COLLEGE ADMISSIONS | 5 BIG Mistakes Applying to Ivy League and Highly Selective Colleges

[@alyssathecollegeexpert]

What do you think is a common mistake in college applications and admissions process? What would you like for me to talk about next week? Let me know in the comments! ♥♥♥

[@sesbes]

going deep not broad on extracurriculars is a must. quality not quantity on college applications

[@alyssathecollegeexpert]

correct!

[@0x49fa98]

on point! number 1 focus for ivy league college admissions will always be gpa

[@alyssathecollegeexpert]

thank you Smith!

[@MichaelWilliams-me9fc]

thank you for posting all of these informational clips. we have a son who just went thru the college app process and is heading off this fall. now knowing how difficult and time consuming the process, we are having our current sophomore start the process this summer, including taking the SAT. i would love to have any assistance you made provide. many thanks, eden

[@alyssathecollegeexpert]

Thank you Michael! I would love to help your sophomore! Email me at [e-mail] 🌞

[@chantalpurvis]

I think this information is very beneficial , thank you Alyssa . ❤

[@alyssathecollegeexpert]

You're so welcome!

[@vanguardcollegeprep]

I love your tip on demonstrating interest early. That lack of initiative is definitely something we see in our students too, definitely to their detriment.

[@alyssathecollegeexpert]

Absolutely! Initiative and self-advocacy go such a long way!

[@212ntruesdale]

High quality, common sense, actionable advice. Going forward, I think a common mistake in the process is going to be skipping standardized testing. Issues with standardized testing were already being addressed with holistic admissions. Going forward, skipping testing will be synonymous with work avoidant, which you may be, but don’t want to tacitly admit to. Personally, I just love how all the equity-obsessed activism is going to actually adversely affect the people it’s intended to help, that is to say, dumbing down is never the right approach.

[@alyssathecollegeexpert]

Thanks!

[@corigrainger3314]

Yleana x Hopkins grad here to attest!!!

[@alyssathecollegeexpert]

❤️❤️❤️

[@Redjanuary17]

What advice do have for international students especially that in my curriculum we don't have GPA so

[@alyssathecollegeexpert]

Hey RJ! I would recommend you check these resources out: Blogs www.socraticsummeracademy.com/international-students GPA Conversion bigfuture.collegeboard.org/plan-for-college/college-basics/how-to-convert-gpa-4.0-scale

[@rifatrahman8857]

Hi Can u 1 on 1 help in college applications ?

[@alexisbirliga7365]

Is it better to submit an ACT/SAT score if it's only in the 25th percentile for a school or to not submit it at all?

[@gokselyesilyurt1973]

great video

[@alyssathecollegeexpert]

Thanks Goksel! Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@lucyal8652]

what would you say is a good topic/question to ask a professor at a department you’re interested in? should i read some publications and ask questions on that or rather on the course they teach? should i introduce myself (mentioning my current grade/school)?

[@alyssathecollegeexpert]

Reading the publications is a great idea! Remember the first rule of networking is to be genuine - so anything you can do that is honest is the best idea. If there are specific research interests the person has that you’d be interested in, ask about those also! Good luck - and feel free to reach out if you want more detailed suggestions!! www.socraticsummeracademy.com/alyssa-the-sat-expert

[@JamesJoyce12]

YT is filled with magical thinkers who applied to Ivy's with abysmal GPA's and SAT's - and they are totally disappointed when their lottery ticket did not pay off - the only time it is a good strategy - sadly - is when you are an URM - although hopefully this changes in 2023

[@alyssathecollegeexpert]

High SATs and high GPAs are the ticket to success when it comes to highly selective colleges - that’s for sure!!

[@danvinc]

Hi, pls i have a gpa of 3.5 and am looking for an elite college to apply to and also get a need-based financial aid. ?

[@Isaiah-me4ic]

Nah it’s over for you.

[@Rapunzel-1607]

Thanks a lot mam ,it was very helpful ❤, and is the gpa out of 4or 5??

[@alyssathecollegeexpert]

4 😉

[@Samarthmalagi]

Hi, Alyssa in my country (India) we don't have a GPA system, can you tell me what is a good percentage(out of 100) for the top colleges? Anybody in the comments section is also welcome to help:)

[@alyssathecollegeexpert]

Sure! There are GPA converters that take you from a 100 scale to a 4.0 scale - here’s one from College Board: bigfuture.collegeboard.org/plan-for-college/college-basics/how-to-convert-gpa-4.0-scale

[@aliadibi609]

how can I reach out to the professos exactly as an international student ?😅

[@alyssathecollegeexpert]

It’s no different from you as an international student versus a student from the US - find their email and try to engage them about something you think they’ll want to talk about or that they’ll be interested in. The big challenge of being an international student has to do with financial aid during the application process - professors won’t be any less likely to be interested in you because of it.

[@Isaiah-me4ic]

Don’t forget to be Asian! That increases your chances by 50%! 😮😮