College admissions should be the impetus that inspires teens to take time to significantly increase self-awareness, to pursue interests, and to grow as a human.

With a foundation of clarity about one's core values, a teen should develop some key skills-- first of all, investigative journalism.

How do you ask better questions? How do you find better answers to those questions...?
And once you have put in the time to pursue your interests appropriately, you will have a greater understanding of the issues in that field. You won't be so naive about those issues.

You'll get why some of the big problems haven't been solved yet, you'll understand who the big players are in your field (the thought leaders and other experts) and you'll become familiar with their respective contributions.

At this stage you can intelligently reach out to them for support, so that you can take your understanding of the situation and apply it to your community in order to begin making an impact in your community.

That impact-- working towards solving a real problem within your community (aligned with your interest) is the evidence that you not only are aware of your core values, but that you are living your life according to them.

That-- the thoughtfulness and self-awareness that allows you to work to solve problems in your community that violate your core values, is unusual, is memorable, and is impressive.
 
Not only is it the best way to stand out in a pool of highly ambitious other high school students vying for a spot in your dream school, it is the best use of your teenage years. Period.

The next cohort of the Ivy League Challenge begins soon. Registration is open. Sign up now.

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