when it comes to school and college admissions, it’s easy to get caught up in the race to stand out.
you might find yourself asking, “what extracurriculars will impress admissions officers the most?” or “what’s the best way to craft the perfect application?”—but what if the secret to making your application truly stand out doesn’t lie in the perfect resume, but rather in understanding what you actually value?
in this post, we’ll explore how using a simple technique called the five-fold why can help you uncover your true motivations in the college admissions game.
we’ll also take a look at barnard college, a school known for its focus on empowering women and fostering innovation, and we’ll highlight new and exciting opportunities that you can explore as you think about your next steps.
let’s dive in!
the college admissions rat race…
college admissions can feel like navigating an iceberg—there’s the visible surface of grades, test scores, and extracurriculars, but the deeper layers often go unnoticed.
so how do you figure out what really matters to you in this process? the answer could be simpler than you think: understanding your core values and motivations. 💡
one of the best ways to uncover these is by using the five-fold why technique. this method allows you to dig deeper into your desires and understand the root causes of your goals. when you get to the heart of your motivations, you’ll be able to make more intentional choices about where to focus your energy in high school and beyond.
how the five-fold why works:
step 1: identify your goal or desire.
for example, “i want to get into a top-tier college.”step 2: ask yourself, "why do i want that?"
maybe your first answer is, "because i want a good education."step 3: keep asking "why" to dig deeper.
why do you want a good education? "because it will help me get a good job."step 4: repeat the process until you reach the core reason.
why do you want a good job? "because i want financial security."step 5: at the deepest level, ask: “why do i want that?”
why do i want financial security? "so i feel free."
you might find that the real reason you want to go to a prestigious college isn’t just about the name—it could be a desire for financial freedom, personal growth, or the sense of community and opportunities that certain schools offer.
the hidden power of values:
by applying the five-fold why, you begin to realize that your desires go beyond the superficial. it’s not about just getting into any college—it’s about finding a place where you can thrive, feel secure, and grow into the person you want to become.
this realization can shift how you approach extracurricular activities, application strategies, and even your choice of college.
for instance:
let’s say you value creativity and collaboration above all else. in this case, you might be drawn to programs that emphasize innovation and hands-on experiences.
instead of stressing over typical “resume-builders,” you could focus on projects or clubs that align with your passion.
volunteering at a coding boot camp, or leading a community art project might be the kinds of activities that resonate with your deeper motivations.
these are the kinds of things that will not only make you stand out but will genuinely reflect your interests and values. by getting to the root of your goals, you shift from looking for “what will impress” to what truly matters to you—this is where the magic happens in both your personal growth and your college applications.
fun fact:
it takes around 3,000 cows to supply enough leather for a full season's worth of nfl footballs. 🏈🎆 weekly dose of opportunities 🎆
Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program 🎣
this paid summer internship introduces high school students to careers in fisheries science and aquatic resource management. participants gain hands-on experience through mentorship, fieldwork, and research projects.
BU Summer Challenge 📚
this two-week academic program at boston university allows high school students to explore two subject areas of interest through college-level coursework, hands-on projects, and engaging discussions with professors.Broad Summer Scholars Program 🔬
offered by the broad institute, this competitive summer research program provides high school students with the opportunity to conduct hands-on biomedical research alongside leading scientists and mentors.Reach Ahead: Kinesiology Program 🏃♂️
hosted by the university of toronto, this program allows high school students to explore the field of kinesiology through interactive workshops, hands-on learning experiences, and exposure to human movement sciences.Stanford Pediatrics Internship Program 🏥
this immersive internship gives students interested in pediatrics and healthcare the opportunity to engage in medical research, clinical observations, and mentorship with stanford faculty and professionals.
⭐ college spotlight: barnard college ⭐
🗽 first impressions:
founded in 1889, barnard is an elite women’s college in new york city, affiliated with columbia university. with around 3,000 students, it offers a liberal arts education with full access to ivy league resources.
⭐ rating factors:
campus vibe: intimate, empowering, and deeply connected to nyc.
academics: strong in humanities, social sciences, and stem.
student life: active feminist culture, arts scene, and nyc-based opportunities.
location: prime upper manhattan spot, minutes from central park.
cost of living: nyc is expensive, but financial aid helps.
🎉 cool events/traditions:
big sub: a 700-foot sandwich appears on campus for students to enjoy.
founders day: celebrates barnard’s legacy with events and performances.
midnight breakfast: a late-night feast before finals, served by faculty.
💡 core school values:
women’s empowerment: a focus on leadership and gender equity.
academic excellence: small classes and access to columbia courses.
urban engagement: nyc is an extension of the classroom.
🎓 program highlights:
political science: prepares students for top government and law careers.
stem at barnard: strong research focus, with columbia resources available.
dance & theater: nyc connections lead to industry opportunities.
🎯 did you know?
barnard was the first college to require students to take a computer science course for graduation.
***special note: we are NOT sponsored or affiliated with any organizations, corporations, or schools highlighted in the above content. mention of any of the aforementioned groups is not representative of an advertisement or any sort of recommendation.***