5 Ways to Build an Ivy League-Worthy Applicant Profile

The admissions process at Ivy League and other top colleges is more complex and competitive than ever. With admissions rates plummeting to the single digits and thousands of highly qualified applicants applying each cycle, students should start as early as middle school to build applicant profiles that catch the eyes of admissions officers. 

A one-size-fits-all approach guaranteeing acceptance to your top school doesn’t exist. Admissions officers are looking for dynamic, original, and authentic students. No one can manufacture these qualities. 

A successful application strategy varies significantly from student to student, depending on their interests, goals, and unique traits. The good news? While no single approach will work for every student, you can take steps to make a compelling case for why you belong on one of these elite campuses. 

During each admissions cycle, Command Education’s expert college consultants, known as Senior Mentors, help students distinguish themselves through unique and compelling application narratives.

Here are the strategies Command Education’s Senior Mentors recommend to help students craft standout Ivy League applications. 

Define Your Core Interests 

According to Command Education Founder & CEO Christopher Rim, Ivy League and other top schools seek motivated students who have engaged meaningfully with their passions throughout their high school careers. 

“At this elite level of study, it is not enough to be interested in astrophysics, child psychology, or public policy after taking a class or joining a club,” says Rim. “Top colleges expect you to conduct high-level research with a psychology professor at a local college and present it at a reputable conference, work on rockets through an internship with an innovative start-up, or advocate for an issue that matters to you by proposing new legislature to your state senate.” 

In other words, admissions success isn’t about checking off boxes or dabbling in multiple clubs and activities—it’s about demonstrating a sustained, high-level commitment to your passions. 

Accomplishing this level of engagement requires students to start honing their interests in ninth grade. Senior Mentors recommend that students start by taking introductory classes, reading extensively on their topics of interest, and joining relevant clubs and organizations. 

Sophomores and juniors should seek more advanced and hands-on ways to engage, such as internships, research opportunities, or independent studies, and pursue leadership opportunities in extracurricular activities related to their core interests. 

Whether you start in freshman year or junior year, approaching the process intentionally and strategically will allow you to showcase your firsthand knowledge by the time you apply. 

Challenge Yourself in the Classroom

The experts at Command Education note that top colleges don’t just expect 4.0 (or higher) GPAs—they also want evidence that students have challenged themselves in the classroom. Taking the most challenging courses available allows students to demonstrate their:

• Preparedness for collegiate coursework at top institutions
• Motivation to push themselves intellectually—a hallmark of an Ivy League student
• Interest in pursuing coursework related to their intended field of study 

“If your high school offers AP or IB courses, take them. If not, pursue Honors classes or the highest level of coursework offered, keeping in mind that colleges evaluate your transcript within the context of what is offered at your high school,” says Gabe Cramer, Command Education’s Director of Mentoring. 

“Admissions officers won’t penalize you for only taking three AP courses if that’s all your school offers. If you wish to challenge yourself beyond your school’s offerings, consider taking a dual enrollment or online college course to show your ambition and gain experience with collegiate study,” he says. 

Demonstrate Your Academic Skills Outside of the Classroom

While top colleges expect you to excel in the classroom, Senior Mentors emphasize that some of the best ways to demonstrate your genuine interest in your subject area occur outside of the classroom. 

“What you do with your free time is not only a testament to your authentic passion, but it can also show your motivation to learn, grow, and make an impact on your community while using your skills and interests,” says Rim.

Seek out extracurricular opportunities that complement your academic field and allow you to develop your skills in real-world settings, like:

• Pursuing an eye-catching internship
• Applying to a competitive, merit-based summer program
• Assuming a leadership position in a club
• Volunteering with an organization aligned with your academic interests

If your school or community doesn’t offer the opportunity you’re looking for, carve out a place for yourself! 

Start a Passion Project

One of the hallmarks of Command Education’s pioneering approach is the passion project, an independent initiative that brings together your skills and passions in service to your community. According to Rim, a passion project can be any initiative that aligns with your core interests. For example:

• A student interested in medicine could found an organization that teaches first aid at local community centers
• A student interested in linguistics could start a volunteer initiative translating children’s books for migrant children in their region 
• A student interested in engineering could compile a team and compete in prestigious science competitions 

Whatever interest you pursue, the key component is authenticity. A passion project should demonstrate your academic and professional goals and commitment to making the world a better place.

Tell a Compelling Story in Your Application

Finally, when you compile your application materials, weave all your experiences together to create a cohesive and dynamic narrative. 

“Your activities list, essays, and letters of recommendation should all work together to tell a compelling story about who you are, what you care about, and how you’ve pursued those interests throughout high school,” says Cramer.

While your “hook” should anchor your application, approach each component strategically as part of a whole, using each to spotlight different elements of your personality and interests—and set yourself apart from thousands of other applicants. 

When writing your application essays, remember that supplemental essays are perfect for: 

• Elaborating on certain aspects of your impressive resume
• Discussing your tangible experience in your field
• Relaying how a specific college will support your academic and career goals 

The personal statement should showcase your creativity, originality, worldview, character, and ability to explore your values and interests in innovative ways. 

Balancing these many considerations may feel daunting—and in many ways, it is. Given the complexity of the admissions landscape, many students and parents seek expert support as early as eighth grade to ensure a successful admissions process. 

Command Education’s Premier Roadmap PackageⓇ provides students in eighth grade and beyond with unlimited, 24/7 support from near-peer Senior Mentors who are all recent graduates of Ivy League and other top-tier colleges. The comprehensive support students receive empowers them to discover their guiding passions and turn their collegiate dreams into a reality. 

If you want to start crafting your standout applicant profile, schedule your free consultation today!