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RECENT EPISODES AND ARTICLES

Summer Programs Strategies for College Admissions

Summer Programs Strategies for College Admissions

As the landscape of college admissions continues to evolve in 2024, understanding the transformative power of summer programs has never been more critical. Drawing from my experience as the former director of the Leadership in the Business World pre-college program at...

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8 College Admissions Criteria To Master In 2024

8 College Admissions Criteria To Master In 2024

As high school seniors wrap up the 2023-2024 admissions cycle and juniors gear up for the application process, delving into the college admissions criteria schools use to evaluate prospective applicants becomes paramount. The National Association for College Admission...

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4 Key Steps to Set College Admissions Goals for 2024

4 Key Steps to Set College Admissions Goals for 2024

Navigating the dynamic landscape of college admissions in 2024 demands careful planning, given the intricacies of the application process. Before delving into the checklist of application requirements—ranging from essays and letters of recommendation to...

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5 College Admissions Resolutions For 2024

5 College Admissions Resolutions For 2024

The past three years have witnessed significant shifts in college admissions, including the widespread adoption of test-optional policies, the Supreme Court's decision to end race-conscious admissions, and a reduced emphasis on legacy admissions. These changes have...

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Strategies for improving your teen’s executive function

Strategies for improving your teen’s executive function

The college application process is a pivotal moment in your student’s life, ushering in newfound independence and responsibility. As a seasoned college admissions expert with a decade of experience (and a parent myself), I've witnessed firsthand the transformative...

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How to Leverage Relationships with College Representatives

How to Leverage Relationships with College Representatives

Have you ever heard the phrase, “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know”? While I’d like to tell you that college admissions is a meritocracy, it’s a false belief. Many factors go into the selection process, and there is no such thing as a “perfect candidate.” Just...

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The College Admissions X-Factor™ Model

The College Admissions X-Factor™ Model

The College Admissions X-Factor™, which we developed at Ivy Insight, is your child’s unique differentiator of expertise and exponential impact, which helps them to stand out in the best-fit colleges and majors. The College Admissions X-Factor™ Model   Your...

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How to Help Your Student Chart Their Own Course

How to Help Your Student Chart Their Own Course

“You have brains in your head and feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.” - Dr. Seuss  How do you help your student choose authentically? As parents, it can be challenging to let go. We want to help them make decisions about their...

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Self-Care for College Admissions Season

Self-Care for College Admissions Season

When I was applying to college, I was a nervous wreck. I had my heart set on NYU, and every day I found a new anxiety to obsess over. Who’s looking at my application right now? That thing my teacher said in the reference letter could make them think I’m lazy. Should I...

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Choosing the right major for your student

Choosing the right major for your student

There’s a lot of decision-making during the college admissions process, and choosing the right major is one of the more nerve-wracking challenges. While an undeclared major isn’t the end of the world, there are considerable benefits to entering school with a chosen...

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Preparing for Your College Admissions Interview

Preparing for Your College Admissions Interview

An admissions interview can be an intimidating prospect. While many colleges don’t require them, elite universities often do, striking fear in the hearts of many prospective students. However, a college admissions interview needn’t be a source of anxiety! Like so much...

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6 Ways High-Achieving Students Burn Out

6 Ways High-Achieving Students Burn Out

Being a high-achiever can be a double-edged sword. While your triumphs can garner praise, attention, and opportunities, expectations are high. Parents, teachers, bosses, and mentors hold you to a high standard, and you probably expect a lot of yourself, too. The...

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Choosing a College

Choosing a College

When families come to me seeking guidance about college admissions, most of them have “dream schools” in mind. When I ask why they chose those particular schools, I almost always hear something about them being the “best” schools. While it’s important to seek out...

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Learning to Trust Your Gut

Learning to Trust Your Gut

Whether you’re considering a possible new job, judging someone’s honesty, or choosing the right college, your intuition will have an opinion. You may not be able to articulate the reasons for your judgment, but your gut will surely pull you in one direction or the...

