Shows
The Journey with AdmissionPrepMcGill to Masters - How Catherine turned her passion into her studiesWhat if your obsession with The Lord of the Rings could become your master’s… and maybe even your PhD? 📚✨In this episode, Jason sits down with Catherine — AdmissionPrep’s lead essay editor, writing coach, and advisor — to unpack how she:Went from health science in Cégep to English literature at McGillFought through COVID disruptions and a housing crisis to complete a master’s in Fantasy Literature at the University of GlasgowTurned a childhood love of Tolkien into serious academic research (including fan fiction and dwarves!)Dealt with “the vo...
2025-11-2734 minThe Journey with AdmissionPrep10 Lessons from 10 Students: The Truth About Top Schools in North AmericaIn this special episode of The Journey, host Jason Yee distills the top 10 insights from his recent student interviews - offering a candid look at what life is really like at North America’s most competitive universities.From the “U of Tears” reputation at U of T to the entrepreneurial edge at Waterloo, the social heartbeat of Queen’s Engineering, and the hidden interdisciplinary gems like McMaster’s iBioMed, Jason connects the dots between student experiences, academic culture, and the evolving state of higher education.You’ll hear stories of resilience, ambition, and self-awareness—from Ivy League adm...
2025-11-0717 minThe Journey with AdmissionPrepQueen’s Smith School of Business: Costly or Crucial? Matthew’s Road to PepsiCoWould you double your university costs and move across the country if it meant a bigger future?Matthew Tran did exactly that — leaving Vancouver for Queen’s Smith School of Business in Kingston. In this episode, he breaks down how he made Queen’s affordable (hello, scholarship stacking), why the club ecosystem + alumni network were game-changers, and how internships (including AdmissionPrep, Vancouver Canucks, and PepsiCo) led to a coveted full-time offer.We also dig into Matthew’s high-school playbook: a 4.0 GPA, leadership-heavy extracurriculars (volleyball, band, student council, a homelessness awareness initiative), and his underrated strategy of contacti...
2025-10-3034 minThe Journey with AdmissionPrepFrom Language Barriers to Law School: Victoria’s Journey to U of T and BeyondWe sit down with Victoria - a future lawyer, Terry Fox Humanitarian Scholar, and AdmissionPrep Advisor - to explore her incredible journey from moving to Canada in Grade 10 with a language barrier to graduating from high school with a 99% average.Victoria shares how she built her community through service, earned one of Canada’s most competitive awards, and found her path to law school through reflection and self-discovery - including her year working in Tanzania with Global Affairs Canada.We discuss the truth about U of T’s reputation (is it really that hard?), how to t...
2025-10-2324 minThe Journey with AdmissionPrepFrom Elite Soccer, to UBC, to AdmissionPrep Founder - Madison Guy's JourneyHow does a varsity athlete become a founder?In this episode, Jason Yee sits down with his co-founder (and wife) Madison to unpack her path from elite soccer to building a company that helps students launch their futures.They dive into what UBC Sauder really teaches you, what it doesn’t, and how the discipline of sport translates into entrepreneurship.You’ll hear how Madison navigated pressure, picked UBC over other offers, and turned business-school lessons into real-world success.If you’re a student, athlete, or aspiring founder, this one’s a masterclass in turni...
2025-10-1622 minThe Journey with AdmissionPrepApplying to UBC Sauder - Your ultimate guideWant to get into UBC Sauder? In this guide, we share why Macleans ranked Sauder as the best business school in Canada. You’ll also find out about what specializations Sauder offers, how to get accepted to the school and how the application process works os you're prepared well in advance. Chapters: 00:00 - What Is This Guide About00:20 - What Are The Topics Covered00:36 - Competitive Standards For Sauder01:23 - Degrees Available At Sauder04:22 - Structure of The Application Process05:49 - The Personal Profile Questions06:50 - Sauder Specific Questions07:52 - Sauder Interview Process Breakdown09:10 - How To Get 1-1 Su...
