In this episode of Demystifying College Admissions, I will be focusing on the college admissions process and sharing with you how to jump over the hurdles instead of running into them. There is a hidden key to making this process enjoyable so make sure to listen!

 

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT IN THIS EPISODE:

 

• The best way for parents to help their child discover his/her passions
• The importance of a mentor and how you can find one
• How finding one’s passion happens through a gradual process of exploring interests rather than through a spontaneous revelation
• The consequences of forcing a passion merely for your college application.
• How getting out of your comfort zone can be rewarding
• Methods for building self-confidence

 

NOTABLE QUOTES:

 

• “The only way to gain clarity as to what field might be a good fit for you is to take action.”
• “Passion is a build-up of multiple interests, multiple exposures, and multiple breakthroughs.”
• “Do it now when you’re younger so that you’re building your resume, not polishing your resume to stand out.”
• “Don’t let it be a lonely process. Instead, let it be a powerful experience.”
• “That’s why it’s 99% mindset work and then one 1% actually doing the work because it’s about your mindset; it’s about your confidence.”
• “This college admissions journey doesn’t have to be so difficult.”

 

SHOW NOTES: https://juliekimconsulting.com/podcast/

 

STRATEGY SESSION: http://www.juliekimconsulting.com/now

 

In this episode of Demystifying College Admissions, I will be focusing on the SAT II Subject Tests and sharing with you when the optimal time to take the SAT Subject Tests is. SAT II Subjects DO play a significant role in your admissions game so make sure to tune in!

 

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT IN THIS EPISODE:

 

• The top 3 mistakes students make in regards to the SAT II tests and how to prevent them
• Why you should take SAT II subject tests
• How to tell if a particular SAT II subject test is a good fit for you
• What kind of SAT subject tests to take based on your major
• The worst time to study for the SAT II Subject Tests

 

NOTABLE QUOTES:

 

• “SAT Subjects are great because the test is only one hour long, and it’s entirely multiple choice.”
• “You can’t spread yourself too thin.”
• “You want to take it in June and get it over with, get a 700+ score, and be done with it. ”
• “The more evidence you have to show for your academic proficiency in standardized testing is going to be another good factor for you.”
• “Make sure you check the requirements because some schools do have specific requirements.”

 

SHOW NOTES: https://juliekimconsulting.com/podcast/

STRATEGY SESSION: http://www.juliekimconsulting.com/now

 

In this episode of Demystifying College Admissions, I’m interviewing Steve Schwartz, a professional college admissions consultant for over a decade, who is also the host of the “College Admissions Toolbox” podcast. Steve also shares a snippet of his personal college admissions journey and how he got accepted into Columbia despite not having perfect numbers.

 

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT IN THIS EPISODE:

 

• The importance of picking something compelling to craft your story with.
• Creating a space where you can compete in, that others might not even know exists (yet!)
• Doing what you can, in your control, to help you get closer to where you really want to go
• The key to getting into your dream college!
• Words of wisdom regarding the importance of researching which schools will be a good fit for you.
• You have a fair shot with the resources you already have in front of you.
• The college application process is a lot more holistic than you think, and there are many pieces that play a role - i.e. extracurriculars, college essays, and recommendation letters.
• The importance of being authentic with yourself and why you want to go to a specific school.

 

NOTABLE QUOTES:

 

• “But there are still people who get into college without the power, without the money, because they focus on what matters to them and what their values are.”
• “Let’s not feel powerless! Instead, this should be a wakeup call for us to be even more authentic with ourselves.”
• “You have to find your own way to compete in your own space.”
• “You may actually instead find that upon doing the proper research that a school ranked 25 is a better fit for your student than one that’s ranked 15.”
• “Getting in is not the end; getting in is really just the beginning of something else altogether.”
• “The test scores aren’t everything; there are many components to the application aside from that.”
• “Don’t overly focus on prestige. Find the colleges that are the best fit for your child.”
• “If you are authentic, genuine, and if you prepare early, then you will be able to hit the goal that you want, whether that is getting accepted into Brown or USC or Reed College or wherever.”