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Discovering Your Ikigai

Discovering Your Ikigai

Whenever we go through periods of growth, from college admissions to career changes, it’s common for us to question our true calling. We may think we know what our path should be, but where are we getting that information? No one is immune to outside influence, and...

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What Story Are You Telling Yourself?

What Story Are You Telling Yourself?

Not everything we believe about ourselves is true. Our inner narrator tells the story of our life in real-time, and what they say doesn’t always belong in the non-fiction section. What Story Are You Telling Yourself? If you want to know if something is true or not,...

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Neurodivergent College Questions

Neurodivergent College Questions

Questions Neurodivergent Students Should Ask Before Choosing a College Choosing a college isn’t easy. There is so much to think about; academics, social life, location, culture, size, housing… the list can seem endless. For those of us who are neurodivergent, that can...

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Strategies To Improve Executive Function

Strategies To Improve Executive Function

A few weeks ago, I touched briefly on a topic that affects many of us: executive function. Harvard researchers have called it our brain’s air traffic control system; it’s what allows us to manage our thoughts and emotions, focus our attention, remember instructions,...

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Neurodiversity Inclusion (Without Typecasting)

Neurodiversity Inclusion (Without Typecasting)

A growing number of organizations, including Hewlett-Packard Enterprise, Chevron, and Microsoft, have targeted neurodiverse talent, and are seeing major gains in innovation, productivity, and engagement. It’s heartening news for many neurodivergent people, but as with...

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3 Ways ChatGPT Can (Ethically) Make Your Life Easier

3 Ways ChatGPT Can (Ethically) Make Your Life Easier

ChatGPT has experienced waves of both controversy and excitement since its launch in November 2022. And in the world of college admissions, analysts are questioning if the college essay will survive, if applicants will cheat, and how ChatGPT will impact educational...

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Choose Your Authentic Self With Simone Biles

Choose Your Authentic Self With Simone Biles

Simone Biles is one of the most decorated gymnasts of all time, with seven Olympic medals and 25 World Championship medals under her belt. She is an inspiration to millions, but it isn’t just because of her athleticism. Biles has repeatedly shown courage and strength...

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Neurodivergent Employment: You Can Thrive At Work

Neurodivergent Employment: You Can Thrive At Work

Neurodivergent employees- including those who are autistic, dyslexic, or have ADHD - have much to offer the professional world. Because our brains work differently, we are able to provide unique perspectives, out-of-the-box thinking, and valuable insights on work...

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Neurodiversity Observations by Dr. Temple Grandin

Neurodiversity Observations by Dr. Temple Grandin

In recent years, interest in neurodiversity - the idea that people experience and interact with the world around them in many different ways - has grown, yet most aspects of society are still set up for neurotypical people. I was fortunate to speak with Dr.Temple...

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Unlock Your Authentic Self

Unlock Your Authentic Self

Welcome to the very first edition of Unlock Your Authentic Self! Periodically-delivered strategies to help you discover and leverage who you are to get what you want.  If this is our first time meeting, welcome! You can learn more about me and the work I do here....

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College Admissions Trends For 2023

College Admissions Trends For 2023

Published in Forbes: College Admissions Trends for 2023 The year 2023 is likely to continue to see the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on college admissions, as students, universities, and admissions officers continue to navigate the unprecedented changes in...

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College Application Checklist

[checklist_in_post] Junior Year - January Solidify summer plans prior to senior year: Summer projects, internship, campus tours Resources: Emerging Leader Program Resource: Passion Project Standardize testing scheduled Plan for college fair attendance Junior Year -...

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Executive Function Skills is Key to Student Success

Executive Function Skills is Key to Student Success

Executive Function Skills is Key to Student Success Dr. Aviva Legatt features Michelle Raz, M.Ed., BCC, CSS in this webinar interview focusing on how to bring success to teens through executive function skills. February 16, 2023 What Are Executive Function Skills?...

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Uncovering Your College Application Differentiating Factor

Uncovering Your College Application Differentiating Factor

Your Differentiating Factor Through Your College Application Dr. Aviva Legatt in the webinar series: Uncovering Your X-Factor™ Application Theme. She discusses how to identify and highlight your college application differentiating factor.  September 28, 2022 Dr. Aviva...

