Why Even the Hardest Working Students Get Rejected From Selective Colleges
Parents and students feel enormous pressure to do it all.
But, the harder students try to stand out, the more they start to look the same.
In an effort to impress future admissions officers, many ambitious teens push themselves to become the top student in their school. They load up on classes, activities, and leadership roles, believing this is what colleges want to see.
It is exhausting and often unhealthy, but even if you are successful and become the standout student in your school, your application may still be overlooked because there are over 30,000 high schools, each with a valedictorian, a debate team champion, and a team captain.
I see students and parents work so hard to do everything right, and still feel behind. There is a better way to prepare for college, one that helps students grow, contribute, and enjoy high school without burning out.
Get the guide for FREEThere's a more effective way to prepare for college.
and you don't have to sacrifice fun, friends, and sleep for it.
Here's how:
STEP 1
Choose your plan
You can take the challenge as an on-demand course, in a live cohort, or 1:1 support.
STEP 2
Participate in the Challenge
No matter the format, we’ll discover your strengths, develop your theme, and help you create an impact project that will be beneficial for you and your community.
STEP 3
Confidently Gain Admittance to Your Dream College
It’s not a mystery what competitive schools are looking for when screening applicants. You will have a clear plan to get accepted and gain scholarships.
Looking for VIP? Click here.
In less than a semester, The Ivy League Challenge
develops young people to reach their potential
through three phases of learning
PHASE 1: SELF-AWARENESS
- Find core values
- Clarify interests & strengths
- Define yourself
- Learn activities that stand out instead of wasting your time
- Craft winning essays
PHASE 2: IMPACT PROJECT
- Learn 9 types of projects that stand out
- Help your community
- Learn to be an investigative journalist
- Live your core values authentically
- Develop true leadership
PHASE 3: CONFIDENT COLLEGE ADMISSION
- Leverage phases 1 & 2 to stand out
- Scale your impact
- Confidently get into a good college
- Effective Professor Outreach
- Network with Admissions Officers
For VIP/ Roadmap, click here.
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 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 10th 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 (Proud parent)
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 else 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
"Steve helped my son get into Yale—but more importantly, he helped him become human again. "
Instead of pushing for more and more achievements, he helped us build a real story that admissions officers could connect with.
Shiva (Parent of Yale/Stanford/Caltech admit)
Hello Steve!
"
-Isabella (Yale/Stanford/Princeton etc admit)
Seeing my daughter’s application through Steve’s lens was eye-opening. What he said made immediate sense—she already had everything she needed, we just weren’t showing it clearly. That realization was an easy fix, but a powerful one. I only wish we had reached out to him sooner.
- Sara (Mother of Yale/Stanford/Princeton admit)
Nice to meet you!
I'm Steve Gardner, founder of the Ivy League Challenge. A Harvard alumnus myself, I use my over 15 years of experience in education, business, communication, and personal development to help teens develop the skills they need to thrive throughout high school and college, and create meaningful impact in their communities.
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