
How to Get Into an Ivy League (That No One’s Actually Talking About)
Everyone’s talking about Ivy League admissions these days, especially with the current year’s graduation and the Harvard x Trump politics buzz. And let’s not forget that Ivy League admissions hit a record low AGAIN in 2025. But here’s the truth: if you’re a prospective student or the parent of an ambitious teen, you’re probably obsessing over perfect essays, flawless grades, endless extracurriculars, and now, AI and passion projects.
But here’s the part no one is telling you: It’s not just about having a passion project or learning about AI. It’s about how to use them in a way that makes admissions officers stop scrolling and say, “Whoa, this kid’s different.”
Why Your Passion Project Probably Isn’t Enough
Let’s face it: passion projects are everywhere. Every single applicant has one. But here’s the kicker: 90% of them never leave your bedroom. They sit half-finished or are so generic that they don’t stand out.
Admissions officers see hundreds of projects just like yours, and they want more than passion. They want proof that you can execute, build, grow, lead, and create value that actually matters.
And about AI? Don’t get me wrong, tools like ChatGPT are amazing (hello, they’re a lifesaver). But using AI to just write your essays? That’s not a skill, that’s a shortcut. What matters is how you use AI as a secret weapon to amplify your creativity, spark original insights, and build something unique that no one else can.
The Ivy League Hack No One Talks About: Build a Real Masterpiece
Here’s what the top 1% of Ivy League applicants know and exactly what Prequel helps you execute on:
- Get Spiky, Not Generic
Pick a project that only YOU care about deeply. Something sharp, unique, and impossible to copy. That’s what makes your story memorable. Think about what lights you up and dive deep into it. That’s your edge. Rhett built the first mountainbike park in Texas from his love for biking. Elle built an AI safe-teen dating app from her love for…teenage boys (no seriously) - Launch Fast, Fix Later
Stop waiting for perfection. Build a minimum viable product (MVP) and get it out there ASAP. Real feedback beats perfect ideas every time. Let your audience shape your journey. - Build Your Tribe
No one wins alone. You need a tribe. Grow a following, connect with mentors, and build a community. Visibility is everything. The more people that know about your project, the better. - Make AI Your Power Move
Use AI to speed up the grind, but always add your unique edge. AI is amazing at handling repetitive tasks, but you bring the creativity, strategy, and original thought. That’s what sets you apart. - Scale or Die Trying
Iterate. Improve. And if you can, monetize. Real-world impact is what Ivy League schools love. The bigger the impact, the more they’ll notice you.
Why Prequel Is the Best Way to Actually Get This Done
You could try this on your own, but why waste time spinning your wheels? Prequel is the only program that combines hardcore project building with brutal, honest Ivy League advising. Most college advisors will tell you what you need to do, but they won’t help you actually get there.
In just one year, you’ll:
- Turn your wild ideas into a project with real traction.
- Master entrepreneurship, marketing, and audience building.
- Learn AI skills that don’t just keep up, but will leapfrog.
- Build a personalized plan to crush college admissions.
And the best part? You won’t do it alone. Prequel’s community is filled with the most ambitious teens and mentors who will push you harder than you thought possible.
Ready to Stop Playing Small?
Here’s the deal: This isn’t for everyone. It’s for the top 1%. It’s for the kids ready to grind, fail, learn, and win at a level most people never even try.
If you’re tired of wasting time on fluff and want to build a college application that actually stands out, Prequel is where you belong.
Applications are open now.
If you’re serious about changing the game, APPLY today or JOIN our next Open House to hear how Prequel students have turned their idea into a standout application and how you can too!