How To Get Into An Ivy League School from India

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Meridean Overseas

Updated On 08 August 2023 & Read Time 6 minutes

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Admission to an Ivy League school is like a dream come true for many enthusiasts worldwide, and students from India are no exception. Talking about US Ivy League schools, their academic excellence and prestige have delivered the brightest minds and leaders on this globe.

 

How To Get Into An Ivy League School from India

 

Despite getting admissions over here being highly competitive, Indian students can increase their chances of securing a spot in one of these prestigious Ivy League universities with the right approach and dedication.

 

Today, in this blog, you will find a comprehensive guide on getting into an Ivy League school, and this guide can prove to be highly useful for Indian students aspiring to get into Ivy League school.

Academic Excellence

A great academic record is the cornerstone of getting into an Ivy League school. You must prioritise your studies from the start of your education.

 

Maintaining a good grade or GPA throughout high school and pursuing a rigorous academic curriculum, particularly in core topics such as mathematics, physics, and languages, should be your first step towards Ivy League.

 

Here’s an idea of good GPA for Ivy League Schools and other top universities:

Average GPA (weighted) of Accepted Students at Top Schools

University

Average GPA (weighted) 

Princeton University

4.14

Harvard University

4.15

Columbia University

4.14

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

4.15

Yale University

4.10

Stanford University

4.13

Cornell University

4.05

University of Pennsylvania

4.10

Brown University

4.05

Dartmouth College

4.07  

Standardised Tests

Apart from academic grades, you might also need standardised test scores for Ivy League schools like SAT and ACT, among others.

Ivy League Schools

Average SAT Scores (25th-75th Percentile)

Average ACT Scores (25th-75th Percentile)

Harvard University

1460-1580

33-35

University of Pennsylvania

1460-1560

33-35

Cornell University

1390-1550

32-35

Yale University

1460-1570

33-35

Princeton University

1460-1570

33-35

Columbia University

1490-1570

33-35

Brown University

1470-1570

33-35

Dartmouth College

1460-1570

32-35

Participating in test preparation classes or hiring a tutor can help you significantly increase your scores, making you a more competitive applicant, thereby increasing your chances of success.

 

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Extracurricular Activities

 Aside from academic accomplishment, Ivy League schools place high importance on students who excel outside the classroom. Participating in a variety of extracurricular activities that are related to your interest areas demonstrates a well-rounded personality of applicants.

 

Participation in sports, the arts, community service, and clubs displays leadership ability and a genuine desire for personal improvement. Creating an engaging extracurricular profile increases your chances of standing out and demonstrating your capacity to influence campus and beyond.

 

Unique Achievements and Talents

In the fiercely competitive world of the Ivy League, these prestigious institutions expect unique qualities from students. They mainly look for those who stand out from the crowd and possess some talent beyond the classroom.

 

Whether winning national competitions, excelling in the arts, or contributing to innovative research initiatives; exhibiting your talent through unique achievement is a potent approach towards attracting the admissions committee's attention.

 

By highlighting your remarkable accomplishments and passions, you indicate to Ivy League universities that you are not just a high achiever but a well-rounded and dynamic personality.

 

Ivy League schools value individuals who not only exhibit academic excellence but also have the potential to make a significant influence on campus and beyond through their unique talents.

 

Strong Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation are an essential part of the college admission process, and they also play a key role in evaluating your candidature. These letters offer a fresh viewpoint on your qualities beyond your academic successes and grades. They shed light on your personal traits, work ethic, leadership abilities, and the influence you have had both in and out of the classroom.

 

Develop solid relationships with possible recommenders, participate actively in class discussions, request assistance when needed, and demonstrate a genuine interest in the subject matter in order to obtain impressive letters of recommendation. Also, participate in extracurricular activities where mentors can watch your leadership and teamwork competencies.

 

By carefully selecting recommenders and cultivating meaningful connections, you may give yourself a well-rounded and authentic image, enhancing your chances of standing out positively in the competitive college application process.

