Acceptance rates below 5%. Thousands of exceptional students. How do Ivy League and other top U.S. universities decide who gets in? Learn how to improve your chances of getting into top US colleges.
Every year, highly selective institutions receive tens of thousands of applications from brilliant students around the world — each with outstanding grades, test scores, essays, and extracurriculars. Yet only a few cut. What truly sets successful applicants apart?
In this comprehensive guide, we explore what the top US colleges — including Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Yale, Princeton, and more — look for in their students. You’ll also find actual supplemental essay prompts that reveal each university’s personality and priorities, helping you align your application with their expectations.
What do Ivy League and Elite Universities Look For in Indian Applicants?
While academic excellence is non-negotiable, top universities look for more than just grades and scores. They seek students who will contribute intellectually, socially, and creatively to their campus. As Martin Walsh, former Deputy Director of International Admissions at Stanford University, explains:
“Imagine these universities are planning a dinner party list. Who would they like to invite?”
In other words, universities are curating a diverse, dynamic, and curious community — not just admitting individuals with perfect resumes.
Here’s what some of the most selective universities are looking for.
Harvard University: Intellectual Curiosity and Liberal Learning
Harvard sets the global standard for liberal arts and sciences education. It values intellectual exploration, curiosity, and a transformative approach to learning — both inside and outside the classroom.
What Harvard wants: Exceptional students with a deep love for learning, a commitment to inquiry, and a willingness to engage with ideas that challenge them.
Supplement prompt:
Write about an intellectual experience (course, project, book, or discussion) that has meant the most to you.
Stanford University: Intellectual Vitality and Community Impact
Stanford celebrates “intellectual vitality” — the drive to pursue ideas, take initiative, and create new knowledge. Students are expected to combine academic excellence with innovative thinking and a commitment to community impact.
What Stanford wants: Self-motivated learners who demonstrate curiosity, initiative, and measurable community impact through projects or leadership.
Supplement prompt:
Reflect on an idea or experience that makes you genuinely excited about learning.
Yale University: Aspiring Leaders for a Better World
Yale nurtures leaders who aim to serve society through knowledge, policy, and governance. Its hallmark is producing change-makers with strong academic and ethical foundations.
What Yale wants: Students with a record of leadership, integrity, and social engagement who want to make a difference.
Supplement prompt:
Reflect on a time when you worked to enhance a community you feel connected to. Why was it meaningful to you?
University of Chicago: Intellectual Boldness and Originality
UChicago thrives on curiosity, debate, and originality. It’s known for its quirky culture and love of unconventional thinkers.
What UChicago wants: Students who love to challenge norms, think deeply, and express bold ideas across disciplines.
Supplement prompt:
Create a new portmanteau and explain why those two things are a perfect match.
Dartmouth College: Independent Thinkers and Interdisciplinary Minds
Dartmouth seeks students who combine academic excellence with independent thought and a passion for interdisciplinary collaboration.
What Dartmouth wants: Curious minds who explore beyond boundaries and reflect deeply on ideas.
Supplement prompt:
Dr. Seuss wrote, “Think and wonder. Wonder and think.” What do you wonder and think about?
Brown University: Independent and Innovative Learners
Home to the “open curriculum,” Brown empowers students to design their own academic path. It values intellectual independence and the confidence to question the status quo.
What Brown wants: Self-driven learners who thrive in flexible academic environments and are eager to explore new ideas.
Supplement prompt:
Discuss an academic interest that excites you and how you’ll pursue it using Brown’s open curriculum.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): Creativity and Real-World Impact
MIT looks for students who love numbers, science, and technology — and use them to make the world better. It values authentic problem-solvers, even when projects fail.
What MIT wants: Quirky, curious, hands-on learners with a genuine vision for change.
Supplement prompt:
Tell us about a challenge you’ve faced or something that didn’t go according to plan. How did you manage it?
California Institute of Technology (Caltech): Scientific Curiosity and Collaboration
Caltech is unapologetically STEM-focused but also appreciates creativity and collaboration.
What Caltech wants: Students who are passionate about science but also value the humanities and teamwork.
Supplement prompt:
How have you been a creator, inventor, or innovator in your own life?
University of Pennsylvania (UPenn): Leadership and Service
UPenn values leadership, initiative, and service across all areas of life — from academics to community engagement.
What UPenn wants: Well-rounded leaders who demonstrate empathy, purpose, and intellectual curiosity.
Supplement prompt:
How will you explore community at Penn? How will your experiences help shape Penn — and how will Penn shape you?
Columbia University: Courage and Critical Thinking
Columbia champions bold thinkers who are unafraid to speak up and challenge ideas. It values confidence, self-awareness, and the courage to think independently.
What Columbia wants: Confident innovators with strong perspectives and the ability to engage meaningfully with others.
Supplement prompt:
Describe a barrier or obstacle you have faced and discuss the personal qualities you developed as a result.
Princeton University: Academic Rigor and Depth
Princeton places exceptional emphasis on academic excellence and intellectual depth. It values sustained commitment over a long list of activities.
What Princeton wants: Students who challenge themselves academically and show deep dedication in one area — whether sports, music, or service.
Supplement prompt:
Reflect on how your lived experiences have shaped your perspective and what your classmates will learn from you.
