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What Harvard's admissions secrets mean for your child's college success.

Author

Goalseye Team
November 26, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

You’ve probably heard how competitive admissions have become at Ivy League schools, but what really sets a successful application apart? Recently, a lawsuit involving Harvard’s admissions process revealed some key insights on what top colleges are really looking for – and how students can position themselves for success.

Beyond the Numbers: It’s About the Whole Applicant

Harvard, like many other elite universities, employs a holistic admissions process. This means they aren’t just looking for the highest test scores and perfect GPAs – they’re digging deeper into each student's character, achievements, and unique story. So how can your child craft a winning application that grabs the attention of admissions officers?

4 Takeaways from the Harvard Lawsuit

  1. Academic Excellence Is Just the Foundation
    Strong grades and test scores are essential – they get your foot in the door. But remember, most applicants to schools like Harvard already have high academic marks. The real differentiator comes from what students do beyond the classroom.

  2. Extracurriculars Should Show Impact, Passion, & Leadership
    Colleges are looking for students who aren’t just well-rounded, but who show significant impact and depth in their activities. Whether it’s excelling in a sport, leading a community initiative, or developing a unique skill, students need to demonstrate leadership and a genuine passion that tells a compelling story.

  3. Personal Qualities Matter
    Admissions officers pay attention to how students are portrayed in their recommendations and essays. Qualities like resilience, curiosity, and character are crucial. How has your child faced challenges, pursued interests, or made a difference in their community? Crafting a narrative around these qualities helps bring their story to life.

  4. A Compelling Narrative Ties It All Together
    Successful applicants have a clear, cohesive story that ties together their interests, achievements, and character. It's not just about listing activities; it's about showing how each experience builds towards a larger purpose or "Big Spike" – the unique contribution your child will bring to campus.

Goalseye Can Help

Goalseye is a gamified college prep program that helps students navigate the complex journey from middle school to ivy college applications with a focus on crafting their extracurricular narrative.

Creating a powerful application doesn’t happen overnight. It’s about starting early, finding the right activities, and building a strong, authentic story over time. Goalseye breaks down the multi-year journey into manageable daily steps, offering guidance on identifying passions, achieving goals, and building that all-important narrative to make them stand out.

Ready to start building your child’s story for college success?

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