Ivy League Prep Academy Podcast

You've done the hard thinking. You've found your insights, explored your contradictions, and reflected deeply. But now you're stuck—staring at a blank page, unsure how to turn those ideas into a compelling college essay.In this episode, Steve explains why the next step is not perfection—it's motion. You'll learn how to choose the right moment to write about, why your first draft should be messy, and how that so-called “garbage draft” is the best way to get unstuck and start building an unforgettable essay. What You'll Learn:Why insight alone won't get you a finished essayHow to choose a powerful, reflective moment for your personal statementThe truth about “impressive” stories (and what to do instead)Why the garbage draft is your most powerful tool for clarity and momentumA simple two-step plan to move from stuck to confident Ready to finish your essay?Join Steve's College Essay Workshop and get:Access to recordings from completed weeksStep-by-step guidance to write a powerful, authentic essay

If you've been putting off your college essay, dreading it like a monkey on your back—you're not alone. But what if you could stop trying to sound impressive and start telling a story that actually matters?In this episode, I'll guide you through the exact questions and strategies we used in the first week of my Personal Statement Workshop to help students uncover stories that admissions officers care about.You'll learn:Why this essay can make or break your applicationWhat admissions officers are really looking forHow to start discovering the contradictions and insights that make your story unforgettableExamples of thought-provoking contradictions like “a colorblind painter” or “a debater who avoids conflict”Insightful truths that make you human—and memorableWhether you join my workshop or not, this episode will help you begin writing an essay that's honest, thoughtful, and impossible to ignore.Ready to take action?Join my 4-week Personal Statement Workshop and finish your essay before July even starts. You'll get instant access to the replay of Session 1 and join me live for the next three trainings. Enroll now: TILC.to/essayMentioned in this episode:20+ examples of powerful contradictions you can explore in your own storyInsightful one-liners that could become the heart of your essayThe two questions every personal statement should answer

The personal statement can be one of the most confusing and stressful parts of the college application — but it doesn't have to be. In this episode, I share a few key do's and don'ts to help you avoid common pitfalls and start your essay with clarity and confidence.Whether you're staring at a blank page or already brainstorming ideas, these tips will help you stay on track and write something that actually strengthens your application.

The personal statement is one of the most important — and misunderstood — parts of the college application. In this short, powerful episode, Steve Gardner explains why so many students struggle to get started, what the real purpose of the personal statement is, and how families can reduce stress and gain a competitive edge now, before summer slips away.If you're a parent or student feeling overwhelmed, this episode offers clarity, direction, and a powerful invitation to tackle this task with expert support.

You've made it to the end of AP season—or you're just about to. So… what now? In this episode, I share what successful students actually do after their exams are over to prepare for college applications. These are the same strategies used by Ivy League, Stanford, and MIT admits—and they're simple, clear, and powerful.You'll learn:Why the summer after junior year is a “bonus semester”The two questions your application must answerWhat aligned action looks like (with real student examples)How to recover, reflect, and move forward with purposeA simple 3-step plan you can start this weekWhether you're feeling burned out or just unsure of your next step—this episode will help you reset your direction and use your time wisely.

Are you feeling pressure to make the most of summer—but not sure what actually matters for college admissions? In this episode, Steve Gardner breaks down the three most common mistakes high-achieving students make when planning their summer... and shows you how to avoid them.You'll meet:Sophia, who overloaded her schedule trying to impress collegesDaniel, who created a meaningful project from a single questionAnd Bryanna, a real student whose summer project led to research, grants, and scholarship offersWhether you're feeling behind or just overwhelmed, this episode will help you create a summer that builds not just a stronger application—but a stronger you.-----To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our websiteTo follow on Instagram:  @TheIvyLeagueChallengeTo join us on our Facebook group for parents

Steve sits down with Tessymol Jose — the inspiring mother of Erica, one of our incredible students — to tell the full, raw story of their college admissions journey.This isn't a sugar-coated success story. It's a front-row seat to the overwhelming pressure, confusion, and heartbreak that so many ambitious students (and their families) experience when they follow the wrong roadmap to college admissions — the "just do more, be more impressive" roadmap that leads straight to burnout.