 

SHOW NOTES: https://juliekimconsulting.com/podcast/

 

STRATEGY SESSION: http://www.juliekimconsulting.com/now

In this episode of Demystifying College Admissions, I’m interviewing Steve Schwartz, a professional college admissions consultant for over a decade, who is also the host of the “College Admissions Toolbox” podcast. Steve also shares a snippet of his personal college admissions journey and how he got accepted into Columbia despite not having perfect numbers.

 

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT IN THIS EPISODE:

 

• The importance of picking something compelling to craft your story with.
• Creating a space where you can compete in, that others might not even know exists (yet!)
• Doing what you can, in your control, to help you get closer to where you really want to go
• The key to getting into your dream college!
• Words of wisdom regarding the importance of researching which schools will be a good fit for you.
• You have a fair shot with the resources you already have in front of you.
• The college application process is a lot more holistic than you think, and there are many pieces that play a role - i.e. extracurriculars, college essays, and recommendation letters.
• The importance of being authentic with yourself and why you want to go to a specific school.

 

NOTABLE QUOTES:

 

• “But there are still people who get into college without the power, without the money, because they focus on what matters to them and what their values are.”
• “Let’s not feel powerless! Instead, this should be a wakeup call for us to be even more authentic with ourselves.”
• “You have to find your own way to compete in your own space.”
• “You may actually instead find that upon doing the proper research that a school ranked 25 is a better fit for your student than one that’s ranked 15.”
• “Getting in is not the end; getting in is really just the beginning of something else altogether.”
• “The test scores aren’t everything; there are many components to the application aside from that.”
• “Don’t overly focus on prestige. Find the colleges that are the best fit for your child.”
• “If you are authentic, genuine, and if you prepare early, then you will be able to hit the goal that you want, whether that is getting accepted into Brown or USC or Reed College or wherever.”

 

SHOW NOTES: https://juliekimconsulting.com/podcast/

 

STRATEGY SESSION: http://www.juliekimconsulting.com/now

In this episode of Demystifying College Admissions, I’m interviewing Erik Fisher, the host of “Beyond the To-Do List,” an award-nominated podcast featuring tips from productive people and ultimately sharing how you can also be successful and balance your life. Erik is also the father of an upcoming high school student so he shares how he helps his daughter with productivity through the techniques and strategies he has mastered over the years.

 

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT IN THIS EPISODE:

 

• How to prioritize your energy towards what is most pressing
• Time management tips and strategies to level up your productivity
• Systematizing your schedule so that you can optimize your daily tasks
• How to manage your time well by breaking down your work into smaller projects/artificial deadlines as much as possible
• Overcoming the #1 challenge when it comes to implementing these strategies
• The importance of an academic master calendar, similar to that of your extracurriculars (i.e. games/practices)
• Advice for parents who have kids struggling with procrastination
• Controlling what information is coming into your life via social media by assessing its value.

 

NOTABLE QUOTES:

 

• “Sleep is the most important component of this journey, and just in life in general; that’s when we reprogram.”
• “Chunk your tasks so that it’s easier for you the day before.”
• “In your mind psychologically you’re thinking this is one huge project when, in fact, it’s just a bunch of little projects strung together.”
• “That’s the hidden skill of school: is learning how to manage your life.”
• “It’s not that simple; it’s a skill they have to learn.”
• “More importantly than teaching them how to do stuff, manage their workload, and be able to get it done, is show them that you’re on their team, and you’re there to help.”
• “Let them sleep.”
• “Research shows lack of sleep can equal almost to the point of being drunk.”

 

SHOW NOTES: https://juliekimconsulting.com/podcast/

 

STRATEGY SESSION: http://www.juliekimconsulting.com/now

In this episode of Demystifying College Admissions, I’m interviewing Erik Fisher, the host of “Beyond the To-Do List,” an award-nominated podcast featuring tips from productive people and ultimately sharing how you can also be successful and balance your life. Erik is also the father of an upcoming high school student so he shares how he helps his daughter with productivity through the techniques and strategies he has mastered over the years.

 

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT IN THIS EPISODE:

 

• How to prioritize your energy towards what is most pressing
• Time management tips and strategies to level up your productivity
• Systematizing your schedule so that you can optimize your daily tasks
• How to manage your time well by breaking down your work into smaller projects/artificial deadlines as much as possible
• Overcoming the #1 challenge when it comes to implementing these strategies
• The importance of an academic master calendar, similar to that of your extracurriculars (i.e. games/practices)
• Advice for parents who have kids struggling with procrastination
• Controlling what information is coming into your life via social media by assessing its value.

