As college admissions season heats up, it’s hard to ignore the ever-present buzz around Ivy League schools and the promises made by certain services to help students gain admission to these prestigious institutions. A recent Wall Street Journal article has brought this topic into the spotlight once again, reminding families of the intense pressure to achieve what seems like the ultimate prize: acceptance into an elite college.
As an international educator and experienced college counselor, I understand why these schools hold such allure. There’s no denying that Ivy League/brand name institutions offer immense resources, powerful alumni networks, and a brand that carries significant weight in many circles. For some students, these schools provide the perfect environment to pursue their academic and professional dreams. But as much as we recognize the benefits of attending these schools, we must also be mindful of the potential harm that comes from treating college admissions as a high-stakes competition where prestige is the ultimate goal.
The admissions process should be about far more than securing a spot at a brand-name school. It should focus on a student’s growth, self-discovery, and preparation for a fulfilling future—whether that future unfolds at an Ivy League institution or not. When families become too fixated on the status of the school, they often lose sight of the student’s individual needs, strengths, and passions. This is where the process becomes dangerous.
Students are more than just a collection of test scores, extracurriculars, and recommendation letters. They are young adults standing at the threshold of a transformative period in their lives. When we push them toward a singular definition of success—often based solely on the name of the institution—we risk limiting their potential and placing undue pressure on them. College is a time for exploration and growth, and for many students, the best fit may not always be the most well-known or prestigious institution.
Of course, there are real benefits to attending an Ivy League school. The connections, the opportunities, and the reputation can provide a strong foundation for future success. But it’s crucial to recognize that these advantages aren’t the only path to a fulfilling life or a meaningful career. I’ve seen students flourish at Ivy League schools, but I’ve also seen many who struggled under the weight of expectations that had nothing to do with their personal growth or academic interests.
Moreover, the intense focus on brand-name institutions risks undermining the fairness and integrity of the admissions process. When we treat acceptance as something that can be guaranteed or engineered through opaque strategies, we not only deceive students and families, but we also erode the meritocracy that college admissions are supposed to represent. This creates an uneven playing field where those who can afford access to these so-called “secrets” have an advantage, leaving behind students whose talents and potential might be equally—if not more—deserving.
For families and students aiming for Ivy League schools, my advice is to focus on what matters most: finding an environment where the student can thrive. If that happens to be an Ivy, that’s wonderful. But if not, there are countless other schools that offer rich, transformative experiences with their own powerful and loyal alumni networks and resources on par with the Ivies. The goal should always be about the best fit for the student’s academic, social, and emotional needs, not simply chasing a brand name.
In the end, we must remember that a college’s prestige does not guarantee a student’s success—what matters most is the alignment between the student’s strengths, values, and aspirations and the opportunities a particular school provides. The admissions journey should be one of self-discovery and growth, not a high-stakes race to a predetermined finish line. As counselors, educators, and parents, it’s our responsibility to guide students toward a future that honors who they are, not just where they’re accepted.
