The Advancement Spot Podcast

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In this episode of Success Unlocked, Dr. Adrienne Shnier sits down with Angelica DeMaria, an incoming fourth-year political science student at Wilfrid Laurier University and an AYG client preparing for the LSAT and law school applications, for an honest conversation about confidence, consistency, and learning how to work with yourself instead of against yourself.

Angelica shares how overwhelmed and uncertain she felt before joining AYG. Although she knew she wanted to attend law school, she did not know how to prepare, where to begin, or how she would manage everything ahead of her. Through AYG’s coaching, community, and structured approach, that confusion began to shift into clarity, motivation, and a deeper trust in herself.

If you have ever felt defeated by an LSAT plateau, convinced yourself that you are not smart enough, or struggled to balance test preparation with the rest of your life, this episode is for you.

What You’ll Learn:✔ How Angelica moved from confusion and self-doubt to clarity and confidence
✔ Why a five-year vision can change the way students approach the application process
✔ How AYG’s coaching community helps students learn from one another
✔ Why a consistent and predictable schedule creates more reliable performance data
✔ How changing your study environment can improve focus and motivation
✔ Why an LSAT plateau does not mean something is wrong with you
✔ How timed and untimed results can reveal the real source of a challenge
✔ Why constantly watching the clock can increase pressure and reduce comprehension
✔ How covering the clock helps students develop an internal sense of LSAT timing
✔ Why your score is a data point, not a reflection of your intelligence or potential
✔ How to prepare for the LSAT without treating studying like a full-time job
✔ Why being kind to yourself is an essential part of making progress

Connect with Adrienne!

Looking for support with your graduate or professional school applications? Connect with us at Apply Yourself Global™! Email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal.

Ask the Expert

Have any questions on applications, success, test prep, and more? Send your questions us, or you can submit an audio file via Instagram DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne

💫 Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can complete your applications — with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Dr. Adrienne Shnier, an Admissions Committee Member. Book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about how AYG can help you Get In.💫

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In this episode of Success Unlocked, Dr. Adrienne Shnier sits down with Maria Ramirez, a former AYG client, recent AYG Fellow, McMaster University graduate, and incoming law student, for a deeper conversation about The Success Society and the mindset work that sits at the foundation of AYG.

Maria shares what it felt like to move through the law school application process with uncertainty, doubt, and comparison, and how that shifted into confidence, pride, and the incredible experience of receiving multiple law school acceptances. She opens up about the moment she received her first acceptance, celebrating with her family, and finally being able to say, “I earned this.”

Together, Adrienne and Maria explore why academic success is not just about getting accepted. It is also about becoming the kind of person who can handle the pressure, uncertainty, and responsibility that comes with the next chapter.

Adrienne also shares the story behind The Success Society, including how her own experiences as a student, professor, researcher, and admissions expert shaped her belief that students need access to mindset and peak performance coaching, not just application strategy.

From comparisonitis to peer pressure, from self-doubt to future-self thinking, this episode reminds students that confidence is not built by pretending pressure does not exist. It is built by creating strong roots, learning how to think clearly, and surrounding yourself with a community that helps you remember who you are becoming.

If you have ever wondered whether you are good enough, whether everyone else is ahead of you, or whether you have what it takes to succeed in a high-pressure academic environment, this episode is for you.

What You’ll Learn:
✔ How Maria moved from self-doubt to multiple law school acceptances
✔ Why confidence matters before, during, and after the application process
✔ How The Success Society began inside AYG
✔ Why Adrienne believes mindset and peak performance work are essential for students
✔ How comparison can distort your sense of your own potential
✔ Why your competition is not your competition, they are your future colleagues
✔ How The Success Society helps students stay grounded under pressure
✔ Why future-self thinking can change the way students approach success
✔ How community can reduce doubt instead of feeding it
✔ Why strong roots matter more than temporary motivation

Dr. Adrienne Shnier introduces the AYG Personal Statement Accelerator, a self-guided six-module program that helps students write a personal statement with strategy, clarity, and admissions committee insight. From uncovering your why to writing, editing, and submitting, this program helps students create a personal statement they feel confident about. Apply here!

Connect with Adrienne!

Looking for support with your graduate or professional school applications? Connect with us at Apply Yourself Global™! Email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal.

Ask the Expert

Have any questions on applications, success, test prep, and more? Send your questions us, or you can submit an audio file via Instagram DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne

💫 Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can complete your applications — with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Dr. Adrienne Shnier, an Admissions Committee Member. Book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about how AYG can help you Get In.💫

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In this episode of Success Unlocked, Dr. Adrienne Shnier sits down with Meera Joll, AYG client turned Fellow turned full-time Client Success Coordinator, for a conversation about the student experience at Apply Yourself Global and the launch of the AYG Personal Statement Accelerator.

Meera shares what it felt like to begin her own law school application journey without the support, structure, or clarity she needed. From feeling overwhelmed by the LSAT to not knowing how to approach personal statements, autobiographical sketches, resumes, and the many moving parts of an application, she opens up about how heavy the process can feel when students are trying to figure it out alone.

Together, Adrienne and Meera discuss why the Personal Statement Accelerator was created, what students were asking for on strategy calls and at events, and why focused personal statement support is so needed. This program was built from what AYG was hearing directly from students: they needed help understanding their story, uncovering their why, and writing a personal statement that feels authentic, strategic, and aligned with the future they are creating.

Adrienne explains how the Personal Statement Accelerator takes students from start to finish through strategy, structure, writing, editing, revision, and submission. Meera also shares why understanding your “why” is one of the most important parts of the application process, and why students should not overlook their written materials in favour of focusing only on grades, GPA, or test scores.

If you are applying to law school, medical school, dental school, graduate school, or another competitive academic program, this episode is a reminder that your personal statement is not just another requirement. It is one of the clearest opportunities to help an admissions committee understand who you are, what you are creating, and why you are ready for the next step.

What You’ll Learn:
✔ What Meera’s own application journey felt like before AYG
✔ Why the law school application process can feel scary and overwhelming
✔ How personal statements fit into the larger application strategy
✔ Why your “why” matters so much in your written materials
✔ Why students should not rely on Google, YouTube, TikTok, or forums for application strategy
✔ What the AYG Personal Statement Accelerator includes
✔ How admissions committee insight changes the way you write
✔ Why structure matters, but self-understanding matters even more
✔ How to start building a personal statement you feel proud of
✔ Why starting early can reduce stress and build confidence

Dr. Adrienne Shnier introduces the AYG Personal Statement Accelerator, a self-guided six-module program that helps students write a personal statement with strategy, clarity, and admissions committee insight. From uncovering your why to writing, editing, and submitting, this program helps students create a personal statement they feel confident about. Apply here!

