How to get into the Ivy League: 5 benefits of an international high school education
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Dreaming of attending an Ivy League university? You’re not alone. Known for their
prestige, academic excellence, and thriving alumni networks—an Ivy League
education can help set a student up for life.
But if you’re wondering, how hard is it to get into Ivy League schools? This should give you some idea: There were a whopping 311,948 applications for the class of 2023, with the number of hopeful candidates rising every single year. Ivy League admission requirements are strict, accepting only the most dedicated and hard-working students. However, with so many applicants each year, even the top students need to do more to set themselves apart. Attending an international high school is one pathway that can significantly boost your chances of getting noticed. These schools offer students a variety of advantages, in addition to having dedicated expertise on how to get into Ivy League colleges.
Keep reading to learn more!
1. Diverse academic environment
Ivy League colleges value diversity and cultural fluency because the best academic environments are melting pots for ideas, innovation, and debate. Studying internationally for high school can prepare you to fit into this world. That’s because international high school students are exposed to a wide range of cultures, languages, and perspectives, which is the ideal preparation for college life. What’s more, cross-cultural communication, adaptability, and receptiveness to new ideas are all qualities that admissions officers look for in Ivy League applications. So, though it’s not exactly an Ivy League school admission requirement, it’s no wonder international students hold an advantage here—not to mention that cultural fluency is essential in today’s interconnected world.
2. Rigorous curriculum
Ivy League colleges have high academic standards—so if you’re wondering how to prepare for the Ivy League? The answer is simple: You need a rigorous high school curriculum. International schools usually offer challenging programs of study such as International Baccalaureate (IB) or Advanced Placement (AP), both ideal for Ivy League preparation. Excelling in these programs demonstrates your ability to handle complex academics and make links between topics. For example, by understanding the historical context of a piece of literature or bringing philosophy into the study of science—students will be more prepared to study as university students do, by making cross-disciplinary connections. This quality makes you a more attractive candidate to Ivy League admissions committees.
3. Ivy League schools’ SAT requirements
When considering how to get accepted into the Ivy League, one of the most crucial areas to consider is the SAT or Scholastic Aptitude Test. SAT requirements for Ivy League are competitive—with the average score ranging between 1468 and 1564, though it’s advisable to aim for a goal of 1550 to be in the top ranks of prospective applicants. Many international high schools offer specialized SAT preparation courses and resources to help students succeed. Additionally, exposure to different testing strategies and approaches in a diverse academic environment can give you an advantage on test day.
4. Expert guidance through the Ivy League application process
As much as it’s helpful to do your research, there’s really no substitute for first-hand experience. International high schools have an abundance of expertise when it comes to Ivy League admissions. Knowledgeable college counselors who understand the intricacies of how to get into the Ivy League can help students craft compelling essays, secure impressive recommendation letters, and navigate the application process with confidence. Not only that—but these counselors can deliver interview preparation sessions, which are an essential resource for students applying to the Ivy League. Through dedicated 1-to-1 tuition, students can learn to articulate their experiences and goals effectively, which can leave a lasting impression on Ivy League admissions committees.
5. Nurturing well-rounded, self-motivated students
International high school students are usually overnight boarders, so they’re fully immersed in a new study environment—much like when a student goes off to college. Being away from home and managing their own schedules teaches independent thinking and time management, as well as being individually empowering. Students see themselves as young adults with agency over their academic futures, which can lead to better grades, more thoughtful university applications, and better performance in interviews. Additionally, continuous presence on-site at an international high school means that students are exposed to a wealth of opportunities for extracurricular engagement. Whether it’s sports, community service, art, and theater, or taking leadership roles in school societies—these sorts of activities help show Ivy League colleges that a candidate is well-rounded and self-motivated. It also highlights just how well that student would fit into a college environment because, in essence, they’ve already done so at high school.
A few final thoughts…
The question of how to get into the Ivy League is a difficult one to answer. Receiving hundreds of thousands of applications every year, there is no secret formula that can guarantee acceptance—but it’s clear an international high school education can give students an advantage. From exposure to diverse perspectives and opportunities for independence to rigorous academic preparation and expert guidance through the application process, attending an international school sets you apart as a well-rounded and highly prepared candidate. So, if you’re planning to make an Ivy League application, why not get a head start by studying abroad? Read more about EF Academy’s schools in New York, Pasadena, and Oxford.