Personal Statement and Essays

Crafting a compelling personal statement and suppemental essays are of utmost importance when applying to Ivy League schools. These essays provide an opportunity to showcase your personality, aspirations, and writing abilities.

 

Reflecting on your experiences, values, and future aspirations enables you to present a true and honest image of yourself. Admissions committees are looking for candidates that stand out and provide fresh insights to the college community.

 

Research and Connect with the Ivy League Schools

To improve your chances of getting into an Ivy League school, conduct comprehensive research on each institution and understand its distinct qualities, programs, and unique offerings. You can also participate in information sessions, webinars, and virtual campus tours to gain insights into their academic environment and culture.

 

Building a connection with Ivy League Schools by showing sincerity and commitment can make your application stand out. This proactive approach demonstrates that you have taken the time to understand what each Ivy League school offers and in what way it aligns with your aspirations which leads to increasing your chances of successful admission.

 

Let’s have a look at the list of Ivy League schools in the table below:

QS World University Rankings 2024

QS Rankings

Ivy League Schools

4

Harvard University

12

University of Pennsylvania

13

Cornell University

16

Yale University

17

Princeton University

23

Columbia University

73

Brown University

237

Dartmouth College  

Demonstrate Social Responsibility

Ivy League schools seek applicants who contribute positively to their communities and society. Demonstrating dedication through meaningful volunteer work and community service projects is vital as this involvement showcases your commitment to making a difference and highlights your potential to impact the world positively.

 

Engaging in such activities enriches your character while demonstrating your genuine concern for others to admission committees and your capability to be a responsible and compassionate leader in the future.

 

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Conclusion

Securing admission to an Ivy League school from India is undeniably tough, yet attainable. Indian students can enhance their prospects by excelling academically, participating in extracurriculars, highlighting distinctive talents, and creating compelling applications.

 

Standing out amidst fierce competition is possible with dedication and commitment. Remember, the path to success involves personal growth and self-discovery as much as achieving the dream of attending a prestigious university. Stay focused, have preservance, and embrace the journey towards achieving your aspirations.

 

We hope you enjoyed learning - how to get into an Ivy League school from India. If you would like to get a deeper insight into the Ivy League schools, we encourage you to speak with our team of expert counsellors at Meridean Overseas Education Consultants (MOEC). Our counsellors will provide you with guidance throughout your study in USA journey.

 

Get help with the application process, SOPs and filing for a visa. Visit us and get one-to-one counselling or avail yourself of free video counselling via our website. We will be happy to help you, so please do not hesitate to contact us at application02@meridean.org or 1800-1230-00011.

 

FAQs

Q: Which Ivy League is easiest to get into for Indian students?

A: Acceptance rates and standards differ yearly, making it difficult to identify the "easiest" Ivy League for Indian candidates. To stand out, all Ivy League institutions have highly difficult admission processes, so focus on your academic performance, extracurricular activities, and distinctive talents.

 

Q: What is the Indian GPA to get into Harvard?

A: Harvard University has no specified GPA requirement for Indian students or any other nationality. They evaluate applicants holistically, looking at academic performance, standardised test results, extracurricular activities, and personal attributes to determine their likelihood of success at Harvard. In general, admission to Harvard requires a minimum GPA of 4.0 on a 4.0 scale (97-100%).

 

Q: Which is the hardest ivy to get into?

A: Harvard, Yale, and Princeton are frequently regarded as the most selective and difficult to get admission to among the Ivy League schools due to their exceptionally low acceptance rates and rigorous academic criteria.

 

Q: Is it easy to get into Harvard from India?

A: While admission to Harvard is complex in any country, including India, the university accepts and admits international students based on their extraordinary academic achievements and potential to contribute to the Harvard community.

 

Q: Is CBSE accepted at Harvard?

A: Yes, Harvard University accepts the CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) curriculum which is widely used in Indian schools. Students who have completed their CBSE education can apply to Harvard and other elite universities in the United States.

 

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