What if you could design your entire college education from scratch? No required classes, no mandatory core—just your curiosity as the guide. For decades, Brown University has run this exact experiment with its famous Open Curriculum. In this episode, we dissect this revolutionary approach. Is it the key to unlocking true genius, or a path to academic chaos? We explore the philosophy, the outcomes, and whether this radical idea could be the future of learning.

Think NYU is just classes in the city? Think again. In this episode, we crack open the gates to reveal how NYU’s unique global campus network, real-world learning, and hidden opportunities can transform your education — and your career. From studying in the heart of NYC to hopping across continents, this is your backstage pass to an education that’s anything but ordinary.

How much foreign language study do top schools—especially the Ivy League—really expect? In this episode, we break down why 4 years of a single foreign language is considered the “golden standard” for highly selective admissions. Learn how AP-level achievement can unlock credit or advanced placement and how consistent language study signals academic rigor and cultural depth. If you’re aiming for the Ivies or other elite programs, this guidance can give your application a sharper edge.

The college admissions process is evolving—and so is the Common App. In this episode, we break down the major updates coming to the 2025–2026 application cycle, including a shorter word limit for the “Additional Information” section, a reimagined “Challenges and Circumstances” prompt, and a more streamlined, checklist-based user experience.

We explore how these changes impact applicants, especially first-gen and underrepresented students, and what counselors and families need to do differently this year. You’ll also hear about expanded direct admission programs, upgraded scholarship tools, and a redesigned interface—all aimed at making college more accessible.

If you're applying this fall or guiding someone who is, this is essential listening.

Get everything you need to stay ahead on your AP journey. This guide breaks down the 2026 AP Exam schedule with key dates, submission deadlines, and step‑by‑step prep tips. Learn how each exam is structured, from timing to multiple‑choice and free‑response formats. Plus, discover how to prepare effectively using AP classes, online resources, and strategies for finding alternative testing locations if your school doesn’t offer your chosen exam. Tune in and get ready to ace your APs.

What if one undergraduate degree could take you to Los Angeles, Hong Kong, and Milan—and leave you with three diplomas? In this episode, we dive into the World Bachelor in Business (WBB) program, a globally immersive business degree jointly offered by USC, HKUST, and Bocconi University.

We unpack how the WBB’s rigorous, four-year curriculum prepares students for careers in international business through cultural fluency, academic excellence, and real-world experience across three global financial hubs. You’ll hear about the program’s exclusivity, admissions process, and the unique career outcomes its graduates enjoy.

For students looking to think—and live—globally, this is more than a degree. It’s a launchpad.

How do students land top-tier investment banking and finance roles straight from undergrad—without an Ivy League degree? In this episode, we take you inside Wake Forest University’s Pre-Wall Street Career Track (PWSCT), a fast-tracked, highly competitive program designed to prepare undergraduates for careers in investment banking, private equity, asset management, and trading.

You’ll hear how Wake Forest identifies high-potential first-year students and immerses them in a rigorous curriculum of finance coursework, alumni mentorship, and hands-on professional development. We explore GPA requirements, networking strategies, and real-world outcomes, including internships and job offers at elite firms like Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and Blackstone.

For students, parents, and advisors curious about elite finance career pathways beyond the Ivy League, this is a program—and a conversation—you don’t want to miss.

Indiana University's Kelley School of Business is facing record-breaking demand, with over 27,000 students applying for fewer than 2,000 spots. In response, Kelley has implemented sweeping changes to its admissions process—eliminating automatic direct admission based on GPA and test scores, and shifting to a more holistic, academic review system starting with the Fall 2026 class.

In this episode, we explore what these radical policy changes mean for high school applicants, current IU students, and college counselors across the country. We break down the impact of tougher grade requirements, controversy over short-notice implementation, and what future applicants need to do differently to stay competitive.

Whether you're a student aiming for Kelley or an advisor helping students navigate these shifting policies, this episode gives you the insights you need to stay ahead.

In this episode of Admissions Unlocked, we explore how students interested in health professions can build meaningful clinical experience before college. Learn what types of opportunities—such as volunteering, shadowing, internships, and certification programs—are most valued by admissions committees. We cover how to find these experiences, what to expect day‑to‑day, and how to document them effectively for future applications. Whether you’re aiming for pre‑med, nursing, or another health track, this guide will help you start early, stand out, and develop a genuine passion for patient care.

In this episode of Admissions Unlocked, we walk you through everything you need to know about the Digital SAT. Learn how the new format works, key differences from the paper test, and the steps to register without missing critical deadlines. We’ll cover what to expect on test day, the latest scoring updates, and proven preparation strategies to help you perform at your best. Whether you’re testing for the first time or retaking to improve your score, this guide will help you plan with confidence and stay ahead of important dates.