Breakthrough's College Admissions program includes our Interview, Personal Essay, and Writing Lab sessions. Our comprehensive college prep aims to guide students through the admissions process with an emphasis on their own agency in making one of the most important decisions of their lives.
increasing competition to get into top universities
Top 5 Ranked Ivy League Universities
National Ranking Name Class of 2024 Acceptance Rate Class of 2012 Acceptance Rate
#1 Princeton 5.6% 11.9%
#3 (tie) Harvard 4.9% 10.3%
#3 (tie) Yale 6.5% 9.9%
#7 (tie) University of Pennsylvania 8.1% 21%
#12 Dartmouth 8.8% 13.2%
Top 5 Ranked Universities In California
National Ranking Name Class of 2024 Acceptance Rate Class of 2012 Acceptance Rate
#3 (tie) Stanford University 5.2% 12.6%
#9 Caltech 6.7% 17%
#20 (tie) UC Berkeley 18% 21.5%
#20 (tie) UCLA 14.3% 22.8%
#25 (tie) USC 16% 21%
National Ranking Name Class of 2024 Acceptance Rate Class of 2012 Acceptance Rate
#1 Princeton 5.6% 11.9%
#3 (tie) Harvard 4.9% 10.3%
#3 (tie) Yale 6.5% 9.9%
#7 (tie) University of Pennsylvania 8.1% 21%
#12 Dartmouth 8.8% 13.2%
Top 5 Ranked Universities In California
National Ranking Name Class of 2024 Acceptance Rate Class of 2012 Acceptance Rate
#3 (tie) Stanford University 5.2% 12.6%
#9 Caltech 6.7% 17%
#20 (tie) UC Berkeley 18% 21.5%
#20 (tie) UCLA 14.3% 22.8%
#25 (tie) USC 16% 21%
It’s Getting Harder to Get into Top Universities
The increasing competition for acceptance into top Ivy League and California universities is evident, with acceptance rates dropping by over 50% in the past decade. Whether your child dreams of an Ivy League education or prefers an in-state experience, they will face stiff competition from California-based, out-of-state, and international students.
At Breakthrough, we believe that the "right" college is subjective, dependent on a student's interests, personality, and career goals. However, we acknowledge the unique resources and opportunities offered by these prestigious institutions and strive to prepare our students accordingly.
The increasing competition for acceptance into top Ivy League and California universities is evident, with acceptance rates dropping by over 50% in the past decade. Whether your child dreams of an Ivy League education or prefers an in-state experience, they will face stiff competition from California-based, out-of-state, and international students.
At Breakthrough, we believe that the "right" college is subjective, dependent on a student's interests, personality, and career goals. However, we acknowledge the unique resources and opportunities offered by these prestigious institutions and strive to prepare our students accordingly.
How Do College Applicants Stand Out?
It’s no longer enough to just have a strong GPA, SAT, and ACT score. Admissions officers seek diverse, well-rounded profiles and students who can present their experiences, circumstances, and ambitions in a compelling manner.
Our College Essay Writing Classes are designed to enhance this skill. We analyze successful and unsuccessful college essays to help students craft unique, impactful narratives for their applications, setting them apart in the competitive admissions process.
It’s no longer enough to just have a strong GPA, SAT, and ACT score. Admissions officers seek diverse, well-rounded profiles and students who can present their experiences, circumstances, and ambitions in a compelling manner.
Our College Essay Writing Classes are designed to enhance this skill. We analyze successful and unsuccessful college essays to help students craft unique, impactful narratives for their applications, setting them apart in the competitive admissions process.
What Can We Do For Your Child?
In addition to a curriculum that offers college essay prep and college essay tips, we also offer:
In addition to a curriculum that offers college essay prep and college essay tips, we also offer:
- Comprehensive College Prep
- Coaching for College Interviews
- Walkthrough of the College Admissions Process
- College Deadline & Requirements Planning and Tracking
- Writing Lab with Our College Essay Tutors on Saturdays & Sundays
- Reviewing & Reading Nonfiction Essays (by accomplished authors such as David Foster Wallace & Patton Oswalt)
- Analysis of Successful College Essays
- Effective College Research Tactics
- Interpersonal Skills Training
- Peer Evaluations