 

NOTABLE QUOTES:

 

• “Sleep is the most important component of this journey, and just in life in general; that’s when we reprogram.”
• “Chunk your tasks so that it’s easier for you the day before.”
• “In your mind psychologically you’re thinking this is one huge project when, in fact, it’s just a bunch of little projects strung together.”
• “That’s the hidden skill of school: is learning how to manage your life.”
• “It’s not that simple; it’s a skill they have to learn.”
• “More importantly than teaching them how to do stuff, manage their workload, and be able to get it done, is show them that you’re on their team, and you’re there to help.”
• “Let them sleep.”
• “Research shows lack of sleep can equal almost to the point of being drunk.”

 

SHOW NOTES: https://juliekimconsulting.com/podcast/

 

STRATEGY SESSION: http://www.juliekimconsulting.com/now

“You have to find your “passion” to get accepted into Ivy Leagues and top-tier colleges!! OR else!”

You’ve heard that before, right?

But...Is that really true?

In this episode, I discuss and demystify the word “passion” and share 5 questions that you must ask yourself when identifying and exploring your interests and passions and how it fits into the college admissions process.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT IN THIS EPISODE:

• Why I had to re-write my Harvard essay because I knew it wasn’t my “real” passion
• Why students and parents are trying so hard to find that “passion” and why “trying hard” is actually a mistake
• 5 questions you should ask yourself when exploring your interests (academic and/or non-academic)
• What Ivy Leagues and top-tier college admission officers hate seeing on the applicants’ essays (but so many students actually don’t know about this!)
• The ONE word that is prohibited when writing your college essays

NOTABLE QUOTES:

• “Don’t fake your passions”
• “What are you really interested in and why?”
• “Show and demonstrate your passion in the most authentic way possible”
• “It has to come from your heart, not your ego”

SHOW NOTES: https://juliekimconsulting.com/podcast/

STRATEGY SESSION: https://www.juliekimconsulting.com/now

In this episode, I discuss and demystify the word “passion” and share 5 questions that you must ask yourself when identifying and exploring your interests/passions and how it fits into the college admissions process.

SHOW NOTES: https://juliekimconsulting.com/podcast/

STRATEGY SESSION: https://www.juliekimconsulting.com/now

In this episode of Demystifying College Admissions, I’m interviewing Maria Furtado, the executive director of Colleges That Change Lives. The mission of CTCL is to help students and families better understand the college admissions process to find the best college fit possible.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT IN THIS EPISODE:

• The practicality piece of getting accepted into an Ivy League
• Why the Ivy Leagues will not be the best for every student.
• Why it’s a mistake to apply to all 8 Ivy Leagues
• The importance of being true to yourself.
• Why there’s a cultural need to meet an expectation
• Why students need the freedom to be who they are
• The importance of building your back-up schools
• How many schools you should have on your final college list
• What action steps parents can take during their children’s college admissions journey
• The “Course catalog” exercise!   

NOTABLE QUOTES:

• “All we can do is give our students factual information.”
• “Is your child amazing in a national or International pool?”
• “Your parental perspective doesn’t change the fact that these schools (Ivy Leagues) receive 10x the applications than they can admit”
• “Do you think your child will thrive here?”
• “Expand your horizons by one”
• “There’s nothing that’s going to cause a sweeping change”  
• “Be honest with your answers”  
• “Own your search”
• “Be braver”

SHOW NOTES: 

• http://www.juliekimconsulting.com/episode-17-colleges-that-change-lives

STRATEGY SESSION: 

• http://www.juliekimconsulting.com/now 

In this episode of Demystifying College Admissions, I’m interviewing Maria Furtado, the executive director of Colleges That Change Lives. The mission of CTCL is to help students and families better understand the college admissions process to find the best college fit possible.

SHOW NOTES: 

http://www.juliekimconsulting.com/episode-17-colleges-that-change-lives

STRATEGY SESSION: 

http://www.juliekimconsulting.com/now