This episode is a special one — made especially for parents of Curiosity Lab students, but meaningful for anyone raising a curious preteen.Inside, Steve shares:Why curiosity is a skill, not a personality trait — and why that mattersThe five core pillars of the Curiosity Lab (and how they work together)Three powerful ways parents can support curiosity at homeA bonus mindset shift that will change how you respond when your child says, “This is hard.”Whether your child is already enrolled in the Curiosity Lab or you're curious about what makes this program so unique, this episode will leave you inspired and equipped to support your 10–13-year-old in the most important learning window of their life.Register for the Curiosity Lab at TILC.to/CLhttps://www.globalimpactcouncil.org/gic-curiosity-labs-----To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our websiteTo follow on Instagram:  @TheIvyLeagueChallengeTo join us on our Facebook group for parents

Most teens today feel overwhelmed, burned out, or stuck in the race to be impressive — all while secretly wondering: “How do some students become so great, so young?”In this episode, we break down the real process of building passion and achieving meaningful success — not by performing for approval, but by discovering purpose and leaning into long-term growth.You'll learn:Why passion isn't found — it's builtHow over-scheduling and screen time quietly close the curiosity windowThe dangers of the Impressiveness Trap and how to escape itWhy real growth happens in the Goldilocks Zone of just-manageable challengeHow teens like Corey are solving real problems and becoming the kinds of leaders the world needs — and colleges are eager to recruitThis episode is a roadmap for teens who want to rise above burnout and build a life of purpose, impact, and excellence. It's also a powerful guide for parents who want to support their kids the right way — with clarity, not more pressure.-----To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our websiteTo follow on Instagram:  @TheIvyLeagueChallengeTo join us on our Facebook group for parents

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 prepHow admissions officers “investigate” your values through your applicationWhy students who stop chasing prestige often stand out the mostHow to align your high school experience with what actually mattersThis 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.-----To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our websiteTo follow on Instagram:  @TheIvyLeagueChallengeTo join us on our Facebook group for parents

In this episode, I'm thrilled to introduce something brand new — Curiosity Lab, a program designed to ignite the minds of 10–13-year-olds through real-world learning, led by inspiring high school mentors.Our very first teacher is Ava, a passionate and thoughtful high school student who's teaching the first Curiosity Lab unit on public speaking. Ava shares how she discovered her love for speech and debate, why she wanted to teach younger students, and what it's been like to design a unit that's engaging, age-appropriate, and deeply meaningful.We talk about:Why peer-to-peer learning is so powerfulHow Ava planned her lessons to spark curiosity in middle schoolersWhat makes Curiosity Lab different from schoolHow younger students benefit from seeing older teens as role modelsWhether you're a parent of a curious preteen or just someone who believes in the power of inspired teaching, this episode will give you a behind-the-scenes look at something truly special.To register for the Curiosity Lab, to go TILC.to/CL-----To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our websiteTo follow on Instagram:  @TheIvyLeagueChallengeTo join us on our Facebook group for parents

What if your child's future success—especially with college admissions—hinges  on how curious they become before they even get there?In this episode, I break down the Curiosity Window, the critical developmental phase between ages 10 and 13, when your child's brain is primed for identity formation, exploration, and deep learning. If curiosity is nurtured now, it becomes a foundation for confidence, motivation, and impact later. If ignored, that spark often fades—leading to disengaged, uncertain teens.You'll also hear why I created Curiosity Lab, a live weekly program designed specifically for 10–13 year-olds to build curiosity, critical thinking, and communication skills through hands-on learning.

If you've ever felt helpless watching your teen struggle with stress, you're not alone. Many parents want to help but don't know how to do it in a way that actually works. In this episode, we dive into why today's teens feel more overwhelmed than ever, the common mistakes even well-meaning parents make, and how to shift your parenting approach to truly support your child. Learn how to move from "boss" to "coach" so your teen can build resilience, confidence, and the skills to manage stress in a healthy way.

If I could sit down with my teenage self, I'd have a lot to say about college admissions—especially in today's high-pressure environment. In this episode, I share the advice I wish someone had given me at 16, including the biggest misconceptions I had about the admissions process and what actually mattered in the long run. If you're feeling overwhelmed by grades, extracurriculars, and the constant pressure to be "impressive," this episode will help you shift your mindset and focus on what truly makes a difference—not just for getting into college, but for long-term success.

