The Ivy League is well-known for its elite levels of academics and for its very competitive athletic programs. The Ivy League provides a unique student-athlete opportunity for people thinking of playing there; however, there will likely be challenges that will arise, as well as stakeholders that will require you to either juggle or negotiate athletic and academic responsibilities. One challenge to consider on this journey is meeting whatever ACT or SAT scores are required to meet the Ivy League schools’ athletic requirements, along with their academic standards.
The Ivy League Athletic Recruiting Process
Ivy League athletic recruiting is similar to other NCAA conferences for the most part, but there is one main difference. Although the Ivy League schools are classified as NCAA Division I athletic programs, the schools use a very holistic approach to recruiting. All of this is not to say that athletics are not important; they most certainly are, but there are other components in the admissions process that go into an admissions decision regarding an athlete. The goal is to consider academics, athletics, and character.
Ivy League Academic Qualifications for Athletes
Ivy League colleges are proud of their high academic standards. The admission process reflects this pride in their historical pedigree of excellence. To be recruited, you need to meet these significant academic standards.
- High School GPA: A competitive GPA is considered to be between 3.5-4.0 on a 4.0 GPA scale. The actual GPA will likely vary slightly between schools, but strong academics are critical for admission, and more importantly, you, as an athlete, must have strong academics in your core subjects: English, math, science, and history.
- ACT/SAT Scores: Current Ivy League institutions (via the Ivy League online) preach that they “need either an ACT or SAT for admission” for athletes. The required test scores for admission might be slightly different than those for the general student population, given the considerable recruiting coaches could have with admission depending on the athlete’s academic profile. While some recruited athletes would be fortunate to gain admission with slightly lower scores than traditional Ivy applicants, the general admissions standards would be the same for all applicants.
ACT/SAT Score Benchmarks
Each Ivy League institution has a specific policy for ACT/SAT requirements, and each coach may approach recruiting with a slightly different angle. Therefore, the following is a broad general guideline as you consider..
- An Average Standard for ACT/SAT Requirements: Generally, Ivy League schools expect to see ACT scores of 30-34 or SAT scores of 1450-1570. These scores fall in line mostly with what is required of any non-athletic applicant.
- Athletic Consideration: Academic scores are still very important and probably the most important, which, in athletics, may pair with an amount of leeway. For example, in some instances and based on athletic ability and future contributions to the team, a young athlete could be extended an offer from an Ivy League institution based on scores lower than average for that institution. However, athletes are still expected to meet academic performance level requirements.
- Test-Optional Policies: Test-optional policies may persist at many Ivy League schools as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, many schools have reinstated a requirement for athletes to apply to schools with entering standardized test scores, with possible variances between schools and players. Therefore, while test-optional policies do add players’ flexibility, ACT/SAT scores are still an important factor to leverage during the recruiting process.
The Role of Coaches in the Admissions Process
Coaches at Ivy League schools play a significant role in recruiting athletes, but they can only influence the admissions process to a certain extent. Ivy League schools do not offer athletic scholarships, and as such, the recruiting process for athletes is more about providing a “tip” during the admission process than guaranteeing a spot.
Once an athlete is recruited, the coach can offer support in the admissions process. This means that while Ivy League admissions offices remain competitive, athletes may have some leeway when it comes to standardized testing and other academic requirements. Coaches often advocate for their athletes and help them navigate the sometimes complex academic admissions requirements.
The Role of Coaches in the Admissions Process
While coaches at the Ivy League level are heavily involved in the recruiting process, there are limitations to their influence on the admissions process. Ivy League universities do not grant athletic scholarships; therefore, the recruiting process for athletes is relatively more like a “tip” to the admissions process than to guarantee a spot.
After a possible recruit is signed, the coach can provide support in the admissions process. In other words, Ivy League admissions offices may remain competitive; however, athletes may have more leeway in terms of standardized tests and academics. Coaches typically lobby for their student-athletes and help them maneuver the sometimes convoluted academic admissions requirements.
Athletics versus Academics
Athletes who are interested in the Ivy League should take note that being recruited does not reduce the academic expectations of that student for any given season. Balancing athletics with the demands of an Ivy League education is probably the biggest challenge. Not only do athletes have to fulfill their academic responsibilities during the season, but they also have to do so successfully enough to keep up academically with their peers. Not doing so may jeopardize their status on the team or, in some cases, remove them from the program altogether.
- Management: Successful Ivy League athletes are typified by their time management skills. The demands of a demanding academic course load, daily practice, team functions, and competitions will create serious time management issues, so the expectation is that athletes need to have the ability to be organized and disciplined. Many athletes engage in study halls, have tutors, or take part in academic support programs to help manage their academics.
- Academic Support: Ivy League schools have some of the best academic support systems in place for their student-athletes, such as tutoring, time management workshops, and academic advising. These resources can help student-athletes deal with the demands of sport while also taking on their academics.
- Mental Health: Conducting a healthy relationship between sport and education is not just about managing time, but also about managing stress and mental health. Many Ivy League schools are putting a greater emphasis on supporting athletes’ mental health, offering them the support they need to give their best performance.
Conclusion
To manage the balance of sport and scores, it takes commitment, effort, and skill; however, being an athlete in the Ivy League allows for flexibility in the process of admissions, and the Ivy League admission allows flexibility regarding standardized tests; however, it does not take away the academic expectations of these institutions. The road to becoming an Ivy athlete is through the “drama,” but it is also an enjoyable challenge that allows you to perform at the highest level of academic and athletic competition while receiving a world-class education.
To those considering being an athlete in the Ivy League, it is always important to get started. The most basic advice is to endeavour to do well in the classroom, do well as an athlete, and seek out people to assist you and to ask them who they know! When the time comes to prepare for the college admissions process, The Princeton Review has a lot of information available to help you prep, so be prepared and utilize the time sincerely. If you are prepared and dedicated to do well, and you balance sport and academics, you could be at some of the world’s most prestigious athletic and academic leagues.
