Academic Qualifications

Q1. What grades or percentages do Ivy League universities expect from Indian students?

Ans. Ivy League universities don’t specify a minimum percentage or GPA — the US education system reviews applications holistically.
However, the number of students applying from India is huge; therefore, we have seen in the past that successful Indian applicants almost always have exceptional academic records.

• For CBSE/ICSE students:
  You should aim for at least 95% or above overall in high school, which is from 9th grade to 12th grade, and particularly in your board exams.
  
  
• For IB students:
  A predicted or final score of 40–45 points (out of 45) is considered competitive.
  
  
• Harvard, Yale, and Princeton often admit with 42+ points, including full marks (7) in higher-level subjects.
  
  
• For IGCSE / A-Levels:
  Aim for all A or A* grades. Most admitted students have 3–4 A's in A-Levels*, especially in core subjects.
  
  
• For State Board students:
• Since grade inflation varies, a percentage of above 95% in your state board is typically expected for serious consideration. Most of the time it is a better idea to shift to CBSE/ICSC/IB/Cambridge.

Even with perfect grades, getting into the Ivy League is not guaranteed. Academic excellence is just the first filter.

Q2. Are CBSE or ICSE marks considered equivalent to the US education system GPA scores?

Ans. No, US universities, including Ivy Leagues, don’t convert Indian percentages into a fixed GPA. Instead, the admission officers understand the education system of different countries; therefore, they evaluate your marks in context, comparing you to others from the same board and school. 

Q3. Should my child switch to IB or IGCSE for better chances?

Ans. U.S. universities, including Ivy Leagues, don’t favor one board over another — CBSE, ICSE, IB, and IGCSE are all accepted. What is important is how well the student performs and whether they’ve taken challenging subjects.

That said:

• IB/IGCSE can help slightly because they’re internationally recognized and emphasize critical thinking, research, and essays, which align well with U.S. college expectations. This, in turn, might help some students in their college coursework after 12th grade.
  
  
• But a top student in CBSE/ICSE (95–99%) with strong extracurriculars and essays is competitive. Another thing the students of CBSE/ICSC can do is to take APs of challenging subjects or the subjects they might want to pursue their majors in the future. This way, they can show academic rigor in their profile.

Switch only if your child wants and can handle the IB workload and your school offers strong support — not just for “better chances.” And also, if the finances are available, not just because of the peer pressure and the school's push.

Q4. What are the ideal SAT or ACT scores for Ivy League admissions?

Ans. U.S. universities, including Ivy League admissions, aim for top scores— these schools are extremely selective.

Ideal SAT Score: 1600 out of 1600. But getting between 1500-1570 is a good score to go for.
Ideal ACT Score: 36 out of 36. But getting between 34-36 is a good score to go for.

• Scores below 1450 (SAT) or 32 (ACT) are considered low for Ivy League admits. Better to take a retest or apply beyond Ivies.
  
  
• Even though some universities are test-optional, strong scores significantly strengthen an Indian applicant’s profile, since they help standardize performance across countries. Test-optional means that if you submit, they will consider your score, and test-blind means that they will not consider irrespective of whether you submit or not, your admission decision is not impacted.

In total, SAT 1550+ or ACT 35+ puts your child in the competitive range for Ivy League consideration.

Q5. Is SAT still mandatory for the Ivy League after test-optional policies?

Ans. No, most Ivy League schools are no longer test-optional; only Columbia University remains permanently test-optional. By the 2025-2026 admissions cycle, schools like Dartmouth, Harvard, and Yale are reinstating mandatory SAT or ACT requirements, and other Ivies are expected to follow suit or may adopt flexible policies, accepting SAT or ACT scores. 

Important: It is always a good idea to go check on the official sites of the colleges to check the requirements and policies related to tests. Please don’t check blogs or ChatGPT. These policies have been changing constantly.

Q6. Should my child take AP (Advanced Placement) exams?

Ans. Not mandatory — but highly beneficial if manageable.

AP (Advanced Placement) exams show that a student can handle college-level coursework, which is very valuable for the Ivy League.

• Your school offers them, or you can register independently on the College Board.
  
  
• AP exams are scored out of 5 (the top grades). Try getting grades 4 or 5 in AP exams.
  
  
• Align with the intended majors you want to pursue in the future (e.g., AP Calculus, Physics, Economics, Psychology, etc.).

Important: Please skip if they add unnecessary stress or overlap with tough board exams. Getting excellent grades in high school classes is hygiene, as AP comes after it.

In total, APs are optional but impressive, especially for Indian students who want to demonstrate academic rigor beyond their school curriculum.

Q7. Do Indian board toppers have a better chance of admission?

Ans. Not exactly— but it definitely helps. Being a board topper or school topper signals strong academic excellence, which top universities value. However, admissions are holistic, so grades alone aren’t enough.

