We have a new service we are offering. Guaranteed admission to the Ivy League college of your choice. All we require from you is a perfect SAT score (perfect ACT if necessary), three perfect SAT achievement test scores, perfect grades in high school, at least 10 AP courses with all exam scores of 5. In addition you must be an Intel science fair winner, live in Wyoming, and have parents that are alumni of the chosen college and have contributed at least $10 million dollars to the college in the past 2 years.
This offer will only be available to the first 20 students who pay $50,000 each for the privilege of having us provide this guarantee. (MIT and CalTech guarantees available for an additional $10,000)
Contact us now. This offer won’t last long and when it’s gone, it’s gone.
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Please tell me you know that I am being sarcastic. Do you need me, or anyone else, to get into an Ivy League college with those credentials. No. If you don’t have that background, and simply have perfect grades and test scores, are you guaranteed admission. No.
So, what set off this rant? I just came across yet another website telling students they are selling the secret to getting into the Ivy League (or any other highly selective college). The thing is, there is no secret. Yes, you need good grades and test scores. Yes, you need something else such as interesting extracurricular activities.
What does that mean? I can’t tell you because it will vary from year to year. You are a fabulous juggler. But if the college admitted a fabulous juggler last year, that may not help you get admitted this year.
College admissions counselors can help you find the most appropriate colleges for your needs. We can help you communicate your strengths to those colleges. We can help you understand the different factors that colleges consider in admitting students. We can help you in many different ways.
But, when someone tells you that every student they help gets admitted to Harvard or talk about the tricks you need to know to gain admission, run away. Fast. That person is not concerned about making sure you get into the best college. They are only trying to trick you out of money.
This is a little embarassing, but…I fatally thought you were serious…and you SCARED the effing hell out of me. However, if you had first told me that there was no guarantee of getting into an Ivy League University, I would have been bummed. The way you phrased it, though, made me respectively incredulous, sheepish, and then rolling-on-the-ground LOL (plus teased for my naivete by my friends). Nice. :)I’m sure you’re a great, honest college admission counselor.
Emily,
Glad you liked the post after figuring out I wasn’t serious. The topic however, is serious when some people make outlandish claims. There are great colleges all over this country including, but by no means limited to, the Ivy’s. Don’t just focus on some schools because they have been around for a long time. Look at what is best for you and your educational needs.