Trying to crack the code of Ivy League admissions strategy can feel like an impossible task. With competition at an all-time high, plus the return of testing requirements, and admissions officers looking for something truly unique… It’s safe to say the old rules no longer apply.
So, what are the most successful applicants doing right now to stand out? It’s not just luck (or guesswork). They’re following a specific playbook. In this article, we’ll walk through five key pillars of a successful Ivy League strategy: strong testing, deep extracurriculars, passion projects, early applications, and authentic storytelling.
The current Ivy League admissions landscape
Here’s the first thing you need to know: the Ivy League environment has shifted. It’s only half over, and 2025 has already proven to be a year of seismic change.
Several schools, including Yale, Dartmouth, and Brown, have reinstated SAT/ACT testing requirements for the Class of 2029. Other top schools like Harvard soon followed suit, noting that standardized tests give admissions officers a clearer way to compare students across diverse backgrounds. For students, this means that while “test-optional” remains in some corners, the safest path is once again to submit a strong score.
At the same time, application volume remains sky-high. According to the Common App, applications increased again in the 2024–25 cycle, with growth among first-generation students and more applicants reporting test scores. In other words, more students are competing, and more are doing so with numbers on the board.
Looking for a quick visual summary? This video provides a good review of 2025 so far:
What does it all mean for you? It means that competition hasn’t slowed, but the criteria have sharpened. Admissions officers are under pressure to spot real difference-makers in a sea of talented students. That’s why top Ivy League applicants are responding with focus: they’re not doing everything. They’re doing the right things, in the right ways, and documenting it clearly.
What top Ivy League applicants are doing now
Here’s what you can focus on to prepare like a future Ivy League student. In this post, Empowerly counselor Jermaine gives you a rundown of the five main building blocks of the fall semester.
Let’s take a closer look!
1. Prioritizing test prep (and smart timing)
First, let’s talk about testing. Top Ivy League applicants aren’t leaving test scores to chance.
For reference, a 1500+ SAT (out of 1600) or a 34+ ACT (out of 36) is typically considered competitive for Ivy League schools. Even with some schools still test-optional, a strong score can tilt an application from “maybe” to “admit.” This is especially true for applicants from less resourced schools or applicants with GPA concerns.
That’s why high-achieving students are:
- Retaking the SAT or ACT if their current score doesn’t align with Ivy League benchmarks.
- Scheduling tests early (spring of junior year or early senior fall) so they have time to improve.
- Using official practice tests and diagnostic reports to pinpoint weaknesses.
The lesson? If you’re aiming for Ivies, test prep isn’t optional anymore. It’s part of the strategy.
For more context on how score ranges align with Ivy outcomes, see Empowerly’s analysis of Ivy League acceptance rates and what it takes to get in.
2. Going deep into extracurricular activities
Here’s a truth admissions officers repeat often: involvement isn’t enough. Depth matters more than breadth.
Top Ivy League students don’t sign up for ten clubs and hope one will stand out. Instead, they focus on two to three meaningful activities and aim for leadership. Think:
- Serving as club president and growing membership.
- Launching a successful school-wide initiative.
- Leading a team to state or national recognition.
For example, a student interested in studying environmental science might start a composting program at their school, lead a regional youth climate summit, and conduct independent research on local pollution levels.
Empowerly has produced a helpful ebook about how to choose and elevate your extracurricular activities in high school. Get your free copy of Empowerly’s Guide to Extracurriculars for further reading here.
When in doubt, ask yourself: what can you do this year to deepen your involvement in your top activities?
3. Passion projects and community impact
Another pattern? Top applicants are channeling their interests into personal or community-based projects that admissions officers can verify.
This might look like:
- Running a neighborhood recycling drive that cuts waste.
- Starting a tutoring program for local middle schoolers.
- Building a creative venture — like publishing poetry, coding an app, or organizing an art exhibit.
Why does this matter? Because admissions officers can tell the difference between projects born of genuine passion and those engineered for résumés. Fake startups or parental-driven “global” projects raise red flags. Local, age-appropriate impact is far more compelling.
