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You’ve made it to the end of AP season—or you're just about to. So… what now? In this episode, I share what successful students actually do after their exams are over to prepare for college applications. These are the same strategies used by Ivy League, Stanford, and MIT admits—and they’re simple, clear, and powerful.
You’ll learn:
Why the summer after junior year is a “bonus semester”The two questions your application must answerWhat aligned action looks like (with real student examples)How to recover, reflect, and move forward with purposeA simple 3-step plan you can start this weekWhether you’re feeling burned out or just unsure of your next step—this episode will help you reset your direction and use your time wisely.
💡 Want a personalized plan?
Book an Application Audit to identify your strengths, gaps, and strategy—while there’s still time to make your summer count.-----
To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our website
To follow on Instagram: @TheIvyLeagueChallenge
To join us on our Facebook group for parents -
Are you feeling pressure to make the most of summer—but not sure what actually matters for college admissions? In this episode, Steve Gardner breaks down the three most common mistakes high-achieving students make when planning their summer... and shows you how to avoid them.
You’ll meet:
Sophia, who overloaded her schedule trying to impress collegesDaniel, who created a meaningful project from a single questionAnd Bryanna, a real student whose summer project led to research, grants, and scholarship offersWhether you’re feeling behind or just overwhelmed, this episode will help you create a summer that builds not just a stronger application—but a stronger you.
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To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our website
To follow on Instagram: @TheIvyLeagueChallenge
To join us on our Facebook group for parents -
Saknas det avsnitt?
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Steve sits down with Tessymol Jose — the inspiring mother of Erica, one of our incredible students — to tell the full, raw story of their college admissions journey.
This isn’t a sugar-coated success story. It’s a front-row seat to the overwhelming pressure, confusion, and heartbreak that so many ambitious students (and their families) experience when they follow the wrong roadmap to college admissions — the "just do more, be more impressive" roadmap that leads straight to burnout.
🔹 Tessymol shares how Erica — a top student involved in leadership, orchestra, tennis, and volunteering — still felt like she was falling behind. Despite all her accomplishments, despite the straight A's, despite the sleepless nights and sacrifice, she was left asking: "What more can I possibly do to stand out?"
🔹 You’ll hear how endless stress, migraines, ulcers, skipped meals, and emotional breakdowns finally led them to seek a different answer — an answer they found inside the Ivy League Challenge.
🔹 You’ll learn how Erica shifted from the Impressiveness Trap to aligning her college prep around her core values — and how that transformation (not overachievement) led to her acceptance at Dartmouth College, one of the most prestigious and life-changing undergraduate experiences in the world.
This conversation is emotional. It's honest. And it’s a powerful reminder that winning at college admissions — and more importantly, winning at life — doesn't come from sacrificing your health and happiness at the altar of "impressiveness."
It comes from clarity, core values, and smart, strategic action.
If you’re a parent or a student feeling the pressure, this is an episode you can’t afford to miss.
Key Topics:
The dangers of the Impressiveness TrapHow Tessymol and Erica realized they needed a different pathThe power of core values in college admissionsWhy top colleges care about who you are, not how many activities you can juggleHow real transformation — not just more stress — leads to Ivy League success
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To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our website
To follow on Instagram: @TheIvyLeagueChallenge
To join us on our Facebook group for parents -
This episode is a special one — made especially for parents of Curiosity Lab students, but meaningful for anyone raising a curious preteen.
Inside, Steve shares:
Why curiosity is a skill, not a personality trait — and why that mattersThe five core pillars of the Curiosity Lab (and how they work together)Three powerful ways parents can support curiosity at homeA bonus mindset shift that will change how you respond when your child says, “This is hard.”Whether your child is already enrolled in the Curiosity Lab or you're curious about what makes this program so unique, this episode will leave you inspired and equipped to support your 10–13-year-old in the most important learning window of their life.
Register for the Curiosity Lab at TILC.to/CL
https://www.globalimpactcouncil.org/gic-curiosity-labs
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To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our website
To follow on Instagram: @TheIvyLeagueChallenge
To join us on our Facebook group for parents -
Most teens today feel overwhelmed, burned out, or stuck in the race to be impressive — all while secretly wondering: “How do some students become so great, so young?”
