This week, Tokyo Academics Admissions Consultant Jennifer Liepin sits down with Claire Gerety-Mott, a professional writer and director who specializes in film school admissions. A graduate of Columbia University Film School, Claire brings a wealth of knowledge from both the film industry and film education. In this episode, she'll share invaluable insights on what it takes to succeed in film school applications, how to stand out in a competitive field, and her personal experiences navigating the...
Jun 28, 2024•58 min
This week, Tokyo Academics Admissions Consultant Jennifer Liepin discusses the growing trend of direct admissions. In this episode, we explore the origins of this innovative practice, its operational mechanics, and the underlying motivations driving colleges to adopt it. Jennifer provides expert insights into how direct admissions can benefit both students and institutions, shedding light on the potential implications for the future of higher education. Whether you're a student, parent, or educa...
Jun 13, 2024•25 min
This week on the Accepted Podcast, Admissions Consultant Jennifer Liepin interviews Shaurya Baruah, a senior at the Peddie School who will be studying computer science at the University of Michigan this fall. Jennifer and Shaurya discuss the boarding school experience and share valuable lessons for high school students aiming to develop their interests and passions over the course of their high school career. Shaurya's insights offer a glimpse into the current admissions landscape and exemplify ...
Jun 07, 2024•1 hr
This week, Tokyo Academics Admissions Consultant Jennifer Liepin sits down with Eren Harris, an experienced former admissions consultant and the former Head of Admissions at PrepScholar. Eren, who holds a Bachelor's degree from Yale and a Master's degree from Harvard, is well-versed in the world of elite education. In this episode, Eren discusses the importance of authenticity and building a personal narrative that truly represents who you are as a student. By sharing case studies of outstanding...
May 31, 2024•45 min
In this extended episode, Tokyo Academics Admissions Consultant Jennifer Liepin sits down with Brandon Mack, a former Rice University Admissions Director and seasoned Non-Profit Professional. With a wealth of experience in higher education, advocacy, and private consulting, Brandon offers deep insights into the world of admissions officers. The discussion covers critical topics such as fly-in programs, portfolio reviews, and invaluable advice for students aspiring to apply to Rice University, on...
May 24, 2024•1 hr 5 min
This week, Jennifer shares key insights on the return of test-mandatory for many top-tier universities. We're diving deep into the research that's fueling this shift, exploring if standardized tests truly predict college success, especially for students from diverse backgrounds. We'll also explore what this means for the future of college applications. Will test scores reign supreme again, or will holistic admissions practices find a new balance? Join free webinars at www.tokyoacademics.com/even...
Apr 26, 2024•33 min
This week, we're joined by Jennifer Liepin, a seasoned admissions consultant with a passion for educational equity. With over 20 years of experience, Jennifer shares key insights from the recent admissions cycle, highlighting what makes students stand out to top-tier universities. Known for her success in guiding students to Ivy League and Top 20 schools, Jennifer offers a glimpse into her effective strategies and the trends she's observed. Whether you're aiming for a top college or seeking to u...
Mar 01, 2024•48 min
"How optional is optional?" has arguably become one of the most controversial questions in the admissions landscape with regards to standardized testing. However, recent data from MIT and a New York Times article both suggest that there may be some merit to top schools reintroducing some form of standardized testing as a requirement. This becomes an even more important talking point as many schools will formally re-evaluate their testing policy in 2025. This week, Tyler dives into that discussio...
Jan 19, 2024•21 min
One of the most important parts of this podcast is the opportunity to respond to questions from students and parents. This week, Tyler responds to a student inquiry about seeking out impactful summer opportunities and discerning which options are going to provide the greatest outcomes for the investment of time. With the plethora of options comes an increased number of opportunities that sound enticing but offer very little in terms of meaningful growth and experience. We talk about some ways to...
Jan 15, 2024•24 min
Advanced Placement examinations are one of many ways to demonstrate to colleges that you are academically ready for the rigor of their institution. The breadth and flexibility of the AP program means that it absolutely should be considered as part of any college application strategy, even if you are not attending a school that offers AP. However, with those advantages come a series of misconceptions around how useful these exams are. This week, Tyler breaks down the AP Exams and talks through ho...