Think small and authentic. Then build from there.
4. Applying early for a strategic edge
Here’s a secret that isn’t really a secret: Early Decision and Early Action can significantly improve your odds.
According to acceptance rate data, Ivy League schools often admit a higher percentage of students during their early rounds compared to regular decisions. While the pool is still competitive, applying early shows commitment and helps admissions offices shape their class sooner.
Here’s how early applications can impact your chances at these top schools, according to the numbers:
| College Name | Overall Acceptance Rate | ED Acceptance Rate | EA Acceptance Rate | ED Advantage | EA Advantage |
| Harvard University | 3.65% | 8.69% | – | 2.38 | |
| Columbia University | 3.86% | 13.23% | 3.43 | – | |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 4.85% | 4.72% | – | 0.97 | |
| Brown University | 5.39% | 14.37% | 2.66 | – | |
| University of Pennsylvania | 5.40% | 14.22% | 2.63 | – | |
| Dartmouth College | 5.40% | 19.18% | 3.55 | – | |
| Duke University | 5.71% | 17.33% | 3.04 | – | |
| Vanderbilt University | 5.86% | 15.38% | 2.62 | – |
But there’s a catch. Early Decision is binding, so it’s only smart if the school is your true first choice and the financial aid package is workable. Early Action, on the other hand, lets you apply early without giving up flexibility.
Top students are strategic here: they weigh their academic profile, financial situation, and school fit before making the early call.
5. Authenticity as the golden rule
This may be the most important theme: authenticity.
Admissions officers can spot an inauthentic application instantly. They’ve seen the same “manufactured” stories too many times. What wins them over are applications that sound real, reflect consistent passions, and show growth.
Top Ivy League applicants know this. They avoid:
- Exaggerated achievements.
- Over-polished essays that read like adult résumés.
- Projects that look impressive on paper but lack evidence of genuine engagement.
Instead, they highlight:
- Honest, age-appropriate accomplishments.
- Sustained involvement across high school years.
- Reflections that show humility and insight.
Your application is a narrative. Make sure it sounds like you.
Putting it all together: a cohesive strategy
When you look at these elements together — testing, extracurricular depth, personal projects, early applications, and authenticity — you see the outline of a real Ivy League admissions strategy.
It’s not about perfection. It’s about aligning your efforts so every part of your application tells the same story.
Here’s a sample timeline top students are following:
- Junior year fall: Begin standardized test prep; deepen club involvement.
- Junior year spring: Launch or expand a passion project; pursue summer research or enrichment programs.
- Summer before senior year: Draft essays; line up recommenders; finalize college list.
- Senior year fall: Retake tests if needed; apply Early Decision or Early Action; polish essays and supplements.
Notice how each phase builds on the last. That’s strategy at work.
Final thoughts: building your Ivy League admissions strategy
The Ivy League has always been competitive; but now, the playbook has evolved. Top students aren’t trying to check every box. They’re doubling down on what they love, documenting real impact, and presenting a polished but authentic story. If you’re aiming for an Ivy, take these lessons seriously. Testing, depth, projects, timing, and authenticity aren’t optional; they’re essential.
And the best part? You don’t need to be a perfect applicant. You just need to be a consistent one.
Final pass
If you’re ready to apply, follow this checklist for a final check and ask yourself:
- Do my test scores reflect Ivy League readiness?
- Have I shown leadership and depth in at least 1-2 areas of my application?
- Do I talk about a project that I’ve started (or want to start) that connects to my values?
- Is my application telling a story that feels like me?
Worried about time?
Here’s the truth: the window to refine your Ivy League admissions strategy is closing fast. Early deadlines are only weeks away, and regular deadlines aren’t far behind.
That’s why Empowerly’s team of counselors is here. We’ve helped students launch passion projects, polish essays, and position themselves for Ivy-level admissions success. Don’t wait until the last minute. Book your free consultation with Empowerly today and take control of your Ivy League admissions strategy before time runs out.
