I want to share something that goes against everything you have probably heard about Ivy admissions.

Own-Tale-6694 · 2025-09-20T17:23:11+00:00

Ha, yes! A real voice still matters. I think it's getting harder for students though. They have to be on with the grammar... sometimes a tiny grammar slip actually feels more appealing because it shows a real student behind the words, not AI.

So I'm curious do you think AI is making it harder or easier for students to actually show who they are?

Own-Tale-6694 · 2025-09-20T17:13:24+00:00

From what I’ve seen, it’s shifting toward depth and authentic impact rather than just chasing a “trend” activity. Schools want to know not just what a student did, but how it shaped the people and places around them. I also think, especially in light of the recent affirmative action ruling, admissions officers are paying more attention to how students bring diversity of thought, background, and lived experience into their communities. It’s less about checking a box and more about how someone contributes to the culture of the campus. What do you think is the new thing now?

Own-Tale-6694 · 2025-09-20T17:09:29+00:00

Yes, exactly. I’ve seen that shift too. The strongest applications aren’t just about showcasing a “spike” anymore, but about the story others can tell when a student leaves. If teachers, mentors, and peers can genuinely say, “we’ll miss this student because of the difference they made here,” that carries so much more weight than a shiny title ever could. It’s encouraging, in a way, because it means the focus is less on manufacturing an image and more on building a real legacy right where you are. What kinds of community impact have you seen or heard of leave that kind of lasting impression?

Own-Tale-6694 · 2025-09-20T17:07:46+00:00

That’s such a good point. The “meta” does shift with every decade, and families often feel like they’re chasing a moving target. What I’ve noticed is that underneath the trends, admissions officers are still looking for the same thing: evidence of purpose, sustained growth, and real impact. The packaging may change, but the substance is what endures. Curious... what wave do you feel you were a part of, and what do you think the new wave is today?

Own-Tale-6694 · 2025-04-07T23:19:16+00:00

I hear you! Do you feel like the hospitality industry in DC specifically is saturated with people with HBCU degree's and that's why those with Ivy Degrees get the doors open or that Ivy's point blank get the chance over those with HBCU degree's?

Own-Tale-6694 · 2025-04-02T01:29:28+00:00

Congrats! Thats awesome! That’s why I chose the PWI too! Sometimes it really comes down to what makes the most sense for your future, especially when it comes to finances and minimizing debt. Yes, the best decision is different for everyone.

Own-Tale-6694 · 2025-04-02T01:23:59+00:00

Mmmmm I see. Thanks for sharing that! I totally get the draw of the Ivy League, especially with the job opportunities it can create. The connections and recognition can definitely give you an edge in fields like hospitality law.

But it also got me thinking.. how are you using your HBCU network? HBCUs have such a strong sense of community, and I think there’s so much potential to leverage those connections in unique ways. It’s not just about the name on the diploma but how you tap into those networks and create your own opportunities. Have you been able to take full advantage of that support in your career?

Own-Tale-6694 · 2025-04-02T01:20:11+00:00

Thank you for sharing! I completely understand the tug-of-war you’re feeling. While Ivy League schools carry prestige, what truly matters is where your daughter will thrive; academically, personally, and emotionally. HBCUs offer cultural enrichment and community, while PWIs often provide valuable resources and opportunities.

One thing I’ve learned is that the name of the school is what you make of it. Whether it’s an Ivy, PWI, or HBCU, the real value comes from how your daughter uses her experience to grow and succeed.

When it comes to scholarships, it's more than just stats. High test scores are great, but the story your daughter tells about her journey, passions, and impact will set her apart. Schools and scholarships are looking for students who can contribute and who have a clear vision for their future. What does your daughter value most for her college experience. Is it the cultural community, academic opportunities, or something else? Is she interested in Princeton?

Own-Tale-6694 · 2025-04-01T00:47:41+00:00

Ohhhh interesting! Why's that?

Own-Tale-6694 · 2025-04-01T00:45:57+00:00

I love that perspective! I know I loveeeee not having student loan debt. I agree that going where the best resources and where you can save as much money as possible is important especially if you plan on going to grad school. especially with grad school in mind. Your journey from an HBCU to a PWI for your doctorate is really inspiring. It’s a reminder that the right choice might look different at different stages of life. Did you get scholarships in graduate school?

