I immigrated with my family to the United States from South Korea in third grade, and I’ve lived through what it feels like to navigate life and education in this country. My parents sacrificed so much to give me this opportunity to live, study and start my own business here, so in this episode, I wanted to share some of the big lessons that I’ve learned (so far!) in the hopes that you find them relatable, insightful and motivating to you.  I hope you enjoy this episode, and I highly recommend that you register for our upcoming Free 3-Day Training Series + Live Q&A, The DNA of Accepted Students. During these 4 days, you’ll be working with me in identifying your Theme, building your Passion Project based on your newfound Theme, and crafting your dream college list. It all starts June 17th and I can’t wait to support you!. You can reserve your free seat now at https://passionprep.com/accepted/! Get ready to open your “Congratulations, You’re Accepted!” letter from your dream college! You can reserve your spot for Passion Project Bootcamp, our 1-year group college consulting program to get you ACCEPTED into your dream college using your passion, strength and potential. Start your journey to your dream college https://passionprep.com/bootcamp! As always, if you have questions, please reach out to our support team at [email protected]. Also I’d love to connect with you on Instagram – our new Instagram handle is: www.instagram.com/passion_prep.

Today, we will be talking about a controversial topic - is an Ivy League/Top-tier college education actually worth it? Recently, DailyMail.com published a report detailing the links between Ivy League degrees and future earnings, and this immediately prompted me to pick up my microphone and voice my honest opinions. Sit back, grab a refreshing drink, and enjoy our latest episode as we talk deeper about the worth of a flagship college education, as well as the common patterns we are seeing with our current generation of students (& parents) and how they perceive colleges in today’s competitive landscape. I hope you enjoy this episode, and I highly recommend that you attend our free 60-minute introductory training where you’ll learn the 3 Essential Strategies you can implement right now to build a stand-out factor and craft a compelling college portfolio. You can reserve your seat now at https://passionprep.com/masterclass! Get ready to open your “Congratulations, You’re Accepted!” letter from your dream college! You can enroll in the Passion Project Bootcamp, our 1-year group college consulting program, to help you get ACCEPTED into your dream college using your passion, strength and potential. Start your journey to your dream college at https://passionprep.com/bootcamp! As always, if you have any questions, please reach out to our Support Team at [email protected]. Also I’d love to connect with you on Instagram – our Instagram handle is: www.instagram.com/passion_prep. 

To kick off another new episode, I will be sharing a recent Student Panel hosted with several of our Passion Project Bootcamp students. In this episode, our students share their unique college admissions journey and how they were able to find success throughout this process ultimately leading to acceptances to colleges such as Cornell University, UNC Chapel Hill, Emory University, NYU, and many more. I hope you enjoy this episode, and I highly recommend that you attend our free 60-minute introductory training where you’ll learn the 3 Essential Strategies you can implement right now to build a stand-out factor and craft a compelling college portfolio. You can reserve your seat now at https://passionprep.com/masterclass! Get ready to open your “Congratulations, You’re Accepted!” letter from your dream college! You can enroll in the Passion Project Bootcamp, our 1-year group college consulting program, to help you get ACCEPTED into your dream college using your passion, strength and potential. Start your journey to your dream college at https://passionprep.com/bootcamp! As always, if you have any questions, please reach out to our Support Team at [email protected]. Also I’d love to connect with you on Instagram – our Instagram handle is: www.instagram.com/passion_prep.

The college admissions landscape is undergoing significant changes for the first time in history. For students to have a successful college application season, they must stay informed and be prepared for the latest policy changes in the world of college admissions.  To kick off our new season for Demystifying College Admissions, I’ll take you through new college admissions trends students must watch out for in 2024 and 2025, and what you can do to combat the competition & position yourself as a must-have applicant.  I hope you enjoy this episode, and I highly recommend that you attend our free 60-minute introductory training where you’ll learn the 3 Essential Strategies you can implement right now to build a stand-out factor and craft a compelling college portfolio. You can reserve your seat now at https://passionprep.com/masterclass! Get ready to open your “Congratulations, You’re Accepted!” letter from your dream college! You can enroll in the Passion Project Bootcamp, our 1-year group college consulting program, to help you get ACCEPTED into your dream college using your passion, strength and potential. Start your journey to your dream college at https://passionprep.com/bootcamp! As always, if you have any questions, please reach out to our Support Team at [email protected]. Also I’d love to connect with you on Instagram – our Instagram handle is: www.instagram.com/passion_prep. 

Every single episode we talk a lot about students’ passion and helping them find their interest and values, but today I want to focus on the role the families play in this process with my special guest, Elizabeth West of EWC College Consulting.  In this great conversation with Elizabeth, we take a deeper look at the parents’ roles. You’ll discover the new college admission trends that we’re seeing, and she gives her best advice for students who are on their college admissions journey. I love the humor, expertise, and wisdom Elizbeth brings to the podcast, so I’m excited for you to meet her and to laugh and learn with us today!  Mark your calendars for March 15th, 2023, at 5pm PST/8pm EST, as we are hosting a live free training on college admissions! I’ll be sharing 3 strategies you must implement, and I'll also walk you through how to plan for your summer break. You can sign up for this  now at https://passionprep.com/live, but hurry as spots are very limited!  Get ready to open your “Congratulations, You’re Accepted!” letter from your dream college! You can reserve your spot for Passion Project Bootcamp, our 1-year group college consulting program to get you ACCEPTED into your dream college using your passion, strength and potential. Start your journey to your dream college https://passionprep.com/bootcamp! As always, if you have questions, please reach out to our support team at [email protected]. Also I’d love to connect with you on Instagram – our new Instagram handle is: www.instagram.com/passion_prep. 

If you’ve been following me for a while now or you’re a student in one of our programs, you know that I am always emphasising the importance of mindset. In this episode, I want to talk about some of the things that are not really discussed in the space of college admissions.  Today, I reveal the role mindset plays in having the confidence to set big goals that will ultimately lead you to find passion and success on your college admissions journey.  Remember, there’s a transformation you can go through when you set big goals. Even if you don’t reach that goal, you will inevitably go through a shift, and this process will help you evolve as you become a more happy, more confident, and more successful person.  I hope you enjoy this episode, and I highly recommend that you attend our free 60-minute introductory training, where you’ll learn the 3 Essential Strategies you can implement right now to build a compelling college portfolio. You can reserve your seat now at https://passionprep.com/masterclass!  Get ready to open your “Congratulations, You’re Accepted!” letter from your dream college! You can reserve your spot for Passion Project Bootcamp, our 1-year group college consulting program to get you ACCEPTED into your dream college using your passion, strength and potential. Start your journey to your dream college https://passionprep.com/bootcamp! As always, if you have questions, please reach out to our support team at [email protected]. Also I’d love to connect with you on Instagram – our new Instagram handle is: www.instagram.com/passion_prep. 

The college admissions process is stressful, but in this solo episode, I reveal how you can make this journey less stressful and more fun, I uncover the reasons why this stress exists, and the ways that college admissions have changed drastically over the years. Today, you’ll learn the true importance of how being passionate and being yourself is ultimately what will get you into your dream college!  I hope you enjoy this episode, and I highly recommend that you attend our free 60-minute introductory training, where you’ll learn the 3 Essential Strategies you can implement right now to build a compelling college portfolio. You can reserve your seat now at https://passionprep.com/masterclass!  Get ready to open your “Congratulations, You’re Accepted!” letter from your dream college! You can reserve your spot for Passion Project Bootcamp, our 1-year group college consulting program to get you ACCEPTED into your dream college using your passion, strength and potential. Start your journey to your dream college https://passionprep.com/bootcamp!  As always, if you have questions, please reach out to our support team at [email protected]. Also I’d love to connect with you on Instagram – our new Instagram handle is: www.instagram.com/passion_prep.

