Podcast Episodes
Back to SearchWhy Hobbies Are Admissions Cheat Codes
Season 3 Episode 4
Many applicants to top colleges obsess over “activities” and significantly overlook the value of more informal pursuits such as hobbies.
In this epis…
4 months, 2 weeks ago
5 Admissions Worries That Waste Time
Season 3 Episode 3
Many students and families waste time solving the wrong “problems” or worrying about the wrong things in admissions.
In this episode, we debunk five c…
4 months, 3 weeks ago
The Real Cost of “We Have Plenty of Time” in Elite Admissions
Season 3 Episode 2
Families with younger students often treat building a college candidacy as a long, low-intensity process simply because the deadline is far away.
But…
5 months ago
How “School Fit” May Ruin Your Top College Odds
Season 3 Episode 1
In this episode, we discuss the strategic implications of “school fit” and “college preferences” for students who are specifically aiming for admissi…
5 months ago
The Top College You May Regret Not Visiting
Season 2 Episode 25
In this episode, we discuss one of the most strategic schools every applicant to top colleges should consider adding to their list and that may make …
5 months, 3 weeks ago
The Logic of Elite College Decisions
Season 2 Episode 24
Why do elite colleges consistently reject “strong” applicants with impressive but scattered resumes? In this episode, we explain the strategic framew…
5 months, 3 weeks ago
Evaluating A Junior’s Profile For Yale
Season 2 Episode 23
In this case study episode, we analyze the profile of a high-achieving junior targeting Yale and other top colleges, with strong grades, near-perfect…
6 months ago
Crafting An Elite STEM Hook For 10th Grader
Season 2 Episode 22
In this case study episode, we analyze the profile of a high-achieving 10th grade student targeting top engineering and STEM programs (MIT, Princeton…
6 months ago
Building An Ivy-Caliber Resume For 10th Grader
Season 2 Episode 21
In this case study episode, we analyze the candidacy of another high-achieving 10th grade student near the top of their class, with 7 AP courses by s…
6 months, 1 week ago
Fixing A High-Achieving 10th Grader’s Profile
Season 2 Episode 20
In this case study episode, we break down the profile of an academically high-achieving 10th grader, with excellent “stats”: straight As in highly ac…
6 months, 1 week ago