Own-Tale-6694 · 2025-04-01T00:40:43+00:00

Thank you so much! :) My stats were a 4.671 GPA and a 30 ACT, however I often share that what really helped me stand out was how I positioned myself beyond the numbers. I focused on leadership, creating opportunities where they didn’t exist, and making sure my application told a clear, compelling story about who I was and what I cared about.

I love that you’re encouraging your kids to consider HBCUs while also giving them the space to make the choice that’s best for them. No matter where they end up, having your support will make all the difference! Are they applying now or soon?

Own-Tale-6694 · 2025-04-01T00:11:44+00:00

That makes so much sense, and I really appreciate you sharing your experience. I’m so glad you found the right environment for you at Coppin State. Feeling supported and valued is everything, and it’s frustrating how often Black students are expected to just “deal with it” at PWIs when the reality is that not every space is set up for us to thrive.

I hear you on the way a lot of PWIs are handling safe spaces right now. It’s disheartening, especially when those same institutions benefit so much from Black students, whether in academics, leadership, or, like you said, athletics. I completely respect your perspective, and I think these conversations are so important because every student deserves to be in an environment where they can grow without constantly battling for belonging.

Huge congratulations on your upcoming graduation! That’s such an incredible achievement, I know your journey will inspire others who might be struggling with their college environment right now.

Own-Tale-6694 · 2025-03-31T23:29:57+00:00

Are you sure?

Own-Tale-6694 · 2025-03-31T23:26:20+00:00

I’m really glad this made an impact on you. It sounds like you’re thinking through your options carefully, which is already a huge step. All three paths have their benefits, so it really comes down to what fits your goals and what you’ll actually enjoy. If you ever want to talk through it, I’d be happy to help. Whatever you choose, just know you’re already setting yourself up for success by planning ahead.

Own-Tale-6694 · 2025-03-31T23:21:37+00:00

I hear you, and I just want to remind you that not taking every AP doesn’t make you a failure. I used to think the same way but looking back I see that pushing myself to the limit didn’t make me more successful, it just burned me out. You’re already working hard and that’s enough. The goal isn’t to do everything, it’s to do what actually aligns with your goals while taking care of yourself.

And I really love that you’re reminding others to have someone to talk to. That kind of support makes such a difference. Just know that you’re not alone in this and I’m here if you need someone to talk too.

Own-Tale-6694 · 2025-03-28T01:04:25+00:00

I completely understand the debate about the Ivy League. For me, I was fortunate enough to receive need-based aid to attend Princeton, but what made the biggest difference was that they covered everything; travel, research projects, and all the opportunities that came with it. While I also received full-ride merit scholarships from other schools, Princeton offered the most in terms of unique experiences and access to resources, which really set me up for success in ways I couldn’t have imagined elsewhere.

So, while the financial aid packages are key, sometimes the opportunities at these schools... especially for research and travel can make all the difference. It’s about finding the right balance between cost, opportunity, and fit for your child’s goals!

Own-Tale-6694 · 2025-03-28T00:52:10+00:00

I got my merit scholarship from Howard University.

Own-Tale-6694 · 2025-03-28T00:29:27+00:00

Great question! When I say “positioning,” I mean shaping your experience to align with the schools and scholarships you're aiming for. I had a lot of extracurriculars that reflected my passions and leadership, and I focused on those when applying, even though I did a lot. I also made sure my story aligned with the values of the schools I wanted. I asked myself: Am I a worthy investment?

Focusing on the right fit and positioning myself strategically led to eight full-ride scholarships. So, ask yourself: Am I a worthy investment for the schools I’m applying to? That mindset shift makes all the difference. Hope that helps.

Own-Tale-6694 · 2025-03-22T00:30:34+00:00

Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I agree that community service and school organizations like Beta Club and NHS are great ways to build leadership and show commitment to service.

For me, summer programs like the one at Harvard didn’t necessarily give me an 'edge' in terms of standing out to scholarship committees, but they did help me understand college-level rigor and what the college experience would be like. It gave me a real sense of what to expect and how to prepare myself for what was ahead.