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Selecting a College for Your Neurodivergent Student

Selecting a College for Your Neurodivergent Student

Selecting a College for Your Neurodivergent Student Dr. Aviva Legatt features Dr. Eric Endlich in this webinar interview to discuss how to select a college for your neurodivergent student.  November 17, 2022   Transcript for the interview: Selecting a College for...

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Getting Started in Engineering with Blue Stamp (Part 2)

Today on "College Admissions Real Talk" we had a great conversation about how to get started with an engineering project with Jessie Contour. You can start with just $15, an internet connection, and a dream! Listen to learn more. Transcript VO: Welcome to College...

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Getting Started in Engineering with Blue Stamp (Part 1)

Today on "College Admissions Real Talk" we had a great conversation about how to get started with an engineering project with Jessie Contour. You can start with just $15, an internet connection, and a dream! Listen to learn more. Transcript VO: Welcome to College...

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Julie Kim Interview (Part 3)

Julie Kim Interview (Part 3)

On today's episode, Dr. Legatt interviews Julie Kim, founder of Julie Kim Consulting, and they discuss mindsets, growth, and working with their students. Transcripts VO: Welcome to College Admissions Real Talk with Dr. Aviva Legatt, a podcast for students seeking to...

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Julie Kim Interview (Part 2)

Julie Kim Interview (Part 2)

On today's episode, Dr. Legatt interviews Julie Kim, founder of Julie Kim Consulting, and they discuss mindsets, growth, and working with their students. Transcript VO: Welcome to College Admissions Real Talk with Dr. Aviva Legatt, a podcast for students seeking to...

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Julie Kim Interview (Part 1)

Julie Kim Interview (Part 1)

On today's episode, Dr. Legatt interviews Julie Kim, founder of Julie Kim Consulting, and they discuss mindsets, growth, and working with their students. Transcript VO: Welcome to College Admissions Real Talk with Dr. Aviva Legatt, a podcast for students seeking to...

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Julie Kim Interview (Part 1)

Get Real And Get In

On today's episode of "College Admissions Real Talk", Dr. Legatt gives us a preview of her book "Get Real and Get In".

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Amanda Nachman (Part 4)

On today's episode of "College Admissions Real Talk", Dr. Legatt interviews Amanda Nachman, author and CEO and publisher of College Magazine, a magazine for and by college students. Together they discuss career development during COVID-19 and how students can find...

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Amanda Nachman Interview (Part 3)

Amanda Nachman Interview (Part 3)

On today's episode of "College Admissions Real Talk", Dr. Legatt interviews Amanda Nachman, author and CEO and publisher of College Magazine, a magazine for and by college students. Together they discuss career development during COVID-19 and how students can find...

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Amanda Nachman Interview (Part 2)

Amanda Nachman Interview (Part 2)

On today's episode of "College Admissions Real Talk", Dr. Legatt interviews Amanda Nachman, author and CEO and publisher of College Magazine, a magazine for and by college students. Together they discuss career development during COVID-19 and how students can find...

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Julie Kim Interview (Part 1)

Amanda Nachman Interview (Part 1)

On today's episode of "College Admissions Real Talk", Dr. Legatt interviews Amanda Nachman, author and CEO and publisher of College Magazine, a magazine for and by college students. Together they discuss career development during COVID-19 and how students can find...

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Julie Kim Interview (Part 1)

How To Find The Perfect College

In today's episode of "College Admissions Real Talk", Dr. Legatt answers how to find the "perfect" college. Transcript VO: Welcome to College Admissions Real Talk with Dr. Aviva Legatt, a podcast for students seeking to get...

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The First Steps To Take When You Apply To College

The First Steps To Take When You Apply To College

In today's episode of "College Admissions Real Talk", Dr. Legatt answers the question "what steps can I take when I first apply to college?" Transcript VO: Welcome to College Admissions Real Talk with Dr. Aviva Legatt, a podcast for students seeking to get admitted to...

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What Was It Like To Work In College Admissions?

What Was It Like To Work In College Admissions?

