Ivy League Prep Academy Podcast

The Hidden Test: What Colleges are Really Looking For

Steve Season 2 Episode 230

What if the real test in college admissions isn’t the one you think it is?

In this episode, we unpack “The Hidden Test”—the one that’s not on any syllabus and can’t be studied for with flashcards. Drawing from a powerful psychological experiment, wisdom from Ivy League deans Lee Coffin (Dartmouth) and Logan Powell (Brown), and real insights from the admissions process, we reveal how selective colleges are not just looking for the most impressive applicants. They're looking for the ones who live with purpose, character, and impact.

You'll learn:

  • Why authenticity beats strategy in college prep
  • How admissions officers “investigate” your values through your application
  • Why students who stop chasing prestige often stand out the most
  • How to align your high school experience with what actually matters

This episode is a must-listen for students, parents, and educators who want to understand what selective colleges really value—and how to focus on becoming, not just getting in.



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