How To: Get an Ivy League scholarship

Ivy League schools are a students wet dream, but not everyone can get into them. Even fewer get scholarships for them. But in recent years, Ivy League universities have raised the number of scholarships they award to students. More students are seeking awards, making the application process for these scholarships very competitive.

You Will Need
* Acceptance into an Ivy League school
* Good grades
* SAT I and II scores
* Essays
* Recommendations
* Advanced classes at local community college (optional)

Step 1: Get accepted
All of the Ivy League schools offer scholarships, and a few schools automatically evaluate the financial needs of incoming students, but you must be accepted first.

Step 2: Show need
Ivy League scholarships are need-based, meaning they only award scholarships to families that require financial assistance. Tuition is often waived for families that make under $60,000 a year.

Scholarship funds may be limited for international students.

Step 3: Get good grades
Maintain good grades in high school. In addition to maintaining a straight-A average, take your school's toughest classes, which will look better on your transcripts.

Take advanced classes at local community colleges if your school doesn't offer these classes.

Step 4: Score high on SAT I and II
Score high on the SAT I and II. Different schools evaluate each test differently. Check your school to see which they value the most.

Step 5: Be interesting
Add flavor to your essays, recommendations, and extracurricular activities such as being a part of an athletic team or a social club. The more unusual your accomplishments, the more likely you are to stand out from the other applicants scrambling to get financial aid. With focus and hard work, you'll get what you want.

FACT: Founded in 1636, Harvard University is the oldest university in the United States.