Alternatively, check out some of our other articles:
- The top 5 qualities that universities look for in applicants
- What really matters during the university admissions process?
- Is your child university ready?
But if you’re wondering, how hard is it to get into Ivy League schools? This should give you some idea: There were a whopping 311,948 applications for the class of 2023, with the number of hopeful candidates rising every single year. Ivy League admission requirements are strict, accepting only the most dedicated and hard-working students. However, with so many applicants each year, even the top students need to do more to set themselves apart. Attending an international high school is one pathway that can significantly boost your chances of getting noticed. These schools offer students a variety of advantages, in addition to having dedicated expertise on how to get into Ivy League colleges.
Keep reading to learn more!
1. Diverse academic environment
Ivy League colleges value diversity and cultural fluency because the best academic environments are melting pots for ideas, innovation, and debate. Studying internationally for high school can prepare you to fit into this world. That’s because international high school students are exposed to a wide range of cultures, languages, and perspectives, which is the ideal preparation for college life. What’s more, cross-cultural communication, adaptability, and receptiveness to new ideas are all qualities that admissions officers look for in Ivy League applications. So, though it’s not exactly an Ivy League school admission requirement, it’s no wonder international students hold an advantage here—not to mention that cultural fluency is essential in today’s interconnected world.
2. Rigorous curriculum
Ivy League colleges have high academic standards—so if you’re wondering how to prepare for the Ivy League? The answer is simple: You need a rigorous high school curriculum. International schools usually offer challenging programs of study such as International Baccalaureate (IB) or Advanced Placement (AP), both ideal for Ivy League preparation. Excelling in these programs demonstrates your ability to handle complex academics and make links between topics. For example, by understanding the historical context of a piece of literature or bringing philosophy into the study of science—students will be more prepared to study as university students do, by making cross-disciplinary connections. This quality makes you a more attractive candidate to Ivy League admissions committees.
3. Ivy League schools’ SAT requirements
When considering how to get accepted into the Ivy League, one of the most crucial areas to consider is the SAT or Scholastic Aptitude Test. SAT requirements for Ivy League are competitive—with the average score ranging between 1468 and 1564, though it’s advisable to aim for a goal of 1550 to be in the top ranks of prospective applicants. Many international high schools offer specialized SAT preparation courses and resources to help students succeed. Additionally, exposure to different testing strategies and approaches in a diverse academic environment can give you an advantage on test day.
4. Expert guidance through the Ivy League application process As much as it’s helpful to do your research, there’s really no substitute for first-hand experience. International high schools have an abundance of expertise when it comes to Ivy League admissions. Knowledgeable college counselors who understand the intricacies of how to get into the Ivy League can help students craft compelling essays, secure impressive recommendation letters, and navigate the application process with confidence. Not only that—but these counselors can deliver interview preparation sessions, which are an essential resource for students applying to the Ivy League. Through dedicated 1-to-1 tuition, students can learn to articulate their experiences and goals effectively, which can leave a lasting impression on Ivy League admissions committees.
5. Nurturing well-rounded, self-motivated students
International high school students are usually overnight boarders, so they’re fully immersed in a new study environment—much like when a student goes off to college. Being away from home and managing their own schedules teaches independent thinking and time management, as well as being individually empowering. Students see themselves as young adults with agency over their academic futures, which can lead to better grades, more thoughtful university applications, and better performance in interviews. Additionally, continuous presence on-site at an international high school means that students are exposed to a wealth of opportunities for extracurricular engagement. Whether it’s sports, community service, art, and theater, or taking leadership roles in school societies—these sorts of activities help show Ivy League colleges that a candidate is well-rounded and self-motivated. It also highlights just how well that student would fit into a college environment because, in essence, they’ve already done so at high school.
A few final thoughts… The question of how to get into the Ivy League is a difficult one to answer. Receiving hundreds of thousands of applications every year, there is no secret formula that can guarantee acceptance—but it’s clear an international high school education can give students an advantage. From exposure to diverse perspectives and opportunities for independence to rigorous academic preparation and expert guidance through the application process, attending an international school sets you apart as a well-rounded and highly prepared candidate. So, if you’re planning to make an Ivy League application, why not get a head start by studying abroad? Read more about EF Academy’s schools in New York, Pasadena, and Oxford.
Alternatively, check out some of our other articles:
- The top 5 qualities that universities look for in applicants
- What really matters during the university admissions process?
- Is your child university ready?