Academic Index
Do Extras Matter?
Extracurricular activities DO matter—but only when academics are strong. On the 1-9 academic scale, if you’re only a 1-4, that means that your academics are low enough that extracurriculars won’t make up for them, at least at very competitive schools. On the other hand, if you’re an academic 8-9, they won’t care as much about extras since the academic are so strong. It’s for the middle range of students that extracurriculars and leadership really matter. Just remember, academics are always 75% or more of the decision; once you’re in the range, THEN extras come into play. To say it another way, incredible extras won’t make up for mediocre performance in the classroom. [Read more]
Calculate your Academic Index
The Academic Index is a formula the Ivies use predominately for recruited athletes (not to be confused with applicants who happen to have played sports in high school; if you’re being recruited, you know who you are!). It combines SAT scores, SAT Subject Tests and a student’s class rank. Even for non-recruits, it can be a helpful guideline to show students how they stack up among Ivy applicants.
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Create an Activity Sheet summing up high school awards, activities, and achievements
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The teleseminar includes an in-depth, 90-minute training session on Thursday, September 25th, 7:30pm – 9:00pm (EDT) with Mimi & Michelle on how to give colleges more than they ask for and prepare applications that leverage your experience and strengths. Click here for more information.
Understanding the Academic Index
By: Michele Hernandez
During the four years I worked as an Assistant Director of Admissions at Dartmouth College, I was mystified as to why we were not allowed to speak about the “secret formula” when we printed it on the front of every application folder. Yet when parents asked us if we used a formula, we were instructed to say no. One of the reasons I decided to write A is for Admission was that in my opinion, there were MANY things that Ivy offices kept secret and admissions is NOT supposed to be the CIA. There is no reason why the admissions process shouldn’t be open and honest at every turn. Though the AI is mostly used for recruited athletes, it’s very useful for students to know how to compute their AI to get a rough idea of their admissions odds at top colleges. Though of course it’s not the only factor, academics make up 75% or so of the admissions decision the formula contains mostly academic measures that when combined with recommendations and school endorsements can give students a good idea of where they stand.
Ivy League Admissions Statistics
Our exclusive data on the Class of 2014 Ivy League Admissions statistics, now updated for Early Action and Early Admissions for the class entering 2010. See exactly how many students applied and how many were accepted to different schools.
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Academic Index Calculator
Since the 1950's, Ivy League schools have used the Academic Index, a ranking formula, to evaluate students. Find out how you rank according to the Academic Index.
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