Entrance into Ivy League?

Question

Is it true that universities (in particular, the Ivy League universities) regard character as a more important quality than your results?
That is, what do they look at first and foremost - your results or your character?
And if your results are as good as, say, full marks for your SATs, would they still attribute so much importance to other qualities like leadership qualities and CCA?

Answer 1

Ivy League schools (and other top-tier schools like Seven Sisters schools) definitely look for that "something special" in an applicant. That "something special" can be demonstrated strength of character, uniqueness of economic, social or cultural background, uniqueness of experiences or interests, distinctly notable talent in the arts or the sciences, or depth of dedication to an issue or a cause.

Here's an example. A student I once knew had outstanding SATs, top class ranking, and superb letters of recommendation. Big deal -- that's expected of applicants to top-tier schools. Was he unique? Well, he was a very smart white male of middle-class origin, but with no really remarkable talents or outstanding commitments, or anything like that.

He did run track in high school, but he was not an outstanding athlete by any stretch of the imagination. He lost every race he ran, sometimes even tripping and falling -- but he stayed on the team, never missing a practice or a race. He knew he'd never be great, but he wanted to improve, so he worked. Hard. He improved somewhat, but he did not really become a better athlete. However, he did become a better person. He learned how to lose with grace. He learned tenacity. He learned how to weather ridicule. He also learned about the beauties of running - the camaraderie, the opportunities to meet all sorts of people very different from himself, the solitary feeling you get when it's just you and the track before you, the wind whistling past your ears. And he learned how to rejoice in the victories of others.

When he applied to these top-tier colleges, he wrote an extremely literate and moving application essay about the many lessons he learned while running track.

He got into every school to which he applied. Ivies and all.

I hope this answers your question.

Answer 2

i believe both are equally important. but at the end of the day, results play a more important roles compared to other. but again, if your results is slightly below their standard, CCA, leadership qualities and etc will give you a push and get into these schools.

Answer 3

yes, I think both are important..i know guyz who had top scores but couldn't get in as they lack creativity...scores are important but what's the use of getting top scores if u won't be able execute it!!