The Ivy League Secret: Why Straight A*s Won’t Be Enough for U.S. Universities in 2026

You’ve worked tirelessly. You’ve sacrificed weekends, mastered complex equations, and perfected your essays. Your academic transcript glitters with the highest marks — those coveted A*s. In many education systems around the world, this level of academic distinction is the undisputed golden ticket. And for good reason: achieving an A* signifies exceptional mastery, rigorous effort, and intellectual prowess. But if your dream involves walking the hallowed halls of a top-tier U.S. university — think the Ivy League or other highly selective institutions — I have a crucial, perhaps surprising, truth to share: Straight A*s, while absolutely essential, are often just the starting line.

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∙ 5d ago