What if you could see yourself, right now, as a student at your dream college? What if you could feel what it's like to walk across campus, sit in a classroom, and engage with world-class professors and peers?In this special guided visualization, I'll take you through an immersive experience where you'll:✅ Step into the shoes of your future self at your dream university✅ Feel the excitement and confidence of belonging in that environment✅ Discover what kind of student you want to be—not just where you want to go✅ Leave with a clear sense of purpose and steps you can take right now to become that personThis isn't just about college admissions—it's about becoming the kind of student who thrives, no matter where you go.

Most students believe that getting into a top college means checking all the right boxes—perfect grades, leadership roles, and a long list of impressive achievements. But what if that's actually the wrong approach?In this episode, I'll reveal:✅ The Gold Rush Mistake that keeps students stuck in the "Impressiveness Trap"✅ The three levels of preparation—good, better, and best—and which one actually works✅ Why top colleges don't want “perfect applicants”—they want future change-makers✅ A simple mindset shift that makes both admissions and long-term success easierIf you've been stressed about standing out, this episode will change how you think about college admissions forever.

Most families assume that strong grades, leadership roles, and packed extracurriculars will guarantee college admissions success. But I explain why top schools aren't just looking for impressive students—they're looking for memorable students.In this episode, I'll break down:✅ The #1 mistake high-achieving students make in their applications✅ What admissions officers actually look for (and what they ignore)✅ The simple 3-step strategy to make your teen's application stand out✅ How to stop guessing and get a clear, customized plan in just one weekEvery year, I see students realize too late that their application is missing key pieces. Don't let that be your teen.

We just completed our Holistic College Application Roadmap workshop.Enjoy our final day (day 2) here. To register for the Ivy League Challenge, go to TILC.to/register-----To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our websiteTo follow on Instagram:  @TheIvyLeagueChallengeTo join us on our Facebook group for parentsOr schedule a meeting with Steve here

We just completed our Holistic College Application Roadmap workshop. Enjoy day 1 here.  To register for the Ivy League Challenge, go to TILC.to/register-----To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our websiteTo follow on Instagram:  @TheIvyLeagueChallengeTo join us on our Facebook group for parentsOr schedule a meeting with Steve here

Announcing our upcoming workshop: the Holistic College Application RoadmapJanuary 16-17th, 8:00 pm eastern timeTo register, go to TILC.to/CommonApp-----To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our websiteTo follow on Instagram:  @TheIvyLeagueChallengeTo join us on our Facebook group for parentsOr schedule a meeting with Steve here

Complete College Application AuditLimited Spots for this personal guidanceSign up at TILC.to/auditExpert Guidance: With years of experience helping students gain admission to selective universities, I know what works—and what doesn't—in a competitive application.Personalized Support: Unlike generic programs, this service is tailored specifically to your story and your strengths.Proven Results: Students who work with me have gained admission to top colleges, creating applications that truly reflect their potential.Confidence & Clarity: Walk away knowing your application is the strongest it can be, with every element working together to tell a cohesive story.

When you decide to grow, you set yourself up for challenging periods of awkwardness. You might feel like you are 'faking it' or that you don't belong, when really this is just the natural transition period when you grow.Listen to learn how to reframe your mindset when you face these challenging periods of growth. -----To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our websiteTo follow on Instagram:  @TheIvyLeagueChallengeTo join us on our Facebook group for parentsOr schedule a meeting with Steve here

In times of deep conflict and polarization, we can easily become triggered. But when an event occurs, we all respond based on our assumptions coming into the event. What if we chose to become more charitable in our assumptions? I believe this approach helps us become more effective and influential change-makers. Not only is it a healthier, happier approach to life, but also a great way to cultivate the curiosity and empathy that are so important in life and in college prep.-----To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our websiteTo follow on Instagram:  @TheIvyLeagueChallengeTo join us on our Facebook group for parentsOr schedule a meeting with Steve here

