Students study at their best, achieve perfect or near-perfect scores, dream about getting into the best in the world colleges and most of the time make compromises. We must see that the acceptance rate of IVY LEAGUE colleges (Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, Penn, Princeton, and Yale) has only been 6.78% in 2019, out of the total of 3,11,948 total applications received. 93.22% of students received rejections.
While we see the acceptance rates declining, the number of applications to IVY league colleges are on an ever-increasing trend which is mainly due to the Commonapp system that allows students to apply to as many colleges as they think they have chances of acceptance. Students, like earlier, are not expected to write essays for each college that they apply to, hence less procedural hassle. It does cost money to apply but that is not so much of a problem. See, in the following graph, the number of college applications going up.
This makes perfect sense to analyse what are the reasons why so many applications get rejected despite students achieving perfect or near perfect academic scores. While there are many reasons for an application to get rejected, the primary reason is the lack of clarity and structured support.
The IB schools are comparatively better well placed in providing this much-needed support system. The IB Diploma students remain at an advantage since it is a very demanding and challenging, pre-university course. Universities across 110 countries including India recognize the IB diploma.
The University admission authorities recognize the academic rigor of the IBDP and successful students are also offered credits (particularly for Higher Level courses and Extended Essay research papers) in Universities. Know more about IB Diploma.
At Lancers International School, students of grade 8th to 12th work on the various phases of the College planning and application process. This is a lengthy and sometimes tedious, but ultimately rewarding task. With careful planning and effective execution, the whole process goes smoothly.
From the beginning, students need to enhance their:
- Self-management skills
- Communication skills,
- Social skills and
- Research skills by completing the tasks assigned by the College Counsellor via Bridge-U.
Students and parents alike, need to proactively get involved in the process as early as grade 8. The process helps them in reflecting and making well-informed subject choices, followed by options available as majors in both national and international Universities/ Colleges.
There are many details and deadlines to keep in mind. Students’ “COLLEGE RECORD” actually
begins with the final grades achieved in grade 9. In addition to the grades that are already a part of the record, students should actively participate in both the curricular activities and the extra-
curricular activities to develop “PROFILE” and required skills for a successful Under Graduate experience. Students are encouraged to participate in a number of curricular and extracurricular activities.
| Students are encouraged to participate in the following curricular activities: | How these activities support student application: |
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These suggested activities are time-tested for helping students. I wish all students take up these activities and maintain a reflection journal so that they are able to remember all kinds of experiences.
Arpit Sharma
IBDP Coordinator
Lancers International School