2025-10-0909 minThe Journey with AdmissionPrepGaining entry to Western Ivey - Is it Canada's top business school?Does the business school you choose really make a difference? In this episode, Jason sits down with Linda, a dual-degree student at Western’s Ivey Business School, to explore the Advanced Entry Opportunity, the competitiveness of Ivey admissions, and how the program shapes real-world career paths. From IB to Ivey, Linda shares her journey - and why Ivey stands out as one of the most unique and valuable business programs in Canada.If you want guidance on your journey, let us know by checking out admissionprep.com or sending us an email at programs@admissionprep.com
2025-10-0221 minThe Journey with AdmissionPrepU of T Rotman Application GuideWant to get into UofT Rotman? In this guide, we break down exactly what makes Rotman one of the highest ranked business schools in Canada. You’ll also find out about what specializations UofT offers, what deadlines you have to meet, how to get accepted to the school and examples of practice questions to prepare for the supplemental questions Chapters: 00:00 - What Is This Guide About00:17 - What Are The Topics Covered00:52 - Competitive Standards For Rotman01:20 - Degrees Available At Rotman04:18 - Deadlines05:54 - Structure of Supplemental Applications & What Is Kira Talent06:41 - How To Stand Out At Uo...
2025-09-2610 minThe Journey with AdmissionPrepSometimes You Have to Sprint: Lessons from UBC BUCS to AmazonEveryone says “relax, take it easy, don’t overdo it.” But Paige chose a different path. She knew there were seasons where the only way forward was to go all-in - maxing out on academics, leadership, and extracurriculars when it mattered most.That choice carried her into UBC’s ultra-competitive Business and Computer Science program - and later into an elite role as a Software Development Engineer at Amazon.In this episode of The Journey, Jason Yee and Paige break down:How she built a standout admissions profile in high schoolWhat it...
2025-09-1825 minThe Journey with AdmissionPrepThe Social Side of Engineering: Lessons from Queen’s UniversityEngineering is often stereotyped as a lonely pursuit — long nights, endless problem sets, and students grinding away in isolation. But in this episode of The Journey, Jonas shares how his path to Queen’s University was shaped by community, collaboration, and authenticity. From winning the prestigious Chancellor’s Scholarship to finding the right peer group, Jonas shows that success in engineering isn’t about going it alone — it’s about building the right support system.We’ll explore how Queen’s culture of collaboration made the difference, why choosing a school is about more than prestige, and what lessons Jon...
2025-09-1131 minThe Journey with AdmissionPrepU of T Application GuideUofT is the #1 ranked university in Canada. That means that the best students not only from Canada...but from around the world are trying to secure a spot at this school. This guide will help you understand if this school is the right fit for you and how to improve your chances of being acceptedChapters 00:00 - What is this guide about?00:20 - What are the topics covered? 00:32 - Programs Available At UofT04:17 - Competitive standards for UofT04:46 - Deadlines07:15 - Application...
2025-09-0510 minThe Journey with AdmissionPrepShould you still pursue engineering? (Or will AI replace engineers?): Ben's Journey to and from UBC EngineeringAre engineers about to be replaced by AI? Is that just hype? To find out, Jason Yee sits down with longtime teammate and friend Ben Schmidt - senior geotechnical engineer and founder of Coast Geotechnical in Victoria, BC.Ben shares his path from Campbell River to UBC, where he balanced the grueling schedule of varsity hockey with the demands of an engineering degree. He opens up about the pivots he made along the way - from nearly pursuing computer science, to finding his fit in materials and geotechnical engineering.You’ll hear how Ben navigated in...
2025-09-0434 minThe Journey with AdmissionPrepWaterloo's Entrepreneur Factory - Iris' journey from architect to entrepreneurIs university still worth it in today’s economy? With rising tuition, a shaky job market, and the rise of alternative paths, the question has never felt more urgent.In this episode of The Journey, Jason Yee sits down with Iris Redinger, a graduate of the University of Waterloo’s architecture program turned full-time entrepreneur. Iris shares how she built her way into one of Canada’s most competitive schools, what the co-op's at Waterloo really teaches you beyond textbooks, and why she ultimately chose entrepreneurship over a traditional career path.From internships to the value...
2025-08-2837 minThe Journey with AdmissionPrepMcMaster IBioMed - More than "Goals"Is university still worth it in today’s world? And what kind of future generation is it really shaping?In this episode of The Journey, Jason Yee sits down with Ava, a second-year student in McMaster’s ultra-competitive Integrated Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences (iBioMed) program. With only a 12% acceptance rate, the program is tough — but what makes Ava stand out isn’t just her grades, it’s her mindset.Ava shares how she shifted from chasing external goals and survival-mode metrics to focusing on reflection, purpose, and growth. Along the way, she reveals what it’s reall...