Today I’m joined by a very special guest, Andrew Kim, who is a graduate of Brown University, Cambridge, Harvard Medical School and a White House Fellowship. In this episode, Andrew reveals how he achieved all his accomplishments. You'll be surprised to hear that it wasn't just by studying hard, which could be considered unexpected coming from a doctor and researcher with such an impressive resume.  I’m really excited to share this episode with you because it’s crucial for high school students to hear from people who already went through what you’re about to go through.I hope that Andrew’s story will also be a tremendous source of inspiration to you for your own college admissions journey.  If you are listening to this episode in January 2023, I’ll be hosting a couple of free live workshops, 3 Essential Steps to Getting Accepted Into Your Dream Colleges (even if you think you’re not unique or competitive enough).I’ll be sharing the latest college admissions trends and the proven formula our students used to get accepted into Harvard, Yale, Stanford, UPenn, Cornell, John Hopkins, and many more. During this live workshop, we will officially be opening enrollment for our premier 1-year group college consulting program, Passion Project Bootcamp Next Level. The Next Level program is for YOU if you want to STAND OUT and WOW Ivy League & Top-tier colleges by strategizing your college admissions portfolio, creating your own Passion Project, and landing research/intern positions. You can reserve your seat for this free living training now at https://passionprep.com/live.I can’t wait to see you there! Get ready to open your “Congratulations, You’re Accepted!” letter from your dream college! You can reserve your spot for Passion Project Bootcamp, our 1-year group college consulting program to get you ACCEPTED into your dream college using your passion, strength and potential. Start your journey to your dream college https://passionprep.com/bootcamp!  As always, if you have questions, please reach out to our support team at [email protected]. Also I’d love to connect with you on Instagram – our new Instagram handle is: www.instagram.com/passion_prep. 

We have some exciting news! Our Passion Project Bootcamp Next Level student Isha just got accepted into UPenn Early Decision, and in today’s episode, you’re going to hear exactly how she did it. Isha shares her GPA, SAT scores, extracurriculars, and the strategies from our program that she implemented to get accepted into her dream college. It’s important to note that she didn’t have straight A’s, and she didn’t submit her SAT scores, but by following her passion and proven strategies, she was able to receive early acceptance into UPenn as an International Relations major. I’m so proud of the growth Isha has shown and how she has matured into such a powerful and passionate individual. I hope you find her story informative and inspirational for your own college admissions journey!  Our premier 1-year group college consulting program, Project Bootcamp Next Level, is opening doors for the 2023 cohort in January, and this is the only opportunity that you’ll have to enroll this upcoming year. This program will help you stand out and get accepted into your dream Ivy League and Top-tier colleges by creating your unique strategy, executing a strategically-aligned Passion Project, and also by landing research and internship positions. Starting in February 2023, my team and I will be guiding a small group of qualified and highly-motivated high school students toward their dream colleges. You can join the waitlist now at https://passionprep.com/nextlevelwaitlist/ to be among the first to be notified when enrollment opens.  Before this year comes to an end, are you interested in learning more top strategies that will take your college application to the next level? You can start by registering for our free training now at www.passionprep.com/masterclass to discover 3 strategies to help you stand out & get accepted into your dream Ivy League & Top-tier colleges! Get ready to open your “Congratulations, You’re Accepted!” letter from your dream college! You can reserve your spot for Passion Project Bootcamp, our 1-year group college consulting program to get you ACCEPTED into your dream college using your passion, strength and potential. Start your journey to your dream college https://passionprep.com/bootcamp!  As always, if you have questions, please reach out to our support team at [email protected]. Also I’d love to connect with you on Instagram – our new Instagram handle is: www.instagram.com/passion_prep. 

Today I’m sharing with you some of the examples and strategies from our Passion Project Bootcamp and Next Level students. In this episode, you’ll hear from three different students of ours; one who got accepted into John Hopkins and Harvard, another who was accepted into Cornell, and the final student who got accepted into USC.  They each reveal the mistakes that they made in the initial part of their college admissions journey, some of the changes they had to make once they started working with us inside of our program, the extracurriculars they worked on, and a whole lot more.  Stay tuned as we’ll be doing another round of these episodes where I share case studies of our students who are getting accepted into their dream colleges!  I have exciting news! Our premier 1-year group college consulting program, Project Bootcamp Next Level, is opening doors for the 2023 cohort in January, and this is the only opportunity that you’ll have to enroll this upcoming year. This program will help you stand out and get accepted into your dream Ivy League and Top-tier colleges by creating your unique strategy, executing a strategically-aligned Passion Project, and also by landing research and internship positions. Starting in February 2023, my team and I will be guiding a small group of qualified and highly-motivated high school students toward their dream colleges. You can join the waitlist now at https://passionprep.com/nextlevelwaitlist/ to be among the first to be notified when enrollment opens!  Are you interested in learning more top strategies that will take your college application to the next level? You can start by registering for our free training now at www.passionprep.com/masterclass to discover 3 strategies to help you stand out & get accepted into your dream Ivy League & Top-tier colleges! Get ready to open your “Congratulations, You’re Accepted!” letter from your dream college! You can reserve your spot for Passion Project Bootcamp, our 1-year group college consulting program to get you ACCEPTED into your dream college using your passion, strength and potential. Start your journey to your dream college https://passionprep.com/bootcamp!  As always, if you have questions, please reach out to our support team at [email protected]. Also I’d love to connect with you on Instagram – our new Instagram handle is: www.instagram.com/passion_prep. 

Today I have a very special episode for our Class of 2024 students. Being a Junior  is really tough; you have an unforgiving course load, an insane amount of homework, and a lot of added commitments that make it difficult to look ahead and plan for your Senior  year. That’s why I wanted to record a comprehensive episode for you detailing 5 of the most important things you must work on right now if you are a Class of 2024 student!  Are you interested in learning more top strategies that will take your college application to the next level? You can start by registering for our free training now at www.passionprep.com/masterclass to discover 3 strategies to help you stand out & get accepted into your dream Ivy League & Top-tier colleges! Get ready to open your “Congratulations, You’re Accepted!” letter from your dream college! You can reserve your spot for Passion Project Bootcamp, our 1-year group college consulting program to get you ACCEPTED into your dream college using your passion, strength and potential. Start your journey to your dream college https://passionprep.com/ppbc/!  As always, if you have questions, please reach out to our support team at [email protected]. Also I’d love to connect with you on Instagram – our new Instagram handle is: www.instagram.com/passion_prep. 

As you can see from the title of this episode, today I want to help you understand something so essential to question in your college admissions journey: whether passion should drive your college admissions journey. In this episode, you’ll o hear why I believe the answer to this question is “no” and why I feel so strongly that passion should drive your life, and then as a byproduct, your college admissions success becomes inevitable. Are you interested in learning more top strategies that will take your college application to the next level? You can start by registering for our free training now at www.passionprep.com/masterclass to discover 3 strategies to help you stand out & get accepted into your dream Ivy League & Top-tier colleges! Get ready to open your “Congratulations, You’re Accepted!” letter from your dream college! You can reserve your spot for Passion Project Bootcamp, our 1-year group college consulting program to get you ACCEPTED into your dream college using your passion, strength and potential. Start your journey to your dream college https://passionprep.com/ppbc/!  As always, if you have questions, please reach out to our support team at [email protected]. Also I’d love to connect with you on Instagram – our new Instagram handle is: www.instagram.com/passion_prep. 

Today we have a very special guest, Nicky, who is a graduate of UC Berkeley. Nicky majored in film and minored in computer science, and we invited him onto the podcast because he has a lot of useful insights and information about important things like selecting a major.  This is an area where many students and parents are stressing out about, and Nicky reveals how he was able to finally declare his major during his junior year. He also shares the pros and cons of UC Berkeley, specifically regarding the environment and the resources that were provided there, and much more.  We hope that you can gain some insight from Nicky’s journey, and after listening to this episode, you can decipher for yourself whether UC Berkeley would be a good fit for you!  I am hosting our final live workshop of the year, 3 Essential Steps To Getting Accepted Into Your Dream Colleges (Even if you think you're not unique or competitive enough), this coming Wednesday, October 19th. In this workshop, you can ask questions and learn the most updated college admission trends and strategies. You will also hear more about our college consulting program, Passion Project Bootcamp, as we’ll be opening enrollment to that during the live workshop. Head on over to https://passionprep.com/live/ to reserve your free seat now. Again, this is the last event of the year, and I do not want you to miss out on it!  You can register for our free training now at www.passionprep.com/masterclass!  As always, if you have questions, please reach out to our support team at [email protected]. Also I’d love to connect with you on Instagram – our new Instagram handle is: www.instagram.com/passion_prep. 

