After 2 kids and 3.5 years on collegeconfidential, and a best friend with a college senior as well, here is what my anecdotal experience would confirm - if my experience were a proxy for the broad group. Is it? I don't know. Take this as a data point. Note that some of these items probably have overlap effect but I don't have a large enough sample to analyze
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- It is harder for girls to get into good schools than boys. Schools expect boys to get some A- and even B+ grades.
- Being full pay helps.
- Being a legacy helps.
- Some "lower level" Ivies may value very high SAT scores. Having all scores over 750 and an 800 here and there is different from having scores in the lower 700s. No matter what they say.
- Some "lower level" Ivies may value - no matter what they say - expressed interest.
- Some "lower level" Ivies, if they believe you have a very good shot at "higher level Ivies", will waitlist you.
- Some "LL" Ivies may be more inclined to take you if you are a gender they are lacking.
- An extremely good essay, original, well-written, and untouched by adult hands, is very valuable in achieving acceptances
- Any essay that is untouched by adult hands and truly evocative of the child him or herself will be valuable in achieving acceptances even if it is only moderately well-written
- A strong record coming from a school that sends the top 10% of their kids to top 10 colleges every year helps
- Being a recruited athlete can get you in to a top Ivy even when your SATs are below 700. However, your grades still have to be very very good.
- Sending in extra stuff like videos, portfolios is good. If the extra stuff is remarkable.
- Having your kid engage in activities that they truly love is good.
- Having your kid engage in original, unique activites that they truly love is better.
- Having your kid engage in original, unique activites that they truly love AND they enter competitions for and win is best.
- Pushing your kid to get perfect SATs and perfect grades and engage in competitions may get your kid into the top Ivies, but you may damage your kid in the process if the activities and studying aren't native to their being.
Peace out. Hoping to take this thread off the Asian kid etc. track.