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You’ve probably heard it a thousand times: if you want to get into an Ivy League school, you need perfect grades, stellar test scores, and an endless list of extracurriculars. But what if we told you there’s another way in? What if we told you that genuine, unfiltered passion might just be your secret weapon?
It’s time to stop focusing on what you think schools want, and instead focus on doing what you love. Because in the end, the Ivy League isn’t just looking for robots who do everything by the book. They want people with real curiosity and a desire to make a difference.
1. Follow Your Curiosity, Not the Trends
It’s easy to get swept up in what everyone else is doing. "Oh, coding is the hot thing right now, I should do that," or "Everyone’s starting a nonprofit, maybe I should do that too." But here’s the thing: Ivy League schools don’t want students who follow trends, but students who chart their own course.
When you pursue something that genuinely interests you, you end up developing skills and ideas that no one else has. Whether it’s learning about niche art movements, building custom drones, or mixing music with tech, your authentic passion will shine through in your application. Admissions officers will notice that.
2. How to Build a Passion Project That Works for You
You’ve probably heard that passion projects are key to Ivy League admissions. But here’s the real story: not all passion projects are created equal. The goal isn’t to make something that looks impressive on paper, it’s to make something that reflects what you truly care about.
The best projects come from what excites you. Maybe you want to write a novel, create a podcast, or organize a local event. Whatever it is, it should be a reflection of your interests and your drive. Ivy League schools are looking for students who take initiative, who are creative, and who show they can follow through on their passions.
Passions projects can truly be about anything. The main focus is you and what you are genuinely interested in and could work on for hours on end. Rhett, a Prequel alumnus, was super interested in mountain biking. With Prequel, a year-long program that helps you build a masterpiece passion project, he created a world-class mountain bike park in Texas. And you can do the same with your passion.
3. The College Essay: Let Them See the Real You
Your college essay is your opportunity to go beyond your grades and test scores. It’s where you can show the admissions team what really matters to you. This is the place to bring your passion to life.
Don’t just talk about what you’ve done, talk about why you do it. What fuels your interest? What challenges have you faced, and how has that made you who you are today? When you weave your passions into your essay, you’ll stand out as someone with a real drive and perspective.
4. Let Your Passion Guide Your Extracurriculars
You don’t need to be the president of every club or rack up hours of community service. What really matters is that your extracurricular activities reflect what you’re passionate about. If you love theater, why not explore both the performance and technical sides of it? If the environment is your thing, maybe you could create a sustainable fashion line or host talks about climate change.
Schools want students who stand out for what they care about, not for how many things they can fit onto their resume. The key is showing that you’ve invested your time and energy into something meaningful, not just filling up space with activities.
5. When Passion Meets Purpose: Making a Difference
Getting into an Ivy League school is about more than just grades, it’s about showing that you have the potential to do something meaningful with your life. Schools want students who don’t just love learning, but who will use that learning to make a real impact.
So, how do you align your passion with a sense of purpose? Think about the bigger picture: what problems do you want to solve? Whether it’s tackling climate change, fighting inequality, or using technology for good, Ivy League schools are looking for students who are motivated by something bigger than themselves.
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!
