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 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 thrive as an ambitious student, and why taking a gap year might be the smartest move you can make.
🎧 Tune in to hear:
How Victoria overcame challenges as a newcomer and became a national scholarship winner
What it’s really like to study at U of T — the rigor, resources, and reality
Insights on preparing for law school and finding your purpose along the way
💡 Whether you’re a student, parent, or educator, Victoria’s story is proof that resilience and curiosity are still the superpowers of the next generation.
👉 Learn more about how AdmissionPrep helps ambitious students like Victoria reach their goals at admissionprep.com
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 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 turning education into action.
00:00 – IntroJason introduces Madison and sets up the conversation about Sauder, athletics, and entrepreneurship.
00:44 – Breakfast & Fasting RoutineMadison shares her scrambled-tofu breakfast and why she fasts until noon.
01:25 – Where She Is TodaySix years into building AdmissionPrep: growth, learning, and impact.
02:47 – Early Education GoalsGrowing up in a family that valued university + soccer as her main path.
03:43 – Choosing UBCDeciding between Trinity Western and UBC — and why potential mattered more than rankings.
05:49 – The Varsity PathwayInside the Canadian development ladder: provincial teams, NTC, and the Whitecaps residency.
07:10 – Academic Reputation & Big-Picture ThinkingHow UBC’s global credibility shaped her decision.
08:46 – Discovering BusinessStarting in Arts, discovering econ, and transferring into Sauder.
10:42 – Most Valuable LessonsThe classes that still pay off today: business writing, career prep, public speaking, and finance.
12:27 – Culture of AmbitionWhy Sauder grads land top jobs — and how internships drive that success.
14:28 – The Hard PartsSecond-year riguor: accounting, finance, econ, stats — and who this program isn’t for.
15:49 – The Social SideUBC’s massive club scene and how varsity sports shape your social experience.
17:13 – Entrepreneurship GapsWhat Sauder missed then (and how it’s evolving now).
19:13 – If Madison Were DeanHer idea: make “Build Your Own Business 101” a required course.
19:58 – Advice to 16-Year-Old Madison“Expect failure — and embrace it.”
21:04 – Jason’s TakeawayWhy Sauder still matters — and how its lessons fuel real-world founders.
💡 Learn more: admissionprep.com
Follow @AdmissionPrep for more founder stories & student success insights.
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. 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 SupportDeadlines: Since the recording of this video, UBC has updated their deadlines for 2025/2026. You can learn about that in this video: • UBC's 2025/26 New First Review Admissions ... Interview with BUCS Amazon Employee: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0iH0...Visit us at AdmissionPrep.com if you'd like 1-1 support!
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
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 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 UofT08:42 - Practice Questions/Prompts09:52 - How To Get 1-1 SupportVisit us at AdmissionPrep.com if you'd like 1-1 support!
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 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 school
What it takes to survive and thrive in the rigorous “BUCS” program
Why pushing hard during key windows can unlock opportunities others miss
And her candid advice for students who feel pressure to know exactly where they’re going
Paige’s story is a reminder: your path isn't always linear - sometimes you need to sprint.
If you'd like guidance on your journey, visit us at admissionprep.com
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 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 Jonas would pass on to his 16-year-old self.
At The Journey, brought to you by AdmissionPrep, we believe the same principle applies to admissions: it’s not just about getting in, it’s about finding the place where you’ll thrive.
If you'd like help with navigating your journey, please visit us at www.admissionprep.com
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
Chapters
00:00 - What is this guide about?
00:20 - What are the topics covered?
00:32 - Programs Available At UofT
04:17 - Competitive standards for UofT
04:46 - Deadlines
07:15 - Application Process
08:19 - Practice Questions & Tips
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 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 internships, earned his P.Eng designation, and eventually took the leap to start his own firm. Along the way, he offers candid advice for future engineers: why the process of problem-solving matters more than quick answers, how to handle the stress of career choices, and what it really takes to build both technical skills and resilience.
If you’re a student considering engineering—or just curious how discipline, hockey, and hard work intersect with entrepreneurship—this conversation is full of insight and inspiration.
If you'd like support navigating your own journey, check us out at admissionprep.com
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 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 of networks, from Waterloo’s unique “founder-friendly” culture to the pressure of early career decisions — this episode dives deep into what post-secondary education means right now and whether it still sets up students for success in the real world.
If you’ve ever questioned whether university is a ticket to opportunity or just an outdated system, this conversation will challenge your assumptions.
And if you ever want to help navigating your own journey, visit us at admissionprep.com
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 really like to study in one of Canada’s most unique programs, how students can prepare themselves for admissions, and why the next generation may be far stronger than we give them credit for.
If you’ve ever wondered whether university is still a smart investment — or doubted whether today’s youth are ready to take on tomorrow’s challenges — this conversation will make you think differently.
If you want help navigating your own education journey, let us know at admissionprep.com
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 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
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 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 take up too much time.
If you'd like support with your application process, then feel free to email us at programs@admissionprep.com
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 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.
If you want to get the full training, that's available here:
Grade 8-11: Full Webinar Training
Grade 12: Full Webinar Training
Thanks for listening!
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 community. Students share insights on navigating the challenges of university life, the role of mental health resources, and the impact of social media on perceptions of U of T. Ultimately, the conversation provides valuable advice for prospective students considering their options.
Chapters
00:00 Choosing U of T: The Journey Begins
15:08 Cultural Insights: Embracing Canadian Life
18:22 Academic Challenges: Navigating University Life
21:21 Building Community: Finding Belonging at U of T
24:25 Mental Health Matters: Prioritizing Well-being
27:18 Reflections and Advice: The U of T Experience
32:33 Introduction to Hunter Atchison's Journey
34:01 Choosing U of T: The Hockey Factor
35:18 Balancing Academics and Athletics at U of T
39:40 The Competitive Nature of U of T
42:08 Navigating the U of T Culture
44:56 Mental Health and Support Systems
48:27 Lessons from Hockey: Discipline and Resilience
52:51 Transitioning from U of T to Career
57:22 Advice for Future U of T Students
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 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 Commerce. Tune in for expert advice and strategies to make your application shine!
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 audience) study less while learning more.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Jennifer Chou and Her Journey
02:29 Navigating ADHD and Academic Success
05:48 The Importance of Community and Support
08:48 Study Hacks and Techniques for ADHD
11:36 Understanding Dopamine and Movement in Learning
14:34 Unconventional Study Methods and Tools
17:52 Creating a Positive Study Environment
20:52 Advice for Students Facing Admission and Exam Seasons
23:41 Final Thoughts and Where to Find Jennifer
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 students eyeing competitive Canadian business programs.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Lucas's Journey
05:54 Overcoming Challenges and Fears in the Application Process
12:00 Crafting a Genuine Story for Applications
18:11 Reflections on Success and Learning from Failure
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 Summer Preparation for Grade 11 Students
05:47 Navigating Campus Tours and University Research
11:53 Building a Strong Profile and Gaining Experience
18:02 Planning for Deadlines and Application Success
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 programs and schools before Grade 12 stress hits.
Chapters
00:00 The Importance of Backup Plans in University Admissions
02:38 Understanding What Makes a Good Backup Plan
05:41 Exploring Transfer Pathways and Alternative Routes
08:35 The Value of Smaller Schools and Diverse Options
11:32 Crafting a Balanced Application Strategy
14:42 Timing and Organization in the Application Process
17:36 Gap Year vs. Immediate Enrollment: Making the Right Choice
20:34 Final Thoughts: Planning for Success in Admissions