Topping your board helps your profile significantly— but it’s only one part of the overall story.

Q8. How much do universities care about 9th and 10th-grade marks?

Ans. Universities do consider 9th- and 10th-grade marks, but they don’t weigh them as heavily as 11th- and 12th-grade marks.

But, 9th & 10th grades show academic consistency and foundation — they help admissions officers see long-term performance. At the same time, 11th scores & 12th predicted scores matter the most.

Basically, strong early grades help build credibility. A dip in 9th or 10th isn’t fatal — as long as 11th and 12th show clear improvement.

Q9. Can strong academic performance compensate for weaker extracurriculars?

Ans. Only partly — but not completely. Strong academics (like 95%+ and high SAT/ACT scores, APs) can get your child noticed, but Ivy League universities look for well-rounded or “spike” profiles — students who also show leadership, passion, or impact beyond the classroom. De

The student has exceptional grades or achievements (e.g., national topper, Olympiad medalist), which definitely help you and will get you admission in the top 30 universities. But will it get you into the Ivy League? - Can’t promise.

The extracurriculars, while few, show real depth or initiative. They are looking for genuine involvement, creativity, or leadership. They are not looking for a list of activities; they are looking for a few that you have pursued for years and have developed some level of expertise through consistency.

Extracurriculars & Profile Building

Q10. What type of extracurricular activities do Ivy League schools value most?

Ans. There is no list of activities that guarantees you admission to the top 30 universities, including Ivies. What they value is very basic - depth, consistency, impact, and authenticity in co and extracurricular activities. So, concentrating on 4-5 activities that are unique and interesting to you is great for profile building.

Q11. Is it better to focus deeply on one passion (like robotics or art) or do many things?

Ans. Yes, it definitely makes sense to focus on 1-2 passions deeply, in which you go out and develop a high level of excellence. Rather than doing 10 things and not doing well or above average in any one of them

Q12. How important are sports, music, debate, or social work in admissions?

Ans. Again, all are important if you have an interest in any of them and can pursue them for years. Doing all of them for a short period of time does not make sense unless you are exploring these areas and figuring out 1-2 things to stick around. It is always important to identify your areas of interest, and you spend hours honing those skills.

Q13. Can participation in Olympiads, MUNs, or research projects make a difference?

Ans. Yes, it definitely makes sense to participate in Olympiads in the subjects you like and are good at, so the chances of clearing International Olympiads are high. MUNs are good as long as you are not wasting a lot of time and doing the good ones. Research projects make sense if you are doing research through primary data, not secondary data, or literature review, as it has less value because you can get it at a click using ChatGPT.

Q14. Do Ivy Leagues look at national-level achievements or community impact?

Ans. Yes, they do look at national-level achievements, so keep doing what you like and are good at. You will start from the district but stay in it, and might reach nationals, which is worthwhile. But it is not only the achievement they look at. So there are no guarantees that nationals mean Ivy League are for sure. Community Impact makes sense if it comes from within you; it starts from home, if you have taken care of your ailing grandparent, and if you mention it in your essay beautifully, I am sure that it also comes under community impact.

Q15. How should a student showcase leadership if they’re not a school captain?

Ans. One can showcase leadership by starting a club and then actively managing that club. Or one is already part of a club in which you are trying out new things with a team, and some amazing results are showing up under your leadership. You can be part of the managing team of a big event at your school. It is good if you can be a part of the leadership team in school, like a school or house captain, but that is not the end of everything. There are many other ways too. You just need to think outside the regular norms to showcase your leadership.

Q16. What kinds of summer programs or internships help build a strong profile?

Ans. Hard to get into summer programs are the best ones to apply for a strong profile. In India, internships are not taken seriously, and just getting a certificate is of no use. So do internships, where you work for a good 8 to 9 hours and learn something worthwhile to talk about in your essays.

Q17. How early should my child start working on their extracurricular profile?

Ans. There is no timeline; if your child likes football and playing since age 5, that also becomes a part of his extracurricular activity for his profile. There is no specific age, but we do say that class 9 is the grade when you should start thinking of activities you want to pursue, specifically for your profile building. Before grade 9, it should be natural and let the child continue to pursue their interest.

Timeline & Early Preparation

Q18. When should a student begin preparing for Ivy League admissions — Class 8, 9, or 10? 

Ans. It is always a good idea to start in class 9, not before. Let the kid be a kid before 9th grade, and let them explore the world in their own way. Please don’t take students to counsellors for profile building. They are in the process of self learning, which is very valuable.

Q19. Who is the best counsellor for US college admission in India?

Ans. The best counsellors for US college admission are the ones who themselves have studied in Ivies, extending to the top 30 colleges of the US. Ivy League mentors play a crucial role in guiding students through the highly competitive U.S. admissions process. Unlike regular counselors, Ivy League alumni mentors bring first-hand experience of what top universities actually value—academic rigor, intellectual curiosity, leadership depth, and authentic storytelling. They offer insider insight into campus culture, essay tone, and selection nuances that can’t be learned from generic admissions data. Having a mentor who has personally navigated the Ivy system helps students shape applications that reflect true fit, not formula. 

