Former high school principal Morgan Barth’s achievements include leading the school to a number 20 ranking from U.S. News & World Report. All the seniors at Morgan Barth’s school attended college, with at least one going on to an Ivy League program.

Gaining acceptance into an Ivy League institution is difficult. In comparison to non-Ivy League schools, the acceptance rate is much lower. In fall 2018, the percentage was 7.25 for Ivy League schools and 65 percent for regular programs. Students from around the world are applying and gaining admittance, and more students are seeking entry through the Common Application, so there is more competition for the available spots.

Those applying to these schools combine strong standardized test scores with a wealth of extra-curricular activities and other accolades, which not only highlight student readiness for college, but perseverance. On average, students who are admitted also are in the top 10 percent of their class. Early admissions candidates get accepted at a higher rate than normal admissions, but not because they applied early. These students typically are very talented and get selected because they are, in fact, the cream of the crop.