Why Competitions & Honors Decide Who Gets In.
Written by:

Yanni M.
US Platinum Strategy Consultant
An Ivy and Harvard Business School graduate, Yanni has guided students into the Ivy League and top U.S. universities (including Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and Yale) by helping them select and present top honors and awards.
Strong grades and test scores alone don’t secure a place in the Ivy League. What sets students apart is recognition that proves they are among the best in their field. At the most selective universities, such as Harvard, Yale and MIT, honors and awards give admissions officers trusted, third-party proof that a student belongs on campus. In this eBook, Yanni reveals five insights into how top universities evaluate honors and how the right competition strategy can turn a strong applicant into a clear admit.
Key Takeaways:
- Competitions and Honors separate the good from the great. At Ivy League and Top 25 universities, national and international awards set students apart.
- All awards are not created equal. National and international honors matter most, whereas local wins have little impact.
- How Indonesian students frame it matters. Strategic presentation can elevate an honor far beyond the win itself.
- Start early to win big. Top-tier recognition takes years of preparation, not a last-minute effort.
- Case studies of several Indonesian students demonstrated that selecting the right competitions can strengthen a personal narrative, leading to acceptance at UPenn Wharton, Cornell, Stanford, MIT, and other top universities.
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