This week, Tokyo Academics Lead Admissions Consultant Jennifer Liepin sits down with Amy Denson, a former Division 1 college athlete, professional basketball player, and Division 1 coach, to discuss the athletic recruitment process for university-bound students. In this insightful episode, Amy shares her extensive experience from both sides of the recruitment table. As a four-year starter at Arizona State who earned Pacific-10 Conference All-Freshman first team honors in 2003 and Pac-10 All-Acad...
Apr 13, 2025•47 min
This week, Tokyo Academics Lead Admissions Consultant Jennifer Liepin examines the evolving landscape of legacy admissions in U.S. higher education. In this eye-opening episode, Jennifer unpacks the dramatic decline in this controversial practice, with more than half of institutions abandoning legacy preferences over the past decade. Are you a college-bound student wondering how family connections might impact your admissions chances? Jennifer analyzes the stark contrast between public universit...
Apr 03, 2025•28 min
This week, Tokyo Academics Lead Admissions Consultant Jennifer Liepin discusses the challenging process of selecting a college major for high school students. In this 2-episode series, "Making the Major Decision," Jennifer guides listeners through understanding college majors and their impact on academic and professional futures. Are you a high school student overwhelmed by the major selection process? Jennifer provides practical strategies to approach this critical choice with confidence. The s...
Mar 28, 2025•22 min
This week, Tokyo Academics Lead Admissions Consultant Jennifer Liepin discusses the challenging process of selecting a college major for high school students. In this 2-episode series, Jennifer guides listeners through understanding college majors and their impact on academic and professional futures. Are you a high school student overwhelmed by the major selection process? Jennifer provides practical strategies to approach this critical choice with confidence. The series explores researching ma...
Mar 20, 2025•22 min
In this second episode, Tokyo Academics Lead Admissions Consultant Jennifer Liepin continues her conversation with Ryan Klohr, exploring his experience at QuestBridge and IMG Academy. Ryan shares insights on QuestBridge's mission of connecting high-achieving, low-income students with nearly full-ride scholarships at selective colleges, and discusses IMG Academy's approach to developing student-athletes at their 600-acre Bradenton, Florida campus. He offers valuable advice for aspiring college at...
Mar 13, 2025•24 min
This week, Tokyo Academics Lead Admissions Consultant Jennifer Liepin sits down with Ryan Klohr, an experienced Admissions Reader at University of California Irvine and the prestigious QuestBridge organization, which partners with elite universities to provide substantial financial aid to high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds. Ryan also serves as a College Counselor at IMG Academy, where he guides aspiring college athlete recruits. IMG hosts NCSA College Recruiting, the world's lar...
Mar 03, 2025•35 min
This week, Tokyo Academics Lead Admissions Consultant Jennifer Liepin explores the critical role of course selection in college admissions, with a special focus on top-tier universities and the Ivy League. Our admissions experts break down how academic rigor influences your application, examining everything from foreign language requirements to advanced coursework selection. Whether you're mapping out your high school curriculum or fine-tuning your academic strategy, this episode offers essentia...
Feb 21, 2025•33 min
This week, Tokyo Academics Lead Admissions Consultant Jennifer welcomes two recent Georgia Tech alumni who share their firsthand experiences navigating one of America's premier STEM institutions. From their favorite engineering courses to groundbreaking research opportunities, these graduates offer an intimate look at academic life in the heart of Atlanta. They discuss how they balanced pre-medical requirements with engineering coursework, uncovered valuable internship opportunities, and made th...
Feb 14, 2025•39 min
Join Tokyo Academics' Lead Admissions Consultant Jennifer Liepin for Part 2 of her analysis of college admissions trends in 2024. In this second episode, Jennifer delves deeper into the strategic implications of early decision programs, providing essential guidance for students navigating early admissions outcomes. She covers critical topics including how universities have grown increasingly dependent on early decision and early action programs, comprehensive strategies for students facing rejec...
Feb 10, 2025•34 min
Join Tokyo Academics' Lead Admissions Consultant Jennifer Liepin as she breaks down the major changes that shaped college admissions in 2024. In this first episode of a two-part series, Jennifer analyzes three critical trends: the growing influence of early decision programs, the return to mandatory standardized testing, and the looming demographic cliff's impact on acceptance rates. Get expert insights into how these changes are reshaping the competitive landscape at highly selective universiti...