Julie Kim Consulting has been renamed Passion Prep! Our mission is to inspire, motivate, and mentor high school students to get accepted into their dream colleges using their strengths, real personality, passion, values and honesty. We mentor our students to live passionately and daringly. This is the legacy we’ll leave behind, and to learn more, visit our brand new website by clicking here. We cannot wait to mentor you!  Are you ready to take the next step in your college admissions journey? You can learn more about our Passion Project Bootcamp program inside our free, 1-hour introductory training.  In only one hour, you can learn techniques, strategies and updates to the college admissions process, and at the very end, you’ll learn more about how the Passion Project Bootcamp program can help you with your college admissions journey.  You can register for our free training now at www.juliekimconsulting.com/masterclass!  As always, if you have questions, please reach out to our support team at [email protected]. Also I’d love to connect with you on Instagram – our new Instagram handle is: www.instagram.com/passionprep. 

The college admissions process can be overwhelming, intimidating, and often confusing, and there is a misconception that it must be hard. It doesn’t have to be this way though, and in this episode, I reveal how you can get accepted into your dream college with less effort.  We are going to dive into why the process is hard for so many and how you can begin to challenge the traditional ways to apply for your dream colleges, while experiencing less stress and being intentional at the same time!  If you are interested in learning more about our 1-Year Group College Consulting Program, or already know that you want to work with me and my team, go to https://juliekimconsulting.com/bootcamp! If you’d like to start off with our free training, I’m hosting a free  training which you can attend at https://juliekimconsulting.com/masterclass. This is an introductory call for you to get a better idea of how I coach my students, and where you can learn the 3 strategies that you must implement to get accepted in your dream college.  As always, if you have questions please reach out to our support team at [email protected], and I’d love to connect with you on Instagram – I’m at http://instagram.com/julie_kim7.  SHOW NOTES: https://juliekimconsulting.com/episode-120-how-to-get-accepted-into-your-dream-college-with-less-effort/ 

Today on the podcast I’m excited to announce that we are bringing back our coaching session episodes! In this episode, I’ll be coaching my Passion Project Bootcamp student regarding AP classes, Passion Projects, and research positions! In this episode you’ll meet Yashaswi, a Passion Project Bootcamp student who is currently a junior. She has 3 questions for me to help her determine if she’s on the right track in her journey. You’ll hear me coach Yashaswi and give her a solution to how she can improve her Passion Project in less than 5 minutes (I know, amazing right?), and I also help her fill in the gaps with her professor outreach system. Lastly, she has questions about AP classes that you might also find very helpful! Get ready, because this is a jammed-packed episode! If you are wondering how you can get this type of support from me and my team, the best way is to be enrolled in our Passion Project Bootcamp Program. If you want to learn more about this program, where you will learn how I help my students get accepted into their dream college (and all the details on the program) go to https://juliekimconsulting.com/masterclass and register now! In case you didn’t know, we have a group college consulting program, which is a bit more intensive and for students who are really aiming for the Ivy League. It used to be called The Ivy League Formula Program, and we renamed it Passion Project Bootcamp NEXT LEVEL (yes, it’s literally taking your college admissions journey to the next level)! We open this program just a few times a year, and right now it is open for enrollment. At the time of this recording, we currently have 5 spots available for this program, spots are very limited. This is also a 1-year program, and in addition to the Passion Project Bootcamp monthly live Q&A sessions, you also get 8 high-level support calls on Zoom, and unlimited support in-between the calls. If you want more support, more feedback from me, and quicker results, then NEXT LEVEL could be a good fit for you. To enroll, all you have to do is visit https://juliekimconsulting.com/nextlevel. Also, I have an exciting announcement for you! I’m hosting a brand-new live workshop for the month of September, and if you go to https://juliekimconsulting.com/live you can register and reserve your spot now (hurry, spots are limited and fill up fast)! In this live workshop, you will: Discover strategies to stand out & get ACCEPTED into your dream Ivy Leagues & Top-tier colleges ( ...even if you think you're not "unique enough" to get accepted into your dream college) Learn the secret to what Ivy Leagues & Top-tier colleges are looking for in a strong applicant that makes them say HECK YES! Identify your interests and passions (even if you think they don’t exist yet)! Learn why traditional outdated methods no longer gets students accepted into their dream Ivy Leagues & Top-tier colleges (and what YOU can do instead). Stop feeling worried and hopeless about your college admissions journey. Instead, learn how to navigate this journey with confidence and motivation! During this live workshop we will also be opening enrollment to our Passion Project Bootcamp NEXT LEVEL. This is our 1-year group college consulting program, where you’ll get 8 group college consulting sessions, with individual, live, unlimited support from me. In addition to these sessions, you’ll also be invited to our 12 monthly live Q&A sessions for extra support, and the opportunity to collaborate with your peers. This cohort will run from October 2021 to October 2022, and it will help you strategize your college admissions portfolio, create a standout factor, and make sure that you’re on the right track! Click here to learn more about our Next Level Program: https://juliekimconsulting.com/nextlevel (closing soon!) We also just released a new FREE workbook that you can download to get started thinking about self-exploration and your Passion Project ideas. Go to https://juliekimconsulting.com/workbook to get your copy now! As always, if you have questions please reach out to our support team at [email protected], and I’d love to connect with you on Instagram – I’m at http://instagram.com/julie_kim7. SHOW NOTES: https://juliekimconsulting.com/episode-111-ppbc-coaching-call-ap-classes-passion-project-research-positions/ 

Today I’m sharing with you a short interview I did with one of my Class of 2021 students, Alexcis, who recently got accepted into UPenn, Dartmouth, Columbia, Brown, and Cornell! Not to mention, Alexcis also received a merit scholarship offer at USC, and in this episode, she reveals how she was able to do this, plus what she believes was the secret to her success. This interview really goes to show how only having good grades and perfect SAT/ACT scores won’t cut it anymore. So how do you standout, while having a feeling of purpose and passion? It’s by working on a few of the right things, and not just by doing more things (and overwhelming yourself in the process). Also, I have an exciting announcement for you! I’m hosting a brand-new live workshop for the month of September, and if you go to https://juliekimconsulting.com/live you can register and reserve your spot now (hurry, spots are limited and fill up fast)! In this live workshop, you will: Discover strategies to stand out & get ACCEPTED into your dream Ivy Leagues & Top-tier colleges ( ...even if you think you're not "unique enough" to get accepted into your dream college) Learn the secret to what Ivy Leagues & Top-tier colleges are looking for in a strong applicant that makes them say HECK YES! Identify your interests and passions (even if you think they don’t exist yet)! Learn why traditional outdated methods no longer gets students accepted into their dream Ivy Leagues & Top-tier colleges (and what YOU can do instead). Stop feeling worried and hopeless about your college admissions journey. Instead, learn how to navigate this journey with confidence and motivation! During this live workshop we will also be opening enrollment to our Passion Project Bootcamp NEXT LEVEL. This is our 1-year group college consulting program, where you’ll get 8 group college consulting sessions, with individual, live, unlimited support from me. In addition to these sessions, you’ll also be invited to our 12 monthly live Q&A sessions for extra support, and the opportunity to collaborate with your peers. This cohort will run from October 2021 to October 2022, and it will help you strategize your college admissions portfolio, create a standout factor, and make sure that you’re on the right track! Click here to learn more about our Next Level Program: https://juliekimconsulting.com/nextlevel (closing soon!) We also just released a new FREE workbook that you can download to get started thinking about self-exploration and your Passion Project ideas. Go to https://juliekimconsulting.com/workbook to get your copy now! As always, if you have questions please reach out to our support team at [email protected], and I’d love to connect with you on Instagram – I’m at http://instagram.com/julie_kim7. SHOW NOTES: https://juliekimconsulting.com/episode-110-how-my-student-got-into-upenn-dartmouth-columbia-brown-cornell/ 