Connect with Adrienne!

Looking for support with your graduate or professional school applications? Connect with us at Apply Yourself Global™! Email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal.

Ask the Expert

Have any questions on applications, success, test prep, and more? Send your questions us, or you can submit an audio file via Instagram DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne

💫 Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can complete your applications — with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Dr. Adrienne Shnier, an Admissions Committee Member. Book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about how AYG can help you Get In.💫

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In this episode of Success Unlocked, Dr. Adrienne Shnier sits down with Erika Wardle, an AYG client and Western University student, to talk about how much can change in one year when you stop guessing and start using the right strategy.

When Erika first connected with Adrienne through an AYG masterclass for Alpha Omicron Pi at Western, she was struggling with the transition from high school to university. She felt overwhelmed by readings, midterms, projects, exams, and the pressure of trying to figure it all out on her own.

Through AYG’s Limitless program, Erika learned how to organize her semester, study with intention, use readings as a real tool, and build systems that actually worked for her. Her grades started to turn around, but so did her confidence, friendships, self-trust, and standards for herself.

Erika shares how she went from feeling like she barely had a chance in first year to entering second year with structure, clarity, and excitement. She also opens up about learning resilience, choosing integrity, and recognizing when something in her life was no longer aligned.

If you are a student who feels behind, overwhelmed, or unsure how to succeed in university, this episode is a reminder that you do not have to figure it out alone. With the right support and strategy, things can change faster than you think.

What You’ll Learn ✔ How Erika adjusted from high school to university
✔ Why “studying hard” is not always the same as studying well
✔ How organization changed her academic results
✔ Why readings became a tool instead of a task
✔ How small strategy shifts helped turn her grades around
✔ Why honesty is key when asking for support
✔ How integrity shaped Erika’s confidence and decision-making
✔ Why resilience matters when one grade or setback feels overwhelming
✔ How AYG helped Erika build higher standards for school, friendships, and herself

Dr. Adrienne Shnier introduces the AYG Personal Statement Accelerator, a self-guided six-module program that helps students write a personal statement with strategy, clarity, and admissions committee insight. From uncovering your why to writing, editing, and submitting, this program helps students create a personal statement they feel confident about. Apply here!

Connect with Adrienne!

Looking for support with your graduate or professional school applications? Connect with us at Apply Yourself Global™! Email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal.

Ask the Expert

Have any questions on applications, success, test prep, and more? Send your questions us, or you can submit an audio file via Instagram DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne

💫 Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can complete your applications — with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Dr. Adrienne Shnier, an Admissions Committee Member. Book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about how AYG can help you Get In.💫

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In this episode of Success Unlocked, Dr. Adrienne Shnier sits down with Olivia, a former AYG client and team member, to talk about her journey from uncertainty and self-doubt to receiving 10 offers and completing her Master of Medical Science in Health Economics at Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm.

When Olivia first reached out to Adrienne, she did not feel like the “ideal candidate.” She questioned her experience, compared herself to others, and wondered why a top European medical university would choose her.

Through AYG’s Mastering Academic Applications program, Olivia learned how to reframe her story, advocate for herself, and build the strongest version of her own application. She also shares how the mindset, scheduling, and peak performance work she learned at AYG helped her once she was actually in the program.

From moving to Sweden to navigating a different education system to rewriting major parts of her thesis two weeks before the deadline, Olivia explains how she learned to stop panicking and start planning through pressure.

If you have ever questioned whether you belong in the room, this episode will remind you that you do not need to become someone else to succeed. You need the right strategy, the right support, and the confidence to move forward as yourself.

What You’ll Learn ✔ How Olivia went from self-doubt to 10 offers
✔ Why there is no single “ideal candidate”
✔ How to reframe your experience for stronger applications
✔ Why scarcity mindset can hold students back
✔ What Olivia learned from studying in Sweden
✔ How AYG’s mindset work supported her beyond acceptance
✔ The difference between pushing through pressure and planning through it
✔ Why doing hard things on purpose builds real confidence

Dr. Adrienne Shnier introduces the AYG Personal Statement Accelerator, a self-guided six-module program that helps students write a personal statement with strategy, clarity, and admissions committee insight. From uncovering your why to writing, editing, and submitting, this program helps students create a personal statement they feel confident about. Apply here!

Connect with Adrienne!

Looking for support with your graduate or professional school applications? Connect with us at Apply Yourself Global™! Email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal.

Ask the Expert

Have any questions on applications, success, test prep, and more? Send your questions us, or you can submit an audio file via Instagram DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne

💫 Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can complete your applications — with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Dr. Adrienne Shnier, an Admissions Committee Member. Book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about how AYG can help you Get In.💫

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In this episode of Success Unlocked, Dr. Adrienne Shnier shares the story behind Apply Yourself Global’s new office space and the bigger lesson it revealed about timing, strategy, intuition, and aligned action. After more than a year of looking for the right space, the opportunity appeared through one conversation, one brunch, and one unexpected recommendation. Within days, Adrienne knew it was the right move.

But this episode is not just about a new office. It is about what happens when the thing you are building does not need to feel forced.

Adrienne connects this story to the conversations she is having every day with students and parents who feel pressure around test dates, average or unsatisfactory grades, application timelines, and major academic decisions. She explains why the goal does not always need to change, but the approach often does. Sometimes, the shift is not about working harder, sacrificing more, or uprooting your entire life. Sometimes, it is about making one strategic adjustment that changes everything.

Through examples from AYG’s programs, including Mastering Academic Applications, Mastering Test Prep, The Success Society, Limitless, and Fast Track, Adrienne explains why strong support should make the process feel clearer, more efficient, and more aligned. The work is not about pushing students until their lives fall apart. It is about helping them move toward ambitious goals with the right guidance, the right structure, and a strategy that actually fits.

If you are studying for the LSAT, MCAT, or DAT, preparing your applications, trying to recover your grades, or wondering whether you are making the right next move, this episode will remind you that you do not have to force your way into the future you want.

