Harvard, Yale, MIT: The Realities of Highly Selective College Admissions

Why Do Top Students Get Such Different Admissions Results?

At the most selective colleges, academic excellence is only the beginning. The majority of applicants have top grades, strong scores, and impressive activities.

What sets students apart are the qualities beyond the checklist. They pursue opportunities that align with their interests and act on them in meaningful ways. Whether they launch something new or go deeper into what already excites them, they take on challenges because they care, not because it looks good on an application.

Join Kevin McMullin, Collegewise’s Founder and Chief Education Officer. With more than 26 years of experience guiding families, Kevin has seen firsthand how selective schools review applications that all look “perfect” and knows what admissions officers are truly looking for when making tough decisions.

You’ll learn how to:

👉 Spot the traits that consistently distinguish successful applicants at the most selective colleges
👉 Understand which qualities can be nurtured at home and which naturally set students apart
👉 Support your teen in developing pursuits that are internally motivated
👉 Help your student navigate academics, extracurriculars, and leadership choices with clarity and purpose

✨ Register now to learn the surprising factors that set successful applicants apart.