Today I have a very special announcement for you! We are opening applications to the new Passion Project Bootcamp NEXT LEVEL Program (formerly The Ivy League Formula Program). In this episode you’ll hear more about this exclusive 4-month group college consulting program, and how we’ll be making this a next level experience for our students (which includes getting more support from me). The Passion Project Bootcamp NEXT LEVEL Program runs from August 2021 to November 2021, and to learn more about the application process, visit https://juliekimconsulting.com/ppbcnextlevel, but hurry, applications close on Sunday, July 11th, 2021! In this episode of the podcast, you’ll hear some past group program students share their testimonials and experiences, which should give you a really good idea of the benefits you can expect to receive by joining the program! As always, if you have questions please reach out to our support team at [email protected], and I’d love to connect with you on Instagram – I’m at http://instagram.com/julie_kim7. SHOW NOTES: https://juliekimconsulting.com/episode-105-the-power-of-group-college-consulting-program/ 

It’s been a little while since we’ve released a new podcast episode, and so much has happened lately! In the beginning of June, we launched the FREE 7-Day ACCEPTED Challenge - helping almost 5,000 students with their college admissions journey during the free event. The challenge was so amazing and life-changing for its participants that I decided to turn the challenge videos into content for the podcast. In today’s episode I’ll be sharing with you what I talked about on Day 1 of the Challenge, when we really tapped into the foundations of the college admissions process. I revealed what is happening right now in the industry, and how students need to prepare for these changes. We also looked at the mindset side of things, and what’s really preventing a lot of students from success and reaching their college goals. You’ll want to tune in next week for Day 2 of the Challenge, where I dive deeper into how you can let go of the fear that you’re inevitably going to experience during this process! If you want to learn more about our amazing Passion Project Bootcamp program, and to be part of it, your first step is to attend our free training by going to https://juliekimconsulting.com/masterclass. In this masterclass you’ll learn about the strategies we teach inside the program, as well as receive a special invite to join the Passion Project Bootcamp! As always, if you have questions please reach out to our support team at [email protected], and I’d love to connect with you on Instagram – I’m at http://instagram.com/julie_kim7. SHOW NOTES:  https://juliekimconsulting.com/episode-104-whats-the-real-secret-to-getting-accepted/ 

Having helped hundreds of high school students get accepted into their dream colleges, I know how important this dream is for you too.   Imagine opening that acceptance letter from your dream college and knowing that all your hard work has paid off.   Imagine sharing this great news with your family and friends and feeling so proud.   Now, imagine yourself stepping onto campus for the first time, excited for your next journey.   Here’s the truth:   All of that is REALLY possible even if you’re overwhelmed, extremely busy, or new to the college admissions process… We all have to start somewhere, right?   And to help you out, I’m inviting you to the FREE 7-Day ACCEPTED Challenge where I provide daily training and homework for you to take daily action.

Let’s talk about summer break! You may be wondering why I’m talking about summer break in this episode, as it’s just May when I’m recording it. That is because you really need to be planning and thinking ahead in the college admissions process. So today, I’m sharing a recent Facebook Live I did that reveals the 3 things you MUST do during your summer break to make the best use of your time, and to put you in the best position for getting accepted to your dream college. To learn 4 more strategies that help our students get accepted into amazing colleges using their Passion Projects, check out our free training at https://juliekimconsulting.com/masterclass. Not only will you learn about Passion Projects and research positions, but there are also monthly live Q &A sessions to get your personal questions answered! As always, if you have questions please reach out to our support team at [email protected], and I’d love to connect on Instagram – I’m at http://instagram.com/julie_kim7. If you want this summer to be the best one yet, you’re going to love this episode! SHOW NOTES:  https://juliekimconsulting.com/episode-100-3-things-you-must-do-during-summer-break/ 

Are you stressing out about your (or your child’s) college visits? Don’t worry! We’re here to help. In this episode of Demystifying College Admissions, we have our guest, Moira McCullough, the founder of College Scoops. Enlisting student and parent ambassadors, College Scoops provides both college-bound students and parents with the inside scoop that goes beyond what is available on college websites. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT IN THIS EPISODE: How to plan an effective college visit  How to engage your child in the planning process How involved parents should be in the process The importance/value of reaching out and interacting with a current student on campus  The #1 mistake students and parents make on college visits NOTABLE QUOTES: “We believe college visits should and can be fun.” “Make sure you have a destination to go to, but make sure that you plan several excursions that are not on your formal list.” “Sometimes the greatest learning points are things that you didn’t anticipate.” “I think you will learn so much during those visits by just watching and supporting your student.” “If you put them in the driver’s seat, I think that will create a different outcome and a different opportunity for that student.” “You have to be proactive about where you’re going to go.” “At the end of the day, it’s their decision.” “It’s a marathon, not a sprint.” SHOW NOTES: https://juliekimconsulting.com/podcast/ THE IVY LEAGUE FORMULA: https://juliekimconsulting.com/membership/ IVY LEAGUE/TOP-TIER COLLEGE BOOTCAMP: https://juliekimconsulting.com/confident/

Are you feeling discouraged about your current GPA? Don’t give up!! There is still hope! In this episode of Demystifying College Admissions, I will be sharing how colleges actually assess your GPA.   WHAT YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT IN THIS EPISODE: How your mindset is crucial  What college admission officers look for in your transcript The #1 mistake made when a student does not do well on a test How you have the power to improve your grades The most common obstacle to getting good grades  NOTABLE QUOTES: “You have the power to increase your GPA.” “You need to think differently about this process.” “She literally flipped her grades backward!” “You can do anything that you put your mind to, and let’s aim for those straight A’s” “It does define your work ethic.” SHOW NOTES: https://juliekimconsulting.com/podcast/ THI IVY LEAGUE FORMULA WAITLIST: https://juliekimconsulting.com/the-ivy-league-formula-waitlist/ IVY LEAGUE/TOP-TIER COLLEGE BOOTCAMP: https://juliekimconsulting.com/confident/  

Are you starting to worry about how you (or your child) are going to pay for college? In this episode of Demystifying College Admissions, we have guest, Denise Thomas, whose mission is to educate parents who take an active role in supporting their children to live a life of financial freedom. Denise, a financial coach and international best selling author who has helped both of her children get through college debt-free, and wants to help you make this possible for your child as well!   WHAT YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT IN THIS EPISODE: The under-emphasized significance of the PSAT When you should start looking into scholarships from the colleges you want to attend How your SAT/ACT score can be relevant even after you’ve been admitted into the school of your dreams The best time to start the financial aid and scholarship side of the college process How often you should be applying for scholarships in your senior year How family members can help in the scholarship process What parents can do to provide a game-changing element to their child’s application process Important factors to consider if you are going to co-sign your child’s student loan The importance of educating your child about finances NOTABLE QUOTES:   “It never ceases to amaze me, the amount of misinformation that is still out there.” “600,000 students graduate debt-free every year.” “It’s about work ethic and figuring out what’s possible. If you really want to go to school debt-free, it is certainly doable.” “There are opportunities; you just have to continue looking for them.” “Always start close to home.” “These people are looking for WHO you are.” “It really comes down to doing what you like and what you’re good at and leveraging that in all areas.” “Work ethic is hugely important!” “Read the contract!”   SHOW NOTES: https://juliekimconsulting.com/podcast/   IVY LEAGUE/TOP-TIER COLLEGE BOOTCAMP: https://juliekimconsulting.com/confident/    

