What Does It Actually Take to Get Into the Ivy League: Inside the Admissions Journey with Adam Nguyen
What Does It Actually Take to Get Into the Ivy League: Inside the Admissions Journey with Adam Nguyen
As the founder of Ivy Link and a former Columbia admissions officer who has reviewed thousands of applications, Adam Nguyen doesn’t offer vague advice—he offers insight shaped by firsthand experience. And what he’s learned might surprise even the most prepared families.
“Colleges look for a student who is extraordinary in one or two things, and is well adapted at multiple things,” he told Tatler Asia in a recent interview.
It’s a simple truth, but one that cuts through the noise: Ivy League schools aren’t looking for students who do everything. They’re looking for students who know who they are—and show it.
The Student Who Started in Sixth Grade
One story Adam shared illustrates this perfectly—a student who began working with Ivy Link in sixth grade. She wasn’t focused on building the “perfect” résumé. Instead, she explored the intersection of music, language, and neuroscience. Rather than choosing just one path, she was encouraged to pursue them all—strategically and with purpose.
Over time, she conducted research, published her work, and developed a distinctive academic focus. When her acceptance letter arrived from an Ivy League university, it included a handwritten note from an admissions officer who commented on how her music and neuroscience work were “so interesting.”
That kind of recognition doesn’t happen by chance—it’s the result of years of thoughtful development.
As Adam explained, “If you want to craft a narrative, it doesn’t happen overnight.”
The Problem with “Well-Rounded”
This story also challenges one of the most persistent myths in college admissions: that being “well-rounded” is the key to success.
“The misconception of a well-rounded student is that if I just get all As, if I get a perfect test score, if I do a bunch of activities, then I will get into Harvard, Stanford, MIT. Absolutely not,” Adam said.
While strong academics and test scores are important, they’re only the baseline. What sets students apart is the development of deep, focused interests.
“There’s a difference between trying to be good at everything, which nobody is, versus being very proficient in many things but outstanding in a couple of things.”
Admissions Officers Are Placing Bets
It’s easy to think of admissions as a reward system—get the right grades, the right test scores, enough activities, and you’ll be admitted. But that’s not how it works at the most selective schools.
Behind the scenes, admissions officers are making decisions based on more than accomplishments. They’re looking at potential. Fit. Momentum. They’re asking: Where is this student headed? Will they thrive—and contribute—in the years ahead?
As Adam Nguyen explained:
“Each student that’s admitted by Ivy League schools—the school is taking a bet on that student that they’re going to be successful.”
That “bet” isn’t made in isolation. Admissions decisions are shaped by a student’s full context: academic performance, yes—but also background, school environment, family circumstances, and geography.
“Malaysia is probably more of an advantage than Singapore,” Adam noted, explaining that fewer applicants from a country can offer a geographic edge.
In short, colleges aren’t looking for perfection. They’re looking for promise—and for signs that the story you’re already writing is one they want to be part of.
There Are No Shortcuts
In a landscape where rumors of backdoor admissions and influence swirl, Adam offers a grounded reality check.
“You can’t just walk in the door and throw a bunch of money and expect your kids to get in,” he said.
Even sports that are traditionally associated with prestige—like fencing, squash, or rowing—aren’t automatic advantages.
“It is not enough to play these sports. You have to distinguish yourself,” Adam emphasized. “If you’re not good enough to be recruited, it doesn’t matter if you play these sports.”
What This Means for Families
Adam’s perspective echoes Ivy Link’s guiding belief: elite admissions isn’t about building a résumé—it’s about building a life of purpose.
The most successful applicants don’t try to be everything to everyone. They go deep in the areas that matter most to them. And they begin early—not to increase pressure, but to allow time for their interests and strengths to evolve into something extraordinary.
That’s why Ivy Link partners with families from middle school through senior year—to help students discover what sets them apart, develop authentic expertise, and present it strategically through every part of the application process.
And with the right guidance, they can get there. Reach out to Ivy Link today to begin building a path that’s not just impressive on paper—but deeply personal, purpose-driven, and built to stand out.