What You’ll Learn

✔ Why forcing a decision can create more stress, confusion, and resistance
✔ How Adrienne’s new office space became a lesson in timing and aligned action
✔ Why the right opportunity often does not feel forced
✔ How one conversation can open the door to the next right move
✔ Why students do not always need to change the goal, but may need to change the approach
✔ How small study strategy shifts can create major academic improvement
✔ Why pushing harder is not always the answer in admissions, test prep, or school
✔ How AYG helps students move with clarity instead of overwhelm

Dr. Adrienne Shnier introduces the AYG Personal Statement Accelerator, a self-guided six-module program that helps students write a personal statement with strategy, clarity, and admissions committee insight. From uncovering your why to writing, editing, and submitting, this program helps students create a personal statement they feel confident about. Apply here!

Connect with Adrienne!

Looking for support with your graduate or professional school applications? Connect with us at Apply Yourself Global™! Email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal.

Ask the Expert

Have any questions on applications, success, test prep, and more? Send your questions us, or you can submit an audio file via Instagram DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne

💫 Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can complete your applications — with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Dr. Adrienne Shnier, an Admissions Committee Member. Book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about how AYG can help you Get In.💫

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In this episode of Success Unlocked, Dr. Adrienne Shnier invites students to think honestly about the next six months and what they want to create in that window. Whether you are preparing for the LSAT, MCAT, DAT, an application deadline, graduation, a career move, or a major personal goal, Adrienne breaks down why the way you move toward the goal matters just as much as the goal itself.

She explores one of the biggest mindset shifts students need to make: deciding what they want, releasing the pressure around how it has to happen, and learning to operate from the version of themselves who has already created the result. Instead of gripping tightly, forcing outcomes, or spiralling in insecurity, Adrienne explains how students can train themselves to replace thoughts rooted in fear, lack, and competition with thoughts that support confidence, clarity, and momentum.

This conversation goes beyond traditional admissions advice. Adrienne shares how this work shows up inside Mastering Academic Applications, Mastering Test Prep, and The Success Society, where students are supported not only in building strong applications and test prep strategies, but in becoming the person who can actually hold the outcome they want.

If you are feeling overwhelmed by deadlines, unsure about your next move, or stuck in the pressure of wanting something so badly that it feels hard to breathe, this episode will help you loosen the grip, reconnect with your goal, and take aligned action from a calmer, clearer place.

What You’ll Learn:

✔ Why the next six months can shape your application, test prep, career, or personal goals
✔ How to think about the version of yourself who has already created the result
✔ Why gripping too tightly to an outcome can create more stress, distance, and resistance
✔ What it means to set the goal, make the decision, and then release the pressure
✔ How insecurity, uncertainty, and lack can show up during the admissions process
✔ Why “just think positively” does not always work when you are stuck in negative thoughts
✔ How to replace fear-based thoughts with thoughts that support confidence and momentum
✔ Why your goal should become the filter for your decisions

Dr. Adrienne Shnier introduces the AYG Personal Statement Accelerator, a self-guided six-module program that helps students write a personal statement with strategy, clarity, and admissions committee insight. From uncovering your why to writing, editing, and submitting, this program helps students create a personal statement they feel confident about. Apply here!

Connect with Adrienne!

Looking for support with your graduate or professional school applications? Connect with us at Apply Yourself Global™! Email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal.

Ask the Expert

Have any questions on applications, success, test prep, and more? Send your questions us, or you can submit an audio file via Instagram DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne

💫 Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can complete your applications — with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Dr. Adrienne Shnier, an Admissions Committee Member. Book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about how AYG can help you Get In.💫

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In this episode of Success Unlocked, Dr. Adrienne Shnier sits down with Meera Joll, a former AYG client, fellow, and now Client Success Coordinator, for an honest conversation about what really happens behind the scenes at Apply Yourself Global. Meera shares her perspective from every angle: as a student who moved through the programs herself, as someone who now supports members inside the community, and as a team member who sees firsthand how mindset, mentorship, and real human connection shape the admissions journey.

Together, they unpack why the deepest application work starts long before you write a personal statement. From interrogating your self-image and letting go of unrealistic timelines to learning how to trust your own path, this conversation explores the emotional and strategic work that helps students stop performing and start becoming.

Adrienne and Meera also talk about what makes AYG different: genuine support, continuity, community access, and a level of care that does not end once a student gets accepted. They explore how coaching transforms not only applications, but also routines, confidence, personal accountability, and the way students move through every area of their lives.

If you have ever felt behind, overwhelmed by expectations, disconnected from your own goals, or unsure of how to write an application that reflects who you really are, this episode will remind you that success does not have to look like anyone else’s timeline.

This conversation is about more than admissions. It is about building a life that feels aligned, supported, and fully your own.

What You’ll Learn

✔ Why mindset work is essential to writing strong law school applications
✔ How self-image affects your writing, confidence, and decision-making
✔ Why doing the foundational emotional work leads to more authentic applications
✔ How to let go of pressure around age, timing, and unrealistic personal timelines
✔ Why success does not need to happen in one specific order
✔ The difference between individual coaching work and group community support
✔ How consistency, routine, and accountability create real personal growth
✔ Why admissions coaching should support the whole person, not just the application
✔ What makes a strong student community feel safe, honest, and transformative
✔ How Meera’s journey from client to fellow to team member reflects the depth of AYG’s impact
✔ Why students need support that continues beyond acceptance letters
✔ How real community helps students feel seen, supported, and never left behind

Dr. Adrienne Shnier introduces the AYG Personal Statement Accelerator, a self-guided six-module program that helps students write a personal statement with strategy, clarity, and admissions committee insight. From uncovering your why to writing, editing, and submitting, this program helps students create a personal statement they feel confident about. Apply here!

Connect with Adrienne!

Looking for support with your graduate or professional school applications? Connect with us at Apply Yourself Global™! Email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal.

Ask the Expert

Have any questions on applications, success, test prep, and more? Send your questions us, or you can submit an audio file via Instagram DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne

💫 Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can complete your applications — with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Dr. Adrienne Shnier, an Admissions Committee Member. Book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about how AYG can help you Get In.💫

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In this episode of Success Unlocked, Dr. Adrienne Shnier sits down with AYG client and team member Braeden Donnelly to talk about what it really looks like to apply to law school while balancing a full life. From university classes and extracurriculars to LSAT prep, application writing, and long-term career goals, Braeden shares how he learned to stop seeing the process as overwhelming and start seeing it as something that could work together.

They unpack one of the biggest myths pre-law students believe: that you need to put your life on hold, clear your schedule, or wait until the “perfect time” to apply. Instead, this conversation shows why your busiest season may actually be the richest source of material for a compelling law school application.