In this episode, we break down the real process of building passion and achieving meaningful success — not by performing for approval, but by discovering purpose and leaning into long-term growth.
You’ll learn:
Why passion isn’t found — it’s builtHow over-scheduling and screen time quietly close the curiosity windowThe dangers of the Impressiveness Trap and how to escape itWhy real growth happens in the Goldilocks Zone of just-manageable challengeHow teens like Corey are solving real problems and becoming the kinds of leaders the world needs — and colleges are eager to recruitThis episode is a roadmap for teens who want to rise above burnout and build a life of purpose, impact, and excellence. It’s also a powerful guide for parents who want to support their kids the right way — with clarity, not more pressure.
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To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our website
To follow on Instagram: @TheIvyLeagueChallenge
To join us on our Facebook group for parents -
What if the real test in college admissions isn’t the one you think it is?
In this episode, we unpack “The Hidden Test”—the one that’s not on any syllabus and can’t be studied for with flashcards. Drawing from a powerful psychological experiment, wisdom from Ivy League deans Lee Coffin (Dartmouth) and Logan Powell (Brown), and real insights from the admissions process, we reveal how selective colleges are not just looking for the most impressive applicants. They're looking for the ones who live with purpose, character, and impact.
You'll learn:
Why authenticity beats strategy in college prepHow admissions officers “investigate” your values through your applicationWhy students who stop chasing prestige often stand out the mostHow to align your high school experience with what actually mattersThis episode is a must-listen for students, parents, and educators who want to understand what selective colleges really value—and how to focus on becoming, not just getting in.
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To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our website
To follow on Instagram: @TheIvyLeagueChallenge
To join us on our Facebook group for parents -
In this episode, I’m thrilled to introduce something brand new — Curiosity Lab, a program designed to ignite the minds of 10–13-year-olds through real-world learning, led by inspiring high school mentors.
Our very first teacher is Ava, a passionate and thoughtful high school student who’s teaching the first Curiosity Lab unit on public speaking. Ava shares how she discovered her love for speech and debate, why she wanted to teach younger students, and what it’s been like to design a unit that’s engaging, age-appropriate, and deeply meaningful.
We talk about:
Why peer-to-peer learning is so powerfulHow Ava planned her lessons to spark curiosity in middle schoolersWhat makes Curiosity Lab different from schoolHow younger students benefit from seeing older teens as role modelsWhether you're a parent of a curious preteen or just someone who believes in the power of inspired teaching, this episode will give you a behind-the-scenes look at something truly special.
To register for the Curiosity Lab, to go TILC.to/CL
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To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our website
To follow on Instagram: @TheIvyLeagueChallenge
To join us on our Facebook group for parents -
What if your child’s future success—especially with college admissions—hinges on how curious they become before they even get there?
In this episode, I break down the Curiosity Window, the critical developmental phase between ages 10 and 13, when your child’s brain is primed for identity formation, exploration, and deep learning. If curiosity is nurtured now, it becomes a foundation for confidence, motivation, and impact later. If ignored, that spark often fades—leading to disengaged, uncertain teens.
You'll also hear why I created Curiosity Lab, a live weekly program designed specifically for 10–13 year-olds to build curiosity, critical thinking, and communication skills through hands-on learning.
🔍 What You’ll Learn:
Why ages 10–13 are a critical phase for curiosity and identityHow this period affects motivation, confidence, and future college prepWhat parents can do now to set their kids up for long-term success📅 Join Curiosity Lab:
Enrollment is open now for Curiosity Lab, our live Zoom-based exploration program for students ages 10–13.
📍 Start Date: April 2nd
🕗 When: Wednesdays at 8:00 PM Eastern
🧠 What: New topics every 4–6 weeks, guided reflection, hands-on projects, and final presentations
💬 Led by: Outstanding high school students who model curiosity and leadership
🎥 Miss a class? All sessions are recorded for flexibilityWhether your child is 10 and just starting to explore or 13 and ready to take charge, this is the time to shape their curiosity and set them on the path toward a meaningful, successful life.
Register now: TILC.to/CL
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To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our website
To follow on Instagram: @TheIvyLeagueChallenge
To join us on our Facebook group for parents -
If you’ve ever felt helpless watching your teen struggle with stress, you’re not alone. Many parents want to help but don’t know how to do it in a way that actually works. In this episode, we dive into why today’s teens feel more overwhelmed than ever, the common mistakes even well-meaning parents make, and how to shift your parenting approach to truly support your child. Learn how to move from "boss" to "coach" so your teen can build resilience, confidence, and the skills to manage stress in a healthy way.
