From the intensive rigour of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program to the prestigious corridors of Ivy League universities, students worldwide dream of making this illustrious transition. As an IB student, you’re already on a commendable academic trajectory. Taking the leap from IB to Ivy League requires strategic planning, insight, and determination but the path from IB to Ivy League can be confusing so let’s break it down in this comprehensive guide on how to get into an Ivy League after doing the IBDP in school.
The IBDP program provides its students with a holistic foundation that can help you succeed in your IB to Ivy League Journey. Ivy League institutions value diverse, global perspectives, making IB graduates highly desirable, some key advantages you have as an IB student are:
The Ivy League represents eight private institutions in the US known not just for their academic excellence, but also for their influential alumni, historic campuses, and cultural significance. These universities are: Harvard University , Yale University, Princeton University, Columbia University, Dartmouth College, Brown University, University of Pennsylvania, and Cornell University. While each of these universities has its own unique culture and specialisations, a common thread is their commitment to shaping future global leaders.
IB exclusive subjects like the Extended Essay (EE), Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) can help give you a competitive advantage over applicants from other boards. The IB’s unique components can significantly strengthen your application, here’s how you can optimise your EE, TOK and CAS for your IB to Ivy League Application:
Showcasing Research Prowess The Extended Essay, a 4,000-word research paper, is a testament to an IB student’s ability to conduct thorough and independent research on a subject of their choice.
Cultivating Critical Thinking The TOK course emphasises critical thinking, questioning, and understanding knowledge’s interdisciplinary nature.
Building a Holistic Profile CAS is the heart of the IB program, emphasising holistic development and real-world engagement.
Given that the IBDP is a curriculum studied across the world you might be wondering “Do I need the SAT if I’ve done IB?” or “Is TOEFL required for IB students?” Your IB score is paramount, but supplemental testing can further accentuate your application, and some universities even have strict requirements with regards to testing:
Extracurricular activities are more than just a checkbox to tick off; they give depth to your application and provide a comprehensive picture of who you are beyond grades. As you transition from IB to Ivy League, remember that quality trumps quantity. It’s not about how many activities you’ve done but the depth of your involvement, the impact you’ve made, and the passion you’ve demonstrated, here are some extracurriculars that could help stand out from IB to Ivy League University:
With courses in Marketing, Strategy and Technology amongst others, you can test drive a career in your dream field and prove to your university that you have what it takes to make it on site. A combined learning-working experience, you’ll learn degree level theory at a high school level understanding and work on projects for industry leaders like PUMA and Domino’s.
The exposure is great for your own growth and understanding as well as for your CV when applying for colleges! Check out Clever Harvey here.
Your personal statement offers a deeper insight into your personality, here’s how you can tailor it to boost your application:
An outstanding recommendation can distinguish your application:
Ivy Leagues, recognizing the rigor and depth of the IB, view it favourably. However, they assess students within the context of available opportunities.
While HL subjects showcase depth, your overall profile, including extracurriculars and personal statements, carries significant weight.
Focus on long-term projects or those where you played a leadership role, highlighting tangible impacts and personal growth.
The journey from IB to Ivy League, with its challenges, is a voyage of discovery, growth, and ambition. Recognizing the strengths of your IB background and effectively translating them into your applications can make this dream transition a reality. Stay committed, be genuine, and remember that every experience, big or small, shapes your unique story.
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From the intensive rigour of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program to the prestigious corridors of Ivy League universities, students worldwide dream of making this illustrious transition. As an IB student, you’re already on a commendable academic trajectory. Taking the leap from IB to Ivy League requires strategic planning, insight, and determination but the path from IB to Ivy League can be confusing so let’s break it down in this comprehensive guide on how to get into an Ivy League after doing the IBDP in school.
The IBDP program provides its students with a holistic foundation that can help you succeed in your IB to Ivy League Journey. Ivy League institutions value diverse, global perspectives, making IB graduates highly desirable, some key advantages you have as an IB student are:
The Ivy League represents eight private institutions in the US known not just for their academic excellence, but also for their influential alumni, historic campuses, and cultural significance. These universities are: Harvard University , Yale University, Princeton University, Columbia University, Dartmouth College, Brown University, University of Pennsylvania, and Cornell University. While each of these universities has its own unique culture and specialisations, a common thread is their commitment to shaping future global leaders.
IB exclusive subjects like the Extended Essay (EE), Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) can help give you a competitive advantage over applicants from other boards. The IB’s unique components can significantly strengthen your application, here’s how you can optimise your EE, TOK and CAS for your IB to Ivy League Application:
Showcasing Research Prowess The Extended Essay, a 4,000-word research paper, is a testament to an IB student’s ability to conduct thorough and independent research on a subject of their choice.
Cultivating Critical Thinking The TOK course emphasises critical thinking, questioning, and understanding knowledge’s interdisciplinary nature.
Building a Holistic Profile CAS is the heart of the IB program, emphasising holistic development and real-world engagement.
Given that the IBDP is a curriculum studied across the world you might be wondering “Do I need the SAT if I’ve done IB?” or “Is TOEFL required for IB students?” Your IB score is paramount, but supplemental testing can further accentuate your application, and some universities even have strict requirements with regards to testing:
Extracurricular activities are more than just a checkbox to tick off; they give depth to your application and provide a comprehensive picture of who you are beyond grades. As you transition from IB to Ivy League, remember that quality trumps quantity. It’s not about how many activities you’ve done but the depth of your involvement, the impact you’ve made, and the passion you’ve demonstrated, here are some extracurriculars that could help stand out from IB to Ivy League University:
With courses in Marketing, Strategy and Technology amongst others, you can test drive a career in your dream field and prove to your university that you have what it takes to make it on site. A combined learning-working experience, you’ll learn degree level theory at a high school level understanding and work on projects for industry leaders like PUMA and Domino’s.
The exposure is great for your own growth and understanding as well as for your CV when applying for colleges! Check out Clever Harvey here.
Your personal statement offers a deeper insight into your personality, here’s how you can tailor it to boost your application:
An outstanding recommendation can distinguish your application:
Ivy Leagues, recognizing the rigor and depth of the IB, view it favourably. However, they assess students within the context of available opportunities.
While HL subjects showcase depth, your overall profile, including extracurriculars and personal statements, carries significant weight.
Focus on long-term projects or those where you played a leadership role, highlighting tangible impacts and personal growth.
The journey from IB to Ivy League, with its challenges, is a voyage of discovery, growth, and ambition. Recognizing the strengths of your IB background and effectively translating them into your applications can make this dream transition a reality. Stay committed, be genuine, and remember that every experience, big or small, shapes your unique story.
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