In today's episode of "College Admissions Real Talk", Dr. Legatt discusses her college application journey and answers what it was like to work in college admissions at Wharton. Transcript VO: Welcome to College Admissions Real Talk with Dr. Aviva Legatt, a podcast...

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Julie Kim Interview (Part 1)

Sam Mikhail (Part 4)

In today's episode of "College Admissions Real Talk", Dr. Legatt interviews Sam Mikhail, President/CEO of Financial Strategies Group, and they discuss financial aid and how to save for college. Transcript VO: Welcome to College Admissions Real Talk with Dr. Aviva...

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Julie Kim Interview (Part 1)

Sam Mikhail Interview (Part 3)

In today's episode of "College Admissions Real Talk", Dr. Legatt interviews Sam Mikhail, President/CEO of Financial Strategies Group, and they discuss financial aid and how to save for college. Transcript VO: Welcome to College Admissions Real Talk with Dr. Aviva...

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Julie Kim Interview (Part 1)

Leslie Davidson (Part 4)

In today's episode of "College Admissions Real Talk", Dr. Legatt interviews Leslie Davidson, Vice President for Enrollment Management at Beloit College, and they discuss admissions and seeking enrollment and aid during COVID-19. Transcripts VO: Welcome to College...

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Sam Mikhail Interview (Part 2)

Sam Mikhail Interview (Part 2)

In today's episode of "College Admissions Real Talk", Dr. Legatt interviews Sam Mikhail, President/CEO of Financial Strategies Group, and they discuss financial aid and how to save for college. Transcript VO: Welcome to College Admissions Real Talk with Dr. Aviva...

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Julie Kim Interview (Part 1)

Interview with Sam Mikhail, Part 1

In today's episode of College Admissions Real Talk, Dr. Legatt speaks with Sam Mikhail, the CEO of Smart Track College Funding, which helps families pay for college. Transcript VO: Welcome to College Admissions Real Talk with Dr. Aviva Legatt, a podcast for students...

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Leslie Davidson Interview (Part 3)

Leslie Davidson Interview (Part 3)

In today's episode of "College Admissions Real Talk", Dr. Legatt interviews Leslie Davidson, Vice President for Enrollment Management at Beloit College, and they discuss admissions and seeking enrollment and aid during COVID-19. Transcript VO: Welcome to College...

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Julie Kim Interview (Part 1)

Leslie Davidson Interview (Part 2)

In today's episode of "College Admissions Real Talk", Dr. Legatt interviews Leslie Davidson, Vice President for Enrollment Management at Beloit College, and they discuss admissions and seeking enrollment and aid during COVID-19. Transcript VO: Welcome to College...

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Leslie Davidson Interview (Part 1)

Leslie Davidson Interview (Part 1)

In today's episode of "College Admissions Real Talk", Dr. Legatt interviews Leslie Davidson, Vice President for Enrollment Management at Beloit College, and they discuss admissions and seeking enrollment and aid during COVID-19. Transcript VO: Welcome to College...

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Julie Kim Interview (Part 1)

Illana Raia Interview (Part 4)

In today's episode of "College Admissions Real Talk", Dr. Legatt interviews Illana Raia, the founder and CEO of Être - a mentorship platform for girls, and they discuss mentorship, empowerment, and creating opportunities during COVID-19. Transcript VO: Welcome to...

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Illana Raia Interview (Part 3)

Illana Raia Interview (Part 3)

In today's episode of "College Admissions Real Talk", Dr. Legatt interviews Illana Raia, the founder and CEO of Être - a mentorship platform for girls, and they discuss mentorship, empowerment, and creating opportunities during COVID-19. Transcript VO: Welcome to...

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Julie Kim Interview (Part 1)

Illana Raia Interview (Part 2)

In today's episode of "College Admissions Real Talk", Dr. Legatt interviews Ilana Raia, the founder and CEO of Être - a mentorship platform for girls, and they discuss mentorship, empowerment, and creating opportunities during COVID-19.   Transcript VO: Welcome...

