Anonymous
Post 02/27/2026 08:03     Subject: What separates the students who get into state flagships versus those who get into T20 universities?
There’s plenty of overlap. There are many who prefer the state flagship over the private T-20.
Anonymous
Post 02/27/2026 08:01     Subject: What separates the students who get into state flagships versus those who get into T20 universities?
Might got not be the answer OP wants to hear, but there is little difference between the two. Someone who got into impacted majors at Michigan OOS likely will get into WashU and vice versa.
Anonymous
Post 02/27/2026 08:00     Subject: What separates the students who get into state flagships versus those who get into T20 universities?
Anonymous wrote:Very high test scores are required for T20s.

Ivies and Ivy+s require really exceptional things, if unhooked. Multiple national or international awards...not just student government president/team captain/newspaper editor. Those are a dime a dozen (and don't register as impressive) to T20s.


Not true.
Anonymous
Post 02/27/2026 07:58     Subject: What separates the students who get into state flagships versus those who get into T20 universities?
Very high test scores are required for T20s.

Ivies and Ivy+s require really exceptional things, if unhooked. Multiple national or international awards...not just student government president/team captain/newspaper editor. Those are a dime a dozen (and don't register as impressive) to T20s.
Anonymous
Post 02/27/2026 07:49     Subject: What separates the students who get into state flagships versus those who get into T20 universities?
Sometimes gender. UGA and William and Mary skew female.
Anonymous
Post 02/27/2026 07:46     Subject: What separates the students who get into state flagships versus those who get into T20 universities?
Anonymous wrote:High schools. If they go to a top private school, the chances they get into a T20 minus HYPMS is greater than a same person going to a public high school.


True
Anonymous
Post 02/27/2026 07:12     Subject: What separates the students who get into state flagships versus those who get into T20 universities?
In terms of differentiation, some private universities may be more accommodating with respect to high school class standing compared to, say, UTA. Also, out-of-state admission will not be more challenging at private universities, such as appears to be the case at UNC.
Anonymous
Post 02/27/2026 07:01     Subject: What separates the students who get into state flagships versus those who get into T20 universities?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:What makes you think anything does? You are under the delusion that on group is better than the other.


+1. For top flagships, there is also a lot of overlap with students who get into both.


There is a lot of overlap. At our DC private, every single kid who got into UVA last year EA or RD also got into an Ivy.
Anonymous
Post 02/27/2026 06:50     Subject: What separates the students who get into state flagships versus those who get into T20 universities?
Recruited athlete
Anonymous
Post 02/27/2026 06:46     Subject: What separates the students who get into state flagships versus those who get into T20 universities?
High schools. If they go to a top private school, the chances they get into a T20 minus HYPMS is greater than a same person going to a public high school.
Anonymous
Post 02/27/2026 06:40     Subject: What separates the students who get into state flagships versus those who get into T20 universities?
Anonymous wrote:What makes you think anything does? You are under the delusion that on group is better than the other.


+1. For top flagships, there is also a lot of overlap with students who get into both.
Anonymous
Post 02/27/2026 06:10     Subject: What separates the students who get into state flagships versus those who get into T20 universities?
What makes you think anything does? You are under the delusion that on group is better than the other.
Anonymous
Post 02/27/2026 05:47     Subject: What separates the students who get into state flagships versus those who get into T20 universities?
Anonymous wrote:To get into most state flagships like UT Austin or UVA, you need top academics, leadership experience, heavy involvement during the summer, volunteering, and more. What extra things do students do to get into top 20 universities?


Their essays and recommendations matter more than you may realize. Essays should be authentic, not written or heavily edited by Mom or Dad.

The faculty who write the recommendations should really know your kid.
Anonymous
Post 02/27/2026 05:26     Subject: What separates the students who get into state flagships versus those who get into T20 universities?
Scarcity; something unusual or extra; awards?

You know it when you see it.
Anonymous
Post 02/27/2026 05:10     Subject: What separates the students who get into state flagships versus those who get into T20 universities?
To get into most state flagships like UT Austin or UVA, you need top academics, leadership experience, heavy involvement during the summer, volunteering, and more. What extra things do students do to get into top 20 universities?