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Writer's pictureJulie Simon

Behind the Super-Selective Admissions Curtain: Insider Tips from Former Admissions Officers at Harvard and More





I work with smart women – really bright women who’ve worked at elite universities, including Harvard, USC, UCLA, UCSD, Tufts, the University of Michigan, Davidson, and more. With the college application season upon us, I asked them for advice I could share with students who plan to apply to super selective colleges, including the Ivies and Ivy Plus schools like Stanford, Georgetown, Northwestern, Johns Hopkins, and others. 


Here are some do’s and don’ts as you begin your applications.


Do’s:


  • Do apply Early Decision (ED) at your first choice school if the college offers it. Admit rates for ED are frequently double or even triple the rates for Regular Decision (RD). For the Dartmouth Class of 2026, the admit rate for ED was 21.3% compared to only 4.9% for RD!


  • Do your research on each college: research majors, unique programs, clubs, and the mission statement. You must show the school why you are a perfect fit for their culture and community and that your interests align with what's offered at that school.


  • Do enroll in the most rigorous classes available to you at your school. Students often ask if they should take the AP class and get a B or the regular class and get an A. When it comes to the super-selectives, you need to take the AP classes and try to get mostly As. 


  • Do show evidence of your academic interests. Seek opportunities in and out of the classroom to demonstrate commitment to your intended major. For example, a student interested in a pre-med major will likely have several AP science classes, volunteer in a hospital, do research with a local professor, or be part of the Science Olympiad. A student interested in studying business will have the highest level of math classes, lead a chapter of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) at their school, or be president of the Economics Club.


  • Do submit an extra letter of recommendation only if it adds another perspective/dimension to your application. Don’t submit many letters of recommendation or additional essays, and always follow directions!


Don’ts:


  • Don’t stress about the personal statement! A memorable quote from a colleague that I often share with students is, “A good essay can heal the sick but not raise the dead!” The essay allows the reader to learn something new about you, but it will rarely impact the final decision.


  • Don’t worry about one or two Bs on your transcript. Perfect grades and test scores alone won’t secure your spot at a super-selective college. While academic excellence is crucial, your passions and activities outside the classroom truly set you apart. Showcasing who you are and what you care about makes all the difference.


  • Don’t do things just to look good during the college admissions process. Do things you enjoy and you’re interested in. Colleges admit students with different experiences and backgrounds. Focus on what interests you, and they’ll find that unique.


  • Don’t cast a wide net. Statistically, applying to 20 super-selective colleges with a less than 10% admit rate does not boost your chances. Instead, focus on a handful where there's a clear fit. Spend more time perfecting each application and its supplemental essays to truly stand out. 


  • Don’t be afraid to talk about your background and experiences! In our post-affirmative action era, many students are fearful of writing about their race or ethnicity, thinking this will hurt their chances. It won’t! Colleges still value diversity and can consider it from an educational context.

 

  • Don’t bug your admissions counselor! These are real people with workloads, deadlines, and families. One or two email messages throughout the process are appropriate. Beyond that, you run the risk of annoying them!


Lastly, always balance your expectations and your college list. If you’ve read any of our blogs, you know that our philosophy at Beasley College Consulting is to encourage students to apply to a well-balanced list of colleges with regard to the likelihood of admission. In our experience, a well-balanced list results in more options, and students feel more satisfied with their application process. 


Interested in reading more about selective college admissions? Check out our blogs here and here for more!

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