Ready to pursue the college of your dreams?

Gain a competitive edge without burning out.

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What is the

impressiveness trap?

In order to impress future admissions officers, many ambitious teens push themselves to become the most impressive student in the school.

This is exhausting and often unhealthy, but even if you are successful, and become the most impressive student in your school, your application may still be boring.

because there are over 30,000 high schools, each with a most impressive student, and

a valedictorian

a debate team champion

and a top athlete or team captain.

In your effort to stand out to colleges, don't get stuck in the impressiveness trap.

Let me show you a better way.

There's a more effective way to prepare for college.

and you don't have to sacrifice fun, friends, and sleep for it.

Here's how:

STEP 1

Choose your plan

You can take the challenge as an on-demand course, in a live cohort, or 1:1 support.

Choose plan here

STEP 2

Participate in the Challenge

No matter the format, we’ll discover your strengths, develop your theme, and help you create an impact project that will be beneficial for you and your community.

STEP 3

Confidently Gain Admittance to Your Dream College

It’s not a mystery what competitive schools are looking for when screening applicants. You will have a clear plan to get accepted and gain scholarships.

Choose your plan →

In less than a semester, The Ivy League Challenge
develops young people to reach their potential
through three phases of learning

PHASE 1: SELF-AWARENESS

Find core values
Clarify interests & strengths
Define yourself
Learn activities that stand out instead of wasting your time
Craft winning essays

PHASE 2: IMPACT PROJECT

Learn 9 types of projects that stand out
Help your community
Learn to be an investigative journalist
Live your core values authentically
Develop true leadership

PHASE 3: CONFIDENT COLLEGE ADMISSION

Leverage phases 1 & 2 to stand out
Scale your impact
Confidently get into a good college
Effective Professor Outreach
Network with Admissions Officers

Join the challenge now →

Looking for the Roadmap? Click here.

Learn more →

TESTIMONIALS

Read what your peers experienced...

"I completely recommend the Ivy League Challenge, I only wish I would have done this sooner. My life is so much better after I learned these things about myself. There is no better way to live life than the way the Ivy League Challenge teaches."

Ata Alic
– UC Berkley Student

"You will NOT believe what I’m about to tell you! I got into both Harvard and Princeton! I’ve been feeling so dizzy the past two days..."

Xiao Yu
– Attended Harvard

"The Ivy League Challenge allowed me to have the foundation to succeed...Instead of constant pressure and insecurity–always feeling like I wasn’t doing enough, no matter how much I did–I learned to take my time back and developed a healthy and sustainable schedule for myself. "

Asfi Tias
– Cornell Student

Meet the students

From the parents:

"[My son] walked away with such a clear idea of how to figure out his core values...honestly, every session was fantastic. He really and truly loved it, and it changed him. It was phenomenal! Honestly, he always says to me, "Mom, this changed my life."

Dr. Robyn Blair
– Proud Parent

"My daughter attended the program over three years ago, and looking back I see how that training helped her conquer her challenges. Because of your program, she knows what she wants in life and how to get it. She is living her life fully and I find I never have to worry about her success anymore, she is rocking life! Thank you."

Regina McGraph
– Proud Parent

"Her (my daughter's) growth mindset is so palpable in her writings and I am so thankful to you that you have brought that out of her."

Janice Kim
– Proud Parent

Meet the parents

MEET THE TEACHER

Nice to meet you!

I'm Steve Gardner, founder of the Ivy League Challenge. A Harvard alumnus myself, I use my over 15 years of experience in education, business, communication, and personal development to help teens develop the skills they need to thrive throughout high school and college, and create meaningful impact in their communities.

Work with Steve

Other resources

Listen to my podcast

Your best college prep resource. New episode every Monday!

Access podcast

Access Community

Growth mindset? Leadership? Healthy habits? Join our monthly masterclass.

Access masterclass

Take the Challenge

If you're ready, register for the course.

Looking for Curiosity Lab? Click here.