Do not settle for less
It is this time of the year when many individuals are exploring the possibility of enrolling in a college or University. I encourage you to aim for the best colleges and do not restrict your college choices.
With that said, I want to take this opportunity to congratulate the Turks and Caicos Islands Government on the revised national educational foundation policy. One of the things that caught my attention was the criteria for Ivy League Schools. I think that this is a great initiative to encourage students to apply to Ivy League Schools and I do hope that individuals embrace this opportunity as I always wonder why I do not see any scholarship awards to the Ivy League Schools in the USA.
Of course, the Ivy League Schools are very competitive and hard to get an acceptance offer but I believe that there are some students in the Turks and Caicos who can get accepted in these schools but you never know unless you try.
Do well on your SAT or A-Levels
If you want to get in some of the best schools in the USA, prepare and study hard for the SAT. I think the key for a great performance on the SAT is practice, practice, practice. If you want to get in some of the best schools in the UK, do well on your A-Levels. Once you do well in these exams, apply to the Ivy League Schools. Graduating from an Ivy League Schools will set you apart from others so try it. Of course, it does not mean you are better than others but you do have a competitive advantage.
However, if you are not able to get into an Ivy League School, it is not the end of the world. There are thousands of colleges and universities throughout the world that are not considered Ivy League but are very good schools.
Keep Trying
If you were unsuccessful in securing a spot at an Ivy League school immediately after high school, that is ok, continue to try. In the meantime, pursue your Associate Degree or bachelor’s degree at an accredited institution. Afterwards, pursue your master’s or PhD at an Ivy League School. I know many individuals who were accepted into an Ivy League school after their first degree from another institution.
Extracurricular activities
While your GPA plays an integral part in being selected in an Ivy League School, your extracurricular activities also count. Therefore, try to find a balance and get involve in Sports and other school clubs. Volunteer also in the community as there are a number of non-profit organizations that require volunteers.
Conclusion
I know this article is more geared towards Ivy League Schools, but I do hope you are not discouraged if you were not accepted into an Ivy League School. The important thing is that you got an accepted into an accredited institution which is the start of a life journey experience for some of you. Notice I say some as there are some individuals who will not go to college but yet experience a successful journey. However, for those of you who decide to go to college, aim for the best.