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How can I better my chances, as a high school senior with a 4.3 GPA and over 400 hours of community service, to get into an Ivy League #fall25?
I just recently have toured the school and it is by far my number one pick currently; I am just worried about not getting accepted and than if I do, not being able to pay for it. I am really just looking for guidance for scholarship information and how to better my chances of actually getting in.
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Martha D.’s Answer
Hi Elizabeth.
These are excellent questions, which I will take one at a time. Are you willing to share the particular Ivy League school? If so, policies vary between institutions and we could research its particular policies further. As for getting accepted, you are correct that the acceptance rates are low. Having observed the college admissions process for over 20 years, I have concluded that is an art versus a science. For most of us, this means someone with our credentials may get in one year because of the needs of the "community" but not the next. Demonstrate interest in the school (which you have done by touring - also follow on social media), follow application directions carefully (don't just recycle other supplement responses), and make your Common App essay informative (not just creative or cute). Apply to a range of schools which you could see yourself attending and take each application seriously.
As for paying for college, Ivy League schools generally have generous financial aid policies. For example, Princeton has needs-blind admission, meaning admissions decisions are made with no knowledge of financial need. Also, Princeton will help you meet all need without loans. Harvard's policies are similar, resulting in many families making $100,000 annually paying very little to attend. The links below provide more information.
I hope this helps and wish you good luck!
Princeton - https://www.dailyprincetonian.com/article/2025/08/princeton-news-boosted-financial-aid-exempt-princeton-federal-endowment-tax
Harvard - https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2025/3/17/financial-aid-expansion-2025/
These are excellent questions, which I will take one at a time. Are you willing to share the particular Ivy League school? If so, policies vary between institutions and we could research its particular policies further. As for getting accepted, you are correct that the acceptance rates are low. Having observed the college admissions process for over 20 years, I have concluded that is an art versus a science. For most of us, this means someone with our credentials may get in one year because of the needs of the "community" but not the next. Demonstrate interest in the school (which you have done by touring - also follow on social media), follow application directions carefully (don't just recycle other supplement responses), and make your Common App essay informative (not just creative or cute). Apply to a range of schools which you could see yourself attending and take each application seriously.
As for paying for college, Ivy League schools generally have generous financial aid policies. For example, Princeton has needs-blind admission, meaning admissions decisions are made with no knowledge of financial need. Also, Princeton will help you meet all need without loans. Harvard's policies are similar, resulting in many families making $100,000 annually paying very little to attend. The links below provide more information.
I hope this helps and wish you good luck!
Martha D. recommends the following next steps: