Introduction In New York, thousands of students list impressive-sounding internships on their college applications. But when admissions officers read them, they often ask the same question: "But what did you actually do?" Too many high-achieving students get stuck in internships where they just watch or fetch coffee. They get the title, but they don't get the experience. And without a real project to talk about, that "prestigious" internship doesn't help them get into a top c

Introduction Why do elite admissions committees accept two applicants with identical GPAs, test scores, and coursework while rejecting a third with the same credentials? The difference usually begins well before application season, with how a high school student  chooses to spend their time outside of the classroom. And here's the uncomfortable question that many NYC families are quietly grappling with: What if your activity choices mattered more to admissions than your acad