S12, E7: Do I Need a Dramatic Topic for My College Application Essay?

University isn't just harder than high school — it's a completely different academic and social experience. From classroom expectations to independence and self-advocacy, IvyWise counselor Amy (formerly at Harvard) and host Tasha (formerly at Boston University and USC) break down what students should expect when transitioning to college life and how to set yourself up for success beyond admissions.

Host Tasha (formerly at Boston University and USC) and IvyWise counselor Juaquin (formerly at Occidental College) discuss the importance of depth, commitment, and impact — and how to tell a cohesive story even when your passions don't fit neatly into one box.

Feeling pressured to pick a "forever" career path before you’ve even graduated high school? Host Tasha (formerly at Boston University and USC) and IvyWise counselor Alecia (formerly at Duke University) share expert advice on exploring majors, navigating the "undeclared" route, and demonstrating intellectual curiosity even if your academic interests are still evolving.

Join host Tasha (formerly at Boston University and USC) and IvyWise counselor Victoria (formerly at UChicago and Sarah Lawrence College) to learn why authenticity and cohesion carry more weight than a theatrical narrative, along with practical tips for finding the extraordinary in your everyday experiences.

Are your SAT/ACT scores not what you had hoped for? Host Tasha (formerly at Boston University and USC) and IvyWise counselor Chris (formerly at Wesleyan University) discuss how to present your strengths and remain competitive, even without a perfect standardized testing score.

Is your college list filled with reach schools? Join host Tasha (formerly at Boston University and USC) and IvyWise counselor Alecia (formerly at Duke University) for practical advice on how to balance your list with high-quality "target" and "likely" schools to ensure you have great options.

IvyWise counselor Christine (formerly at Boston University) joins host Tasha (formerly at Boston University and USC) to discuss how to navigate the college search when you don't have a clear top-choice school or major in mind. You’ll learn practical strategies for exploring your interests and building a balanced college list that keeps your options open.

With college acceptance rates hitting record lows, many students wonder how they can stand out from the competition. Host Tasha (formerly at Boston University and USC) and IvyWise counselor Kayon (formerly at MIT) pull back the curtain on what "standing out" looks like in a sea of high-achieving applicants.

Is summer really a "break" when you're preparing for college? Host Tasha (formerly at Boston University and USC) sits down with IvyWise counselor James (formerly at University of Illinois - Chicago, USC, and University of Utah) to discuss how to plan impactful summer activities that reflect your authentic interests and build a competitive college applicant profile. From internships to research opportunities and purpose projects to on-campus programs, learn what admissions officers really look for and how to make the summer count without burnout.

AI tools like ChatGPT are everywhere — but how should students actually be using them in the college admissions process? In this episode, host Tasha (formerly at Boston University and USC) and IvyWise counselor Rachel (formerly at Swarthmore) discuss how students can use AI responsibly to brainstorm, organize, and strengthen their applications without compromising authenticity or ethics.