Cornell University: Curiosity and Global Citizenship
Cornell is known for its friendly, inclusive culture and focus on broad inquiry and curiosity. It aims to nurture students into global citizens and community leaders.
What Cornell wants: Inquisitive, socially engaged students eager to contribute to a diverse learning community.
Supplement prompt:
Explain how your life experiences will help you contribute to Cornell’s diverse community devoted to “any person, any study.”
What Indian High School Students Should Focus On For Getting into Top US Colleges
Applying to top U.S. universities from India requires more than excellent grades and test scores. With thousands of high-performing applicants from across the country, standing out means building a well-rounded, authentic profile. Here’s how Indian students can strengthen their applications:
- Go Beyond Academics: Maintain top grades (90%+ in core subjects) but show evidence of intellectual depth — through Olympiads, advanced coursework, independent research, or online college-level classes (like edX or Coursera).
- Show Consistency and Leadership in Activities: Focus on 2–3 areas where you’ve shown initiative and long-term commitment — such as leading a social project, starting a club, or creating something original (a podcast, research paper, or app). Learn more about how to Fill Out the Activities List on the Common App.
- Highlight Community Impact: Admissions officers value meaningful social engagement. Volunteer for causes aligned with your interests, or develop small but scalable initiatives that demonstrate empathy and leadership.
- Craft Reflective Essays: Use college essays to reveal who you are beyond marks — your thought process, values, and worldview. Authentic stories resonate more than lists of achievements.
- Secure Strong Recommendations: Choose teachers who know you well and can speak to your intellectual curiosity, character, and growth potential. Read how to secure strong letters of recommendation.
- Plan Early for Standardized Tests: For SAT/ACT and TOEFL, start preparing by Grade 10 or early 11 to leave room for retakes and essay work.
The goal isn’t to do everything — it’s to pursue what truly excites you and build a narrative of passion, purpose, and impact.
What Do Top US Colleges Look For in Indian Applicants?
Every year, Indian students from diverse school systems — IB, CBSE, ISC, and State Boards — make it to top US universities. What sets them apart isn’t just perfect grades, but how they’ve used their time in and beyond the classroom. Here’s what admissions officers actually look for:
1. GPA (Academic Performance)
Your grades still matter most — they’re the foundation of your application. Colleges assess your consistency and performance within the context of your school system. A 94% in CBSE or 38+ in IB is seen as strong, but what matters more is sustained excellence across subjects, especially in your intended major.
2. Rigor of Curriculum
Top colleges evaluate how challenging your coursework has been.
- For IB students, taking Higher Level (HL) subjects in your areas of interest shows academic readiness.
- CBSE and ISC students should opt for core subjects and avoid unnecessary “easy” electives.
- State Board students can strengthen their profile through online courses, Olympiads, or AP exams to demonstrate competitiveness.
3. Class Rank (Optional but Helpful)
Not every Indian school ranks students, but if yours does and you’re in the top 5–10%, it gives a clear benchmark of excellence. If your school doesn’t rank, your counselor’s recommendation can provide that context.
4. Standardized Tests
While many US universities are test-optional, strong SAT/ACT scores still enhance your profile, especially if your school’s grading is considered lenient.
For students targeting STEM or competitive majors, SAT Math Level 2 or APs in relevant subjects can help validate your academic strength.
5. Extracurricular Activities
Top US colleges want to see depth and commitment, not just participation. Whether it’s debate, dance, coding, research, or sports — what matters is impact. Leadership roles, awards, or evidence of initiative (like starting a club or event) make your activities list stand out. Learn more about the best extracurricular activities for college admissions.
6. Community Work
Community service and social impact are valued — but they must feel genuine. Whether it’s tutoring underprivileged students, running environmental campaigns, or volunteering in local NGOs, show what you learned and how your actions made a difference.
7. Diversity & Perspective
As an Indian applicant, your unique cultural lens is an advantage. Colleges seek students who bring global perspectives to campus. Authentic stories about how your background shaped your curiosity or worldview resonate strongly in essays and interviews.
Recommended Article: Holistic Review and “Institutional Priorities”: What They Mean for College Admissions
8. Essays and Recommendations
Your Common App essay is where you become more than your grades. It should reflect self-awareness, growth, and purpose.
Recommendations, especially from teachers who know you well, should highlight your intellectual curiosity, collaboration, and integrity. Choose recommenders who can speak about your character and classroom presence, not just your marks.
Summary: What Do Top US Colleges Look For in Indian or International Students
Top US colleges look for academic rigor and individuality. Whether you come from IB, CBSE, ISC, or a State Board, the real differentiator is how you’ve challenged yourself — and what kind of person you’ve become through that journey.
Final Thoughts on What Top US Colleges Look For
Getting into a top U.S. university isn’t about being the “perfect” student — it’s about presenting a clear, authentic story of who you are, what drives you, and how you’ll contribute to a world-class campus community. For Indian applicants, the challenge is not just meeting the bar of academic excellence, but rising above a highly competitive peer group with purpose, depth, and impact.
With thoughtful planning, reflective storytelling, and strategic choices, you can build an application that genuinely stands out. If you’d like personalized guidance on any part of this journey — from profile building and essays to university selection — Team Inomi is here to help you navigate every step with clarity and confidence. Please feel free to reach out to us!
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