How My Students Got Into Yale and Other Top Schools
Tue Jan 13 2026
What if college admissions isn’t about being more impressive, but about being more clear?
In this episode, I break down why so many hardworking, high-achieving students are rejected from top colleges, and what actually separates students who get admitted from those who don’t.
Drawing on recent early-decision results (including acceptances to Yale, Dartmouth, Cornell, and Vanderbilt, plus $100,000 scholarships) I explain the hidden trap families fall into when they chase what they think admissions officers want.
You’ll learn:
Why “doing more” often makes applications weaker, not strongerThe two questions admissions officers are really trying to answerHow the Impressiveness Trap creates noise instead of clarityWhat successful students do differently to become “obvious admits”Why starting earlier (8th–11th grade) dramatically reduces stress and increases options
I also share details about the upcoming live workshop, Hacking College Admissions, where you can learn how to build a clear, strategic plan that actually works. Register for free at TILC.to/janworkshop
If you want your teen to have real options. Confidence instead of panic, this episode is for you.
-----
To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our website
To follow on Instagram: @TheIvyLeagueChallenge
To join us on our Facebook group for parents
More
What if college admissions isn’t about being more impressive, but about being more clear? In this episode, I break down why so many hardworking, high-achieving students are rejected from top colleges, and what actually separates students who get admitted from those who don’t. Drawing on recent early-decision results (including acceptances to Yale, Dartmouth, Cornell, and Vanderbilt, plus $100,000 scholarships) I explain the hidden trap families fall into when they chase what they think admissions officers want. You’ll learn: Why “doing more” often makes applications weaker, not strongerThe two questions admissions officers are really trying to answerHow the Impressiveness Trap creates noise instead of clarityWhat successful students do differently to become “obvious admits”Why starting earlier (8th–11th grade) dramatically reduces stress and increases options I also share details about the upcoming live workshop, Hacking College Admissions, where you can learn how to build a clear, strategic plan that actually works. Register for free at TILC.to/janworkshop If you want your teen to have real options. Confidence instead of panic, this episode is for you. ----- To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our website To follow on Instagram: @TheIvyLeagueChallenge To join us on our Facebook group for parents