Your alumni interview may be the first interview you've ever been a part of that felt like a high-stakes interview. I hope you realize after listening to this podcast episode that this interview should not be stressful either. But listen in to learn how to make sure that you will be completely prepared for your interview.-----To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our websiteTo follow on Instagram:  @TheIvyLeagueChallengeTo join us on our Facebook group for parentsOr schedule a meeting with Steve here

If your high school is ultra competitive, and you don't want to step on the backs of your peers in order to land a leadership title, then this training is for you.There are many different ways to demonstrate leadership, and we discuss WHY colleges are very interested in non-traditional leaders-- not just the titles.-----To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our websiteTo follow on Instagram:  @TheIvyLeagueChallengeTo join us on our Facebook group for parentsOr schedule a meeting with Steve here

Learn how the top test takers prepare to get such outstanding scores. If you genuinely follow this approach, you can raise your test score by a significant margin within only 3 months.-----To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our websiteTo follow on Instagram:  @TheIvyLeagueChallengeTo join us on our Facebook group for parentsOr schedule a meeting with Steve here

Saisha walks us through her journey to an impact project that she is excited about. It took time, probing, and effort for her to land where she is today, and we get to listen in to discover how she has transformed a very frustrating, stressful high school experience into a thriving high school experience. Listen in to learn from Saisha!-----To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our websiteTo follow on Instagram:  @TheIvyLeagueChallengeTo join us on our Facebook group for parentsOr schedule a meeting with Steve here

Ava has founded Junior Speakers and Voices Unmuted; two organizations designed to help others to find their voices and speak up. You can find her websites here:www.juniorspeakers.comwww.voicesunmuted.orgListen in to learn how she progressed through multiple ideas to finally land on something she is very passionate about. -----To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our websiteTo follow on Instagram:  @TheIvyLeagueChallengeTo join us on our Facebook group for parentsOr schedule a meeting with Steve here

Day 2 of our workshop helping teens understand what colleges are looking for and how to complete the five different sections of the Common App so you stand out to the admissions officers who read your applications. 

This is day 1 of our workshop helping teens understand what colleges are looking for and how to complete the five different sections of the Common App so that admissions officers will be excited to admit you.Part two will follow next!

If you are stressed about how to best fill out the Common App, I have good news for you. I'll be hosting a free workshop to help you understand how to fit all five pieces of the Common App together. You might recognize this from a few months ago-- we are repeating this training due to the high number of requests we received. Also, we will be adding case studies to make the information even more clear and useful.To register, go to TILC.to/commonapp and give us your name and email address, so we can send you the worksheet, the zoom links, and then the recording when we finish.See you August 23 & 24th at 8pm eastern time.

For seniors-- it is time to get those essays done. Listen in to understand what role these essays play in your application, and how to avoid the most common mistakes. Also, stay tuned next week for part 2!-----To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our websiteTo follow on Instagram:  @TheIvyLeagueChallengeTo join us on our Facebook group for parentsOr schedule a meeting with Steve here

Sathvic has advice that is wise beyond his years. He has landed multiple research opportunities and internships, including with professors from Harvard Medical School and MIT.He discusses exactly how he began the outreach, as well as details about the work that he is doing. Sathvic also shares how younger teens can get started if they want to land amazing opportunities like his.

June 18th & 19th starting at 8 pm eastern time each night, I'll be going through a college essay workshop. You do not want to miss this!If you are a rising senior, drop everything and join.Registration is free, and is available at TILC.to/BestEssaySee you there!-----To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our websiteTo follow on Instagram:  @TheIvyLeagueChallengeTo join us on our Facebook group for parentsOr schedule a meeting with Steve here

How do each of the five sections of the Common App come together tell your story to the admissions officers?What are the most common mistakes people make as they prepare for college?We address these issues in a two-part podcast. This is a recording from the masterclass I did in early May, 2024.Be sure to catch both parts of the masterclass-----To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our websiteTo follow on Instagram:  @TheIvyLeagueChallengeTo join us on our Facebook group for parentsOr schedule a meeting with Steve here

How do each of the five sections of the Common App come together tell your story to the admissions officers? What are the most common mistakes people make as they prepare for college?We address these issues in a two-part podcast. This is a recording from the masterclass I did in early May, 2024.Be sure to catch both parts of the masterclass-----To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our websiteTo follow on Instagram:  @TheIvyLeagueChallengeTo join us on our Facebook group for parentsOr schedule a meeting with Steve here

