Cracking College Admissions

This week's episode focuses on making the most of your summer to prepare college applications. Topics include: brainstorming essays; the importance of drafts; where to draw ideas from; weaving interests & experiences, and more. 

This week's episode focuses on strategies for writing your best college supplemental essay.  Themes include: how to identify and avoid common pitfalls; the importance of research and specificity; where to find information beyond the university's website, and more.

This week's episode features 3 examples of college essays that worked (main common application essay & supplemental) as well as breaking down the key strategies for putting forth your best effort.

On this week's podcast episode, recent Harvard graduate and current Zenith tutor, Sara Allan shares some of the key elements in her college application journey including what she would do differently today as an applicant, and a personal reading of her Common Application essay.  The key discussion points include: Restricted early action single option vs. early decision Submitting applications before the regular deadline to indicate interest and preparedness  College Counselors in private high school environments vs public high schools Top tips for mastering the "Why this School" Supplemental Essay A reading of Sara's main Common Application essay The pros and cons of writing a 'service essay' The role of sincerity, personal reflection and awareness in essay writing

This week's podcast episode is all about communications in college admissions -- from reaching out to admissions officers to securing letters of recommendation. Listen in as Grayson and Sara discuss the ins and outs of communicating styles, substance, relevance and timing.  Key discussion points include: Best practices for effective communication with Admissions Officers (tone, substance, maturity, frequency) Under what circumstances candidates should share updates after submitting their application The value of writing a "first choice letter" The significance of letters of recommendation: who should ideally write them & when to ask The importance of nurturing relationships with those writing letters of recommendation Exploring different types of letters of recommendation When it may be fitting to send additional letter/s of recommendation

This week's podcast episode is all about the college interview process -- everything from the types of questions you can expect to the best ways to prepare (and what to wear!).  Listen in as recent Harvard graduate and Zenith tutor, Sara Allan, shares valuable insights and answers your most pressing questions on the topic.  Key discussion points include: Breaking down the college interview process: how it works, where it happens, and how long it lasts The 2 typical categories of questions that are asked and how to best prepare for them  The pertinence of demeanor and attire Using the interview as an opportunity to illuminate aspects of your application and fill-in detail The importance of asking your interviewer questions and the types of questions to ask  The value of speaking in a natural, unrehearsed voice (while still preparing for the interview) The significance of setting a good first impression and how to manage elements within your control

This week's podcast episode is all about understanding and selecting college majors.  Listen in as recent Harvard graduate and Zenith Tutor, Sara Allan, shares valuable insights and answers your most pressing questions on the topic.  Here are some of the key questions that are answered in today's episode: What is a college major? Do all schools require you to indicate your major? What percentage of your overall course load is dedicated to your major? Is your choice of a college major binding? Can you switch majors and what is the process? Is it okay if you're undecided about your major? Are certain majors perceived more favorably by colleges than others?

This week's podcast episode is all about the PSAT: what you need to know and how to prepare.  Listen in as recent Harvard graduate and Zenith Tutor, Sara Allan, shares valuable insights about the PSAT and its relevance in college admissions.  Here are some of the key questions that are answered in today's episode: Should you prepare for the PSAT? How does the PSAT differ from the SAT/ACT? Will SAT/ACT prep help you for the PSAT?   If you are homeschooled, can you still take the PSAT? How do National Merit Scholarships relate to the PSAT? Should you list your PSAT score on your college application & is it relevant to admissions? What other types of scholarships/recognitions can you receive for doing well on the PSAT? Do you recommend taking a practice PSAT? Can you use your PSAT score in lieu of your SAT/ACT score?

THIS WEEK'S PODCAST EPISODE: This week's podcast episode features our top 10 tips for avoiding math mistakes! Listen in as MIT grad and Zenith founder, Grayson Giovine, shares valuable insights and strategies for staying clear of common pitfalls. Here are some of the key areas covered in today's episode: How to make the best use of your time on math tests The importance of keeping your eye on the prize How to avoid answering the wrong part of the question Why you should limit operations at any given step in algebraic equations  How to approach translating word problems accurately The advantage of visual representations  How to avoid common pitfalls in unit problems

This week's podcast episode features practical and detailed recommendations on how to best prepare for the SAT/ACT in the final days leading up to the test.  Listen in as recent Harvard graduate and Zenith tutor, Sara Allan, shares valuable insights on how to use your time and focus your attention in the final days. Here are some of the key areas covered in today's episode: The value of writing a full practice test under real conditions What it means to mimic the conditions of the real test How to conduct a strategic review following the practice test The importance of using a detailed answer key to learn from the practice test  The power of journaling about errors and planning for similar content on the real test Understanding key principles underlying the questions rather than merely answers to specific questions How to control the controllable Taking care of your body and visualizing success

This week's podcast episode is all about college admissions essays -- how to avoid common pitfalls when writing your essays as well as some concrete strategies for brainstorming original topics and finding your authentic voice.  Listen in as recent Harvard graduate and Zenith Tutor, Sara Allan, shares valuable insights and answers your most pressing questions on the topic.  The key discussion points include: The most common essay topics admissions officers come across Adding a twist to create an element of the unexpected and to distinguish yourself Clichés and pitfalls to avoid and why Moving beyond the laundry list of accomplishments: what makes you unique from other applicants? Is this your best story? Actionable strategies for brainstorming original topics Finding your true authorial voice

This week's episode is all about the SSAT & ISEE private high school admissions exams.  Listen in as Zenith founder and MIT grad, Grayson Giovine, shares valuable information, insights and strategies.   The key discussion points include: General overview of the tests Structure and scoring  When to take and prep for the tests Key differences between the tests Breakdown of sections on the tests Specific examples of: essay prompts, math problems, reading & verbal questions Test taking strategies

This week's episode is all about the SSAT & ISEE private high school admissions exams.  Listen in as Zenith founder and MIT grad, Grayson Giovine, shares valuable information, insights and strategies.   The key discussion points include: General overview of the tests Structure and scoring  When to take and prep for the tests Key differences between the tests Breakdown of sections on the tests Specific examples of: essay prompts, math problems, reading & verbal questions Test taking strategies

This week's episode is all about Financial Aid.  Listen in as Sara breaks down the different types of financial aid available, discusses how eligibility is determined, and whether applying for aid is a factor in college admissions decisions.  The key discussion points include:  Types of Financial Aid Scholarships  Grants  Loans & Interest Rate options  Federal Work-Study Program Qualifying for aid, determining eligibility & deadlines Guidance Counselor Support & local scholarships Financial Aid as a factor in admissions decisions

THIS WEEK'S PODCAST EPISODE: This week's episode focuses on strategies to help you manage the college application time crunch. Listen in as Grayson breaks down the Common Application requirements and helps you prioritize your time and efforts in the final days.  The key discussion points include:  Establishing priorities and timelines Brainstorming main essay topics  Working with the most promising essay ideas Having a third party/ies read your essays Focusing on your top choice schools Navigating supplemental essays Refining the application  Troubleshooting last minute requests for letters of recommendation 

This week's episode is packed with useful information on how to make the most of your college campus visits! Listen in as Sara provides valuable insights and strategies for navigating the journey. The key discussion points include:  The college visit process as it applies to most students The practicality of going on sample visits  Helpful criteria for limiting the scope of schools you're thinking of Researching schools & showing early interest Planning the logistics of your visit to make the most of your time & available options Considerations for choosing the calendar timing of your visit What to do, whom to speak with & how to assess your visit Steps you can take when you're unable to visit a campus