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Ilana Raia Interview (Part 1)

Ilana Raia Interview (Part 1)

In today's episode of "College Admissions Real Talk", Dr. Legatt interviews Ilana Raia, the founder and CEO of Être - a mentorship platform for girls, and they discuss mentorship, empowerment, and creating opportunities during COVID-19. Transcript VO: Welcome to...

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Vincent Phamvan on Career Readiness During COVID-19

Vincent Phamvan on Career Readiness During COVID-19

Welcome to College Admissions in the Era of COVID-19 Virtual Summit! On today's episode, we give you a glimpse into Dr. Legatt's conversation with Vincent Phamvan.   Transcript: VO: Welcome to College Admissions Real Talk with Dr. Aviva Legatt, a podcast for...

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Moses Lee on Helping Your Child Develop Leadership Skills

Moses Lee on Helping Your Child Develop Leadership Skills

Welcome to College Admissions in the Era of COVID-19 Virtual Summit! On today's episode, we give you a glimpse into Dr. Legatt's conversation with Moses Lee.   Transcript VO: Welcome to College Admissions Real Talk with Dr. Aviva Legatt, a podcast for students...

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Julie Kim Interview (Part 1)

Who Gets In and Why

In today's episode of "College Admissions Real Talk", Dr. Legatt discusses her Forbes article "Who Gets In and Why".   Transcript VO: Welcome to College Admissions Real Talk with Dr. Aviva Legatt, a podcast for students seeking to get admitted to top-tier...

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Julie Kim Interview (Part 1)

Inside of Get Real and Get In

In today's episode of "College Admissions Real Talk", Dr. Legatt announces her book giveaway! Be sure to enter by April 8th for a chance to win an advance copy of the book. Transcript VO: Welcome to College Admissions Real Talk with Dr. Aviva Legatt, a podcast for...

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How To Get Surprise College Admissions Offers

How To Get Surprise College Admissions Offers

In today's episode of "College Admissions Real Talk", Dr. Legatt talks about Concourse and how to utilize it when looking for safety schools.   Transcript VO: Welcome to College Admissions Real Talk with Dr. Aviva Legatt, a podcast for students seeking to get...

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Julie Kim Interview (Part 1)

How To Ace Your COVID 19 College Essay

In today's episode of "College Admissions Real Talk", Dr. Legatt talks more about gratitude during COVID-19 and how it can be applied to your college essay. Transcript   VO: Welcome to College Admissions Real Talk with Dr. Aviva Legatt, a podcast for students...

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Julie Kim Interview (Part 1)

Why College Wait Lists Will Be So Long This Year

In today's episode of "College Admissions Real Talk", Dr. Legatt discusses waitlists in the era of COVID-19. Transcripts VO: Welcome to College Admissions Real Talk with Dr. Aviva Legatt, a podcast for students seeking to get admitted to top-tier colleges. Each...

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What Will College Look Like In the Fall?

What Will College Look Like In the Fall?

In today's episode of "College Admissions Real Talk", Dr. Legatt discusses college this upcoming fall and the impact COVID-19 will have on your upcoming college decisions.   Transcript VO: Welcome to College Admissions Real Talk with Dr. Aviva Legatt, a podcast...

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Julie Kim Interview (Part 1)

How To Build a College List

In today's episode of "College Admissions Real Talk", Dr. Legatt discusses how to create a college list in the COVID-19 era.   Transcript VO: Welcome to College Admissions Real Talk with Dr. Aviva Legatt, a podcast for students seeking to get admitted to top-tier...

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5 Reasons You Need to Attend Our College Admissions Summit

5 Reasons You Need to Attend Our College Admissions Summit

In today's episode of "College Admissions Real Talk", Dr. Legatt implores you to attend her summit, "College Admissions in the Era of COVID 19".   Transcript: VO: Welcome to College Admissions Real Talk with Dr. Aviva Legatt, a podcast for students seeking to get...

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Julie Kim Interview (Part 1)

Cool College Fairs Happening in March 2021

In today's episode of "College Admissions Real Talk", Dr. Legatt discusses upcoming virtual college fairs. Have a question? Text 610-222-5762. Subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts: iTunes Libsyn YouTube Spotify iHeartRadio [video width="1280" height="720"...