2025-08-2141 minThe Journey with AdmissionPrepRoad To Cornell: Bateel's Story of Meticulous PreparationJoin Jason Yee as he sits down with Bateel, a determined student who shares her inspiring journey to Cornell University. Discover the meticulous planning and dedication that led her to secure an 80% scholarship and acceptance into top schools like UC Berkeley and USC. Bateel opens up about her decision-making process, the challenges she faced, and the strategies that helped her succeed. Tune in for an insightful conversation about perseverance, preparation, and the pursuit of academic dreams.If you'd like support planning your own journey, visit us at admissionprep.com
2025-08-1417 min
The Journey with AdmissionPrepHow to write winning scholarship essaysLike most things in life, success is achieved indirectly. So you don't win a scholarship by just trying to win a scholarship. There are seemingly indirect steps that help you get there. We know, because we've helped thousands of students win scholarships, grants, and bursaries - as part of their application process. We cover the biggest mistakes students make that prevents them from even being considered for scholarships. Including how to start small, how to make it a system so you can't lose, and how to integrate it into your application process so it doesn't...
2025-08-0713 min
The Journey with AdmissionPrepYour Summer University Application Checklist - How to beat application seasonYou don't need to scramble at the last minute to complete your university applications. There are simple steps to get prepped and hand in your best work - when it matters most. But these steps are not commonly taught and most students and parents don't know these things. With just a little bit of preparation, you can make your applications standout...if only just because you aren't panicking at the last second. That's what this checklist is: A clear roadmap on what to do and when to do it. We cover that in detail on this episode....
2025-07-3114 minThe Journey with AdmissionPrepShould you even go to U of T? (aka U of Tears)Is U of T worth the prestige? Or is it not worth the cost? And does it really earn its nickname #uoftears?We explore the debate of whether you should even attend Canada's most popular and competitive school. This conversation explores the experiences of students at the University of Toronto (U of T), focusing on their decision-making process, academic challenges, social life, mental health resources, and career preparation. The discussion highlights the importance of aligning personal values with university choices, the rigorous academic environment at U of T, and the significance of building a supportive...
2025-07-221h 02The Journey with AdmissionPrepHow to Get Accepted to Rotman Commerce at The University of TorontoJoin us on the Accepted by Admission Prep podcast as we dive into the competitive world of Rotman Commerce at the University of Toronto. With over 7,000 applications and only 500 spots, discover what makes this program stand out. Nicola, an expert who has guided hundreds of students through the admissions process, shares insights on what it takes to succeed. Learn about the admissions process, the importance of leadership and initiative, and how to prepare from grades 9 to 12. Whether you're a prospective student or a parent, this episode is packed with valuable tips to help you navigate the path to Rotman...
2025-07-2022 minThe Journey with AdmissionPrepADHD Study Hacks From a Valedictorian: @VeganTechNomad's Dopamine-Fueled Study & Exam TipsMeet Jennifer “@VeganTechNomad” Chou—the once-shy student who engineered her brain-friendly systems, graduated as valedictorian at Simon Fraser University, and now shares them with 100 K+ followers online.In this episode she breaks down the dopamine-fuelled hacks that let her (and now her audience) study less while learning more.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Jennifer Chou and Her Journey02:29 Navigating ADHD and Academic Success05:48 The Importance of Community and Support08:48 Study Hacks and Techniques for ADHD11:36 Understanding Dopamine and Moveme...