Adrienne and Braeden also dive into the deeper work behind personal statements, including how AYG helps students connect the dots between their experiences, clarify why law is truly the right path, and write from a place of confidence instead of desperation. They talk about the shift from trying to impress admissions committees to showing schools exactly why your perspective, experiences, and ideas belong there.

If you are trying to balance LSAT prep with school, wondering whether you are too busy to apply, or struggling to write a personal statement that actually sounds like you, this episode will give you a powerful new perspective.

This conversation is about more than getting into law school. It is about trusting the process, owning your story, and building the mindset that will carry you far beyond your acceptance.

What You’ll Learn ✔ Why being busy is not a reason to delay your law school application
✔ How extracurriculars, work, and real life experiences strengthen your candidacy
✔ Why law schools are building a community, not looking for one perfect type of student
✔ How to balance LSAT prep, school, and application writing at the same time
✔ Why scheduling is one of the most important parts of a successful application cycle
✔ How AYG helps students connect the dots in their story before they start drafting
✔ Why strong personal statements come from clarity, not cliché
✔ How to stop writing from a place of proving yourself and start writing from confidence
✔ Why authentic applications are more powerful than trying to sound impressive
✔ What it means to trust the process and stay all in on your future
✔ Why coaching and community still matter even after you get accepted
✔ How the law school application process can shape your identity, confidence, and long-term career vision

Dr. Adrienne Shnier introduces the AYG Personal Statement Accelerator, a self-guided six-module program that helps students write a personal statement with strategy, clarity, and admissions committee insight. From uncovering your why to writing, editing, and submitting, this program helps students create a personal statement they feel confident about. Apply here!

Connect with Adrienne!

Looking for support with your graduate or professional school applications? Connect with us at Apply Yourself Global™! Email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal.

Ask the Expert

Have any questions on applications, success, test prep, and more? Send your questions us, or you can submit an audio file via Instagram DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne

💫 Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can complete your applications — with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Dr. Adrienne Shnier, an Admissions Committee Member. Book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about how AYG can help you Get In.💫

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In this episode of Success Unlocked, Dr. Adrienne Shnier sits down with returning guest Maria Ramirez to talk about something most pre-law students struggle with but rarely name: intuition.

From second-guessing LSAT answers to overthinking personal statements, Maria shares how rebuilding her trust in herself transformed her law school application process. They dive into what it really means to trust your instincts, why so many students lose that trust, and how over-relying on Reddit, forums, or AI can quietly disconnect you from your own thinking.

If you’ve ever changed an LSAT answer at the last second and regretted it, questioned your personal statement voice, or wondered whether using AI will actually help you get into law school, this episode is for you.

This conversation goes beyond strategy. It is about identity, mindset, and becoming the version of yourself who can handle the process.

What You’ll Learn

✔ Why you keep second-guessing LSAT answers and how to stop
✔ How self-doubt impacts LSAT performance and retakes
✔ The difference between intuition and anxiety
✔ Why using AI for law school personal statements can weaken your application
✔ How to write a law school personal statement that actually sounds like you
✔ What it means to “trust your gut” in admissions decisions
✔ How mindset work improves both LSAT scores and application clarity
✔ Why over-consuming Reddit and TikTok advice increases application stress
✔ How rebuilding your intuition changes relationships, networking, and confidence
✔ What authentic law school materials really look like

Dr. Adrienne Shnier introduces the AYG Personal Statement Accelerator, a self-guided six-module program that helps students write a personal statement with strategy, clarity, and admissions committee insight. From uncovering your why to writing, editing, and submitting, this program helps students create a personal statement they feel confident about. Apply here!

Connect with Adrienne!

Looking for support with your graduate or professional school applications? Connect with us at Apply Yourself Global™! Email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal.

Ask the Expert

Have any questions on applications, success, test prep, and more? Send your questions us, or you can submit an audio file via Instagram DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne

💫 Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can complete your applications — with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Dr. Adrienne Shnier, an Admissions Committee Member. Book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about how AYG can help you Get In.💫

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In this special live episode of Success Unlocked, Dr. Adrienne Shnier sits down with Western Pre-Law Society for an honest and powerful fireside chat about law school, identity, comparison, and what it really takes to succeed.

Drawing on her experience as a lawyer, professor, admissions committee member, and Founder of Apply Yourself Global, Dr. Shnier shares what students should focus on and what they can safely ignore. From shutting out Reddit noise to protecting your peace, from building your “future you” to writing a personal statement that feels like a hell yes, this episode is a masterclass in internal clarity over external validation.

You will hear how Apply Yourself Global was born in a Starbucks, why AYG enforces a 100% non-competition policy, and how doing the internal work transforms not just applications, but identity.

If you have ever felt behind, overwhelmed, or unsure of your path, this episode will remind you of one truth: you already have everything you need. You just need to trust it.

What You’ll Learn

✔ Why comparison culture and Reddit advice create anxiety instead of clarity
✔ What “protect your peace” actually looks like during LSAT prep and applications
✔ How to stop explaining your path to people who do not understand it
✔ What “future you” means and how to use it to guide daily decisions
✔ Why you do not owe anyone updates about your scores, timelines, or plans
✔ How personal statements become powerful when you connect past, present, and future
✔ Why doing things you love is more important than stacking “impressive” experiences
✔ The truth about admissions myths and what schools really care about
✔ How habits in daily life translate directly into academic and professional success
✔ Why learning to trust yourself can collapse five years of growth into one

Dr. Adrienne Shnier introduces the AYG Personal Statement Accelerator, a self-guided six-module program that helps students write a personal statement with strategy, clarity, and admissions committee insight. From uncovering your why to writing, editing, and submitting, this program helps students create a personal statement they feel confident about. Apply here!

Connect with Adrienne!

Looking for support with your graduate or professional school applications? Connect with us at Apply Yourself Global™! Email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal.

Ask the Expert

Have any questions on applications, success, test prep, and more? Send your questions us, or you can submit an audio file via Instagram DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne

💫 Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can complete your applications — with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Dr. Adrienne Shnier, an Admissions Committee Member. Book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about how AYG can help you Get In.💫

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In this episode of Success Unlocked, Dr. Adrienne Shnier sits down with Cassie Soares, a fourth-year sociology student at McMaster University and AYG member, for an honest conversation about anxiety, self-worth, and what it truly means to succeed on the pre-law path.

Cassie reflects on who she was before joining AYG, overwhelmed, anxious, and constantly searching for answers online, and how having real guidance and community support changed everything. From breaking free from Reddit and comparison culture, to adopting a powerful “so what” mindset, Cassie shares how support, strategy, and trust allowed her to release shame, slow down, and reconnect with herself.

