50 Successful Ivy League Application Essays

Explaining Why You’re Not the Same
“I would say one of the most important things is to identify something that 
sets you apart from all the other applicants. In the end, at the top schools you 
are going to get many students who have done similarly extraordinary things, 
so choose something that tells the admissions officer why you’re better, not 

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50 Successful Ivy League Application Essays
just the same as, the next guy/girl. Also, it’s much easier to write with impact 
when it is about something that you have a very genuine interest in.”
—Mark Su, University of Pennsylvania