2025-07-0835 minThe Journey with AdmissionPrepHow Lucas Got Into Western Ivey AEO | AdmissionPrep ReviewsLucas, a recent Grade 12 grad, unpacks how he secured Western’s coveted Ivey AEO status and $7K in scholarships. Hear how a fitness-club passion project rounded out his story, why a structured plan beat overwhelm, and how he flipped early rejection into motivation. Perfect for Grade 11–12 students eyeing competitive Canadian business programs.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Lucas's Journey05:54 Overcoming Challenges and Fears in the Application Process12:00 Crafting a Genuine Story for Applications18:11 Reflections on Success and Learning from Failure
2025-07-0827 minThe Journey with AdmissionPrepThe Grade 12 Summer Guide to University AdmissionsTake 25 minutes to map out a summer that admission officers can’t ignore. We break down the “big three” focus areas—academics, extracurriculars, and personal projects—then show you how to stack weekly micro-goals that turn into résumé-ready results by September.Chapters00:00 The Importance of Summer Preparation for Grade 11 Students05:47 Navigating Campus Tours and University Research11:53 Building a Strong Profile and Gaining Experience18:02 Planning for Deadlines and Application Success
2025-07-0819 minThe Journey with AdmissionPrepThe 20-Minute Guide to Stress-Proofing Admissions: How to Make a Smart University Back Up PlanWorried about “what if I don’t get in?” In just 20 minutes, we unpack why even top-achievers need a safety net, the 3-2-2 reach/target/safety strategy, and the surprising perks of “smaller” schools (hello, extra scholarships). You’ll finish with a concrete checklist for mapping out backup programs and schools before Grade 12 stress hits.Chapters00:00 The Importance of Backup Plans in University Admissions02:38 Understanding What Makes a Good Backup Plan05:41 Exploring Transfer Pathways and Alternative Routes08:35 The Value of...
2025-06-1324 minThe Journey with AdmissionPrepQueen’s Admissions Rubric EXPLAINED: Cracking the Queen’s Supplemental ApplicationGrades might get your foot in the door, but reflection and authenticity are what win admissions at Queen’s. we unpack how to ace the timed supplemental (yes, it’s timed!), what makes a 5/5 response, and how real students are scoring offers by telling their story the right way. Learn how to prepare responses that show maturity and self-awareness, and why students who own their growth stand out every time.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Queen's University Admissions02:53 Understanding Queen's Unique Programs05:53 The...
2025-05-0932 minThe Journey with AdmissionPrepWhy University of Waterloo Picks Winners (And How to Be One)With a 96% co-op placement rate and ties to incredible employers like Google, Shopify, and Meta, University of Waterloo chooses only the most prepared students. We explore what makes the AIF so crucial, why starting in Grade 9 pays off, and how to prove you’re ready for the rigour. Plus: real student profiles that worked.
2025-05-0933 minThe Journey with AdmissionPrepUniversity of Toronto Admissions: What It Actually Takes to Get Into UofTDid you know picking the wrong college at U of T could mean writing an extra essay? Or that grade 11 matters more than grade 12? U of T’s three campuses, timed video interviews, and early deadlines confuse even the smartest applicants. This episode clears the fog. Learn how to choose the right campus, nail your video essay, and avoid the biggest mistakes that cost top students their spot. Plus, we break down a real student profile that landed U of T Engineering and a Schulich scholarship.
2025-05-0939 minThe Journey with AdmissionPrepAhead of the Curve: Sidestep the Pitfalls & Get Into Canada’s Top UniversitiesWhat actually matters when applying to Canada’s top schools? In this episode, we break down the biggest mistakes students and parents make — and how to avoid them early.🎯 Whether you're in Grade 9 choosing courses or in Grade 12 juggling deadlines, you'll learn:Why “doing everything” backfires in admissionsHow to pick the right extracurriculars (and what to drop)The surprising factors scholarship committees care aboutInsider tips that thousands of successful applicants usedIf you want to stay competitive without burning out, this is the episode...
2025-05-0944 minThe Journey with AdmissionPrep4 Steps to Get Into UBC In 2025Want to get into UBC? Here's exactly how to submit a strong application — step by step. In just 6 minutes, we’ll walk you through how to stand out, avoid common mistakes, and maximize your chances of getting admitted to one of Canada’s top universities.🔹 Perfect for Grade 9, 10, 11 & 12 students🔹 Based on 1,000+ successful student applications🔹 Covers the UBC Personal Profile & deadlines📍Want help with your applications? Fill out a 3-minute assessment to see if you qualify for our programs: https://quiz.admissionprep.com/program-assessment-quiz📍Want to learn more about AdmissionPrep? Check us out: https://admissionprep.com/Chapters:0:00 Intro0:58 Early Appli...
