
### **10. Maintain Balance**
- **Health and Well-being:** Ensure you’re taking care of your physical and mental health. Balance is crucial to sustaining long-term success and happiness.
### **1. Focus on Academics**
- **Maintain High Grades:** Prioritize excelling in your classes. Ivy League schools look for students who have consistently strong academic performance.
- **Advanced Courses:** Enroll in honors, Advanced Placement (AP), or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if available. These courses demonstrate your willingness to tackle challenging material.
- **Develop Good Study Habits:** Cultivate effective study and time management skills to help you handle increased academic rigor.
### **2. Build a Strong Transcript**
- **Course Selection:** Take a rigorous course load that includes a mix of core subjects (math, science, English, history) and electives that interest you.
- **Seek Help When Needed:** Don’t hesitate to ask for help or use resources like tutoring if you’re struggling with any subjects.
### **3. Get Involved**
- **Extracurricular Activities:** Participate in clubs, sports, or other activities that interest you. Leadership roles and long-term commitment to activities can be particularly impressive.
- **Community Service:** Engage in community service or volunteer work. Ivy League schools value students who contribute to their communities.
### **4. Explore Interests and Passions**
- **Pursue Interests:** Deepen your involvement in areas you are passionate about. Whether it’s science research, music, debate, or another field, show commitment and achievement.
- **Summer Programs:** Consider attending summer programs or internships related to your interests. These can provide valuable experiences and enhance your application.
### **5. Build Strong Relationships**
- **Develop Relationships with Teachers:** Build strong relationships with your teachers. They will be the ones writing your recommendation letters, so it’s important they know you well.
- **Seek Mentorship:** Find mentors in your areas of interest. They can offer guidance and potentially help with future recommendations.
### **6. Prepare for Standardized Tests**
- **PSAT/SAT/ACT:** Start preparing for standardized tests. Take the PSAT seriously as it can qualify you for National Merit Scholarships and give you a benchmark for the SAT.
- **Test Prep:** Consider test preparation resources, such as study guides, practice tests, or prep courses, to improve your scores.
### **7. Research and Plan**
- **Learn About Ivy Leagues:** Research what Ivy League schools are looking for in applicants. Understand their specific programs, culture, and values.
- **Visit Campuses:** If possible, visit campuses or attend virtual tours to get a feel for each school’s environment.
### **8. Work on Personal Development**
- **Time Management:** Develop strong time management and organizational skills to balance academics, extracurriculars, and personal life.
- **Resilience:** Learn to handle setbacks and challenges constructively. Resilience is an important trait that colleges appreciate.
### **9. Start Early with College Planning**
- **College Counseling:** Utilize your school’s college counseling resources. They can help with college selection, application strategies, and essay writing.
- **Create a Timeline:** Develop a timeline for standardized tests, application deadlines, and other important milestones.
### **10. Maintain Balance**
- **Health and Well-being:** Ensure you’re taking care of your physical and mental health. Balance is crucial to sustaining long-term success and happiness.