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Why gamification works so darn well to motivate teens.

"The secret to making goals fun (and achievable) is creating a system that rewards progress immediately and unpredictably."

Author

Goalseye Team
January 22, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 2 minutes

The Science Behind Gamification

Gamification taps into our brain’s natural desire for rewards and progress. Research from Harvard Business Review shows that incorporating random rewards and immediate feedback significantly boosts motivation and engagement. These techniques activate the brain’s dopamine system, which is the same pathway involved in pleasure and learning, making the process of achieving goals feel enjoyable (Harvard Business Review, 2021).

At Goalseye, we’ve integrated gamification into our app to make the college prep journey exciting and rewarding. By using random rewards and immediate recognition, we keep students motivated and engaged, turning what could be a stressful process into a game they want to play.

"Gamification isn't just about playing games; it’s about making progress fun." – Jane McGonigal, Game Designer and Author

How Goalseye Uses Gamification to Drive Progress

Goalseye’s reward system is built to be engaging, rewarding, and motivating. Students receive instant, personalized rewards as they make progress on their tasks, and the element of randomness ensures they stay engaged by keeping things fresh. By celebrating small wins along the way, we ensure students stay focused and motivated, while also fostering a sense of accomplishment as they build momentum.

Goalseye makes college admissions prep fun.

With Goalseye, families can unlock their child's potential and create an admissions strategy that highlights their authentic strengths —all while keeping it fun and stress-free.

Want to learn more about how Goalseye’s gamified approach helps your child stay engaged in the college prep process? Get started today.

P.S. Share this newsletter with other parents who want to give their kids a competitive edge in college applications!

Sources: Harvard Business Review, 2021, “The Power of Gamification in Learning and Productivity.” Jane McGonigal, Reality Is Broken: Why Games Make Us Better and How They Can Change the World.