The Journey with AdmissionPrep
by AdmissionPrep
Every success story begins with an education journey.Hosted by AdmissionPrep, The Journey explores how ambitious people chose their programs, navigated student life, and built careers from those early decisions. Each episode dives into the real choices, challenges, and turning points that shaped their path.Whether you’re a student planning your next steps, a parent guiding the way, or simply curious about the stories behind success, The Journey is your front-row seat to candid conversations about education, opportunity, and growth.
Episodes
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Do You Actually Need an Admissions Consultant?
Do You Actually Need an Admissions Consultant? Quick disclaimer: we are admissions consultants. So take this video for what it is, our honest take from inside the industry. But here's what Jason actually believes, and what we tell families who ask: most students do not need a consultant. A good...
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How to Use Grade 11 to Prepare for University Applications
How to Use Grade 11 to Prepare for University Applications Grade 11 is the year that quietly decides where your child gets in. By the time Grade 12 starts, the file admissions officers actually read is mostly already built — the courses, the extracurricular trajectory, the test scores, the...
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IB vs AP vs Regular Courses | Which One Gets You Into Canadian Universities?
If your child is deciding between IB, AP, and regular high school courses, this is one of the most important decisions they'll make before applying to university in Canada. But does it actually matter? In this video, we break down how Canadian universities like UofT, McGill, UBC, Waterloo, and…
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AI and education: why hard things still matter, costly signaling theory, and the K-shaped future
AI is changing everything about how students learn — but is it making them smarter, or just more dependent? In this episode, Jason and Arry dig into what they're seeing on the front lines: students who can't write without AI, the rise of blue books and no-phone schools, and why the ability to…
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How to handle grade inflation, prepare for grade 12, and deal with difficult teachers
The busy season is over — and the lessons are real. In this episode, Jason and Arry unpack what they learned from helping students navigate the final push of university applications, why grade inflation is reshaping admissions across Canada, and what every Grade 11 student needs to be doing right...
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McGill to Masters - How Catherine turned her passion into her studies
What 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…
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10 Lessons from 10 Students: The Truth About Top Schools in North America
In 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...
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Queen’s Smith School of Business: Costly or Crucial? Matthew’s Road to PepsiCo
Would 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...
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From Language Barriers to Law School: Victoria’s Journey to U of T and Beyond
We 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…
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From Elite Soccer, to UBC, to AdmissionPrep Founder - Madison Guy's Journey
How 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...
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Applying to UBC Sauder - Your ultimate guide
Want 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.…
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Gaining 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…
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U of T Rotman Application Guide
Want 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...
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Sometimes You Have to Sprint: Lessons from UBC BUCS to Amazon
Everyone 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...
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The Social Side of Engineering: Lessons from Queen’s University
Engineering 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...
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U of T Application Guide
UofT 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 accepted...
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Should you still pursue engineering? (Or will AI replace engineers?): Ben's Journey to and from UBC Engineering
Are 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...
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Waterloo's Entrepreneur Factory - Iris' journey from architect to entrepreneur
Is 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...
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McMaster 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...
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Road To Cornell: Bateel's Story of Meticulous Preparation
Join 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...
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How to write winning scholarship essays
Like 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...
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Your Summer University Application Checklist - How to beat application season
You 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...
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Should 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…
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How to Get Accepted to Rotman Commerce at The University of Toronto
Join 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...
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ADHD Study Hacks From a Valedictorian: @VeganTechNomad's Dopamine-Fueled Study & Exam Tips
Meet 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...
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How Lucas Got Into Western Ivey AEO | AdmissionPrep Reviews
Lucas, 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…
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The Grade 12 Summer Guide to University Admissions
Take 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. Chapters 00:00 The Importance of...
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The 20-Minute Guide to Stress-Proofing Admissions: How to Make a Smart University Back Up Plan
Worried 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…
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Queen’s Admissions Rubric EXPLAINED: Cracking the Queen’s Supplemental Application
Grades 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…
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Why 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...
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University of Toronto Admissions: What It Actually Takes to Get Into UofT
Did 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...
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Ahead of the Curve: Sidestep the Pitfalls & Get Into Canada’s Top Universities
What 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...
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4 Steps to Get Into UBC In 2025
Want 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…
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Inside the Mind of a University Admissions Expert: She Breaks Down How to Get Into Top Universities
We 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...
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Building Grit from Grade 9: How Emile Earned His Acceptances
Meet 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...
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The Truth About Athletic Scholarships & IB vs. AP vs. Normal Courses - Accepted by AdmissionPrep
In 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...
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From Doubt to Western Ivey AEO & McMaster DeGroote: Maya's Path to Business School and Navigating University Applications
Maya 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...
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Confused to Confident: Arsalan’s Journey to Queen’s Smith School of Business, UofT Rotman Commerce & Thousands in Awards
What 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...
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How Top Students Prepare for Applications, And Why You Should Too | Accepted by AdmissionPrep | Ep 1
Welcome 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...
About this show
Every success story begins with an education journey.Hosted by AdmissionPrep, The Journey explores how ambitious people chose their programs, navigated student life, and built careers from those early decisions. Each episode dives into the real choices, challenges, and turning points that shaped their path.Whether you’re a student planning your next steps, a parent guiding the way, or simply curious about the stories behind success, The Journey is your front-row seat to candid conversations about education, opportunity, and growth.
Hosted by
AdmissionPrep
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