When applying to Ivy League schools like Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, or the college…
When applying to Ivy League schools like Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, or the college of your dream, the essays and interviews aren’t just about grades. They’re about you. These colleges push you to dig deep into self-awareness; something most teens rarely do. Here are 4 tough but powerful questions they often expect you to reflect on:
1. “What drives you?”
It’s not about listing activities. Your future college wants to know why you wake up excited. For one student, it wasn’t a “debate club” but the thrill of proving ideas can change minds. When you answer, think less about achievements, more about the spark that keeps you going.
2. “What challenges have shaped you?”
Your future college admission interviewers often ask about obstacles. One applicant spoke about stuttering in middle school and how it made him a better listener. Your story doesn’t need to be dramatic. It needs to show resilience, growth, and self-awareness.
3. “If you had to teach a class, what would it be?”
This question isn’t about being an expert. A teen who loved sneaker culture pitched “The History of Streetwear and Identity.” It worked because it showed passion and originality. Pick something that reflects who you are, not what looks impressive.
4. “How do you define success?”
Columbia or Yale isn’t looking for “big salary” answers. One student defined success as “making my younger self proud.” Simple, but authentic. Ask yourself: what values do you want to live by?
Let us try journaling on these 4 questions. Even if you’re not aiming for the top most colleges in the globe the answers might just help you understand yourself better than ever.
My last advice, how should you approach these questions?
- Be honest, not perfect.
- Use stories instead of generic lines.
- Remember: they’re not just admitting students, they’re admitting humans.
Let us know what you think about the post at friends@genwe.today.