Jan 31, 2025•20 min
Join Tokyo Academics' Lead Admissions Consultant Jennifer Liepin for part two of her conversation with Harvard Law student Danielle Mikaelian. As a Dean's Scholar Prize recipient and executive board member of multiple Harvard Law journals, Danielle offers an insider's view of life at Harvard Law School. From her work with the Federal Reserve of Boston to her experience in Harvard's legal clinics, she shares valuable insights about law school and her path to transactional law. Get practical advic...
Jan 24, 2025•18 min
This week, Tokyo Academics' Lead Admissions Consultant Jennifer Liepin sits down with Danielle Mikaelian, Columbia's 2021 Student of the Year and current Harvard Law student. In this first episode of their two-part conversation, they explore Danielle's journey through Columbia University as an English Literature major, from leading the Undergraduate Law Review to contributing across five journals. Learn how non-traditional pre-law paths can lead to top law schools, and hear practical insights fo...
Jan 18, 2025•25 min
This week, Tokyo Academics Lead Admissions Consultant Jennifer Liepin navigates the complex landscape of summer programs for high school students. Drawing from her extensive 20-year experience in college admissions, Jennifer demystifies the selection process, evaluating everything from pre-college programs and research opportunities to internships and passion projects. She offers expert insight into what both families and Admissions Officers truly value in summer experiences, helping students ma...
Dec 26, 2024•35 min
This week, Tokyo Academics Lead Admissions Consultant Jennifer Liepin shares invaluable insights on college preparation for high school juniors. As students approach this critical juncture in their academic journey, Jennifer breaks down the essential action items that can make a significant difference in their college admissions process. From strategic academic planning to extracurricular optimization, she offers expert guidance on how juniors can position themselves for success in the upcoming ...
Dec 23, 2024•21 min
This week, Tokyo Academics' Lead Admissions Consultant Jennifer Liepin sits down with Nikhita Penugonda, Caltech Class of 2028, a former TEDx Speaker and passionate advocate for Girls in STEM. In this fascinating conversation, Nikhita shares her journey exploring the intersection of astrophysics and computer science, discussing her work to uncover the mysteries of the cosmos while serving as an integral member of the Million Girls Moonshot Inaugural Flight Crew and as a Youth Advisory Board Memb...
Dec 13, 2024•35 min
This week, Tokyo Academics Lead Admissions Consultant Jennifer Liepin shares insights about optimizing your Common App activities list to make the strongest impression possible. Learn how admissions officers evaluate these entries to understand your passions, achievements, and impact. Liepin offers practical advice on prioritizing activities, choosing the right language, and presenting your unique story—all drawn from her extensive experience guiding students through the admissions process. Join...
Dec 09, 2024•26 min
This week, Tokyo Academics Lead Admissions Consultant Jennifer Liepin shares insights about Glimpse, an optional video submission platform that's changing how colleges evaluate applicants. Learn how admissions officers use these video responses to see beyond written applications and get a more authentic sense of potential students. Liepin offers practical advice for those considering adding this multimedia element to their college applications, drawing from her experience and feedback from schoo...
Dec 01, 2024•14 min
In the final installment of our 3-part series on the UC application, Tokyo Academics Lead Admissions Consultant Jennifer Liepin unpacks the Activities & Awards section—a critical yet often underestimated part of the UC application. Jennifer breaks down how to strategically present your extracurriculars, volunteer work, honors, and employment in a way that highlights both depth and impact. From selecting the right activities to crafting concise, compelling descriptions, this episode is packed...
Nov 21, 2024•16 min
In part 2 of a 3-part series, Tokyo Academics Lead Admissions Consultant Jennifer Liepin continues an in-depth breakdown of the UC application, diving into the infamous Personal Insight Questions (PIQs). Jennifer provides actionable insights and examples to help you answer these questions effectively, whether you’re highlighting academic achievements, leadership, or unique personal experiences. With guidance on crafting responses that resonate, she offers strategies to make your application stan...
Nov 08, 2024•16 min
In part 1 of a 3-part series, Tokyo Academics Lead Admissions Consultant Jennifer Liepin breaks down the ins and outs of the UC application, guiding students through each section to ensure they’re putting their best foot forward. Jennifer shares strategies on how to approach the Personal Insight Questions, organize your academic and extracurricular highlights, and avoid common pitfalls. She also discusses the popularity rankings of each UC campus, giving insights on how these preferences might i...
