Secrets
It's getting harder.
Across the United States, top schools and Ivy League universities' admission rates are plunging to single digits.
Each year, there are more applications but the same number of spots. How do you edge out this fierce competition?
The simple reality is that college admissions are (mostly) all about a knowledge gap: some students know what it takes to gain admission; others don't.
For decades, college admissions have been clouded in an aura of secrecy. However, through extensive research on online forums and admission documents, discussions with our admissions officers, and aggregated data on what top schools look for, we have unraveled the secrets that are largely unknown.
Below is a list of specific facts that most admissions officers at top schools won't tell you.
Some cold, hard facts about admission to Ivy Leagues and other Top Schools that you won't find elsewhere...
Your major matters: Universities (even Ivy Leagues) have higher standards for applicants to certain oversubscribed majors (computer science, business, biology). While these schools may state otherwise, the reality is that it is easier to stand out with less popular majors. We use concealed data about the most & least popular majors at top schools to help students edge out their competition, while also staying true to their academic interests and aspirations.
In-School Leadership and Clubs are great!...kind of: Holding a leadership position in a school club or activity is commendable, but it's not enough to differentiate yourself from other top applicants. Admissions officers are often looking for students (especially in competitive areas) who have made a significant impact outside the classroom, and we know which activities show this.
Every top school looks for something different: Each Ivy League and other top schools have their own unique values. You should not write the same kinds of essays at every school. For example, Stanford emphasizes "intellectual vitality" and curiosity, while Brown looks for an openness to engage across disciplines. We have identified what qualities gives the most significant boost at nearly each Top 25 school.
You MUST be strategic with your early applications: Some schools are very explicit in stating that there is a clear boost to applying early (UChicago, Dartmouth, Duke, Northeastern); for other schools, the early pools can be more competitive (Stanford, Yale, Columbia). Many competitive students often see waitlists or rejects at top schools due to poor strategic planning with early applications. We identify the best schools to apply early––not only for your aspirations and goals, but also for a strategic advantage in the application process.
Most Teacher Recommendation Letters are Generic: One of the easiest ways to enhance your college application that goes unnoticed is strategic planning with your letters of recommendation. Most teachers send out copy-and-pasted, generic templates to colleges, failing to leave an impression on the admissions reader. We help let students know what teachers should highlight in their recommendation as well as equip the teacher with the proper information and documents to write a glowing recommendation.
Essays are more important than ever at top schools: Many students dismiss what could easily be the most critical factor in admission: essays. Most admissions officers at top schools read thousands of applications each year, and essays are a way for you to stand out from the crowd. Your essay should showcase your intellectual curiosity, commitment to service, and unique perspectives you bring to the college. We will help you achieve, refine, and perfect this in live editing sessions. Average essays ruin top applications, and top essays boost average applications.