How can we use business principles I learned at Harvard to improve our mentoring and increase our impact? I go over how to use Lewin's Force-field Analysis as mentors in the Global Impact Council.Mentors can use this to encourage mentees to take action that will create change, and might help everyone to clarify first steps. -----To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our websiteTo follow on Instagram:  @TheIvyLeagueChallengeTo join us on our Facebook group for parentsOr schedule a meeting with Steve here

Now that exams have finished up, it is time to shift your focus to your college application essays. I will be hosting a workshop to help you get started, and to make sure that you avoid the biggest mistakes most people make in these essays. Participation in the workshop is free, but you need to register.you can register at TILC.to/BestEssay-----To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our websiteTo follow on Instagram:  @TheIvyLeagueChallengeTo join us on our Facebook group for parentsOr schedule a meeting with Steve here

What do you do when both of your children work hard for an audition, and then one is chosen to perform, but the other is not selected? How should they each deal with the news?I find that musicians develop a unique ability to handle criticism, and also to handle rejection. I hope this episode helps teens everywhere (musicians and non-musicians alike) to take a healthy approach to the realities of daring to pursue big goals. -----To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our websiteTo follow on Instagram:  @TheIvyLeagueChallengeTo join us on our Facebook group for parentsOr schedule a meeting with Steve here

Is an A in a regular class, or a B in an honors/AP class more valuable for me?How do I decide how many APs to take?How do I schedule my classes in order to be as competitive as possible for college?Which high school should I attend?These are a few of the questions that should be straightforward, but end up being quick difficult to decide, because there are different colleges, and what is a good strategy at one college would be a bad strategy at another college. Also, teens are different, and what would be a great strategy for one, would be a bad strategy for another.So how do we know what to do?I go over the context and background information you need in order to make the right choice for you.-----To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our websiteTo follow on Instagram:  @TheIvyLeagueChallengeTo join us on our Facebook group for parentsOr schedule a meeting with Steve here

Are you stressed about what is coming when you fill out the Common Application? Do you worry that you might have gaps in your story that need to be filled, but don't know how to find them ahead of time?I will be hosting a masterclass on May 8th in order to help you answer these questions, and give you clarity about what is important vs activities that are not important. At the end of the masterclass, you'll have a good idea of how your application will be read, and which area of your application you will need to supplement in order to have the strongest application possible. To register (for free), go to TILC.to/college-appSee you there!-----To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our websiteTo follow on Instagram:  @TheIvyLeagueChallengeTo join us on our Facebook group for parentsOr schedule a meeting with Steve here

What gaps might exist in your future application? How can you find those gaps so you can fill them before it is too late?We go through each element of the Common Application to identify how to prepare for every section. -----To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our websiteTo follow on Instagram:  @TheIvyLeagueChallengeTo join us on our Facebook group for parentsOr schedule a meeting with Steve here

Should you sign up for NHS? Is it worth the effort?What about volunteering in general? How much should I volunteer? How many hours is enough? Which type of volunteering is best for my application?Listen in to learn the answers to these questions and more.-----To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our websiteTo follow on Instagram:  @TheIvyLeagueChallengeTo join us on our Facebook group for parentsOr schedule a meeting with Steve here

April for high school seniors can be a stressful time-- instead of worrying about which schools might admit their application, many seniors now have multiple acceptances, and are anxious to make sure that they make the right decision. Listen in to learn my advice about how to best make that decision, and to make sure that you end up loving your choice. -----To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our websiteTo follow on Instagram:  @TheIvyLeagueChallengeTo join us on our Facebook group for parentsOr schedule a meeting with Steve here

If you are willing to spend a few minutes listening to this podcast now, you'll be equipped to save most of the stress coming your way when it comes time to write your essays. You'll need a notebook and a few minutes of time. Watch for these meaningful moments as they occur, and just keep track of them. By the time you need to write your essays, instead of stressing over what to write and how to write it-- and struggling to think of examples from your life that represent your values-- you can just open you notebook and pick the ones that work best. Future you will thank today you.The link I referenced in the episode is TILC.to/essay-----To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our websiteTo follow on Instagram:  @TheIvyLeagueChallengeTo join us on our Facebook group for parentsOr schedule a meeting with Steve here