Are you wondering how you can stand out amongst other college applicants? In this episode of Demystifying College Admissions, I’m going to share the key to rising to the cream of the crop. This is an efficient, direct way of expanding on your academic and personal interests so make sure to tune in!    WHAT YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT IN THIS EPISODE: How to gain clarity on your academic interests Why networking is so powerful When the right time to start networking is Who you should be networking with   NOTABLE QUOTES:   “This program is not just go into a room and chit-chat about your college admissions journey, but everything is action-oriented and results-driven.” “The power of networking goes above and beyond what you think and what you could possibly imagine.” “You’ve got to put yourself out there and network!”   SHOW NOTES: https://juliekimconsulting.com/podcast/   IVY LEAGUE/TOP-TIER COLLEGE BOOTCAMP: https://juliekimconsulting.com/confident/

Are you searching for your passion? In this episode of Demystifying College Admissions, I’m going to debunk some myths about passion and also share some useful tips on how to discover what you’re passionate about. This is NOT just for your college application, but this is also an important step towards discovering who you are and what you love.   WHAT YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT IN THIS EPISODE: How a passion project will help you in your college admissions journey and beyond The #1 myth about where your passion is Step-by-step process on how to identify and explore  your passion The perfect time to start on your passion project that will help you stand out!    NOTABLE QUOTES:   “You’re all born with a gift, an ability to serve, or to do amazing things in life, and it’s important we find out what that is.” “Passion can only be identified if you take some sort of action.” “The reason why students and people and adults procrastinate is because they’re afraid that they’re going to get it wrong.” “Life is not supposed to be a perfect series of events.” “I truly wish that you will use your interests and your strengths to get accepted into where you want.” “I don’t want you to stress out when there is no need to stress out, and I’m here to support you through this journey.”   SHOW NOTES: https://juliekimconsulting.com/podcast/   IVY LEAGUE/TOP-TIER COLLEGE BOOTCAMP: https://juliekimconsulting.com/confident/

In this episode of Demystifying College Admissions, I have a very special guest, Ursula. Ursula is Michelle’s mom and Michelle is my former student who recently graduated from high school and is now having a blast at NYU! I’m so grateful that I was able to mentor Michelle and help her navigate this journey with ease and success.   WHAT YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT IN THIS EPISODE: Why Ursula decided to work with me even though she had already hired a college counselor for Michelle  What students truly need How Michelle benefited from working with me  What kind of role Ursula played in the college admissions journey to maximize Michelle’s motivation, passion, and success What the college admissions journey is really all about   NOTABLE QUOTES: “Even though there are very good professionals out in the field, not all of them are a good fit for our kids.” “You knew exactly how to motivate her.” “Her professional, academic, and personal development started with you.”  “She has and keeps developing/discovering what her passions are.” “What matters is that they are happy.” “The most important thing is that they can find their passions.” “Parents: we need to be very aware and give all of the resources to our kids - to provide them the elements that they need in order to rediscover or discover what is inside of them, not outside!” “Enjoy the ride!”   SHOW NOTES: https://juliekimconsulting.com/podcast/   IVY LEAGUE/TOP-TIER COLLEGE BOOTCAMP: https://juliekimconsulting.com/confident/

Are you unsure of how to help your child in the college admissions journey? Sue and Stephanie of Your Teen Media, both of whom have sent their children to college, offer wisdom and advice on how involved you should be. It’s not going to be easy, but we hope that this episode will help you navigate the college admissions journey with more trust, ease, and fun!    WHAT YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT IN THIS EPISODE: The most common struggle when it comes to parenting teens How parenting has evolved over the years How to find an appropriate balance between parenting and supporting How to effectively communicate with your kids   NOTABLE QUOTES: “But you have to really believe that it’s their journey.” “Practice, practice, practice…” “Ask the other person what they’re thinking.” “Yelling puts us on the defensive immediately.” “Being curious and asking questions with authenticity really starts a conversation that lasts a lifetime.” “It’s really a big jump to go from high school to college.” “Enjoy the journey!” “Believe that every school you’re applying to is a right fit and a place where you can be happy.”   SHOW NOTES: https://juliekimconsulting.com/podcast/   IVY LEAGUE/TOP-TIER COLLEGE BOOTCAMP: https://juliekimconsulting.com/confident/  

Are you struggling with this college admissions journey? Do you feel alone, overwhelmed, and/or burnt out? I’m here to help! In this episode of Demystifying College Admissions, I will be sharing three atypical but essential must-haves for every high school student.   WHAT YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT IN THIS EPISODE: Why growing your mindset is essential What will improve your grades and scores aside from studying How your beliefs about yourself affect the outcome of your results What high school students need to learn in order to manage stress How important it is to discover your preferences at a young age What will make college admissions officers say yes to you   NOTABLE QUOTES:   “What I realized inside of the Facebook Group was that students were getting inspired by each other!” “It’s hard to open up about college admissions.” “We act based on our identity.” “But because you have a good mindset, you can sort of let go of those doubts very very quickly.” “They are not looking for a student who is well-rounded, who is good at everything. They’re looking for a well-rounded class.” “We have to really get rid of this idea that we have to be perfect at every single thing.”   SHOW NOTES: https://juliekimconsulting.com/podcast/   STRATEGY SESSION: http://www.juliekimconsulting.com/now   IVY LEAGUE/TOP-TIER COLLEGE BOOTCAMP: https://juliekimconsulting.com/confident/  

Is your teen responding with “I don’t know” all the time? Are you stressed out that there are more arguments than peaceful, heart-to-heart conversations? In this episode of Demystifying College Admissions, I am interviewing Sandy Fowler, co-host of the Mighty Parenting podcast, who will be sharing proven and effective strategies for communicating with your teen without all the yelling, shouting, and nagging.   WHAT YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT IN THIS EPISODE: What the #1 source of anxiety is for both parents and students How anxiety affects our bodies and produces a similar physiological response to encountering a tiger Healthy practices that you can implement into your daily life to take care of your emotional health An effective way of communication with your child so that he/she can live a happier life and achieve the goals they want How you can relieve stress/pressure off of yourself How to teach your child to manage their own life The best time to start letting go of control over your kids A useful tip for what to do immediately with your child when they are stressed out How something can look like rebellion but is actually a sign of anxiety Effective strategies to breakthrough/interrupt your body’s hormonal/physiological reactions to stress   NOTABLE QUOTES: “We really need to understand that our thoughts are not reality; they’re just thoughts.” “No human being can make another human being do something.” “Validate their feelings because that’s all we all want and stop trying to solve it!” “If people are doing everything for us, we have no reason to learn a skill.” “If it’s not a safety issue, back off a little and let them handle it.” “Parents need to model all the emotionally healthy coping strategies, an emotionally healthy lifestyle, and good communication.” “Planning for college takes everything that might be not going well in our home or in our relationship with our kids or with our parents, and it amplifies it.” “Take control of your emotional wellness!” “You can reduce your stress and anxiety with some very simple steps.” “So many of our bad parenting decisions actually come from a place of fear.”   SHOW NOTES: https://juliekimconsulting.com/podcast/   STRATEGY SESSION: http://www.juliekimconsulting.com/now   IVY LEAGUE/TOP-TIER COLLEGE BOOTCAMP: https://juliekimconsulting.com/confident/  

In this episode of Demystifying College Admissions, I will be talking with Jessica about how she left behind sunny California to step outside of her comfort zone and experience all four seasons. Jessica will be sharing how she got accepted into UPenn and why she loves it!   WHAT YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT IN THIS EPISODE:   The importance of visiting the college(s) that you are interested in What sets UPenn apart from other universities How to find your career path The significance of having a healthy mindset in the midst of your college admissions journey   NOTABLE QUOTES:   “It was a matter of just focusing and narrowing down her interests and passion.” “When I went to go visit Penn, it had everything I wanted!” “I think it was great because even though there are pictures and videos, actually going to the place was a different experience like actually being able to speak to students one on one or without the gaze of a camera looking in. It just made everything more genuine.” “If there is something that you love, you should definitely pursue that path.” “At the end of the day, you’re just saving yourself more time by starting off looking into the things that you’re interested in.” “To the extent possible, do not stress.” “I don’t think where I am now is what 9th grade me would’ve said. My plan just kind of blew up along the way but things ended up working out!” “Put your best foot forward and things have a strange way of working out even if it’s a completely weird turn that you never expected.” “Stressing out doesn’t really do anything.” “Just as a recap, Penn is a great school!”   SHOW NOTES: https://juliekimconsulting.com/podcast/   STRATEGY SESSION: http://www.juliekimconsulting.com/now

