How did you get into an ivy league school?

How does an 8th grader plan to get into an ivy league school?

• I need scholarships, my family is not rich. I have a 4.0 gpa, aiming for 4.0+ in high school and valedictorian position, however in an average public high school. Extracurricular activities include; playing piano and violin. Planning on joining an orchestra, not at school. I plan to join clubs, enter in competitions and volunteer in community service. HOWEVER, my problem is that many people my age are doing and planning the exact same thing and beyond my level. I don't think I'll make an impression on university reps and interviewers. Help?

• Answer:

  Don't do the same old thing as everybody else. Do some thing to make you stand out. You should still take advanced classes and get good grades. But try and look for an activity to do that will make you stand out to colleges. Something that not a lot of people do.If you find it make sure you actually like doing it and stick to it. Colleges like dedication. It doesn't matter if you a hundred activities if you never stick to it for longer than a few months. If you stick to it for all of high school that will show a lot of dedication..Colleges want people with unique skills. They don't people who are exactly alike and do the same things. They want to bring different people with different backgrounds and skills into their college. An example of a uncommon activity is racing cars. I know one girl who started doing that and wrote about it in her essay and got excepted to the college she wanted to go to. I'm not saying you have to do that but it's just one example. I'm also not saying quit your other activities but this is a good way to stand out.