💡 Key Takeaways:
🔹 Why today’s teens are more stressed than ever:
✔️ Tougher academics and college admissions pressure
✔️ Social media’s endless comparison trap
✔️ Lack of downtime and play leading to burnout🔹 The Parenting Shift: Move from being an enforcer to a coach
✔️ Instead of controlling, guide your teen to problem-solve and take ownership
✔️ Teens need trust and independence in small decisions so they can handle big ones
✔️ Support their growth without micromanaging🔹 Common Mistakes Parents Make & What to Do Instead:
✔️ Comparing them to others → Instead, acknowledge their unique challenges
✔️ Trying to fix everything → Instead, guide them to their own solutions
✔️ Doubling down on control → Instead, pick your battles and give them autonomy where possible🔹 Actionable Steps to Help Your Teen Manage Stress:
✅ Shift from "boss" to "coach"—ask questions that help them find their own solutions
✅ Regulate yourself first—your calm creates their calm
✅ Create a safe space for conversations—use observations, not accusations
✅ Help them prioritize and reframe negative thinking
✅ Encourage healthy coping habits—sleep, movement, and self-advocacy matter
✅ Build long-term resilience—teach them to see stress as a sign of growth
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To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our website
To follow on Instagram: @TheIvyLeagueChallenge
To join us on our Facebook group for parents -
If I could sit down with my teenage self, I’d have a lot to say about college admissions—especially in today’s high-pressure environment. In this episode, I share the advice I wish someone had given me at 16, including the biggest misconceptions I had about the admissions process and what actually mattered in the long run. If you're feeling overwhelmed by grades, extracurriculars, and the constant pressure to be "impressive," this episode will help you shift your mindset and focus on what truly makes a difference—not just for getting into college, but for long-term success.
💡 Key Takeaways:
🔹 Your value is not determined by where you go to college. The students who focus on becoming valuable, not just impressive, are the ones who succeed.
🔹 The biggest admissions myths:
✔️ Myth #1: “If I do everything right, I’ll get into my dream school.” (Reality: Admissions is unpredictable.)
✔️ Myth #2: “I need to be the best at everything to stand out.” (Reality: Depth matters more than breadth.)
✔️ Myth #3: “Getting into a top college = guaranteed success.” (Reality: Success depends on what you do, not where you go.)
🔹 The Lottery Ticket vs. Toolbox Mindset – Stop playing the admissions lottery and start building skills, experiences, and relationships that will serve you for life.
🔹 What actually mattered in the long run: Loving learning, being resourceful, and building strong relationships.
🔹 Action steps you can take today: Identify a problem to solve, audit your activities, develop key skills, and focus on what truly excites you.🚀 Want to create a standout college application AND set yourself up for real success?
Check out The Admissions Advantage Roadmap at www.theivyleaguechallenge.com for a clear, strategic approach to building a compelling application that reflects who you truly are.
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To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our website
To follow on Instagram: @TheIvyLeagueChallenge
To join us on our Facebook group for parents -
What if you could see yourself, right now, as a student at your dream college? What if you could feel what it’s like to walk across campus, sit in a classroom, and engage with world-class professors and peers?
In this special guided visualization, I’ll take you through an immersive experience where you’ll:
✅ Step into the shoes of your future self at your dream university
✅ Feel the excitement and confidence of belonging in that environment
✅ Discover what kind of student you want to be—not just where you want to go
✅ Leave with a clear sense of purpose and steps you can take right now to become that personThis isn’t just about college admissions—it’s about becoming the kind of student who thrives, no matter where you go.
🎯 Want a step-by-step roadmap tailored to your teen’s strengths? Get the Admissions Advantage Roadmap ➡️ www.theivyleaguechallenge.com
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To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our website
To follow on Instagram: @TheIvyLeagueChallenge
To join us on our Facebook group for parents -
Most students believe that getting into a top college means checking all the right boxes—perfect grades, leadership roles, and a long list of impressive achievements. But what if that’s actually the wrong approach?