In this episode of Demystifying College Admissions, I will be talking with Eric about his academic and personal experiences at Princeton. Eric will be providing insider information about Princeton so make sure to tune in! WHAT YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT IN THIS EPISODE:   Clarity on why you are aiming towards whatever college you are aiming for  The behind-the-scenes sports recruiting process Why the graduation rate for Princeton is so high The history behind the Eating Club and its selection process What sets Princeton apart from other Ivy Leagues What you should never sacrifice while you’re on this journey   NOTABLE QUOTES:   “My mission now is to help you guys move through this high school journey with more excitement, fulfillment, clarity, passion.” “The school that you choose needs to fit you very well and gives you the opportunity to maximize both who you are and who you think you want to be, and it gives you space to become someone who you might not even know you’re going to become.” “They [coaches] intuit very well when students are just using it [sports] as an avenue to get ahead or to boost their chances of getting into the school.” “On my recruiting visit, I just got to be me! I didn’t have to try to show off. I didn’t have to try to do something or be someone I wasn’t, and it matched up.” “I think Princeton is a place where they really value making sure that everyone feels like they can belong and giving everyone those opportunities.”  “Princeton is the kind of place that will afford you TONS of opportunities to learn what you are passionate about.” “Never sacrifice your soul.” “It is far more important for you to learn who you truly are than it is for you to say, ‘I went to such and such school.” “There’s such beauty in the world. Don’t miss it by chasing accomplishments.”   SHOW NOTES: https://juliekimconsulting.com/podcast/   STRATEGY SESSION: http://www.juliekimconsulting.com/now

In this episode of Demystifying College Admissions, I will be breaking down the myth of busy-ness. Are you always wondering why you don’t have enough time to study for the SAT/ACT? Are you feeling upset because you got a C on your Chemistry Test although you pulled an all-nighter? If your answer is yes, tune into today’s episode so that you can learn how to manage your time, set priorities, and get accepted into your dream Ivy League/Top-tier.   WHAT YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT IN THIS EPISODE:   Demystify the concept of being overly busy and how you can prioritize and manage your time better How to use a priority planner How to redirect your energy towards having the right mindset A huge mistake in handling your tasks of different difficulty levels How to eliminate as many panicky situations as possible How not all tasks are equally important How to have the perfect amount of time to do anything you want, everything you want! The most important thing that has changed my life and the life of my students and how it can change yours as well! How to amplify your energy The scientifically-proven best tool for eliminating your negative thoughts   NOTABLE QUOTES:   “Procrastination and time management are the #1 reason students are unable to complete projects that they started or unable to do many things at once or unable to get A’s and B’s on their exams…” “I love helping students overcome how to manage their time.” “Let’s demystify this concept of ‘I’m so busy!’” “You don’t want to continuously remind your brain how busy you are.” “It’s time to declutter!” “If you have too much on your plate, then trust me, you will not be able to get one thing done very, very well.” “You always want to look ahead, way ahead.” “It’s always about consistency and persistence.”   SHOW NOTES: https://juliekimconsulting.com/podcast/   STRATEGY SESSION: http://www.juliekimconsulting.com/now   IVY LEAGUE/TOP-TIER BOOTCAMP: http://juliekimconsulting.com/confident/  

In this episode of Demystifying College Admissions, I will be sharing the foundational elements of success for your college admissions journey. Personally and professionally, I am on a mission to spread the importance of mindset, mental well-being, and passion to all high school students out there. Make sure you tune in to discover the key to learning all about how to get accepted into your dream Ivy League/Top-tier without stressing out and feeling overwhelmed.   WHAT YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT IN THIS EPISODE:   What a limiting belief is and how you can destroy it The best method to record and set your goals What you need to do in order to achieve your goals How to respond to failure/mistakes in a productive way   NOTABLE QUOTES:   “If you don’t eliminate your limiting beliefs now, it’s not going to go away on its own!” “The only person who can truly understand what you want in life is you!” A goal and a destination have to come with a compelling 'why.'” “This process is supposed to be fun!” “Failing means that you didn’t even try.” “My #1 goal is to teach students how to have a healthier lifestyle and a healthier mindset.”   SHOW NOTES: https://juliekimconsulting.com/podcast/   STRATEGY SESSION: http://www.juliekimconsulting.com/now   IVY LEAGUE/TOP-TIER BOOTCAMP: http://juliekimconsulting.com/confident/

In this episode of Demystifying College Admissions, I’m interviewing Dr. Jessica Pack, a pediatric dentist who attended UCLA for Dental School and USC for residency. Jessica will be sharing how she chose the dental path and key takeaways she learned from her journey.   WHAT YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT IN THIS EPISODE:   The significance of researching and experiencing your future career Who you should talk to if you are interested in pursuing dentistry and/or medicine An essential quality needed to be a doctor or dentist The importance of choosing a career that you are passionate about   NOTABLE QUOTES:   “I was looking for a stable job as well, but I didn’t want that to be the only reason why I go into something.” “Go with the flow and experience a lot because it could open up such amazing doors and opportunities that you’ve never planned ever before.” “Have a good time in high school. Be determined, but don’t let that overtake your life as well."   SHOW NOTES: https://juliekimconsulting.com/podcast/   STRATEGY SESSION: http://www.juliekimconsulting.com/now   IVY LEAGUE/TOP-TIER BOOTCAMP: http://juliekimconsulting.com/confident/      

In this episode of Demystifying College Admissions, I’m interviewing Dan Ascher, M.Ed, the president of A+ Test Prep & Tutoring, who specializes in helping high school students improve their SAT or ACT scores.   WHAT YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT IN THIS EPISODE:   How to discern whether individual or group test-prep is best suited for you. The optimal time to take the SAT/ACT. The biggest advantage you can have when preparing for the reading comprehension portion of the SAT/ACT, regardless of how old you are. How to decide which SAT Subject Tests you should take   NOTABLE QUOTES: “We get emotional very quickly when we work with our family.” “If you do too much too early, you may get burned out a little.” “You can read about things you like: read books about sports, the newspaper. You have to find things related to the interests that you have.” “There are a lot of different paths to success and happiness in life.”   SHOW NOTES: https://juliekimconsulting.com/podcast/   STRATEGY SESSION: http://www.juliekimconsulting.com/now

In this episode of Demystifying College Admissions, I will be interviewing my student who got accepted into Stanford, UPenn, Princeton, Columbia, and more! Tune in to hear how we were able to navigate the college admissions process together to beat the low acceptance rate of these Ivy League/Top-Tier schools!   WHAT YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT IN THIS EPISODE:   The non-negotiable key to getting accepted into Ivy Leagues/Top-Tier schools How to frame and position yourself in the most compelling way How my student got into several competitive schools with low acceptance rates What kind of proven tools you will gain if you work with me   NOTABLE QUOTES:   “I’m so, so excited to mentor and guide these amazing high school students to find their passion and use that to get into their dream colleges!” “The nature of this college admissions journey and this process is competition; it’s competitive so you do need to stand out!” “You were really good about breaking it up into achievable steps.” “Being told it was okay to follow my passions and not follow some plan of what other people had deemed was appropriate to do was really helpful!” “It makes it more manageable to have someone helping!”   COURSE: Ivy League/Top-Tier Colleges Bootcamp  

