Is Ivy League for me?

It’s the “let alone get in” part that I’ll focus on.

By all means, apply to any of the Ivies that seem like a good fit.

But know that, for every single kid who applies, it’s the academic equivalent of buying a lottery ticket. Sure, taking a chance is worth it. But don’t pin your hopes on that lottery ticket. Every single kid who applies is incredibly gifted and talented and qualified, yet the acceptance rates are still in the single digits.

So do your homework. Find a list of schools that seem like a good fit: academically, financially, socially, and all the other ways. Find a school that seems to be a place you can happily live and learn for four years. Find a school with other kids just like you. My daughter visited a number of schools. One in particular was a great fit on paper, but just had a vibe that wasn’t her. When we found the right school, she knew it.

Good luck!