Hello, I'm a freshman in high school and my goal at the end of high school is to be able to get into an Ivy League school like Columbia or Princeton. I know it's a big goal but hopefully with hard work, dedication, and the right mindset I can do it. Does anyone have any tips on how I can achieve that? What would be a good place to start, since I'm in my first year of high school? What grades should I try to aim for this year?

All school have different "preferences" for applying individuals- but with ivy league schools there aren't "preferences" there are "musts".

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GPA:

Ivy league schools, like Columbia or Princeton, require you to atleast a GPA of 3.9. This means that you should aim for straight A's every school year. But, usually the first year of highschool isn't treated as such as high importance as the other years of highschool, but this doesn't mean that the grades doesn't matter.

Classes:

Ivy league schools require you to be in the top classes, so it's important to try to always take the more difficult classes and AP classes. Ivy league schools want you to stand out, so it's important to be in the top of your classes.

SAT & ACT:

The SAT & ACT are extremely important. If your GPA falls behind a little bit, to a 3.6-3.8, either one of these can save you. You only have to do either the SAT or the ACT, not both. The SAT score you should aim for is: 1510 (But if your GPA is down a little bit, you should aim for 1560). The ACT score you should aim for is: 33-35.

Extra:

Like I said before, Ivy league schools want you to stand out. It's important to make yourself stand out and show that you are determined. Clubs, community organizations, internships, jobs while in highschool, and awards are a great way to do this. Grades and your academics are extremely important, but Ivy league schools want character.

TIPS:

What would be a good place to start, since I'm in my first year of high school?

I suggest start researching a potential school you want to achieve. Understand the acceptance rates, and if you have the availability, take a student tour! Of course, with everything, in person tours are canceled, but you could do a virtual one online. It would also be good to start on maybe clubs or community projects.

What grades should I try to aim for this year?

I suggest aiming for straight A's, but like I said before: The first year isn't treated with as importance as the other years. A GPA of at least 3.7 would be a great starting goal.