Taha Usha

Please note that any similarities to real organizations or institutions are purely coincidental. 

Are you stressed over wanting to go to a Top 20 school? Hate to break it to you, but stressing is probably the only thing you’re doing right. Elite universities such as Colombia or Princesston are the only schools with the resources to make people rich and successful; ergo, the undergraduate school you attend will define the trajectory of the rest of your life. 

However, there might just be a sliver of hope for you. If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you are an anomaly of the HSMSE student body and demonstrate the drive necessary to overcome your intellectual mediocrity, physical setbacks, and lack of talent.

That’s why I’m generously sharing five of the most important bullet points in my secret admissions document.

#5: Compare yourself to your peers.

The students around you aren’t your friends; they’re your academic competition. Class rank, especially at HSMSE, is the most important factor admission officers consider when reviewing your application. While there is still time, block out all the distractions in your life, lock yourself in your room, and study nonstop. Being valedictorian ensures at least one Top 20 acceptance. 

#4: Pick majors strategically.

If you’re interested in computer science, medicine, business, or any other saturated major, congratulations—you’re not anymore. Rejection letters will inevitably come if you place yourself in a field where thousands of people are more qualified than you. Instead, apply as an education, communications, or literature major; even if you don’t like those subjects, they are less competitive, and you will always be able to switch your major after you get in. After all, passion is temporary, but admission has an eternal impact. 

#3: Collect as many “trophies” as you can.

Not only do “trophies” (leadership positions, awards, etc.) give you a range of options for the honors section of your Common Application, but they also directly correlate with your potential. Especially for schools in the Vine League, it is necessary to demonstrate that you aren’t a community leader or local hero, but a visionary with global influence. Olympic medals, Nobel Prizes, Grammys, and other international achievements are all attainable if you are hungry enough for them; however, you can always start a niche club or social media account and grow it to 6,700+ members if you’re too lazy.

#2: Paid programs are your best friends.

There is NOTHING better you can do to increase your chances of getting into a Top 20 school than paying money to attend programs run by your colleges of choice. It doesn’t matter what the program is for, it doesn’t matter if you want to go or not, and it doesn’t matter if you’re broke; participation is necessary to increase your demonstrated interest. Plus, it indicates that you have the finances to pay for their tuition—if you don’t, then the money you make after undergrad will cover the loans you took out.

#1: Lie.

If you’re truly stuck and have nothing impressive left to add, simply fake it until you make it. That Google search counts as an “independent study.” The penny you gave to a subway dancer qualifies as a “non-profit.” The friend group’s biyearly hangout at Chipotle can be manipulated into a club of which you’re the “president.” With the amount of applications they receive every cycle, top colleges can’t possibly verify everything. Integrity is optional when acceptance rates are below 6.7%.

If you’ve made it to the end of this preview, congratulations! Your chances of being admitted to a Vine League–level college just shot up by 6767%. If you want more foolproof advice, DM me on Instagram at @ultimatevineleagueguide and I’ll send you my full 67-page document containing all the secrets of the college admission process. Or, if you are truly committed to the Vine League dream, schedule a free consulting call on my website, ultimatevineleagueguide.com. Best of luck!