It is essential to familiarize yourself with what international students need to know about ivy league schools. This prepares you adequately for your academic sojourn and increases your chances of success. As such, this could trigger your interest in these schools if you had no prior interest in attending them.
Ivy league schools are comprised of sports teams from eight private universities. They include Harvard University in Massachusetts, Yale University in Connecticut, Princeton University in New Jersey, and Columbia University in New York. Others are Brown University in Rhode Island, Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, the University of Pennsylvania in Pennsylvania, and Cornell University in New York. Being an American collegiate conference, it is referred to as a group of elite colleges whose reputation goes beyond the sports context.
Here are essential things international students need to about ivy league schools.
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Prestige
Historically, Ivy league schools rose into prominence as a result of the involvement of their students in athletics. As a result, their students gained popularity. The reputation of these schools began to attract more funds into the school. This increased the quality of education in these schools and their rankings. As such, many schools became a choice destination for international students.
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Selective
These schools expend a lot of resources to attract career-minded students. This is because they occasionally produce outstanding graduates with promising future. In order to maintain this reputation, they have rigorous recruitment processes. You must desire and have the drive to stand out to get admitted into any of these schools.
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Harness Potentials
Generally, Ivy league schools are dogged in harnessing the potentials of their students. Lecturers, the academic environment and administrative staff play major roles in making this a reality. It is no surprise that these schools, support graduates in their professions thus growing their reputation. Ivy League schools will support your desire to venture into private practice, contribute to public service or become a reputable researcher.
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Expensive
Students with a desire to study in Ivy League schools sometimes suffer financial constraints. This is because the average tuition rates fall between $55,000 and $60,000 per year plus living expenses and transportation. Nonetheless, there are scholarship opportunities in the USA.
Admission Process
Ivy League schools demand a high standard from international students seeking to further their academic pursuits. In 2019, the admission rates were a little under twenty per cent (20%). Little wonder admission processes within these schools are usually competitive, selective and rigorous. Ensure you check the admission requirements constantly to guide you through the process. Pay attention to test scores (SAT, GRE, LSAT, GPA), recommendations and academic achievements. Essentially, be honest in your application.
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Essays
Upon application into Ivy League Schools, you’ll need to furnish the admission committee with your personal statements. This is because they serve as a way of measuring your personality. As such, ensure to read up pieces of literature on writing personal statements in order to write a convincing statement. However, avoid copying a personal statement because once discovered, you would be blacklisted.
- Avoid Being the ‘All-Rounder’
You can be carried away by a series of engagements in school and end up losing focus. Little wonder international students become depressed. Ensure to balance your academic, social and religious activities. This way, you will come through with flying colours. Note that getting a degree from these schools will open a lot of opportunities for you in the future.
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