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Julie Kim Interview (Part 1)

How To Help Yourself Out of a Homework Hole

In today's episode of "College Admissions Real Talk", Dr. Legatt tries to dig you out of your homework hole. Have a question? Text 610-222-5762. Subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts: iTunes Libsyn YouTube Spotify iHeartRadio   [video width="1280"...

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Make Homework Cooler Through Job Crafting

Make Homework Cooler Through Job Crafting

In today's episode of "College Admissions Real Talk", Dr. Legatt explains job crafting and how it can affect your work load. Have a question? Text 610-222-5762. Subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts: iTunes Libsyn YouTube Spotify iHeartRadio [video...

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Julie Kim Interview (Part 1)

4 Mistakes To Avoid When Paying for College

In today's episode of "College Admissions Real Talk", Dr. Legatt discusses how to avoid common mistakes when it comes to paying for college. Have a question? Text 610-222-5762. Subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts: iTunes Libsyn YouTube Spotify iHeartRadio...

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To FAFSA or Not To FAFSA? That Is The Question

To FAFSA or Not To FAFSA? That Is The Question

In today's episode of "College Admissions Real Talk", Dr. Legatt discusses the FAFSA and how it can apply to families seeking aid, whether they need it or not. Have a question? Text 610-222-5762. Subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts: iTunes Libsyn YouTube...

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Julie Kim Interview (Part 1)

Advice for Dealing with AP Exam Schedule Changes

In today's episode of "College Admissions Real Talk", Dr. Legatt discusses AP Exam schedule changes and how to work with them. Have a question? Text 610-222-5762. Subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts: iTunes Libsyn YouTube Spotify iHeartRadio [video...

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College Admissions Summit Preview (Ray Ravaglia, Sophie Beren, and Moses Lee)

Free Virtual Summit About College Admissions

In today's episode of "College Admissions Real Talk", Dr. Legatt discusses an upcoming virtual summit concerning college admissions during COVID-19. Have a question? Text 610-222-5762. Subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts: iTunes Libsyn YouTube Spotify...

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Why The Emerging Leader Program Helps You Stand Out

In today's episode of "College Admissions Real Talk", Dr. Legatt discusses Ivy Insight's Emerging Leader Program. Have a question? Text 610-222-5762. Subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts: iTunes Libsyn YouTube Spotify iHeartRadio [video width="1280"...

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Julie Kim Interview (Part 1)

How Do You Maximize Extracurriculars for Admissions?

In today's episode of "College Admissions Real Talk", Dr. Legatt talks about how to maximize extracurriculars for admissions. Have a question? Text 610-222-5762. Subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts: iTunes Libsyn YouTube Spotify iHeartRadio [video...

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Julie Kim Interview (Part 1)

This Week on College Admissions Real Talk (Week of 2/8)

Have you subscribed to my podcast yet? College Admissions Real Talk features important college admissions tips for students seeking admission to top-tier colleges, delivered five days a week with candor and love. I’ll share how to ace your interview, develop your...

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Julie Kim Interview (Part 1)

Should My Parents Help Me With College Applications?

In today's episode of "College Admissions Real Talk", Dr. Legatt talks about your parents in the college admissions process. Have a question? Text 610-222-5762. Subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts: iTunes Libsyn YouTube Spotify [video width="1280"...

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Lessons from Peloton for College Admissions

Lessons from Peloton for College Admissions

In today's episode of "College Admissions Real Talk", Dr. Legatt talks about Peloton and how the company's community can inform your high school and college career. Have a question? Text 610-222-5762. Subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts: iTunes Libsyn...

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Julie Kim Interview (Part 1)

2021 College Admissions Resources

In today's episode of "College Admissions Real Talk", Dr. Legatt talks about college resources during COVID-19. Have a question? Text 610-222-5762. Subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts: iTunes Libsyn YouTube Spotify [video width="1280" height="720"...

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Reach your college admissions goals.