The "Secret" to Getting into Ivy League Schools: Is It Really Research?

High school student's journey to Ivy League schools highlights the importance of research in college applications. A recent TikTok video by betania🌸 (@betania2814) has garnered significant attention, with over 32,500 views, for its advice on getting into top universities. The author, who claims to have attended Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Columbia, Cornell, and Berkeley, emphasizes the value of research experience. "The best extracurricular that I did that got me into these schools was research," she states in the video. She suggests various ways for high school students to gain research experience, including independent projects, emailing professors, and participating in summer programs. While the video's claims might be seen as slightly exaggerated, the underlying message about the importance of research is valuable and worth considering for students aiming for competitive universities. The video's popularity underscores the widespread interest in this topic, highlighting the need for accessible and reliable information on college applications. The video serves as a reminder that while there is no single guaranteed path, proactive engagement with research can significantly enhance a student's profile.