Jan 05, 2024•25 min
In this week's episode, Tyler sits down with Oxford alum and UK education specialist, Maggie. Together, they delve deep into the intricacies of UK university admissions, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to secure a place in one of these prestigious institutions. Whether you're a student who's dreaming of studying in the historic halls of Oxford or Cambridge, or you're simply wondering what else is out there beyond schools in the U.S., this episode is for yo...
Dec 21, 2023•26 min
It's the holiday season, which for many means an opportunity to give back. But for college admissions, are a few winter break community service hours going to be enough? In response to a listener question, Tyler spends some time talking about the importance of community impact, dismisses some myths about what counts as "meaningful" volunteer work, and suggests some ways to make sure that the impact you make on your community actually makes a difference. Join free webinars at www.tokyoacademics.c...
Dec 17, 2023•25 min
Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr. Jason Cody Douglass as we delve into the world of the Yale Young Global Scholars program. Discover what makes this program a game-changer in the realm of summer educational opportunities, unraveling its essence, significance, and the qualities that define an ideal candidate. Dr. Douglass sheds light on the core aspects of the Yale Young Global Scholars program, its unique offerings, and the transformative experiences it offers students. We explore ...
Dec 12, 2023•41 min
It's that time of year. Kids are out of school for 2-3 weeks, and all parents seem to see is some combination of video games, hanging out with friends, and screen time. Winter break is certainly a period to take a breather from the intensity of fall, but it is also an essential time, without competing priorities, to really start planning your future. In this episode, Tyler introduces some simple ground rules for how to make the most of your winter break to lay a path for success for your academi...
Dec 01, 2023•24 min
The UC application is due in just a few days! There are a lot of key differences between the UC application and the Common App, and with that comes a variety of ways to both make mistakes on and maximize your application. This week, Tyler offers some final advice on how to make sure your UC applications really shine, covering the UCs unique grading system, the Personal Insight Questions, and the extensive Activity List. Join free webinars at www.tokyoacademics.com/events Need help applying to co...
Nov 27, 2023•23 min
There’s no time to waste! Even though it is only November, many competitive summer programs have application deadlines coming up soon. Don’t let a missed deadline be the reason you can’t have a meaningful summer. This week, Tyler talks about the importance of starting your summer research early, and provides advice on how to filter and find the best programs in a sea of options. Join free webinars at www.tokyoacademics.com/events Need help applying to college? Contact us for a free consultation ...
Nov 17, 2023•23 min
Note: This podcast was recorded on October 31st, 2023. Submissions have begun! If you've already done so, congratulations! You've passed one major milestone! For those of you who are still working away to get that essay just right or fix those activities, Tyler will share some final tips about ensuring a smooth submission. He will also talk a little bit about priorities after application, so if you want to make sure that your application is fully complete, tune in to learn more. Join free webina...
Nov 03, 2023•9 min
Does it really matter if I open that email? Will joining UCLA's Summer Institute increase my chances of getting in? Do I really have to tour a school to have a chance? Are schools really tracking all of this? There are many, many questions around the ambiguous metric of demonstrated interest and how that really affects your chances of getting into a university. This week, Tyler continues his mini-series on demystifying some of the myths and inconsistencies around college applications by diving d...
Oct 20, 2023•23 min
The word "optional" is showing up a lot across college applications everywhere. Whether it be test scores, resumes, additional recommenders, or even the supplemental essays themselves, choice (or the illusion of it) is more prominent than ever. What does this all mean? Is there a disadvantage to not filling out absolutely everything? Why are they giving us so many choices? Tyler spends some time breaking down the strategic definition of the word "optional" and offers some advice on how to choose...
Oct 13, 2023•23 min
There are a lot of misconceptions out there about how to best strategize around a college application. The beliefs range from the reasonable - "Test optional can't possibly really mean optional, can it?" - to the extreme - "Should I buy a house in Sacramento so my child is considered in state for UC Berkeley?" As part of an ongoing series, Tyler will spend some time breaking down a few of the myths around college applications and provide alternative strategies to give you an actual advantage. Jo...
