Complete Guide to Ivy League Admissions with Career Launcher's Premium Service for Indian Students

What are Ivy League Schools?

The Ivy League is a prestigious group of eight private universities in the northeastern United States. These institutions are renowned for their academic excellence, selective admissions, and rich histories. Talking of history, the term "Ivy League" was officially coined in 1954 when these schools formed an NCAA Division I athletic conference. However, the roots of these institutions go back much further. Seven of these schools were established even before the founding of the United States during the American Revolution.

The eight Ivy League schools are:

1. Harvard University (1636)
2. Yale University (1701)
3. University of Pennsylvania (1740)
4. Princeton University (1746)
5. Columbia University (1754)
6. Brown University (1764)
7. Dartmouth College (1769)
8. Cornell University (1865)

These universities are a part of the Association of American Universities, an international organisation of American research universities. They have high standards set by admissions committees.

Extending beyond these original eight, there is a concept of Ivy League Plus or Ivy Plus schools. These include other highly selective institutions that stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Ivies in terms of academic distinction and selectiveness. While there is no official list, Ivy Plus schools typically include:

1. Stanford University

2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

3. Duke University

4. California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

5. University of Chicago

6. Johns Hopkins University

7. Northwestern University

These Ivy Plus institutions offer world-class faculty, research opportunities, and a commitment to top-tier education at par with the Ivies. Together, the Ivy League and Ivy Plus schools form a group of institutions considered the pinnacle of higher education in the United States.

Why is it Difficult to Get into Ivy League?

A simple answer is that Ivy League schools seek students who are exceptional in ways they have not already seen — students who do not just aspire but also show the potential to achieve. It is challenging to get admitted to Ivy and Ivy Plus institutions because they look for candidates who can uphold their social prestige and measure up to the standards set by alumni who have become presidents and Nobel Prize winners.

Ivy and Ivy Plus institutions typically evaluate applications based on:

• Quantitative factors: GPAs and test scores
• Qualitative factors: Statement of Purpose or application essays, Letters of Recommendation, extracurricular activities, and more.

Ivy and Ivy Plus schools are highly selective in nature because of their academic excellence, world-class professors, research grants, financial aid, and promising post-graduation opportunities. For prospective students, this means their applications must be truly exceptional to secure a spot.

Another factor that could impact your chances of admission to these institutions is timing. Each Ivy League college offers an early admissions program, and early applicants are generally admitted at higher rates than regular applicants. But how do you apply early, what are the deadlines, and how can you meet them? Consulting Ivy and Ivy Plus admissions experts at Career Launcher can provide valuable guidance on these crucial steps.

How Career Launcher’s Experts Can Help You Get into Ivy Schools?

Career Launcher has a special team of experts for top Ivy and Ivy Plus admissions consulting. This team will help you every step of the way for applying to top US universities. Their services include:

1. Profile Analysis & Career Guidance
   As part of their FREE profile evaluation session for 30 minutes, Career Launcher will conduct a deep analysis of your profile. Their insights will help you build your profile and learn how to use your strengths and convert your weaknesses into strong points. You will also get guidance about covering any gaps in your profile, completing some short courses, pursuing some extracurricular activities, etc.
   1.1. Goals Setting: During your profile analysis, CL’s experts will also help you set long- and short-term goals.
2. Test Prep
   With Career Launcher’s comprehensive premium services, you can prepare for exams like the SAT, IELTS, GMAT, GRE, and others. They have received great feedback from students, especially for their personalized study plan and practice papers.
3. College & Program Shortlisting
   In the next step, Career Launcher’s study abroad experts will help you find and shortlist colleges and courses based on your profile.
4. Guidance for Essays, SOPs, LORs, etc
   Career Launcher has a dedicated editing team to take care of your Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation (LOR), scholarship essays, and other documents.
5. Interview Prep with Mock Interviews
   Interviews at Ivy League and Ivy Plus schools are not easy to crack. CL’s team will help you here. They will prepare you to answer interview questions with clarity and confidence. Plus, their mock interviews are designed to simulate the interview scenarios at top colleges in the USA.
6. Guidance for Funding & Scholarships
   CL’s experts help you apply to your shortlisted programs in an effective manner. They also recommend the best scholarships or financial aid opportunities for you.
7. Post-Admission Assistance
   With CL’s complete support, you receive assistance even after your admission is confirmed. You can take their help for accommodation, visa and travel formalities, and other essentials.

In conclusion, the unparalleled resources and opportunities offered by Ivy League or Ivy Plus universities attract many high-achieving students. At the same time, the rigorous admissions standards and competitive applicant pool make these institutions highly selective when it comes to admitting international students from India. Career Launcher's expert guidance can help you conquer this challenging process, ensuring your application stands out and aligns with the expectations of these prestigious schools.