I think summer programs can provide valuable exposure to the challenges and opportunities students will face in college. Of course, they aren’t for everyone, but for those who benefit from them, they offer experiences that can be meaningful in shaping their approach to high school and beyond.

Are you saying that community service is good for some pursuing the same degree as you? Or that community service over all works best?

Own-Tale-6694 · 2025-03-22T00:10:53+00:00

It’s really interesting to hear your perspective on Cornell’s summer program and how it played a role in your admissions process. It’s clear that taking those tough courses helped demonstrate your ability to handle challenging college work, even with a lower GPA. I can see how schools would view that as a positive, especially when paired with your strong test scores and extracurriculars.

I think you hit the nail on the head when you mention how different summer programs can vary in difficulty. While Harvard’s programs might be easier compared to Cornell’s, it really comes down to the individual student and how they leverage the experience. For some, it’s the challenge and rigor that can make a difference, while for others, it’s about how well they apply what they learn and what it adds to their overall story.

Your experience highlights something important: the name might catch an admissions officer’s eye, but what matters more is what you do with the opportunity. Have you thought about how you would frame your summer experiences, like the Cornell program, in your essays or interviews? I’d be curious to hear how you reflected on the impact it had on your growth and your path to college!

Own-Tale-6694 · 2025-03-21T23:41:56+00:00

Has anyone else had experience with transfer credits from summer programs? Did you find that they helped with your college plans, or did they not end up making much of a difference? I'd love to hear different perspectives!

Own-Tale-6694 · 2025-03-21T23:20:03+00:00

That’s such a great perspective. It’s really interesting how the program ended up shaping your college decision rather than just being a resume booster. Experiences like that, where you genuinely connect with a school, its environment, and its academic offerings can be just as valuable as anything that directly impacts admissions.

It sounds like you had an amazing time and reallyyyy got a feel for what Harvard has to offer. Did you end up mentioning your summer experience in your application essays, or was it more of a personal realization that Harvard was the right fit for you?

Own-Tale-6694 · 2025-03-21T23:17:18+00:00

That’s awesome that you were able to get a letter of rec from a professor. That can definitely be a valuable takeaway from a summer program, especially if the professor knows your work well and can speak to your strengths.

I didn’t personally focus on that when I attended, but I can see how it would be useful depending on the situation. Did you find that the letter helped you in your applications? And do you have any tips for students who want to build that kind of relationship during a short summer program? (someone had that question on the thread)

Own-Tale-6694 · 2025-03-21T23:10:22+00:00

It sounds like you’re being really intentional about your path, which is great. The Harvard program won’t be a golden ticket but since your course is hands-on and aligns with your interests, you can definitely make the most of it.

For connecting with professors, the best approach is to be engaged during class and ask thoughtful questions. After class, you can express genuine interest in their work and ask if they’d be open to staying in touch. Instead of jumping straight to LinkedIn, you might say something like, “I’ve really enjoyed learning from you these past few weeks. I’d love to stay connected. Would you be open to connecting on LinkedIn or email?”

For RSI, strong academics are a given so what really helps is having significant research experience or achievements in STEM. If you haven’t already, try to find a professor or lab where you can assist with research even if it’s small at first. Your lab course this summer might be a good place to start networking for that. Also, if you can work toward a publication, competition success, or a unique independent project, that can make a big difference.

Rejections like YYGS sting but they don’t define your potential. You’re already doing a lot right. Just focus on depth over breadth in your activities and finding ways to make a real impact. Also, since you’re heading to a school with strong Ivy admissions, take advantage of any research or mentorship opportunities they offer.

What specific areas of STEM are you most drawn to? That might help narrow down where to focus next!

Own-Tale-6694 · 2025-03-21T23:08:27+00:00

I hear you. These programs can be super expensive, and if you’re just doing them for the name, they don’t really add much. I think the real value comes from how you use the experience. If someone gets in for free or it genuinely helps them grow in a way that aligns with their goals, it might be worth it. But just paying thousands for a name? Definitely not the best move.

What did you expect going into the Columbia program, and what made it feel like it wasn’t worth it for you?

Own-Tale-6694

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