Futures Forge Blog
Founders and facilitators share their insights about personal development and growth, college and careers, and some inside looks into the science behind Futures Forge. Subscribe to receive updates in our newsletter digest.
How Futures Forge Uses Feedback To Improve
At Futures Forge we are big believers in learning what other people think is working, and what is not! We put this into action this past summer.
Developing Adaptability Is Your Key To Win In Today's World As An Young Entrepreneur, Here’s Why
Adaptability is the most important skill you can develop as an entrepreneur. It’s a skill that venture capitalists directly look for when making investments. They ask “what if” questions to determine how you think, and how adaptable you are in situations where your business might fail.
Knowledge Is Commoditized... So What Education Should You Seek?
All of the knowledge you need to do just about anything is in your pocket, usually for free. A quick google search or youtube tutorial can teach you almost anything, from PHD level science to cooking a new dish. Online courses and certification programs are becoming increasingly viable ways to develop career skills and qualify for tech roles. With the rise of AI this access to knowledge has become even more streamlined.
How To Graduate College In 3 years And Make It Look Easy
Do you know anyone who has graduated college in 3 years? Most likely you don’t, but you probably know folks who have graduated in 6. The difference is not merely intelligence or industriousness, but also approach. Most people don’t even contemplate graduating college in 3 years because they believe it will be difficult. If properly approached, it can be quite easy–and can give you a dramatic advantage in your career.
How Should You Learn a Foreign Language?
I studied Chinese for eight years in high school and college. Eight long years of coursework, memorization, drills, and exams. Guess how much Chinese I learned? About as much as I learned German in five months, spending just 30 minutes a day.
Should You (Want to) Attend MIT?
Yes, if you’re MIT-smart. Certainly, the MIT brand does a lot for you, and it is a tragedy that one has to slog through 4 years of university to prove one is smart, when the university admissions officers can already decide whether you’re smart before you show up. But in our current reality, graduating from a top university confers the brand, and it will help you.
Why Are Some Universities More Prestigious?
When people find out I’m from MIT, they immediately respect me more. And they should; they have verification that I am smart and that I work hard. This is worth respecting, certainly. But did I learn anything while I was there? You don’t know whether I did. At all. And very rarely has anyone ever asked me whether I did.
You Must Develop These Skills To Stand Out To College Admissions
You’re smart, and others are smart, too: unfortunately, the Ivy League doesn’t have enough seats for everyone who’s smart enough. To differentiate yourself, you need to take action now and demonstrate proficiency in a set of skills that will strengthen your application - and set you up for success long after.
A Guide For Young Entrepreneurs In Selecting The Best Pre-College Program for Them
Finding a program that not only builds essential skills but also goes beyond the standard high school or college curriculum is necessary in a world that often underestimates what is needed to make a great entrepreneur.
Students Are Asking For The Wrong Advice From The Wrong People On Their College Applications
Enough Futures Forge students have asked me for advice on their college application that I have decided to start writing down my answers. I expect students have asked me because I got into MIT without a 1600 or straight A’s, so I understand the desire to find some way to repeat what I did. However, I think many alums are asking me the wrong questions...
Developing Grit Is One of the Most Important Things a Young Adult Can Do for Their Future
Grit is the single most important thing you can develop to drive your long term performance and personal development. It’s as important as intelligence in determining college and career performance; unlike intelligence, you can improve it through your entire life. Simply, if you lack grit, you will crack. Setbacks will get you down, and constructive feedback will make you whither.