This episode dives deep into redefining hard work, separating identity from numbers, and understanding that getting into law school is not the end goal, but one step toward building a life aligned with your values and vision. It’s a raw, reflective conversation about growth, becoming, and learning to trust yourself through uncertainty.

What You’ll Learn

✔ What Cassie felt like before joining AYG, and why anxiety was running the show
✔ Why Reddit, comparison culture, and constant Googling made things worse
✔ How real guidance and answered questions created calm, clarity, and confidence
✔ What the “so what” mindset actually means and why it comes from support, not apathy
✔ How letting go of shame around LSAT rewrites, timelines, and expectations changed everything
✔ Why separating self-worth from numbers was a turning point in Cassie’s growth
✔ How community support, coaching calls, and real-time check-ins created stability during LSAT prep
✔ Why getting into law school is not the finish line, but a step toward a bigger vision
✔ How imagining life beyond acceptance changes how you show up today
✔ Why becoming the person who can handle the journey matters more than rushing the outcome
✔ What Cassie would tell her past self about perfection, pressure, and personal value

Dr. Adrienne Shnier introduces the AYG Personal Statement Accelerator, a self-guided six-module program that helps students write a personal statement with strategy, clarity, and admissions committee insight. From uncovering your why to writing, editing, and submitting, this program helps students create a personal statement they feel confident about. Apply here!

Connect with Adrienne!

Looking for support with your graduate or professional school applications? Connect with us at Apply Yourself Global™! Email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal.

Ask the Expert

Have any questions on applications, success, test prep, and more? Send your questions us, or you can submit an audio file via Instagram DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne

💫 Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can complete your applications — with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Dr. Adrienne Shnier, an Admissions Committee Member. Book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about how AYG can help you Get In.💫

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In this episode of Success Unlocked, Dr. Adrienne Shnier sits down with Ella Holliday, President of Phi Alpha Delta at the University of Kentucky, to talk about confidence, self-image, and what real support looks like on the pre-law path.

Ella shares how a single workshop at the Phi Alpha Delta National Conference shifted her entire mindset around law school applications, personal statements, and self-worth. From moving away from checklist thinking to understanding that she gets to choose her law school as much as they choose her, Ella reflects on how clarity and self-trust transformed how she approaches conversations, networking, and her future.

This episode explores the gaps in traditional law school support systems, the importance of direction over pressure, and how valuing your experiences can completely change how you show up as an applicant and as a person. It’s an honest, encouraging conversation about slowing down, taking things one step at a time, and building confidence before the application even begins.

What You’ll Learn

✔ How Ella’s mindset shifted after attending a personal statement workshop at the Phi Alpha Delta National Conference
✔ Why moving from “what do they want from me?” to “what do I have to offer?” changed everything
✔ How clarity and self-image affect networking, applications, and professional conversations
✔ Why law school applications feel lonely for so many students and what support is often missing
✔ The difference between checklist-based advice and real strategy
✔ How to approach law school one step at a time without overwhelming yourself
✔ Why valuing your experiences matters more than trying to impress admissions committees
✔ How confidence plays a role in applying for scholarships and believing you deserve them
✔ What it means to separate your personal value from your achievements
✔ Why community, mentorship, and alignment matter in long-term success

Dr. Adrienne Shnier introduces the AYG Personal Statement Accelerator, a self-guided six-module program that helps students write a personal statement with strategy, clarity, and admissions committee insight. From uncovering your why to writing, editing, and submitting, this program helps students create a personal statement they feel confident about. Apply here!

Connect with Adrienne!

Looking for support with your graduate or professional school applications? Connect with us at Apply Yourself Global™! Email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal.

Ask the Expert

Have any questions on applications, success, test prep, and more? Send your questions us, or you can submit an audio file via Instagram DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne

💫 Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can complete your applications — with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Dr. Adrienne Shnier, an Admissions Committee Member. Book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about how AYG can help you Get In.💫

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In this episode of Success Unlocked, Dr. Adrienne sits down with Olivia, a standout AYG member who has completed every one of our programs and experienced life changing growth along the way. From overcoming hesitation to fully committing to her applications, to discovering her self worth on the Blue Couch, to reshaping her definition of hard work, Olivia opens up about the mindset breakthroughs that shifted everything for her.

She shares how she went from feeling uncertain about her abilities to building a powerful Five Year Vision, valuing her experiences, submitting competitive applications, and becoming a thriving member of the AYG community. If you’ve ever wondered what it truly feels like to be supported at every level while elevating your life, this episode gives you a firsthand look inside the AYG student experience.

What You’ll Learn:

✔ How Olivia decided to finally start AYG after months of hesitation and why she says she wishes she had joined sooner
✔ What it’s really like to sit on the Blue Couch, answer deep questions, and uncover the stories and value in your life
✔ Why “valuing your experience” became a mindset shift that changed her confidence, self image, and ability to speak about her achievements
✔ How she built a Five Year Vision from vague ideas, mapped her goals with Adrienne, and connected them to her lived experiences
✔ The difference between grinding and real hard work and how AYG reshaped her understanding of discipline, consistency, and self care
✔ How Success Society (TSS) creates mindset shifts weekly and why it became her favorite hour for support and personal elevation
✔ What it’s like inside the AYG community and WhatsApp group, where members share wins, humor, support, and even earplug recommendations
✔ Why she chose to stay with AYG after submitting her applications and how the membership continues to elevate her performance and daily life

Dr. Adrienne Shnier introduces the AYG Personal Statement Accelerator, a self-guided six-module program that helps students write a personal statement with strategy, clarity, and admissions committee insight. From uncovering your why to writing, editing, and submitting, this program helps students create a personal statement they feel confident about. Apply here!

Connect with Adrienne!

Looking for support with your graduate or professional school applications? Connect with us at Apply Yourself Global™! Email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal.

Ask the Expert

Have any questions on applications, success, test prep, and more? Send your questions us, or you can submit an audio file via Instagram DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne

💫 Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can complete your applications — with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Dr. Adrienne Shnier, an Admissions Committee Member. Book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about how AYG can help you Get In.💫

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In this powerful episode of Success Unlocked, Dr. Adrienne sits down with Salma, a full-time U of T student, competitive dancer, multi-job employee, and LSAT test taker who completely transformed her mindset, confidence, schedule, relationships, and self-worth in just seven months inside AYG.

