here's what IVY LEAGUE admissions ACTUALLY look for [FULL GUIDE]

Summary

This video provides valuable insights for crafting a standout college application. It emphasizes the importance of demonstrating achievements and outcomes alongside passion, positioning oneself as already successful. The presenter discusses the 'Five C’s'—Curiosity, Competence, Communication, Context Awareness, and Critical Thinking—as key traits colleges look for. Tips include creating systems for extracurriculars, leveraging unique experiences, and using college as a tool to advance personal goals. The video stresses the importance of authenticity, self-reflection, and strategic planning to create a cohesive and impactful application that will resonate with top-tier colleges.

Takeaways

• 😀 College admissions value **outcomes and achievements** more than passion alone. Focus on tangible results in your activities and goals.
• 🎯 **Versatility** is key. Top colleges prefer applicants who can demonstrate intellectual depth across a range of areas, not just one singular passion or ‘spike’.
• 🧠 The **5 C’s** framework—**Curiosity**, **Competence**, **Communication**, **Context Awareness**, and **Critical Thinking**—should guide your application and reflect your growth and maturity.
• 💡 **Self-reflection** is essential. Regularly evaluate how your activities and experiences reflect your core values and how they contribute to your future success.
• 🔍 When choosing extracurriculars, focus on **impact** and **growth** rather than quantity. Depth is more valuable than spreading yourself too thin.
• 🏆 Position yourself as **already successful**. Colleges want to see applicants who are self-driven and already on a path to success, rather than relying solely on the institution for success.
• 🎓 Use college as a **tool** to further your career goals, rather than seeing it as the endpoint. Be specific about how the college’s programs and resources align with your ambitions.
• 🔥 **Don’t pedestalize college**. The college should see you as an asset they want to support, not the other way around. Demonstrate confidence in your own potential.
• 🔑 Identify your **unfair advantages** early—whether it’s a unique skill set or personal experiences. Use these to build a distinctive narrative and create new opportunities.
• 📑 In your essays, focus on **specificity and reflection**. Avoid vague statements; show how you've evolved and how your experiences connect to your future goals.
• 🛠️ **Build systems for learning and extracurriculars** to ensure sustainability. Aim for activities and practices that will benefit you in the long term, not just in the short term.

Q & A

What is the main myth about college applications that the video challenges?

The video challenges the myth that having a single intense passion or 'spike' is the key to getting into top colleges. While a spike can be helpful, it often doesn't differentiate applicants enough if everyone else has similar achievements. Instead, the focus should be on demonstrating intellectual depth and versatility.

What are the Five C's that top colleges look for in applicants?

The Five C's are: Curiosity (desire to learn beyond the classroom), Competence (mastery of a subject), Communication (ability to collaborate and express ideas), Context Awareness (understanding the broader societal relevance of your passions), and Critical Thinking (problem-solving and engaging with complex ideas).

How can applicants demonstrate curiosity in their college applications?

Applicants can demonstrate curiosity by showing involvement in activities such as independent research, exploring areas outside of formal education, or participating in challenges like competitions or online courses that extend beyond the classroom.

Why is it important for applicants to show personal and skill growth in their extracurriculars?

Showing growth in extracurriculars demonstrates that the applicant is continuously evolving and gaining experience. Colleges want to see that the applicant’s involvement is not static but reflects increasing commitment, leadership, and a deepening impact over time.

What does the video suggest about the importance of showing concrete results in your activities?

The video emphasizes the importance of highlighting specific outcomes, such as completed projects, leadership roles, or community impact, to prove that your extracurricular activities are meaningful and have contributed to both personal and social growth.

How can applicants effectively position themselves for success in their college applications?

Applicants should position themselves as already successful by embodying the qualities and actions of someone who has already achieved their goals. By showing that they would succeed with or without the institution, they can present themselves as self-driven and motivated, rather than dependent on the college.

What is the significance of treating college as a tool in your application?

Treating college as a tool means being specific about how you plan to use the institution’s resources, programs, and clubs to accelerate your career goals, rather than relying on the college to 'reach' your goals. This approach shows maturity and a clear vision for your future.

What is meant by 'unfair advantage' in the context of a college application?

An 'unfair advantage' refers to unique skills, experiences, or perspectives that set an applicant apart from others. These can be leveraged to create new opportunities or showcase strengths in the application, making it more compelling and distinctive.

Why should applicants avoid putting colleges on a pedestal in their applications?

Applicants should avoid putting colleges on a pedestal because it may make them appear dependent on the institution for success. Instead, they should demonstrate that they are already on a path to success and that the college will simply help them further their goals.

What advice does the video offer about writing compelling college essays?

The video advises applicants to write essays that connect with readers on a human level. They should avoid 'trauma dumping' and instead focus on their personal growth, how challenges have shaped them, and how their experiences align with their goals. Specific, vivid examples are key to making a lasting impression.