Oct 06, 2023•24 min
As we get closer to the first round of application deadlines, Tyler takes some time to review the differences between Early Decision, Early Action, Restrictive Early Action, and any other terms that may affect your overall college list building and application strategy. As more schools lean into accepting more students Early Decision, what does that mean for how you should be thinking about your application strategy? Tune in to find out. Join free webinars at www.tokyoacademics.com/events Need h...
Sep 29, 2023•26 min
In the midst of what is already a time filled with stress and indecision, The U.S. News and World Report has decided to release its new college rankings, incorporating a new algorithm that addresses the ongoing criticism it has recently come under. This revision has led to notable shifts in rank for several schools, as well as a renewed skepticism of ranking systems in general. This week, Tyler dives into these new numbers and shares his thoughts on how this widely used publication is now evalua...
Sep 22, 2023•20 min
College applications have lots of restrictions. Whether it be word count, number of recommendations, size of your portfolio, or even the length of your school list, there are limits. This means that every opportunity you have to provide additional information matters, especially when colleges are placing so much emphasis on "holistic" admissions. So how should you use the Common App "Additional Information" section? What are things you should or shouldn't use it for? Tyler responds to a couple l...
Sep 15, 2023•24 min
Every industry is leaning into the importance of data and analytics to optimize their strategies and decision making. Your college application process is no exception to this. But with all the information out there, how can a student make sure the data they are looking at is accurate and reliable? This week, Tyler takes a deep dive into a resource that many students and families aren't aware of when doing their college research: The Common Data Set. It is perhaps the most direct and all-in-one-p...
Sep 08, 2023•24 min
With all the changes happening in the world of college admissions, and especially the recent Supreme Court Decision, this is a particularly important year to take a look at how college supplemental essays have shifted. This week, Tyler dives into a few of the new prompts, and suggests what these changes might mean for prospective students in terms of what their priorities should be. Join free webinars at www.tokyoacademics.com/events Need help applying to college? Contact us for a free consultat...
Sep 01, 2023•27 min
This week, Tyler chats with Elia, a Japanese national and TASIS aluma, now navigating her college journey at Trinity. Dive into her transformative years at The American School In Switzerland , the cultural contrasts she faced, and how those pivotal moments in Lugano led her to discover her true calling. Tune in to learn about the pros and cons of a boarding school education, and how it paves a path to college. Join free webinars at www.tokyoacademics.com/events Need help applying to college? Con...
Aug 24, 2023•35 min
As viewpoints and opinions become increasingly polarized in a world of social media, few schools have embraced the need for discourse in the way Claremont McKenna has. This week, Tyler sits down with Associate Dean of Admissions Jennifer Hirsch to discuss CMC’s unique approach to engaging with difference and disagreement as essential learning experiences, the school’s new developments in STEM offerings, and much more. Join free webinars at www.tokyoacademics.com/events Need help applying to coll...
Aug 18, 2023•54 min
In this week's episode, Tyler engages in a long form discussion with Lee Coffin, Vice Provost for Enrollment and Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid at Dartmouth College. They delve into the shifting dynamics of the admissions landscape, influenced by significant global developments such as the pandemic. Coffin sheds light on the nuances of Dartmouth's admissions process and the qualities they look for in prospective students. This episode explores Dartmouth's unique standing within the Ivy Lea...
Aug 11, 2023•1 hr 30 min
This episode was recorded before the Supreme Court ruling on the use of race in college admissions. In this episode, Tyler engages in a thoughtful conversation with Dr. Anna Wise, Associate Dean of Admission and Director of International Recruitment for Hamilton College, to unpack the concept of Hamilton's open curriculum and its relevance in today's globalized society. Dr. Wise shares the unique philosophy behind Hamilton's innovative educational approach, which provides students with the freed...
Aug 04, 2023•1 hr
This week, Tyler sits down with Adam Sapp, Assistant Vice President & Director of Admissions for Pomona College, to discuss the value of a liberal arts education in a rapidly changing world, and how Pomona College empowers students to explore diverse fields through interdisciplinary learning. Adam delves into the mechanisms Pomona College uses to foster curiosity, encourage intellectual flexibility, and build wide-ranging skills that are highly valued in today's complex, interconnected world...
Jul 28, 2023•31 min