Join us to hear how to avoid the major mistakes most teens make in their college prep so you can gain an advantage in future college admissions.Registration is now open and will close before class begins on Saturday night.Register at TILC.to/register-----To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our websiteTo follow on Instagram:  @TheIvyLeagueChallengeTo join us on our Facebook group for parentsOr schedule a meeting with Steve here

Do you ever feel like you don't have enough time? It is common for stressed teens and adults to say "I wish I had more time!"But actually, you don't need more time. You actually need more energy and better clarity. Listen in to discover why clarity and energy are more important that time.-----To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our websiteTo follow on Instagram:  @TheIvyLeagueChallengeTo join us on our Facebook group for parentsOr schedule a meeting with Steve here

Because college is difficult to prepare for, many families want to begin early. But when they ask how to prepare, too often they are told that there is no reason to start so soon. Many people believe that college prep shouldn't begin until high school.But as long as we don't get stuck in the impressiveness trap, college prep can be healthy and wonderful. Listen in to hear about the four things to be sure to do in middle school in order to begin preparing well for college. 

Most ambitious teens (and their parents, if we're honest) ask the question "what's most ambitious to an admissions officer" early on in the process. They figure that they can sacrifice the things they are curious about for a few short years, then later when they get into their dream college they can start doing those things they love so much.Of course, being as impressive as possible means taking the most rigorous coursework available to them, and then working hard to get great grades in all of those 'impressive' classes.On top of that, they hear that they should demonstrate leadership. So it's not enough to just join 8 clubs, they need to lead 3 or more of them.It's not enough to just be on the sports team-- you need to be the captain. You can't just compete in MUN, you need to be a leader...Later on they may hear that the most impressive students have published books or won national awards or worked alongside professors and doctoral candidates to conduct biology research.These families will push and push and push to fit in more and more novel ways to become impressive. But...Even if you are successful. Even if you are the ONE in your school who is valedictorian and captain of the team and president of the most clubs-- you are THE MOST impressive student in your school-- the reality is that there are 30,000 high schools in N. America. And each of them has a valedictorian. So there are tens of thousands of people who spent all four years of high school stuck in what I call The Impressiveness Trap. And all of those tens of thousands of teens submit applications that look nearly identical. they look nearly identical because they were all over-scheduled in order to become as impressive as possible. Ironically, the things that they sacrificed in order to be more impressive-- those things they would have spent time exploring because they were interesting to them-- THOSE are the things that are interesting to an admissions officer. So that is why it is good advice for your teen to approach activities without considering future admissions officers.The key is (over time) to explore those curiosities to a deep and meaningful level, and connect that interest and exploration to some positive impact in the community. This is where parents or mentors can make a big difference. Listen up to learn more!-----To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our websiteTo follow on Instagram:  @TheIvyLeagueChallengeTo join us on our Facebook group for parentsOr schedule a meeting with Steve here

Want to increase your chances of getting into Harvard? My suggestion for you is to cultivate a sincere love of learning. Figure out a way to inject genuine curiosity and excitement into your learning. But how? I've recently read Adam Grant's book Hidden Potential, and I love how a couple of his stories help explain how and why this is such a powerful solution.-----To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our websiteTo follow on Instagram:  @TheIvyLeagueChallengeTo join us on our Facebook group for parentsOr schedule a meeting with Steve here

Parents are so important to teens' success. Even if you feel like your teens are annoyed by you, your efforts are very important. For many reasons, however, parents often have a hard time motivating or inspiring teens. Sometimes the teens assume that the parents are biased and can't see the teens objectively. Other times teens don't want to be controlled, and so they will resist the advice that comes from parents. However, teens are much more inclined to listen to mentors or coaches. They are also excited to share and learn from their peers. Wise parents can leverage this to recruit help in motivating or inspiring their teens. This is how we do it in the Ivy League Challenge.-----To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our websiteTo follow on Instagram:  @TheIvyLeagueChallengeTo join us on our Facebook group for parentsOr schedule a meeting with Steve here