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How significantly will being a URM increase one’s chances of getting into a top-ranked school?

This will be the topic of a future post. For now, let’s keep it simple: -being a URM is a statistical advantage at every Ivy League school -in particular, it’s great if you have a “unique identity” as an URM (I talk about this at length in the admissions guide, but let’s just say that [...]

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How much importance do admissions committees place on AP test scores?

About the same importance as they place on other quantitative measures of academic performance (eg, SAT, GPA, etc). The thing about APs is: -it gives you an opportunity to reinforce specific strengths (eg, if you’re a math whiz, you better take Calculus BC and get a 5) -it’s over a longer period of time, and [...]

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Is applying EA really going to help your chances?

Yes, absolutely. Lots of schools are shifting now to SCEA and other forms of this, but basically apply EA (Early Action) to your top-choice school. You have nothing to lose, your chances are better, it’s great for “demonstrating interest” (which is something I talk about repeatedly). Even if you’re passed during that round, the fact [...]

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What can I do about low AP test scores? Am I doomed?

No you’re not. If you get low AP scores – and by low, I mean more than two 3′s and/or scores below 3 – then you need to make up your strength in academics. I’d avoid taking a specific AP test again – unless you scored a 2 and KNOW you can score a 4 [...]

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Can I apply to just one university? Will that help my chances?

No. That’s a terrible idea. Here’s why: 1) If you don’t get into Princeton, and it was the only school you applied to, what are you going to do now?? 2) If Princeton sees that you only applied to their school, they will either think you’re too confident (which doesn’t help), or they will think [...]

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How do I get into Harvard?

It’s funny but I’ve gotten about 6 emails asking me this very question. The truth is long, but I’ll give you the Cliff Notes: -You need a solid SAT score and a decent GPA with a STRONG transcript -You need outstanding teacher recommendations – learn how to get them -You need to keep busy over [...]

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Harvard vs. Stanford: Which one is right for you?

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I’ve finally enabled comments on this site, so please leave me thoughts, questions, and more! Slight change of pace today. Instead of the standard focus on college admissions topics, we’ll talk about life in college itself. Stanford or Harvard? Harvard or Stanford? It’s a question that many people debate. Obviously, getting into either is a [...]

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How to get into Harvard in 30 minutes

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Take care of your GPA from freshman year This is a no-brainer but should be said anyway. Some students like to slack-off after middle school – it’s a new environment, you may not have a solid group of friends, you’re still getting use to everything. But a poor freshman year GPA can kill you. You [...]

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An offer for readers – free essay and resume editing

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I apologize that the rate of posting has slowed in the past few days. For one, it’s due to the launch of Admissions 301 – my email course on advanced Ivy League admissions topics. For two, I’ve been working hard on several other projects that I will share with all of you soon! However, I [...]

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Admissions 301: a 20-part course on advanced Ivy League admissions topics

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In the past 2 months, I’ve been developing something that I’m very excited to share with my readers. I call it Admissions 301. As opposed to Admissions 101, it will cover advanced Ivy League admissions topics via a 20-part course that is delivered straight to your email inbox. You probably have 2 questions – what [...]

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