Also, is your high school a magnet school or elite private school that attacts lots of bright students? Ivies historically accept lots of students from schools like Thomas Jefferson, Exeter, Phillips Academy, Stuyvesant, etc. If you go to a regular public school, you will have to be in, at the very least, the top 10% of your class to have a good chance (which is where your grades come into play. If you have good grades, you’ll likely have a decent rank and GPA).

Definitely make sure to take as many AP and/or IB classes as you can. Even if you don’t necessarily take the tests, colleges will see this as a sign of dedication. If you’re doing well in the class though, take the tests in May! College applications have a place for you to list your AP/IB scores, and if they’re good (4-5 for AP), they will help you.

You also need to make sure you present yourself as a well-rounded candidate to the school. That is, you are not just academically focused, but maybe you play a sport or instrument, or maybe you’re the president of a club at school or a dedicated volunteer at the local hospital, etc.

Also make sure you do well on your SATs. It’s okay to take them multiple times. And take your SAT IIs early (preferably right after you’ve taken the appropriate class in school so it’s fresh in your mind).

For prestigious universities, you might be asked to interview with one of their alumni in your area. This usually happens fall of senior year in high school. Basically, for this, just be yourself, but DON’T BE LATE! 🙂

Recommendations are uber-uber important! Maintain a good relationship with teachers that you’ve liked throughout high school because you’ll need them come senior year. Usually Ivies ask for 2 recommendations plus a recommendation from your counselor.

Of course, this is just some general tips. Talk to your school counselor for more information about your specific case.