everlynstia

As a senior student in Australia, my knowledge of the US college admissions system is rather sketchy - to put it lightly. However, like the many thousands of students, I want to know what it takes to get into the top Ivy League schools - which is where you come in and help me! =D

I do know that the top, top schools (Harvard, Yale, etc.) require a really well rounded resume, as well as top academic marks. But what are the types of things that they're most impressed with, if such knowledge is available?

Well, here's a little rundown on me, if it helps:

SAT score: 2290
Subject tests: Maths II (800) Japanese (790) Biology (800)

I've been either valedictorian or ranked second (out of 162) at my top selective high school for my entire high school career.

ECs: Piano (performance level - actually, started playing in year 7!) school choir, table tennis captain, senior waterpolo team, community service (volunteer work over summer holidays for Red Cross, as well as fundraising days for National Breast Cancer Foundation, etc.) Amnesty International, St. Jude's school of Tanzania support team, Yearbook committee

Other achievements: numerous high distinctions in national/international competitions for English, Maths, Science, etc., National Biology Olympiad Summer School, National Prize for Economics, writing prizes, an exchange program to Japan, Peer Support leader, work experience with NSW Department of Lands and University of New South Wales

So are there any things that I should consider improving? And also, what is life like in USA in general? =D

mifune

No, the Ivy League does not favor well-rounded people. They want a well-rounded class, but not well-rounded students. If your passion is Biology/Medicine or Economics or otherwise, emphasize that. The best thing you can have is a central theme to your application - all essays, recommendations, classes, ECs - tied to one of your pursuits. Colleges want to know where your niche will be and what you hope to accomplish. If anything, push your SAT above 2300. Your international status may also help although competition from international white/asian students runs very high.

The last question is difficult to answer. The US has the most heterogenous population on Earth so there really is no stereotypical lifestyle.

To compare yourself, access this link if you have not already to compare yourself to last year's accepted/waitlisted/rejected students: **The Official Harvard University 2013 Decisions Thread**

Good luck!

mifune

Also, if you want more information on Harvard/other schools, please access the general forum for that university where those who have more knowledge than I do will be glad to help you (I am only in high school). The class sections get little traffic and rarely anyone responds. But that's quite understandable; there is a fair amount of work to do at Harvard.

everlynstia

Thanks for the tips, mifune! Now, a themed application is something I've never heard of before. But I'll work towards it...

I see that competition is high, but I suppose I have a few "hooks." I was born in China, but then I moved to Japan when I was four, then to Australia when I was five. I've travelled to quite a few places (New Zealand, USA, just to name a few..) and I've got quite an interesting family history, to say the least.

Wow, that was a random rant. Anyway. Thank you again, mifune! Does anyone else have some pointers to add? =]]