Nov 01, 2024•19 min
This week, Tokyo Academics' Lead Admissions Consultant Jennifer Liepin brings her expert insights to students navigating Early Action applications for 2024. With years of experience in college admissions, Jennifer explains the key advantages of applying Early Action, including how it can boost your chances at top schools and offer early access to scholarships. She also breaks down the differences between Early Action, Restrictive Early Action, and Early Decision, helping you determine which path...
Oct 10, 2024•15 min
This week, Tokyo Academics' lead admissions consultant Jennifer Liepin chats with Raisa Alam, a published research scholar and college admissions expert. With experience in prestigious research competitions, mental health advocacy, and teaching, Raisa shares expert insights on building a standout research portfolio, prioritizing resilience, and using unique experiences to boost college applications. Whether you’re new to research or looking to strengthen your profile, tune in for practical tips ...
Oct 07, 2024•29 min
This week, Tokyo Academics Lead Admissions Consultant Jennifer Liepin talks about the challenges students face during the college admissions process, with a particular focus on writing the Common App essay. Jennifer emphasizes the importance of avoiding redundancy in essays, how to showcase multiple facets of one’s identity, and what admissions officers look for in personal statements. She provides practical tips for crafting a compelling narrative that stands out, while also advising on the typ...
Sep 24, 2024•24 min
This week, Tokyo Academics' Lead Admissions Consultant, Jennifer Liepin, dives into the art of securing standout letters of recommendation. Discover why these letters matter more than ever and learn actionable tips on how to build authentic relationships with teachers and mentors. Whether you're just starting high school or prepping your college applications, these insights will help you understand what makes a compelling recommendation and how to position yourself for success. Tune in to unlock...
Sep 17, 2024•25 min
This week, Tokyo Academics Lead Admissions Consultant Jennifer Liepin brings her expert insights to students aspiring to pursue a business degree in 2024. Drawing on her extensive experience in college admissions, Jennifer breaks down the key strategies to strengthen your application, from selecting the right schools to crafting compelling essays. She also discusses emerging trends in business education, how to leverage internships and extracurriculars to stand out, and what top programs are loo...
Aug 23, 2024•29 min
In this episode of the "Accepted" podcast, seasoned Admissions Consultant Jennifer Liepin sits down with Tokyo Academics Academic Manager Kaitlyn Cyprian to discuss the latest developments in standardized testing. This conversation explores recent discoveries about the Digital SAT, including how it differs from the traditional format and what students need to know to prepare effectively. Additionally, Kaitlyn and Jennifer discuss the latest changes to the ACT, offering insights into how these ad...
Aug 16, 2024•44 min
In this episode of the "Accepted" podcast, Tokyo Academics' Lead Admissions Consultant, Jennifer Liepin, delves into the 2024 early college admissions landscape. Jennifer explores the nuances of Early Action and Early Decision applications, offering valuable insights into the benefits and potential drawbacks of each option. She provides expert guidance on making the right choice for your academic goals, sharing tips on how to navigate this crucial stage of the college admissions process. Whether...
Aug 02, 2024•22 min
In this episode of the "Accepted" podcast, Tokyo Academics Admissions Consultant Jennifer Liepin sits down with Fred Guo, a current student at the University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business. They delve into the intricacies of navigating the undergraduate business school curriculum, offering insights on choosing the right major and finding your path in the dynamic world of business. Whether you're an aspiring business student or just curious about the field, this conversation provid...
Jul 31, 2024•35 min
This week, we continue our conversation with Kirsten Sharett, a seasoned Admissions Consulting professional and former Princeton Admissions Advisor. In this episode, we discuss essay prompts in response to the Supreme Court decision on affirmative action, delve into the complex topic of identity, and offer valuable insights on how to approach these challenging prompts. Kirsten shares her expert advice on crafting compelling essays that reflect your unique story while navigating the evolving land...
Jul 19, 2024•37 min
This week, join Tokyo Academics Admissions Consultant Jennifer Liepin as she engages in an insightful discussion with Kirsten Sharett, a seasoned Admissions Consulting professional and former Princeton Admissions Advisor. Kirsten specializes in story-driven coaching, helping students create compelling narratives that shine in their college applications. In this episode, Kirsten shares her valuable insights into the inner workings of the admissions office and provides a comprehensive framework fo...
Jul 05, 2024•1 hr 6 min
