Start here if you want to help your teen stand out—without wasting years on the wrong things

You’re in the right place. If you’re trying to figure out how to best support your teen through college admissions, this page will give you clarity on what actually matters—and where to start.

Who this is for:

✅ Parents of students in grades 8–11 who want to get ahead

✅ Parents of juniors who feel like they might be behind

✅ Families who feel overwhelmed by conflicting advice

Start HERE →

Here’s exactly where to begin:

Hacking College Admissions Workshop

This short training gives your teen (and you) valuable clarity on what actually matters in college admissions.

Inside, you’ll learn:

✅ The most common mistakes ambitious teens make in college prep

✅ What selective colleges are actually looking for beyond grades and test scores

✅ How to avoid wasting time on activities that don’t move the needle

Take advantage of the workshop. WATCH NOW →

Ivy Prep Academy Podcast

These episodes give you ongoing guidance so you can make better decisions throughout your teen’s high school journey.

Inside, you’ll learn:

✅ Understand what selective colleges are actually looking for (beyond grades and activities)

✅ Learn how strong applicants are built over time—not at the last minute

✅ Avoid the common mistakes that leave students overwhelmed or unfocused

✅ Get a clearer roadmap so your teen can move forward with intention

Start listening to the podcast→

Watch: Hacking College Admissions

This is the best place to start if you want clarity.

What will you learn?

1. What Colleges Actually Want

2. How to Present Your Application So They Want You

3. Step-by-Step Guide: What To Do Now

The Ivy Prep Academy Podcast

FEATURED EPISODES

If you want ongoing guidance on how college admissions actually works—and how to help your teen navigate it with clarity—start here.

View more episodes

Next Steps

1. Explore the free resources

Start with the workshop recording, the podcast episodes, articles, and posts inside the group. This will give you a clear foundation and help you start thinking differently about the admissions process.

2. Join our monthly masterclasses & workshops

These sessions go deeper into key topics and give you the chance to learn directly and ask questions live.

Check our fb group events →

3. Take the next step when you’re ready

The Ivy League Challenge opens again in August—join the waitlist to be notified.
If you’re looking for more personalized guidance, you can also book a call for VIP/strategy support.

Join the Waitlist→

Meet Your Guide

Hey, I'm

Steve

I'm a Harvard grad, instructor at Harvard Summer School, and founder of the Ivy League Challenge.

As a teacher for 15 years, and an admissions guide for 7, I've helped students gain admission to Harvard, Yale, Dartmouth, University of Michigan, UT Austin, and many other 'dream schools' by teaching them how to craft a powerful, strategic application-- one that highlights their unique impact and strengths.

Let me help your teen do the same.

Book a call →

The Amazing Results

Our Students Are Getting

"Your program is so effective"

My teen seems to really enjoy your energy too and passion for what you say. You have

reached her when we could not. That is invaluable.

Shan Beckish

"Champ got into YALE! Thank you for everything you've done to help him. "

Amazing program, amazing mentor!

After attending 4 weeks, I would say my teen daughter has a plan for not only the next 4 or 5 years in public school, but she also knows what she wants to do in her life.

- Gülnar Oguz Albusova (Mother of 9th grader)

I got into both Harvard and Princeton!

You will NOT believe what I’m about to tell you! I got into both Harvard and Princeton! I’ve been feeling so dizzy the past two days...

- Xiao Yu (Attended Harvard)

"Mom, this changed my life."

"[My son] walked away with such a clear idea of how to figure out his core values...honestly, every session was fantastic. He really and truly loved it, and it changed him. It was phenomenal! Honestly, he always says to me, "Mom, this changed my life."

- Dr. Robyn Blair (Mother of 8th grader)

Instead of constant pressure and insecurity–always feeling like I wasn’t doing enough, no matter how much I did–I learned to take my time back and developed a healthy and sustainable schedule for myself.

Asfi Tias
– Cornell Student

"My daughter attended the program over three years ago, and looking back I see how that training helped her conquer her challenges. Because of your program, she knows what she wants in life and how to get it. She is living her life fully and I find I never have to worry about her success anymore, she is rocking life! Thank you."

Regina McGraph
– Proud Parent

We can’t thank you enough! Alexis got into her dream school, Michigan! Still waiting on Duke but we are all over the moon! At her high school typically only a handful are selected and over 75 apply. She couldn’t have done it without you. You being there every step of the way made a huge difference.

-Lisa Levine

I just want to thank you for all your help and support throughout last 2 years, helping Erica. You have no idea how much you mean to us. We had no one, literally no one to help us with college planning, or to figure out where to start or what to do. You were her guiding star!
- Erica's mom