In this episode of Demystifying College Admissions, I will be interviewing my student, Shivangi who got accepted into USC Marshall School of Business WBB Program (5% Acceptance rate), University of Michigan  Ross Business School, UC Berkeley, and UCLA! Tune in to hear how we were able to strategize for her college applications and essays to beat the low acceptance rate!   WHAT YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT IN THIS EPISODE:   The four essential components that Ivy Leagues and Top-Tier Schools look for Questions to ask yourself in order to ensure inner-confidence How to best position yourself in your application to authentically represent yourself How my student got into a school with such a low acceptance rate What kind of proven tools you will gain if you work with me   NOTABLE QUOTES:   “I want all of your hard work to pay off. I believe that you have the capacity to get accepted into these colleges even though the acceptance rate is low, and that’s exactly what I’m going to teach you in the course.” “If I’m going to work for it, then you’re going to work for it with me.” “You were always able to catch onto that and make sure that it was really individualized and my personality came through instead of it just being another generic story that probably a lot of college admissions officers would see.” “Because in the beginning, you’ll see that Julie she’s always really on top of her game.”   COURSE: Ivy League/Top-Tier Colleges Bootcamp  

In this episode of Demystifying College Admissions, I will be sharing key milestones from my journey of getting accepted into USC and Harvard. In my freshman year of high school, the thought of Harvard did not even cross my mind, but this drastically changed. Listen to the episode to learn how I was able to get accepted into these competitive schools even without the best GPA and SAT/ACT scores!   WHAT YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT IN THIS EPISODE: #1 Mindset shift that will guide you to making the best decisions during the college admissions journey How to ask the right questions to achieve your goals and dreams Mindset exercises to move towards confidence and positivity Proof that authenticity and personality are more important than perfect scores NOTABLE QUOTES: “I have everything I need to get into these schools.” “I was just so sick and tired of always focusing on the negative and the negative and the negative.” “But here’s the catch: I can’t be fake with myself. I have to be authentic with myself.” “This is not rocket science.” “If you keep thinking it’s impossible, then it will be impossible!” “You could tell when you read my essay that, ‘This person, this Julie Kim person, is dead serious about what her passion is.”   LINKS/RESOURCES MENTIONED:   [FREE CHALLENGE] FREE 5-Day Accepted Challenge [BLOG] Who ACTUALLY gets into Ivy Leagues?   SHOW NOTES: https://juliekimconsulting.com/podcast/   STRATEGY SESSION: http://www.juliekimconsulting.com/now

This is my 2nd year hosting the 5-day "Accepted" Challenge and this is what participants (high school parents and students) shared with me in 2018! "Hi Julie...I was just amazed after listening to your live training last night. I rarely find someone who shares the same values or approach to better our children's education" "Julie is EXCELLENT and knows what she's talking about. I spent YEARS researching and she put it out there in her training. Keep up the great work!" In this 5-day challenge, I’m going to share with you how to:  -Identify your academic interests and strengths and how to use that create a compelling “stand out” factor for your Ivy League/Top-tier applications  -Get crystal clear on which extracurriculars to join and which you should stop altogether  -Discover how to leverage your interest and passion to strengthen your application (so you beat the 5% acceptance rate!)  -Learn what Ivy League/Top-tier colleges are looking for and how you can implement them instantly  -Plus So Much More! Like I mentioned before, this isn’t just a challenge, it’s a CONTEST! By participating in this challenge, you and your child have the opportunity to win a free spot into my signature course, The Ivy League/Top-Tier Bootcamp (Value: $2,000) and the runner up will be able to win a $200 Amazon Gift card! I'll see you inside the ACCEPTED Challenge! Click here to join: https://juliekimconsulting.com/acceptedchallenge/  

In this episode of Demystifying College Admissions, I’m interviewing Mark Stucker, KIPP’s director of college counseling, who is also the host of the “Your College Bound Kid” podcast and the author of 171 Answers to the Most Asked College Admission Questions. We will be sharing key strategies in finding your best fit college so make sure to tune in!   WHAT YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT IN THIS EPISODE:   Being true to yourself/authentic so you and the college are a good fit for each other The best first step for looking for a college fit Key questions to ask when choosing a college Common errors with college visits and what you should actually do   NOTABLE QUOTES:   “If a school doesn’t want you for who you really are, then that’s not the right school for you.” “There is an instinctive, visceral, mystical thing that happens when you set foot on a campus.” “It’s not where you go; it’s what you do when you get there, and it’s what you do when you get out of there.” “Figure out what you love and what you’re good at and go for it, and dream big” “Don’t get caught up in the rankings.”   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 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 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 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 

When I was in high school, I was clueless about the college admissions journey. Until one day, I met my mentor, who changed my life. She showed me what was possible, identified my weakness and strengths, provided me with all the resources that I needed. Most importantly, this mentor truly cared about my education and aspirations. 15 years later, I am now a mentor guiding my wonderful high school students identify their interests and passion, strategizing college admissions plans, and helping them gain clarity and confidence in the most vulnerable and important years of their lives.  In this episode, I’m sharing with you how having a mentor will benefit your high school teen and how it has changed my life, personally and academically. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT IN THIS EPISODE: Why your child is not taking your advice How you, as a parent, might be pressuring your child (without even realizing it!) Why high school students need a mentor How my mentor changed my personal and academic life The 4 benefits of having a mentor, especially as a high school student navigating the college admissions journey Why it’s important for your child to create a summer plan that is intentional and purposeful How to select a mentor who will be a great fit for your high school teen   What questions to ask yourself when selecting a mentor or a college consultant NOTABLE QUOTES:   It’s hard to believe that something is possible without evidence. A good mentor will show your kid…”hey this is my story. This is my students' stories. It's possible for you too."  If you don’t believe in yourself, the resources you have becomes meaningless. Feeling good about my strength gave me a sense of self-confidence. Everyone is born with a special gift. Everyone. She did not take my dreams and educational goals lightly.     SHOW NOTES: https://juliekimconsulting.com/episode-16-high-school-teen-mentor/ STRATEGY SESSION: http://www.juliekimconsulting.com/now

In this episode, I’m speaking with Dr. Tim Jordan, the leading expert on parenting girls and helping them navigate through their normal developmental transformations, allowing them to emerge as strong, happy, and fulfilled women. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT IN THIS EPISODE: Why girls are more pressured and stressed out about school and grades Why the pressure about that “one path” is dangerous Why girls are conditioned to believe that “success” comes in a straight line How you might be subtly sending the message that your daughter needs to be perfect. “Why do you want to go to college?” Why girls don’t want to disappoint their parents The importance of trusting your yearnings Why you should stop rescuing your child NOTABLE QUOTES:   Value passion where you find it You don’t get into flow moments if you’re told to do something Change your “should to a “want to” if you can’t, do something else. Parents, listen more and ask why questions It’s never late to shift gears. Learn to enjoy quiet time I need to figure this out for me.   SHOW NOTES: http://www.juliekimconsulting.com/podcast  STRATEGY SESSION: http://www.juliekimconsulting.com/now

GPA is the #1 factor in getting accepted into your dream Ivy League and top-tier colleges. Knowing this, high school students stay up until 2 AM studying for APUSH, AP Chemistry, or writing English papers. However, no matter what you do, you can’t seem to get an A on your APUSH chapter test. You’re always landing at the B and C range. No matter how hard you study, it doesn’t work. You start blaming your teachers for giving you too much work and you start to lose motivation. “With my B’s and/or C’s, will I be able to get accepted into my dream college?” In the worst scenario, you start to doubt your capacity as a student. Am I smart enough? Good enough? Today, I’m going to share with you why you weren’t able to get A’s on your quizzes and tests even though you studied. This episode has nothing to do with surface-level and generic strategies such as sleep early, don’t procrastinate, ask your friends, create a study group, and the like. This is a powerful episode that will shift your mindset and identity so that you can get your first A on your next chapter test.

