In the world of high-stakes college admissions, refers to the eight Ivy League schools plus other ultra-competitive institutions like Stanford, MIT, and Duke.

Admissions officers often look for students who are willing to be vulnerable and share moments of genuine transformation.

Many advisors suggest avoiding cliché or overly heavy topics like Death, Divorce, Disease, Drugs, and Dating unless they can be handled with unique, personal insight.

To create the kind of depth expected by Ivy Plus admissions officers, experts recommend several strategies:

Successful applicants to these schools are often advised that "depth" is the key to success. A "deep" argument covers ideas in detail, explaining comprehensively why a particular interpretation or personal reflection is correct, rather than just being complex. 2. Crafting a "Deep" Essay