Salma shares what it was like to enter AYG exhausted, uncertain, and overwhelmed by external pressure, and how shifting her internal narrative changed everything. From breaking free of perfectionism to eliminating self-imposed struggle, to becoming her own role model, to writing law school applications she felt so aligned with she said, “I read this and I see a law student, not an applicant.” Her journey is a testament to what happens when you stop trying to “earn” stress and instead step fully into the identity of someone who gets in.

If you’ve ever wondered what true mindset elevation looks like during an admissions cycle, this episode is a masterclass.

What You’ll Learn:

✔ How Salma balanced academics, LSAT prep, dance, multiple jobs, and personal life without burning out
✔ Why she said AYG is nothing like other programs, and how the focus on personal elevation changed her outcomes
✔ How shifting from “Can I get in?” to “I’m in.” transformed her daily habits and stress levels
✔ How she stopped creating unnecessary difficulty and allowed the process to feel correct
✔ The moment she realized she had become her own role model
✔ How valuing herself reshaped her relationships, boundaries, and decisions
✔ Why her room is now covered with Adrienne quotes and mindset reminders
✔ How LSAT reading comprehension helped her ace a real-world job interview
✔ Why the AYG community felt safe, supportive, and non-competitive
✔ Her biggest takeaway: becoming the person who will build her dream life

Dr. Adrienne Shnier introduces the AYG Personal Statement Accelerator, a self-guided six-module program that helps students write a personal statement with strategy, clarity, and admissions committee insight. From uncovering your why to writing, editing, and submitting, this program helps students create a personal statement they feel confident about. Apply here!

Connect with Adrienne!

Looking for support with your graduate or professional school applications? Connect with us at Apply Yourself Global™! Email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal.

Ask the Expert

Have any questions on applications, success, test prep, and more? Send your questions us, or you can submit an audio file via Instagram DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne

💫 Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can complete your applications — with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Dr. Adrienne Shnier, an Admissions Committee Member. Book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about how AYG can help you Get In.💫

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In this inspiring episode of Success Unlocked, Dr. Adrienne Shnier sits down with Elena Pampaloni, a Master’s student at McMaster University in Biomedical Innovation and Apply Yourself Global (AYG) client, to share her journey from uncertainty to empowerment in her medical school application process.

Elena opens up about her MCAT experience, the stress of conflicting advice online, and how joining AYG helped her find structure, mindset, and support she couldn’t find anywhere else. From learning to trust the process, to mastering her ABS sketch, to developing what she calls a “noise-canceling mindset,” Elena’s transformation shows what’s possible when students combine hard work with personalized coaching and community.

What You’ll Learn
✔ How to turn confusion and overwhelm into clarity and confidence
✔ Why personalized support leads to stronger applications and less stress
✔ How to approach your MCAT prep with structure, strategy, and balance
✔ Why mindset work is essential to cancel out comparison and competition
✔ How to create standout reference letters and materials that reflect who you are
✔ The importance of learning skills that last beyond one application cycle
✔ How AYG’s integrated coaching helps students achieve more with less burnout

Dr. Adrienne Shnier introduces the AYG Personal Statement Accelerator, a self-guided six-module program that helps students write a personal statement with strategy, clarity, and admissions committee insight. From uncovering your why to writing, editing, and submitting, this program helps students create a personal statement they feel confident about. Apply here!

Connect with Adrienne!

Looking for support with your graduate or professional school applications? Connect with us at Apply Yourself Global™! Email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal.

Ask the Expert

Have any questions on applications, success, test prep, and more? Send your questions us, or you can submit an audio file via Instagram DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne

💫 Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can complete your applications — with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Dr. Adrienne Shnier, an Admissions Committee Member. Book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about how AYG can help you Get In.💫

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In this empowering episode of Success Unlocked, Dr. Adrienne Shnier sits down with Katherine Switt, a fourth-year Medical Sciences student at Western University and AYG client, to unpack her transformation from stress and self-doubt to confidence and clarity.

Katherine shares how she went from burnout and frustration with “big box” prep programs to finding focus, balance, and joy in her MCAT prep through Apply Yourself Global’s one-on-one coaching and mindset work. From the blue couch moment that changed everything to mastering efficient scheduling and reframing success, Katherine’s story shows that it’s not just about studying harder; it’s about studying smarter and believing you can do hard things.

What You’ll Learn

✔ Why mindset, not just content, makes or breaks your MCAT prep
✔ How personalized coaching and structure reduce stress and burnout
✔ Why “balance” is the real key to long-term academic success
✔ The difference between memorizing and actually learning
✔ How to turn anxiety into confidence and reclaim joy in the process
✔ The power of defining your North Star and creating a life beyond the goal
✔ Why the AYG approach helps students achieve more with less overwhelm

Dr. Adrienne Shnier introduces the AYG Personal Statement Accelerator, a self-guided six-module program that helps students write a personal statement with strategy, clarity, and admissions committee insight. From uncovering your why to writing, editing, and submitting, this program helps students create a personal statement they feel confident about. Apply here!

Connect with Adrienne!

Looking for support with your graduate or professional school applications? Connect with us at Apply Yourself Global™! Email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal.

Ask the Expert

Have any questions on applications, success, test prep, and more? Send your questions us, or you can submit an audio file via Instagram DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne

💫 Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can complete your applications — with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Dr. Adrienne Shnier, an Admissions Committee Member. Book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about how AYG can help you Get In.💫

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In this inspiring episode of Success Unlocked, Dr. Adrienne Shnier sits down with Sanjna Sohal, an Apply Yourself Global (AYG) client who went from deep self-doubt and fear of failure to becoming a first-year law student at the University of Ottawa.

Sanjna opens up about her mental health struggles, her initial LSAT challenges, and the belief that “it could never be me.” Together, she and Dr. Shnier revisit the moments that changed everything, from a 22-point increase on the LSAT to discovering her “why” through deeply personal application coaching.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re “enough” to get in, this episode proves that you are.

What You’ll Learn

✔ Why not having legal experience doesn’t disqualify you from law school
✔ How coaching helps students uncover their “why” and turn it into powerful applications
✔ The truth about retaking the LSAT, and how Sanjna improved by 22 points in six months
✔ How the AYG community removes competition and comparison to build confidence
✔ Why personal discomfort can lead to the strongest personal statements
✔ What to do when you can’t see success for yourself (and how to borrow belief until you can)
✔ The mindset shifts that turn fear of failure into action and results

Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission is now open for you to complete your applications in 12-weeks! With live coaching, you develop your applications & gain insights into your applications processes like never before. Join us now using this link to enroll!

