…ask, “Where did you go to high school?” as a personality test.

…ask, “Where did you go to high school?” as a personality test.

Ivy League Insights

...ASK, "WHERE DID YOU GO TO HIGH SCHOOL?" AS A PERSONALITY TEST.

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It’s a classic, isn’t it? That subtle probe, almost a secret handshake in disguise. You're at a networking event, a campus mixer, or even just catching up with an old classmate. The conversation flows, then it inevitably arrives: "So, where did you go to high school?" It’s rarely a casual question. For us, it’s a loaded query, a quick scan for a certain kind of background, a shared intellectual pedigree, or perhaps, a subtle personality test. Did they navigate the competitive pressure cooker of an elite boarding school? Did they thrive in a top-tier public institution known for churning out future leaders?

This isn't about snobbery, not entirely. It’s about recognizing the intricate pathways that led us to these hallowed halls, the specific blend of ambition, privilege, and raw talent that defines our collective journey. These are the weird conversations that become part of the distinct Ivy vibe, shaping our understanding of each other, sometimes revealing more than intended. It’s a shorthand, a way to quickly calibrate someone’s journey, their unspoken assumptions, their very approach to life. It binds us, distinguishes us, and sometimes, makes us quietly nod in knowing recognition. Whether you’re navigating your first semester or reminiscing years later, these quirks are part of the fabric. They remind us of the unique world we inhabit, a world where even a simple question carries layers of meaning, shaping the narrative of who we are and where we came from.

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