Getting into a T20 School

I've been immensely interested in T20 schools and really want to aim towards them. What steps do you guys think a rising junior such as myself should take to increase my chances of getting into one of these prestigious universities?

Preparing for T20s requires careful academic, extracurricular, and personal portfolio preparation. Here are key steps you can take:

Academically, strive for strong grades and rigorous coursework. T20 schools aim to admit students who can handle intense academic challenges, so you should take AP or IB classes, if possible. Excelling in these classes signals that you can manage challenging university-level courses.

Moreover, you should have competitive standardized test scores. As of 2024, some T20 universities have reinstated their requirement of SAT or ACT scores including Dartmouth, Harvard, Purdue, Yale, and Brown, among others. Understand where your goal schools stand about test scores and make sure your scores align with the average test scores they report if they require them.

For extracurricular activities, quantity isn't everything. Engage in activities that you genuinely enjoy and strive for leadership or high achievement in a few. T20 colleges appreciate students who present a "spike," demonstrating high-level expertise or experience within their area of interest rather than well-rounded applicants. Tier 1 and Tier 2 activities, like winning a national award or having a leadership role at the state level, make an applicant stand out.

While the T20 schools have a different approach to "demonstrated interest", if they do consider it, try talking with professors, and current students, and attending information sessions or college fairs. Incorporate what you learn about the school and how it aligns with your future goals into your essays.

Speaking of essays, they are truly your chance to stand out. Avoid cliché topics and take the time to write personal, compelling stories. Inject your personality and be honest about your experiences. It's an opportunity to give admission officers an understanding of the person beyond the numbers and lists of activities.

Lastly, nurture relationships with teachers or counselors who can provide strong letters of recommendation and highlight your unique qualities.

Remember, applying to T20 schools is highly competitive and the outcome is often unpredictable. It's also important to find schools that are a good fit for your needs and not just focus on rankings. Apply to a range of colleges to give you better chances of ending up at a school you love. Best of luck with your college journey!