The strategy outlined focuses on successfully applying to Ivy League colleges while achieving high marks in board exams. To balance these demands, students can create a detailed daily schedule, dedicating focused hours for application research, selecting colleges, and refining personal statements. For example, setting aside two hours daily specifically for Ivy League tasks is recommended. Additionally, tapping into resources like online prep courses can bolster SAT scores, while joining study groups aids board exam preparation.
Post-board exams, the strategy emphasizes maximizing preparation time by enrolling in courses to enhance academic profiles and seeking mentorship to fine-tune applications. Examples include developing projects that bolster a resume and engaging in mock interviews to build confidence. Finally, during interim college periods, students should engage in extracurriculars reflecting Ivy League values, keep academic achievements updated, and network with alumni for valuable insights.
Each of these strategic steps integrates application tasks with academic excellence, ensuring a balanced and comprehensive approach to pursuing prestigious college dreams.
The strategies
⛳️ Strategy 1: Balance board exam preparation with application requirements
- Create a detailed daily schedule to manage study time for board exams and application tasks
- Focus on two hours daily exclusively for Ivy League application research and preparation
- Select and prioritise a shortlist of Ivy League colleges best suited to your interests and goals
- Research each college's application requirements and deadlines to ensure all components are planned
- Schedule regular meetings with a school counsellor to stay informed and get feedback on your progress
- Draft and refine your personal statement during weekends when you can dedicate more time
- Utilise online prep resources to enhance SAT or any required standardised test scores
- Join study groups concentrating on board exam subject areas to maximise understanding and retention
- Maintain a file for all application documents, recommenders’ details, and admission essays
- Monitor your progress weekly and adjust your plan as needed to ensure you are on track
⛳️ Strategy 2: Maximise your preparation plan post-board exams
- Allocate April through September post-exams for concentrated and advanced Ivy League application prep
- Enroll in online courses to strengthen your academic profile in specific subjects relevant to the applications
- Develop a project or internship that aligns with your interest and enhances your CV or application essay
- Schedule regular feedback sessions with a mentor or college advisor to review your application progress
- Generally focus on obtaining recommendation letters during this period from key school faculty
- Prepare for interviews by participating in mock interviews to improve confidence and communication skills
- Complete and hone all essays and statements, ensuring each is well-aligned with the specific college's ethos
- Take frequent practice tests for any required standardised tests to improve scores significantly
- Visit college fairs or attend webinars for additional insights into the application process and college culture
- Assess and finalise your applications by mid-September, ready for early submission if preferred
⛳️ Strategy 3: Utilise the interim college time effectively while preparing for the transition
- Select relevant courses in your current college that will add value to your application and future studies
- Participate in extracurricular activities relevant to the Ivy League colleges' values and preferences
- Network with alumni or current students of desired Ivy League colleges for advice and insights
- Keep updating your academic transcript with excellent grades to strengthen your application
- Maintain a portfolio or journal detailing projects and achievements during this college period
- Attend workshops or seminars related to your intended field of study to broaden your perspective
- Prepare and allocate time to adapt to cultural differences and changes ahead of the transition
- Ensure constant communication with the admissions office to clarify any doubts or document requirements
- Monitor key deadlines and application requirements regularly to ensure you are compliant with all timelines
- Plan a visit to the desired Ivy League campus if possible, to build familiarity and genuine understanding
Bringing accountability to your strategy
It's one thing to have a plan, it's another to stick to it. We hope that the examples above will help you get started with your own strategy, but we also know that it's easy to get lost in the day-to-day effort.
That's why we built Tability: to help you track your progress, keep your team aligned, and make sure you're always moving in the right direction.
Give it a try and see how it can help you bring accountability to your strategy.