In this episode, I’ll reveal:
✅ The Gold Rush Mistake that keeps students stuck in the "Impressiveness Trap"
✅ The three levels of preparation—good, better, and best—and which one actually works
✅ Why top colleges don’t want “perfect applicants”—they want future change-makers
✅ A simple mindset shift that makes both admissions and long-term success easierIf you’ve been stressed about standing out, this episode will change how you think about college admissions forever.
🎯 Want a step-by-step roadmap tailored to your teen’s strengths? Get the Admissions Advantage Roadmap ➡️ www.theivyleaguechallenge.com
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To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our website
To follow on Instagram: @TheIvyLeagueChallenge
To join us on our Facebook group for parents -
Most families assume that strong grades, leadership roles, and packed extracurriculars will guarantee college admissions success. But I explain why top schools aren’t just looking for impressive students—they’re looking for memorable students.
In this episode, I’ll break down:
✅ The #1 mistake high-achieving students make in their applications
✅ What admissions officers actually look for (and what they ignore)
✅ The simple 3-step strategy to make your teen’s application stand out
✅ How to stop guessing and get a clear, customized plan in just one weekEvery year, I see students realize too late that their application is missing key pieces. Don’t let that be your teen.
🎯 Want a step-by-step roadmap tailored to your teen’s strengths? Get the Admissions Advantage Roadmap ➡️ www.theivyleaguechallenge.com
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To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our website
To follow on Instagram: @TheIvyLeagueChallenge
To join us on our Facebook group for parents -
We just completed our Holistic College Application Roadmap workshop.
Enjoy our final day (day 2) here.
To register for the Ivy League Challenge, go to TILC.to/register
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To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our website
To follow on Instagram: @TheIvyLeagueChallenge
To join us on our Facebook group for parents
Or schedule a meeting with Steve here -
We just completed our Holistic College Application Roadmap workshop.
Enjoy day 1 here.
To register for the Ivy League Challenge, go to TILC.to/register
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To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our website
To follow on Instagram: @TheIvyLeagueChallenge
To join us on our Facebook group for parents
Or schedule a meeting with Steve here -
Announcing our upcoming workshop: the Holistic College Application Roadmap
January 16-17th, 8:00 pm eastern time
To register, go to TILC.to/CommonApp
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To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our website
To follow on Instagram: @TheIvyLeagueChallenge
To join us on our Facebook group for parents
Or schedule a meeting with Steve here -
Expert Guidance: With years of experience helping students gain admission to selective universities, I know what works—and what doesn’t—in a competitive application.Personalized Support: Unlike generic programs, this service is tailored specifically to your story and your strengths.Proven Results: Students who work with me have gained admission to top colleges, creating applications that truly reflect their potential.Confidence & Clarity: Walk away knowing your application is the strongest it can be, with every element working together to tell a cohesive story.
Complete College Application Audit
Limited Spots for this personal guidance
Sign up at TILC.to/audit
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To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our website
To follow on Instagram: @TheIvyLeagueChallenge
To join us on our Facebook group for parents
Or schedule a meeting with Steve here -
When you decide to grow, you set yourself up for challenging periods of awkwardness. You might feel like you are 'faking it' or that you don't belong, when really this is just the natural transition period when you grow.
Listen to learn how to reframe your mindset when you face these challenging periods of growth.
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To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our website
To follow on Instagram: @TheIvyLeagueChallenge
To join us on our Facebook group for parents
Or schedule a meeting with Steve here -
In times of deep conflict and polarization, we can easily become triggered.
But when an event occurs, we all respond based on our assumptions coming into the event. What if we chose to become more charitable in our assumptions?
I believe this approach helps us become more effective and influential change-makers. Not only is it a healthier, happier approach to life, but also a great way to cultivate the curiosity and empathy that are so important in life and in college prep.
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To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our website
To follow on Instagram: @TheIvyLeagueChallenge
To join us on our Facebook group for parents
Or schedule a meeting with Steve here -
Your alumni interview may be the first interview you've ever been a part of that felt like a high-stakes interview. I hope you realize after listening to this podcast episode that this interview should not be stressful either.
But listen in to learn how to make sure that you will be completely prepared for your interview.
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To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our website
To follow on Instagram: @TheIvyLeagueChallenge
To join us on our Facebook group for parents
Or schedule a meeting with Steve here - Visa fler