I’m very excited to share this interview with Rachael Kable, the host of one of my absolute favorite podcasts, The Mindful Kind!  Rachael and I talk about mindfulness, which is especially important for high school students.   We all experience stress, although high school students appear to carry it the most, especially in light of college admissions. Incorporating the easy & tangible mindfulness techniques Rachael mentions can lead to better physical health, attention, memory improvement, stress management, and ultimately-- a happier you. It’s so crucial that high school students incorporate a bit of mindfulness into their everyday lives, as the benefits can help them cultivate success. SHOW NOTES: https://juliekimconsulting.com/podcast/ BOOK A STRATEGY SESSION: http://juliekimconsulting.com/now 

Jane Stine is the Managing Director of Loop Abroad, a program that focuses on high school students studying abroad with a particular focus on Animal Sciences.  Studying abroad is a wonderful choice for those who are interested in it, but as we discuss, it’s all about how you grow and transform from your experiences that truly make you stand out in the competitive college admissions journey. Not only did we discuss studying abroad, but Jane and I go in depth on the stress surrounding college admissions, activities you participate in during high school that can help cultivate your passions, ways to look for diversity within your own community, and advice on projects that are perfectly tailored for you. SHOW NOTES: https://juliekimconsulting.com/podcast/ BOOK A STRATEGY SESSION: http://juliekimconsulting.com/now 

Today, I’m speaking with Ted Dorsey -- a test prep EXPERT.  Ted has a passion for figuring out standardized tests, and now runs his business where he helps students plan their best for the SAT, ACT, SAT II, and other exams required to get accepted into the dream college.  Fun fact! He even starred on Jeopardy and has lots of insight on resolving the stress and anxiety around test prep. Ted and I go in-depth about test anxiety, where it comes from, and how to solve it.  We both agree -- Junior year of high school can be daunting, busy, and stressful, but there are strategic strategies you can implement to alleviate the stress and overwhelm. Ted also provided a promo code, especially for DCA listeners!  Use the code “ firstmonthfree “ for a special discount on his SAT, ACT, or SAT & ACT course-- your entire first month is totally free! (And if you don’t like it, you can cancel within the first 30 days totally free of charge.) SHOW NOTES: https://juliekimconsulting.com/podcast/ BOOK A STRATEGY SESSION: http://juliekimconsulting.com/now 

Danny Kim specializes in smartphone addiction and its impact on emotional intelligence. Today, he shares tons of insight on the science behind why smartphone addiction is such a problem for families around the globe. Social media and smartphone addiction is a problem we ALL know and experience… But are teens really the only ones who are the most susceptible? Danny and I dive in on the real causes of the current generation’s obsession with smartphones, and how parents may be the actual culprits in this epidemic. Danny provides tangible action steps for you and your teen to follow so that you never have to scream, “Put your phone away!” SHOW NOTES: https://juliekimconsulting.com/podcast/ BOOK A STRATEGY SESSION: http://juliekimconsulting.com/now 

As 2018 comes to a close and we begin 2019, I thought it’d be great to share with you my biggest college admissions-related takeaways from the past year.  Admissions have changed significantly in the past year, and there’s a lot we can learn from this past application cycle. In this episode, you'll learn: My five BIGGEST takeaways from the college admissions cycle this year. What you can do to incorporate these things into your college application. What productivity actually means… and why you shouldn’t multitask. How you can get a great recommendation letter. The importance of a growth mindset. SHOW NOTES: https://juliekimconsulting.com/podcast/ BOOK A STRATEGY SESSION: http://juliekimconsulting.com/now   

Beth Young is a current Economics major and Psychology minor at Harvard! We discuss in depth her experience as an undergrad as well as my experience at Harvard graduate school.   It was so great reminiscing about my days there and hearing Beth’s refreshing perspective on Harvard undergrad. Harvard admissions, like any Ivy League, is competitive -- but there are common traits that all top schools are looking for. With acceptance rates lowering each and every year, it’s important to truly understand what qualities they’re looking for in an applicant! SHOW NOTES: https://juliekimconsulting.com/podcast/ BOOK A STRATEGY SESSION: http://juliekimconsulting.com/now 

My brother Jason graduated from USC Marshall School of Business and now works as a Corporate Finance Analyst at RAND Corporation. So many high school students are in the same position as Jason was - unmotivated and not sure what their passions are. But as we discuss, this doesn’t have to be the case forever! Changing your mindset, surrounding yourself with people who inspire you, and exploring your interests (and turning them into passions) are just a few steps students can take towards the right direction. SHOW NOTES: https://juliekimconsulting.com/podcast/ BOOK A STRATEGY SESSION: http://juliekimconsulting.com/now 

Trisha Ross Anderson is the Senior Project Manager at Making Caring Common, an organization at the Harvard Graduate School of Education that seeks to encourage the younger generation to express compassion and, as the namesake indicates, make caring common. Trisha discusses the Turning the Tide report, an initiative that seeks to promote a healthy college admissions process for both colleges and applicants. Colleges have been changing their admissions criteria, and what used to be considered important has now shifted to another set of standards.  This news is so important to share with everyone, especially high school students, and I’m so excited that Trisha and I could extend this valuable information with you all! SHOW NOTES: https://juliekimconsulting.com/podcast/ BOOK A STRATEGY SESSION: http://juliekimconsulting.com/now 

Today, I’m speaking with Devin King Jones, a career coach at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, California.  At Point Loma, Devin helps college students decide what they want to study in college and pursue as their careers. Devin also has her own coaching business, where she helps businesswomen in their 20s and 30s find clarity and purpose. In this episode, Devin and I explore crucial topics high school students and college students consider when deciding their futures: the importance of exploring outside of their comfort zone, reaching out to professionals in a field you’re interested in, nurturing interests to discover gratifying careers, and passions. SHOW NOTES: https://juliekimconsulting.com/podcast/ BOOK A STRATEGY SESSION: http://juliekimconsulting.com/now 

This week, I’m chatting with Allen Huang, a current Oral Maxillofacial resident at Keck Medical Center of USC.  He attended UCSD for his undergraduate degree as well as UCSF for dental school. In this episode, we discuss a number of topics, ranging from Allen’s advice to high school students transitioning into college, how he figured out his system for success, what questions to ask for those students considering the pre-med track and much more. Allen and I dive deep into what constitutes success-- and how your teen can find what works for them. SHOW NOTES: https://juliekimconsulting.com/podcast/ BOOK A STRATEGY SESSION: http://juliekimconsulting.com/now   

In this episode, I’ll be chatting with Michelle Farris -- a licensed anger and relationships therapist from San Jose, CA.  Michelle and I discuss communication between parents and teens, often a major issue and question that I receive from parents that I work with. Michelle reviews some important and tangible action steps that parents and teens alike can take to better communicate with one another during this often turbulent time in their lives. Opening up these channels of communication often takes a shift in our mindset, and Michelle goes over some major mistakes parents and teens make and how we can shift our perspectives to support a healthier relationship especially during the college admissions journey. Don’t forget to subscribe to Demystifying College Admissions podcast on iTunes and leave a rating and review. I’ll be choosing one lucky supporter to win a $100 Amazon gift card on November 30th, 2018!

I’m excited to share this interview with Jenn Park, a dear friend of mine who graduated from Dartmouth College, a private Ivy League school located in Hanover, New Hampshire. Now a 3rd year student at Harvard Law School, Jenn is here to share her honest insights on what she liked and didn’t like about her college experience, along with inspiring strategies of how students can foster their interests and gain clarity on which college might be the best fit for them.

Welcome students and parents, to the Demystifying College Admissions podcast! I'm your host, Julie Kim, and the purpose of this show is to inspire high school students to identify their passions and learn about the most up-to-date college admissions strategies, from guests and experts in all industries! I’m celebrating the first episode by sharing my story.   WHAT YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT IN THIS EPISODE: Why I couldn’t initially afford my dream college, and why I started at community college instead. My secret sauce for getting into Harvard, and how being yourself on your college essays will actually get you there. The importance of exploring your interests and passions and finding that clarity first. How to win a $100 Amazon gift card for supporting the show (hint: Subscribe to the Demystifying College Admissions podcast by November 30th and leave a review!) Visit http://www.juliekimconsulting.com to learn more and sign up for my free live workshop.