When Should You Really Start Prepping Your Kid for the Ivy League?

So, here’s the thing: Getting into an Ivy League school is no walk in the park. I’ve been on both sides of the fence—first as a student and later as an admissions officer at one of those “ivy-plus” schools. It’s tough, no doubt about it. But if you’re thinking about when to start getting your child ready, well, the answer might surprise you. Spoiler: it’s sooner than you think.

The Early Days: Lay That Groundwork

Honestly, it all begins much earlier than high school. I’m talking elementary school. Yep, really. This might sound extreme, but bear with me. When I was reviewing applications, I could often spot the kids who had a strong academic foundation from a mile away. They weren’t just good at math or English; they had a curiosity that had clearly been nurtured for years. If you can, encourage your child to love learning from the get-go. Let them explore the world, ask questions, and read a ton of books.

And it’s not all about academics. Early on, let them try different activities—sports, music, art, whatever interests them. I remember one applicant who caught my eye because she’d stuck with ballet since she was six. By the time she applied, she was leading roles and teaching younger kids. That kind of passion? It’s golden.

Middle School: Time to Explore

Middle school is where things start getting a bit more interesting. This is the time when kids can start to figure out what they’re truly interested in. My advice? Let them explore without too much pressure. This isn’t the time to make them focus on just one thing, but to try different subjects and activities.

Back in the day, I remember meeting a family who were stressed out because their son wasn’t “settling” into one particular sport or hobby. They were worried he wouldn’t have a “spike” (that one standout interest) by the time he applied. I told them what I’m telling you: Middle school is the time to experiment. Let them join the debate team, try out for soccer, or learn to code. They’ll figure out what they like and what they’re good at in their own time.

High School: Getting Serious

By the time high school rolls around, it’s time to start thinking strategically. Course selection matters—A lot. If your child’s school offers honors or AP classes, they should take them. Not just because they look good on applications, but because they prepare students for the kind of work they’ll do in college.

Extracurriculars matter, too, but here’s the catch: It’s better to go deep rather than wide. Instead of joining ten clubs, your child should focus on a few that they genuinely care about. Admissions committees (including the one I was on) look for commitment and leadership. If your child can show that they’ve been involved in something for years and have taken on a leadership role, that’s impressive.

Also, consider working with an ivy league admissions consultant during these years. A good consultant can help you navigate the often confusing landscape of college admissions and give your child the best shot at success. They won’t do the work for you, but they’ll guide you on what matters most.

Junior Year: Crunch Time

Junior year is often referred to as the most important year in high school, and for good reason. This is when most students take the SAT or ACT, and those scores can be a make-or-break factor in the admissions process. But don’t let the pressure get to you or your child.

It’s also the year when grades count the most. Colleges will scrutinize junior year transcripts, so keeping those grades up is crucial. But equally important is continuing to build that narrative. Remember that ballet dancer I mentioned earlier? By her junior year, she was organizing performances and even choreographing a piece. That’s the kind of thing that makes an application stand out.

Senior Year: Stay the Course

Finally, senior year. Some students (and parents) think they can coast through this year once applications are submitted, but that’s a big mistake. Admissions officers will see those first-semester grades, and they need to be solid.

Keep up with extracurriculars, too. This shows dedication and consistency. And when it comes to the application process itself, stay organized. The essays, the letters of recommendation, the deadlines—it can all get overwhelming. But staying on top of these things can make a huge difference.

At this point, working with an ivy league admissions consultant can be really helpful. They can help with everything from refining those all-important essays to prepping for interviews. Trust me, that outside perspective can be invaluable when it comes to making your child’s application shine.

Long-Term Planning: It’s a Journey

At the end of the day, preparing for Ivy League admission isn’t a sprint—it’s a marathon. The earlier you start, the better. But don’t get so caught up in the process that you forget what it’s really about: helping your child grow into the best version of themselves.

Whether your child ends up at an Ivy League school or not, the skills and experiences they gain along the way will serve them for the rest of their lives. And isn’t that what really matters?

So, start early, plan smart, and most importantly, let your child enjoy the ride. College is just one step in a much larger journey, and every step along the way counts.