Another tool for distinguishing your child from the many other students is through teacher recommendations, usually a required portion of the application. A child can tout himself or herself very well, but a teacher can often offer a more objective take. So here is the greatest tip regarding teacher recommendations: encourage your child to build personal relationships with teachers! Teachers like to know what they are giving to their students actually means something. Prompt your child to show zeal toward their teachers, to discuss things with them, to get to know the teacher as a person, not as a detached vial of knowledge. If a teacher likes your child, the teacher is much more likely to write a persuading recommendation for your child.
Early Decision?
Ivy League universities offer an option for students called Early Decision or Early Action. Basically if a student decides to apply Early Decision, he or she must submit an application several months earlier than the normal applicant. Often another stipulation is that if a student is admitted he or she must attend that university (this fact only hold for Early Decision not Early Action). The upside to Early Decision is that the percentage of admittance is higher for those who apply early. Applying early shows a school that a student sincerely wants to attend. The downside is that often competition is much higher. Still, the option is worth considering for your child if he or she really wants to go to a specific school.
Admission to an Ivy League school is very difficult, but extremely rewarding for both child and parent. If you start early with your child and always encourage them to become the best they can, the above tips can help you and your child achieve a dream that few are able to realize.