RECENT EPISODES AND ARTICLES
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
Preparing For College Admissions With Your Student’s Authentic Self In Mind
In the increasingly-competitive world of college admissions, it’s never too early to start preparing for college, especially if your student is set on attending a top school. Thinking about acceptance criteria earlier in high school gives students the opportunity to...
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...
3 Questions Your Neurodivergent Student 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 present an extra complication when it comes to selecting which schools...
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,...
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...
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...
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...
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...
What College Admissions Trends Tell Us About Your Authentic Self
A couple of weeks ago, I released my latest article for Forbes, which touches on the current trends in college admissions. The Covid-19 pandemic continues to impact how we live, work, and learn, and I’ve witnessed dramatic changes in the admissions process,...
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...
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....
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...
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 -...
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?...
College Admissions X-Factor Fireside Chat: Data Science Career Path
Exploring Data Science Career Path Dr. Aviva Legatt features Mehdi Salmani, PhD in this webinar interview as they explore the data science career path : College Admissions X-Factor Fireside Chat. April 22, 2022 Data Science with Dr. Mehdi Salmani Dr. Aviva Legatt...
What I Wish I Knew In High School: Executive Function Coaching
Executive Function Coaching Makes a Difference Dr. Aviva Legatt features Kate Fisher, Director of School Partnership & Tutor at Inspirica Pros in this webinar interview: What I Wish I Knew In High School, exploring executive function coaching. May 18, 2022 Dr....
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...
Study Smarter, Not Harder: Learning Strategies for Students
Learning Strategies for High School Achievers Dr. Aviva Legatt features Sherri Fisher in this webinar interview and explores learning strategies for students, specifically high school achievers. December 7, 2022 Dr. Aviva Legatt was joined by Sheri Fisher in a...
Why Anxiety Wreaks Havoc on Today’s Teens and What To Do About It
How To Support Your Anxious Teen Dr. Aviva Legatt features Sami Halvorsen, a Teen Life Coach in this webinar interview and discusses ways to support your anxious teen. January 18, 2023 Anxious Teens Need Our Support Dr. Aviva and Sami Halvorsen discuss how anxiety is...
The Employment Pipeline for Neurodivergent Teens: What are the Opportunities?
Neurodivergent Opportunities for Teens Dr. Aviva Legatt features Meaghan Timko, MS, BCBA, and Founder of Parallel International Consulting in this webinar interview they discuss some neurodivergent opportunities for teens today. February 2, 2023 Dr. Aviva Legatt is...
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...
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...
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...
Pandemic Networking and Perfect Colleges: This Week on College Admissions Real Talk
Have you ever heard the phrase “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know?” It’s often used disparagingly, but there is a nugget of truth in it that you can use in your favor. This week I caught up with Amanda Nachman, CEO and publisher of College Magazine, to talk...
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...
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...
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...
What Did The Journey of Writing Your New Book Look Like (Part 2)
On today's episode of "College Admissions Real Talk", Dr. Legatt discusses the process of writing and publishing her book, "Get Real and Get In". Transcript VO: Welcome to College Admissions Real Talk with Dr. Aviva Legatt, a podcast for students seeking to get...
What Did The Journey of Writing Your New Book Look Like? (Part 1)
On today's episode of "College Admissions Real Talk", Dr. Legatt discusses the process of writing and publishing her book, "Get Real and Get In". Transcript VO: Welcome to College Admissions Real Talk with Dr. Aviva Legatt, a podcast for students seeking to get...
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".
Get Real and Pay for College: This Week on College Admissions Real Talk
With National College Decision Day in the rearview mirror, your thoughts may be starting to shift to other things. You may be planning how you’d like to decorate your dorm room, thinking about meal plans, or hitting “add to cart” on a hoodie with your new college’s...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
National Decision Day and Waitlists: This Week on College Admissions Real Talk (4/26-4/30)
This week, we’re bringing in depth, multi-part conversations with two incredible industry experts, all designed to help applicants and their parents navigate the ever-changing world of admissions during COVID-19. Monday’s episode is a continuation of my discussion...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Kathy Wu Brady on Developing a Mission First Mindset 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 Kathy Wu Brady. Transcript VO: Welcome to College Admissions Real Talk with Dr. Aviva Legatt, a podcast for students...
Marti Miles-Rosenfield on Helping Your Child Thrive 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 Marti Miles-Rosenfield. Transcript VO: Welcome to College Admissions Real Talk with Dr. Aviva Legatt, a podcast for...
Marie Schwartz on Remote Based Opportunities for Teens 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 Marie Schwartz. Transcript VO: Welcome to College Admissions Real Talk with Dr. Aviva Legatt, a podcast for students...
Marybeth Kravets on Guiding Your Child with Learning Differences 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 Marybeth Kravets. Transcript VO: Welcome to College Admissions Real Talk with Dr. Aviva Legatt, a podcast for students...
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...
Dr. Marlena Corcoran on International Students and Study Abroad
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 Dr. Marlena Corcoran. Transcript VO: Welcome to College Admissions Real Talk with Dr. Aviva Legatt, a podcast for...
Brennan Barnard on How Character Counts: An Ethical Approach to College Admissions
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 Brennan Barnard. Transcript VO: Welcome to College Admissions Real Talk with Dr. Aviva Legatt, a podcast for students...
Dr. Ruth Gotian on Mentorship and Achievement 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 Dr. Ruth Gotian. Transcript VO: Welcome to College Admissions Real Talk with Dr. Aviva Legatt, a podcast for students...
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...
Sophie Beren on Strategies for Difficult Conversations with Your Gen Z Child
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 Sophie Beren. Transcript VO: Welcome to College Admissions Real Talk with Dr. Aviva Legatt, a podcast for students...
Raymond Ravaglia: Maximizing Your Child’s Success in Virtual Schooling
Welcome to College Admissions in the Era of COVID-19! Well, part of it. On today's episode, we give you a preview of Dr. Legatt's conversation with Raymond Ravaglia. Transcript VO: Welcome to College Admissions Real Talk with Dr. Aviva Legatt, a podcast for...
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...
LQ – Key Factors to Consider When Narrowing Down Applications
In today's episode of "College Admissions Real Talk", Dr. Legatt discusses a listener question about how applicants should narrow their choice college for where to submit their applications. Transcript VO: Welcome to College Admissions Real Talk with Dr. Aviva...
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...
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...
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...
Common Misconceptions About How to Be Competitive For College
In today's episode of "College Admissions Real Talk", Dr. Legatt uncovers misconceptions about what makes applicants look like strong competitors. Transcript VO: Welcome to College Admissions Real Talk with Dr. Aviva Legatt, a podcast for students seeking to...
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...
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...
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...
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...
College Admissions Summit Preview (Marti Miles-Rosenfield, Marie Schwartz)
In today's episode of "College Admissions Real Talk", Dr. Legatt gives you a preview of her virtual summit "College Admissions In the Era of COVID-19" happening March 23-24. One by one, she'll introduce each one of her speakers, so stay tuned this week to hear about...