What exactly is it that makes the difference between an accepted application and a strong-but-rejected application? I know colleges look at the standard categories—grades, standardized test scores, extracurricular activity, and the application essay—but I was strong in all of those areas in high school, and still got rejected by all of the Ivy Leagues when I applied to them for undergrad.
What is it that makes the difference? Is it money? Knowing the right people? Being famous? The interview? Luck?
If there are any college faculty/admissions counselors out there—it would be great to hear from you.
For Linkin:
SAT – 2370 on a 2400 scale
GPA – 4.0, unweighted
Leadership – principal flutist of a few orchestras, president of a couple clubs, founder of two new clubs on campus
Classes – score of 5 of five AP tests
I mean, it’s not a *phenomenal* record, but people seemed to think I’d have a decent chance.
There are a number of books and articles covering the Ivy League admission process, such as this one:
http://www.newyorker.com/archive/2005/10/10/051010crat_atlarge
Here are some commentaries on the process–it seems to be a mystery to many folks:
http://www.vault.com/graddegree/school/school_main.jsp?program_id=1499&co_page=2&ch_id=408
Bcuz there elitist families donate money.
References :
You might not have had the strong they were looking for. Hey, don’t beat yourself up for it. Those schools are tough to get into to. But there are others. I bet when you get accepted into another college and then those Ivy Leagues see how well you are doing, they will be begging you to come to them. Keep your hopes up. =) Good luck.
References :
Why are some people brought into a rich family, raised to be a spoiled little brat and accomplish nothing in life and others who are broke their entire lives continue to work for everything they want in their lives and still get nothing?
Because that’s how life is.
References :
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
References :
There are a number of books and articles covering the Ivy League admission process, such as this one:
http://www.newyorker.com/archive/2005/10/10/051010crat_atlarge
Here are some commentaries on the process–it seems to be a mystery to many folks:
http://www.vault.com/graddegree/school/school_main.jsp?program_id=1499&co_page=2&ch_id=408
References :
Not money- it shouldn’t be a factor. Knowing the right people has nothing to do with it. Being famous could help but unlikely.. Interview is only a small part of it.
To some degree, it is luck. To another, it’s individuality. Colleges want diversity. To be well-rounded, to have done different things and stand out from other applicants.
References :
Were you that strong? You’ve got to understand that these schools get tens of thousands of kids who apply every year. These kids are all amazing. So, you really have to stand out. The smallest thing can get you rejected. Having a letter of rec that says you’re a "good" leader instead of the "best leader ever seen" is enough (happened to a kid at my high school).
You say you were strong, but I’ve noticed that a lot of kids on here have an overly optimistic view of themselves. Since the smallest thing can tank your chances, you may call it all luck.
All those kids talking about money, knowing people, etc are all morons and just contribute to the bad info floating around out there.
References :
OMG – I’m so sorry. I don’t think anyone really knows. I do know they have checks and balances, so no one person gets to say yea or nay. I think money and fame probably DOES have something to do with it (they wouldn’t turn down Chelsea Clinton, and they’d be moronic to turn down Trump’s kid if Trump offers $20M in donations). But that’s only a tiny tiny percentage of people that get in that way.
Probably the biggest problem is you just didn’t stand out. You’d have to really look at your scores, your classes, your GPA, and your leadership experience to really say.
And Linkin, stop being a f*ing a-hole. YOU’RE not on an ivy league board of admissions, so YOU have no fricken idea what they’re looking for. You’re waaaaayyyyy too foolishly arrogant and stupid to be calling anyone a "moron".
References :
Interviews make a huge difference, for one thing.
Well, it depends on what you said regarding the money part. See, when I applied to universities, I put down that I didn’t need financial aid on my application because colleges actually don’t like to pay out grant money to poorer applicants. (It’s sort of a dirty little secret, actually.) If you put that down, that could be at least a small factor as to why you got rejected.
Another thing might have been the teacher recommendations. Did you have any? (You didn’t mention them.) When you apply as an out-of-state student, most schools actually require recommendations.
Anyways, I’m sorry that this happened to you. There are plenty of other good schools out there that aren’t Ivy League. It all depends on what you want to study. Stanford and USC are both very good schools, but aren’t Ivy League. You’ll find one that’s just as good (if not even better) for your major.
Worst thing that can happen is that you attend another university. If you still have your heart set on an Ivy League school, you can apply for a transfer after a year (keep up those grades, though).
Best of luck to you either way, though.
References :
Geez. That’s pretty close the the definition of phenomenal.
Without looking at your application as a whole it’s impossible to tell. Certainly you have the academic credentials, unless there is a key core set of classes you’re missing. Or maybe you sounded too sure of yourself in the essay, like it was an annoying formality to getting in. Or maybe it was as stupid as missing a key deadline date. It really does sound like you should have been accepted, or at least waitlisted, by one.
Regardless, don’t let it get you down. There are excellent schools everywhere. Ivy league is just a name giving to a bunch of old schools in the East – it’s not like they’re the best universities in the US or anything. (C’mon – Brown?) Or you can appeal the decision. In either case, you’ll probably be hiring Harvard Grads in 10 years.
References :
http://www.collegeconfidential.com/ivy_league/index.htm