How I Got Into EVERY Ivy League Without Money or Connections (SAT/ACT, Extracurriculars, Classes)

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares their personal journey of getting into Harvard and other Ivy League schools, offering a strategic roadmap for high school students. The focus is on building an intentional, cohesive application by selecting challenging yet relevant courses, engaging in meaningful extracurriculars, and excelling in standardized tests. Drawing from personal experience, the speaker emphasizes the importance of pursuing a purpose beyond prestige, aligning academic pursuits with long-term goals, and crafting a compelling narrative. The video also provides a step-by-step guide for students to create a standout application story.

Takeaways

• 😀 Aim for purpose, not prestige. Colleges are looking for applicants who are passionate about solving real-world problems, not just chasing a prestigious name.
• 😀 Your application should tell a coherent story. Choose courses and extracurriculars that align with your interests and future goals to showcase a consistent narrative.
• 😀 Prioritize academic rigor and progression. Top colleges value applicants who challenge themselves year after year, with an upward trend in course difficulty.
• 😀 Don’t just focus on stacking AP/IB courses to impress. Make sure your course load is intentional and aligns with your academic interests and narrative.
• 😀 College admissions officers look for students who grow academically over time. Show an upward trend in your course load, from freshman to senior year.
• 😀 Tailor your test scores to the middle 50% range of your target schools. Aiming for the top 25% can strengthen your academic profile and give your application more breathing room.
• 😀 Focus on depth, not breadth, in extracurriculars. Colleges value a few core activities that demonstrate leadership and passion over a long period, rather than a laundry list of activities.
• 😀 Your core extracurriculars should directly connect to your story. For example, the applicant's nonprofit work and scientific research were key to showcasing their narrative of 'turning pain into purpose.'
• 😀 Balance is key in your high school experience. While it's important to push yourself academically, also engage in creative or service-oriented activities that show your well-roundedness.
• 😀 Start early and build a strong foundation. Freshman year should be focused on exploring interests and building strong grades, while sophomore year is for testing and narrowing down your focus.
• 😀 Senior year is about connecting all aspects of your application—classes, activities, and essays—into one clear narrative. Make sure your story comes across strongly in all elements of your application.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the speaker's college application strategy?

The main focus is on building a purposeful, narrative-driven application that connects academic choices, extracurricular activities, and personal experiences. The speaker emphasizes the importance of aligning everything with a larger goal or vision, rather than just chasing prestige.

How did the speaker’s personal experience influence their choice of major and college application?

The speaker’s experience of losing their mother to cancer motivated them to pursue a premed route, majoring in molecular and cellular biology. They wanted to explore how science can solve real-world problems, particularly in cancer detection and global health.

What two critical questions should applicants ask themselves when deciding on their college goals?

1. What problem in the world do I want to learn how to solve? 2. How can college be a platform for me to work on it? These questions help applicants focus on their purpose and align their applications accordingly.

How did the speaker approach course selection throughout high school?

The speaker strategically chose courses to build a strong academic foundation and align with their long-term goals. They started with history-heavy courses, then added rigor in math and science, and later focused on courses directly related to their premed interests.

Why is it important to show an upward trend in course rigor throughout high school?

An upward trend in course rigor shows that a student is continuously challenging themselves and growing academically. It indicates readiness for the academic demands of college, which is crucial to admissions officers.

What is the significance of the speaker’s ACT and AP/IB test scores in the application process?

The speaker’s ACT score (35), AP scores (5 in every subject), and IB score (42/45) demonstrate strong academic performance. However, they stress that the scores should align with the applicant’s course rigor and that scores in the upper quartile are more competitive.

What are the key elements of extracurricular activities that stand out in a college application?

Key elements include deep involvement in a few core activities that align with the applicant's story and future goals. The speaker emphasizes that quality (depth) is more important than quantity (breadth), and activities should reinforce the applicant’s narrative.

Why did the speaker’s nonprofit and scientific research stand out to admissions officers?

The speaker’s nonprofit work in art and scientific research in cancer detection were directly tied to their personal narrative of turning pain into purpose. These activities showcased their commitment to service and innovation, aligning with their long-term goals.

What advice does the speaker give to students when selecting their extracurriculars?

The speaker advises students to focus on depth over breadth, meaning they should commit to one or two core activities that truly reflect their passions. The activities should align with the applicant's intended major and future goals, rather than just being a list of random clubs.

How should students structure their high school years to build a strong college application?

Students should start by exploring different activities and focusing on grades in their freshman year. In sophomore year, they should narrow down their focus to 2-3 extracurriculars and start taking on more rigorous courses. Junior year is crucial for deepening involvement and launching passion projects, while senior year should focus on connecting all activities, courses, and essays into one cohesive narrative.