Beyond admissions, such mentors also help students build networks, identify research or internship pathways, and develop the mindset needed to thrive once admitted. In short, Ivy League mentors bridge the gap between ambition and strategy, offering personalized guidance grounded in real-world success.

Q20. When should they take the SAT, TOEFL, or IELTS?

Ans. They should take the SAT because most universities require SAT scores. And, TOEFL and IELTS are basic English tests.

Q21. What are the application deadlines for Ivy League universities?

Ans. You can apply to Ivy League universities through the Common App in EA/ED, whose deadline is on 1st November every year, and you can apply to universities by regular decision, and each university has different deadlines. So please check and make a list of universities and their deadlines you are looking to apply to.

Q22. How long does it take to gather documents, essays, and recommendation letters?

Ans. It is better to start with the application process preparation at the start of 12th grade, around June/ July. The US application process is tedious, and a lot of things have to be taken care of.

Q23. Should we hire a college admissions counselor, or can we do it ourselves?

Ans. Absolutely, you can do it by yourselves. It is always said that parents are the first mentors to their kids. The process is intensive but very logical, and you get all the information on official sites. Please visit all the official sites, and you will easily navigate through the process. Also, attend the sessions of admission officers of the university online to learn about the programs and the admission process. Nothing to worry, you would be fine.

Bonus Questions Families Often Ask

Q24. Do Ivy Leagues favor students from big international schools?

Ans. Not as such, but yes, in some manner, because many students have already applied in past years from big international schools; therefore, universities understand the school system. This might offer some benefit to the student compared to the school, where students have not applied to universities outside India. Otherwise, there is no preference given to the school or board.

Q25. How do I ensure my child stands out among thousands of Indian applicants?

Ans. There is no straight answer to it. There are 3 parameters for profile building, which you can follow, and that might help you in creating a unique profile for your child.

=>Academic Hygiene

This is the foundation of your application, focusing on consistent academic discipline. For undergrads, this means strong high school grades and credible board results in 10th and 12th; for grads, it means maintaining a solid CGPA, organized transcripts, and timely completion of your degree. 

=>Academic Excellence

This reflects the quality of your intellectual capability and rigor. U.S. universities want students who have challenged themselves and excelled. For undergrads, this could mean AP exams, top standardized test results (SAT/ACT, TOEFL/IELTS), and achievements like Olympiads, published research papers, or advanced coursework. For graduate applicants, excellence shows through high GPAs, GRE/GMAT scores, research output, academic projects, and faculty recommendations that validate your intellectual potential. 

=>Profile (Beyond Academics)

Your profile captures who you are outside the classroom—your leadership, passion, initiative, and impact. Admissions officers want unique students. This includes extra and co-curricular activities, community service, internships, entrepreneurship, creative pursuits, and personal and academic projects. For graduate students, it extends to internships, work experience, research collaborations, publications, and professional contributions. A strong profile tells your story—why you do what you do, what drives you, and how you will contribute to the university’s community.

Q26. What are realistic fallback options if my child doesn’t get into the Ivy League?

Ans. Getting into any top 30 US university will work; it is better to study in India, as there are a lot of good options too.

Costs, Scholarships, and Financial Aid

Q27. What is the total cost of studying at an Ivy League university (tuition + living)?

Ans. The total annual cost for an Ivy League education, including tuition and living expenses, is approximately $86,000 to over $93,000 for the 2024-2025 academic year, though the exact amount varies by university. Please visit the official website and make a costing Excel sheet of all the universities that you are looking to apply to. One should always focus on official data rather than blogs.

Q28. Do Indian students qualify for need-based financial aid?

Ans. Yes, absolutely, Indian students qualify for the need-based financial aid, and many times they receive aid. Many times, the offers are rolled out with some scholarships.

Q29. Which Ivy Leagues offer the most generous scholarships for international students?

Ans. When we talk about generosity, we can say that universities that are need-blind are the most generous way of giving scholarships. Need-blind means the decision to admit you is based only on your academic and personal merit, not on whether you can afford to pay. 

Amherst College, Brown University, Dartmouth College, Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Princeton University, and Yale University are need-blind universities in the USA that include international students. These universities admit students based on merit alone, without considering their ability to pay, and some also commit to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students. Other universities, such as Bowdoin College, have also adopted need-blind policies for international applicants. 

However, many other U.S. universities are only need-aware for international students — they do consider your ability to pay when making admission decisions.

Q30. Can a student work part-time while studying in the U.S.?

Ans. Yes, students can work part-time, but we don't recommend it unless it is needed, as they can do many other important activities in college that can help them long-term.