I.V League Universities?

Getting into Ivy League universities?

• Hi, I'm a British student looking to apply to Harvard, Princeton and Yale in addition to English universities. I've done some research and understand the basic requirements/process, e.g. SAT, 2 SAT Subject Tests, Common Application etc etc I also understand that besides academic achievement, universities like Harvard place a strong emphasis on extracurricular activities and are looking for well-rounded individuals. Academically, I've got pretty much top marks & grades and have taken the most difficult classes and subjects (which probably equates to a 4.0 GPA). However, I'm unsure as to what American Unis are specifically looking for with regards to extracurricular involvement. I play rugby, and this involves training almost every day + playing matches every Saturday, so this takes up a lot of time and energy (hence limiting commitment to other activities). I also have done two one-week work experience placements in hospitals shadowing doctors, I also volunteer once/twice a week in a retirement home and in my spare time I'm busy trying to teach myself the guitar. I also am part of the senior School Council. Also, does socio-economic background or the fact that my family only came to England in 2001 have any effect on how my application will be perceived?

• Answer:

  Your academics and extracurriculars sound fine, you have a good balance of sports and social envolvement. They won't care when your family came to England. The fact that you appear to have a varied cultural background is also helpful. The Iveys strive for a heterogeneous student body. Your socio-economic standing probably carries much less weight in the Colonies than in England. You should be aware that these schools often want to have a personal interview if they are interested in you. They will want to know why you want to come to Harvard, etc., when there are so many fine universities in England. The interviewer will observe your ability to think on your feet, your ability to express yourself clearly, and your degree of self-confidence. They will probably ask an alumnus who is already living and working in England to do the interview rather than ask you to make the jaunt across the pond for a chat. Good luck. The worse they can do to you is reject your application and that's not the end of the world. Stiff upper and all that, eh Chap?