Being a parent is an excruciatingly stressful time – there is no getting away from that.

You only want what is best for your child, giving them the best education money can buy is at the top of many lists when it comes to goals. If you want to do everything you can to set your child up for success, chances are that an Ivy League school is in your plans.

Preparing your child for getting into one of the most prestigious eight schools in the country will require dedication and effort, not to mention resources and time – but it is well worth it in the end.

Getting into an Ivy League school will open a world of opportunities for them during their admission and the rest of their lives. Below are five ways to prepare your child for one of these world-class institutions:

• Develop and Foster Talents

Ivy League schools have notoriously low acceptance rates, with Harvard coming at around 4% and Cornell on the opposite end at around 11%. Considering Harvard receives about 60 000 applications per admissions cycle, that leaves almost 58 000 applicants being dismally disappointed.

With standards that high, your child needs to stand out – in a big way.

These impressive institutions, like Columbia, want to admit students with diverse and unique interests, so these aren’t your average cello and piano lessons scenarios. Your child’s passion and devotion to a specific subject, sport, or club can translate into major success stories later.

Encourage them to explore different things to develop and foster their talents.

• Teach Them Preparedness

Nothing is more admirable about a college applicant than seeing how prepared they are for the whole process. Teach your child how to be prepared for whatever life throws at them – that foundational level of knowledge and confidence will take them far in college and when choosing a career that makes a difference.

Your child will need your support to stay on track – remember that each child is different, and there will need to be a plan developed around their learning style and unique requirements.

• Focus on the Essays

Many Ivy League schools use a considerably holistic review process when going through the applications. All aspects get carefully considered before they reach an acceptance decision.

Personal statements, stories, and essays carry weight in this process because they go far beyond just higher test scores. These things help your child to stand out and could help them get into Columbia. 

• Help Them Help Themselves

As a parent, your job is to raise a smart, confident, independent, and caring child. Sometimes one of those aspects will outweigh the other. Empower your child from a young age to make their own choices, even if they don’t always work out.

• College Prep Lists

Admission requirements vary from one Ivy League to the next, but often your child will need to answer college-specific questions. That allows the admissions committee to better understand your child’s intellectual and emotional capacities.

Use detailed college prep lists to help your child get ready to apply to their dream school. Ivy League colleges have a reputation for producing academic excellence and crafting impactful young adults who make a real difference in the world.