2025-05-0305 minThe Journey with AdmissionPrepInside the Mind of a University Admissions Expert: She Breaks Down How to Get Into Top UniversitiesWe sit down with Nicola, an admissions expert who’s helped over 1,000 students get into top programs like U of T, Queen’s, McMaster, UBC, Waterloo, Western and Ivy League schools. In this episode, Nicola breaks down the key traits of students who succeed, the common mistakes that cost students scholarships and offers, and how to strategically plan your academics, extracurriculars, and essays from day one.Plus, we cover what most families misunderstand about the process, why starting in Grade 10 matters, how to write standout essays (without AI), and how...
2025-05-0152 minThe Journey with AdmissionPrepBuilding Grit from Grade 9: How Emile Earned His AcceptancesMeet Emile. A once-unsure Grade 10 student who’s now crushing university offers! In this episode, he shares the ups, downs, and everything in between about his admissions journey. From boosting his extracurriculars to surviving stressful interviews and picking the right courses, Emile breaks down what really matters. If you're dreaming of top business schools, this is the real talk you need to hear. 🚀
2025-04-2521 minThe Journey with AdmissionPrepThe Truth About Athletic Scholarships & IB vs. AP vs. Normal Courses - Accepted by AdmissionPrepIn this episode of Accepted by AdmissionPrep, we debunk the biggest myths about Canadian university admissions. From whether you really need AP/IB to what it takes to get an athletic scholarship in Canada (spoiler: it’s harder than you think), they break down what truly matters for students and parents navigating this system. From varsity hockey to application regrets—get a candid, strategic, and sometimes surprising view into what it takes to get accepted.
2025-04-2246 minThe Journey with AdmissionPrepFrom Doubt to Western Ivey AEO & McMaster DeGroote: Maya's Path to Business School and Navigating University ApplicationsMaya joined AdmissionPrep in the summer before Grade 12 with big dreams—and she made them happen. In this interview, she shares how she got accepted to Western Ivey with AEO status, Laurier BBA, and McMaster DeGroote—and won $25,000+ in scholarships along the way.From founding a business club to winning speech competitions, Maya shares the honest highs and lows of her application journey—and how AdmissionPrep helped every step of the way.👉 Learn how she overcame self-doubt, managed time, wrote standout essays, and found a community that had her back.
2025-04-1621 minThe Journey with AdmissionPrepConfused to Confident: Arsalan’s Journey to Queen’s Smith School of Business, UofT Rotman Commerce & Thousands in AwardsWhat if the hardest part of getting into university… was picking which offer to accept? That’s the challenge Arsalan faced after joining AdmissionPrep and transforming his approach. Watch this full-circle story of admissions success of how Arsalan went from not knowing what a supplementary application was to getting into his top universities.
2025-04-1518 minThe Journey with AdmissionPrepHow Top Students Prepare for Applications, And Why You Should Too | Accepted by AdmissionPrep | Ep 1Welcome to the very first episode of Accepted by AdmissionPrep!In this episode, Arry and Jason dive into the biggest misconception students (and parents) have about the admissions process: when to start. Spoiler — it's earlier than you think.We share real stories, insider tips, and a behind-the-scenes look at what the most competitive applicants are doing years before they apply. Whether you're aiming for McMaster Health Sci, Waterloo Engineering, Queen’s Commerce, or another top Canadian program, this is your blueprint.🔍 What you'll learn:- Why Grade 12 isn't the best time to start- The “pre-pre-med” approach for competitive programs- How Arry’s...
2025-04-1149 min
UBCNews - BusinessAdmissionPrep Reviews: Getting Into Top Canada Universities With Essay PrepIt’s not about the numbers—well, not entirely! The universities you’re applying to also want to get to know you—and AdmissionPrep can help with that: https://admissionprep.com/ AdmissionPrep City: VancouverAddress: 1788 W BroadwayWebsite: https://admissionprep.com/
2024-11-2103 minUBCNews - BusinessSeal Your University Place With AdmissionPrep’s College Admission Guidancehttps://admissionprep.com/ For many students, a place in a prestigious Canadian business school is a faraway hope - and AdmissionPrep is here to say that your future is within your reach. Its program can take you from applicant to scholar, so don’t lower your educational expectations! Admissionprep City: BellinghamAddress: 424 W Bakerview Rd Website: https://admissionprep.com/
2024-11-1302 min