How The Princeton Review Can Help You Succeed in Ivy League Recruiting
Attempting to navigate Ivy League recruiting with the balance of academics, athletics, and standardized testing can be a challenging experience for any student-athlete. Fortunately, there are resources available, such as The Princeton Review, that provide much-needed support in tackling the inevitable challenges along the way. The Princeton Review is available to assist you, whether you’re a high school athlete trying to land that Ivy League spot or studying for the ACT/SATs, in meeting your academic and athletic goals.
- Test Preparation for the ACT/SAT
The ACT and SAT are critical components of the Ivy League admission process and, for the athlete, could be the difference maker for getting a spot. The Princeton Review provides a wide array of test prep services that can be customized to meet your needs, including:
- Customized Tutoring: One-on-one tutoring can help you focus on your weaknesses, whether that is math, reading, or time management skills. This can be particularly important for student athletes who may have a crazy practice or competition schedule.
- Practice Tests: Taking practice tests under time pressure is essential for getting comfortable with the mechanics and rigor of standardized tests. The Princeton Review offers official practice tests for both the ACT and SAT, which at least gives you an idea of the test-taking experience prior to the actual test day.
- Score Improvement Plans: With individualized plans and content review, The Princeton Review offers a means of increasing your scores contemporaneously. The Princeton Review’s reporting and feedback will allow you to see your progress and help get you to a competitive score, without infringing on your schedule.
- Time Management and Educational Coaching
For student athletes at the high school level, finding balance between athletics and the academic rigor of high school can be difficult, particularly when trying to balance standardized test preparation. The Princeton Review has the opportunity to provide academic coaching so you can keep up with your coursework or sport practice schedules. We will walk you through the process of prioritizing and managing your time through the following:
- Study Schedules
The Princeton Review will help you create a realistic study schedule for the academic part of your life while accounting for athletic commitments. Effective time management will allow you to successfully enforce deadlines concerning school tests, applications, and schoolwork while managing planned practice times for your sport.
- Focused Study Plans
From learning how to focus on the highest content areas to breaking long term study goals up into productive objectives, the Princeton Review finds ways to help student-athletes stay organized and prepared.
- Sports-Specific Admissions Counseling
Entering the Ivy League as an athlete is a different experience than applying as a student alone. While students have to meet rigorous academic standards, coaches will have expectations and limited support from the administrative side. The Princeton Review provides admissions counseling for athletes:
- Athletic Recruiting Guidance: The Princeton Review’s college admission counseling experts include ex admission officers at Ivy league Universities, who can help you get through the Ivy League recruiting process. The Princeton Review helps athletes compose recruitment letters, educate themselves on the recruiting timeline, and better understand how to get noticed by Ivy League coaches. We also help athletes understand how to blend athletic talent into the academic standards of admission.
- Holistic Admissions Advice: The Princeton Review has noted that Ivy League admissions is holistic. We help student athletes build an application that conveys their athletic abilities, along with an outline of their academic resume, extracurricular activities, and character.
- Test-Optional Written Guidance for Ivy League Schools
In recent years many Ivy League schools adopted test-optional policies, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. This potentially helps you because the policies create more flexibility, but it also means that you face a more highly competitive admissions process. The Princeton Review can help you make an informed decision on whether your standardized test scores will enhance your application and whether you should focus your efforts more on your athletic performance and other strengths instead. Our experts will provide you with a guide based on the evolution of these changing policies and will help you identify the best option for your unique circumstances.
- College Application and Admission Support
Along with guidance for recruiting and test prep services, The Princeton Review now offers application support designed to help you through the college admission process including:
- Personal Statement and Essay Support: Having a personal statement or application essay that ‘pops’ can be crucial when wanting to gain admissions to Ivy League schools. The Princeton Review’s experienced team will help share a story to represent you in the best way highlighting your athletic dedication, academic success, and current potential student-athlete at an Ivy League school.
- Interview Preparation: Getting ready for an admissions or recruiting interview is a key step in the process. The Princeton Review offers mock interview sessions to practice how to clearly articulate your athletic journey, academic ambitions, and many interests as a high school senior to feel confident and persuasive.
Benefits for Student-Athletes
The Princeton Review’s holistic process has its benefits for a student-athlete:
1. The Relationship Between Sports & Academics: Ivy League athletics is tough mentally and physically. You have the rigorous demands of being an athlete, which also means being a student, perhaps even in one of the toughest academic environments in the world. The Princeton Review will help you balance both, so that neither one’s integrity nor performance is compromised.
2. Psychological Wellbeing: Navigating the admissions process as a prospective student-athlete can be intense, stressful & downright arduous, given the time commitments. The Princeton Review’s counselors and coaches will help you manage the stress load and remind you of your identity as a person first and an athlete and student second. You’ll hopefully approach a period of tremendous pressure in your recruiting and application process with a strong, positive frame of mind.
3. Services Designed for You: Your time as an athlete is precious and limited. Whether you are preparing for standardized tests or you are primarily interested in applying to Ivy League institutions, The Princeton Review provides services to meet your needs and requirements as a busy athlete, so you can maximize your time and still achieve your goals.
Final thoughts:
While Ivy League recruiting can present a unique test for student-athletes with the added pressures of standardized testing, The Princeton Review is a great solution to meet those challenges. From customized Act test prep and admissions counseling to time management and academic support coaching, The Princeton Review provides the support you need to excel and maximize your potential both through sport and in your academic career. With Princeton Review’s support, you can confidently navigate your Ivy League admission journey, and maximize your full potential in both sport and school.