Connect with Adrienne!

Looking for support with your graduate or professional school applications? Connect with us at Apply Yourself Global™! Email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal.

Ask the Expert

Have any questions on applications, success, test prep, and more? Send your questions us, or you can submit an audio file via Instagram DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne

💫 Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can complete your applications — with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Dr. Adrienne Shnier, an Admissions Committee Member. Book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about how AYG can help you Get In.💫

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In this special episode of Success Unlocked, Dr. Adrienne Shnier sits down with Katie Gibbs, Deputy Director of Phi Alpha Delta Fraternity (PAD), and LaShatá Grayson, PAD’s Director of Training and Growth, to discuss the shared mission that brought Apply Yourself Global (AYG) and PAD together. The conversation explores community over competition, equity in legal education, and the power of coaching students toward success, academically, professionally, and personally.

Together, they reveal how this partnership is transforming the way pre-law students approach applications, mental health, and leadership through PAD’s upcoming Pre-Law Conference, where AYG will present two key workshops: The Perfect Personal Statement and Mental Health in the Application Process.

What You’ll Learn

✔ The origins of PAD and how it became a “fraternity of firsts” in the legal world
✔ Why AYG and PAD’s missions align around service, integrity, and authentic community
✔ How AYG’s coaching approach helps students shift from fear and competition to clarity and confidence
✔ What students can expect from the 2025 PAD Pre-Law Conference: including networking, mock trials, and workshops with AYG
✔ How to craft personal statements that stand out by embracing your lived experience
✔ Why mental health, mindset, and sustainability are non-negotiables for success
✔ Dr. Adrienne’s personal story of “unlearning competition” and building Apply Yourself on a foundation of care and community

Resources Mentioned

Phi Alpha Delta Fraternity (PAD.org) : Learn more about membership and the upcoming Pre-Law Conference
Apply Yourself Global (AYG) : Explore AYG coaching programs and Mastering Academic Applications

Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission is now open for you to complete your applications in 12-weeks! With live coaching, you develop your applications & gain insights into your applications processes like never before. Join us now using this link to enroll!

Connect with Adrienne!

Looking for support with your graduate or professional school applications? Connect with us at Apply Yourself Global™! Email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal.

Ask the Expert

Have any questions on applications, success, test prep, and more? Send your questions us, or you can submit an audio file via Instagram DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne

💫 Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can complete your applications — with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Dr. Adrienne Shnier, an Admissions Committee Member. Book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about how AYG can help you Get In.💫

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In this episode of Success Unlocked, Dr. Adrienne Shnier is joined by Ryan Elmhirst, an LSAT coach at Apply Yourself Global and a current law student at UBC Allard Law. Ryan scored an incredible 176 on his first LSAT attempt, and he didn’t do it by studying 10 hours a day or burning out.

In this honest and motivating episode, Adrienne and Ryan dive deep into what actually works when it comes to LSAT prep. From blind review strategies to mindset shifts to why less (but smarter) studying leads to better results.

Whether you’re just getting started or feeling stuck in your prep, this is the mindset and method reset you didn’t know you needed.

What You’ll Learn:

How Ryan scored 176 on his first try without full-time studying
Why blind review is the most efficient strategy you're not using
How to build confidence by learning how the LSAT “thinks”
Why studying for 10+ hours a day actually works against you
The real impact of sleep, mindset, and time off on your test score
How AYG coaching helps you personalize your prep and avoid burnout
What to do if you haven’t written your diagnostic yet (and still want to start coaching)
Ryan’s best advice for nervous first-timers: take it slow, and stay consistent

Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission is now open for you to complete your applications in 12-weeks! With live coaching, you develop your applications & gain insights into your applications processes like never before. Join us now using this link to enroll!

Connect with Adrienne!

Looking for support with your graduate or professional school applications? Connect with us at Apply Yourself Global™! Email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal.

Ask the Expert

Have any questions on applications, success, test prep, and more? Send your questions us, or you can submit an audio file via Instagram DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne

💫 Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can complete your applications — with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Dr. Adrienne Shnier, an Admissions Committee Member. Book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about how AYG can help you Get In.💫

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In this episode of Success Unlocked, Dr. Adrienne Shnier debunks one of the biggest lies students tell themselves: “I just can’t focus.”

Drawing on her research in pharmaceutical regulation, her years of teaching and coaching, and real-life client experiences, Adrienne shares why most students who struggle with focus are not broken; they’re just overwhelmed by a world that never stops buzzing.

This episode offers a fresh (and compassionate) reframe of focus as a skill you can build - without medication, side effects, or shame. If you’re tired of feeling scattered and want to reclaim your attention, this one’s for you.

What You’ll Learn:

Why most students aren’t actually struggling with focus; they’re struggling with overstimulation
The true cost of 10+ years of nonstop notifications on your brain
How Adrienne’s own academic journey changed once she added email to her phone
What Big Pharma doesn’t want you to know about “focus drugs”
The dangerous normalization of prescription sharing in university settings
Why it’s time to stop blaming yourself and start retraining your brain
How Apply Yourself teaches students to build real focus (without burnout or side effects)
One question to ask yourself next time your phone buzzes while you’re thinking

Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission is now open for you to complete your applications in 12-weeks! With live coaching, you develop your applications & gain insights into your applications processes like never before. Join us now using this link to enroll!

Connect with Adrienne!

Looking for support with your graduate or professional school applications? Connect with us at Apply Yourself Global™! Email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal.

Ask the Expert

Have any questions on applications, success, test prep, and more? Send your questions us, or you can submit an audio file via Instagram DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne

💫 Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can complete your applications — with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Dr. Adrienne Shnier, an Admissions Committee Member. Book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about how AYG can help you Get In.💫

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When it comes to LSAT, MCAT, and other standardized test prep, most students fall into the same trap: drill, drill, drill… and still not see the results they want. In this episode of Success Unlocked, Dr. Adrienne Shnier breaks down why drilling alone isn’t enough and how to study smarter with a holistic, proven strategy.

Adrienne shares the pitfalls of relying on big-box test prep apps and companies that treat students like numbers, and explains why foundations days, review strategies, and customized schedules are the real game changers. You’ll learn how Apply Yourself Global clients see 17–34 point LSAT increases and major MCAT jumps in just a few months, without burnout or wasted time.

What You’ll Learn:

Why drilling alone keeps you stuck in information overload
How foundations days build lasting results
The difference between “just numbers” and true strategy
How a customized schedule can transform your prep and confidence

If you’re tired of feeling like a number and ready for a strategy that actually works, this episode is your roadmap to peak performance.

Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission is now open for you to complete your applications in 12-weeks! With live coaching, you develop your applications & gain insights into your applications processes like never before. Join us now using this link to enroll!

Connect with Adrienne!

Looking for support with your graduate or professional school applications? Connect with us at Apply Yourself Global™! Email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal.

Ask the Expert

Have any questions on applications, success, test prep, and more? Send your questions us, or you can submit an audio file via Instagram DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne

💫 Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can complete your applications — with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Dr. Adrienne Shnier, an Admissions Committee Member. Book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about how AYG can help you Get In.💫

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Application season isn’t just about deadlines; it’s about strategy, clarity, and knowing how to use your time wisely. In this episode, Dr. Adrienne Shnier pulls back the curtain on what really matters when you’re applying to law school, medical school, graduate programs, and beyond.

From figuring out your “why” to mapping out your experiences, Adrienne explains why written materials are just as critical as test scores, and how most applicants underestimate the time it takes to craft them. She shares personal stories from her own application journey (including why she recycled unopened med school letters!) and warns against falling for cookie-cutter consulting services that don’t deliver real strategy.

You’ll learn how to:

Build a timeline that actually works for you (not Google, not TikTok, not AI)
Highlight experiences, even those from before high school, in a way that resonates
Avoid burnout while balancing school, work, and life
Spot the red flags of ineffective coaching and empty promises

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by applications or unsure how to juggle it all, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to move forward with a plan tailored to you.

Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission is now open for you to complete your applications in 12-weeks! With live coaching, you develop your applications & gain insights into your applications processes like never before. Join us now using this link to enroll!

Connect with Adrienne!

Looking for support with your graduate or professional school applications? Connect with us at Apply Yourself Global™! Email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal.

Ask the Expert

Have any questions on applications, success, test prep, and more? Send your questions us, or you can submit an audio file via Instagram DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne

💫 Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can complete your applications — with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Dr. Adrienne Shnier, an Admissions Committee Member. Book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about how AYG can help you Get In.💫

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In this powerful episode of Success Unlocked, Dr. Adrienne Shnier sits down with Apply Yourself Global client Maria Ramirez to talk about something most people avoid: what happens when you don’t get in.

Maria shares her raw and honest journey of reapplying to law school, how skipping seemingly “small” steps in her application process led to burnout, and how rebuilding from the inside out, from mindset to strategy, completely changed the way she now shows up in her work, her life, and her LSAT prep.

From tough love and sticky notes to international conferences and massive mindset shifts, Maria opens up about the power of community, coaching, and trusting your own timing.

What You’ll Learn:

Why skipping the “small stuff” in your application can cost you big
How mindset coaching helped Maria overcome imposter syndrome
The importance of community when you feel like you’re falling behind
How Maria changed her LSAT prep (and her score) by changing her mindset
The exact strategy she used to rebuild her confidence, step by step
Why “slow is smooth, and smooth is fast” is your new application mantra

Episode Chapters:

00:00 – Meet Maria: From Philosophy to Law School Dreams
02:57 – Owning the Reapplication Journey (Without Shame)
05:31 – What Happens When You Skip Steps in Your Application
14:20 – Building a Better ABS, Starting with a Strong CV
15:17 – The Role of the Success Society and Mindset Coaching
25:07 – Building Networks and Making Her Own Opportunities
30:35 – Why Applications Are Just the Beginning
34:23 – How Mindset Protects You from Burnout and Self-Sabotage
36:51 – No More Googling: Ditching the Forums and Bad Advice
39:05 – LSAT Round One vs. Round Two: The Full Contrast
44:29 – Coaching That Helps You Rewrite Your Inner Narrative
52:41 – Maria’s Mom’s Advice: Nobody Cares How Many LSATs You Took
56:00 – Coaching Calls as Non-Negotiables
57:13 – Gratitude, Growth, and Getting In (The Long Way is the Strong Way)

Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission is now open for you to complete your applications in 12-weeks! With live coaching, you develop your applications & gain insights into your applications processes like never before. Join us now using this link to enroll!

Connect with Adrienne!

Looking for support with your graduate or professional school applications? Connect with us at Apply Yourself Global™! Email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal.

Ask the Expert

Have any questions on applications, success, test prep, and more? Send your questions us, or you can submit an audio file via Instagram DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne

💫 Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can complete your applications — with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Dr. Adrienne Shnier, an Admissions Committee Member. Book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about how AYG can help you Get In.💫

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In this solo episode of Success Unlocked, Dr. Adrienne Shnier gets real about why summer is your most underused advantage when it comes to academic success, test prep, and application strategy.

From unplugging in Portugal to building hell yes applications that don’t rely on pressure or AI, Adrienne walks you through exactly what to do now to get ahead, before deadlines, burnout, and self-doubt take over.

This episode is both an invitation and a roadmap: to stop cramming, start building, and take your future seriously, with joy, clarity, and intention.

What You’ll Learn:

Why summer is the best time to work on your goals, not just your tan
How procrastination is a symptom, not a personality trait
The truth about AI and why it can’t write your application for you
How early preparation leads to better writing, scores, and confidence
Why Adrienne and the AYG team don’t do cookie-cutter or cramming
How to build real momentum before September hits
What admissions committees are really looking for (and how they spot last-minute work)
Why your future self will thank you for starting now, not later

Episode Chapters:

00:00 - Feel Good First: Why Joy Helps You Achieve More
06:05 – What’s Your “Portugal”? Finding Summer Joy
07:00 – Why “Just Read Ahead” Isn’t Strategic
09:40 – Summer = Strategic Advantage (Not Dead Time)
10:20 – Why You’re Not Procrastinating - You’re Just Missing Info
13:26 – The Value of Starting 6–12 Months Early
15:01 – The AI Myth: Why It Can’t Replace You19:41 – Why Cookie-Cutter Schedules Fail
21:12 – Adrienne’s Neuropsych Background + Smart Study Design
21:33 – What Happens If You Start Today?
22:35 – What Happens If You Don’t? (Burnout, Regret, and More)
23:26 – The Downward Spiral of Last-Minute Work
24:17 – Why You Must Write from Your Best Self
25:30 – Getting In Is Just the Beginning
26:26 – Adrienne’s Unmatched Success Rate + Insider Knowledge
27:01 – Book a Call, Use Code “HELL YES”
28:29 – Weekly Live Coaching: Here’s When & Where
29:00 – Final Call: Don’t Wait for Life to Slow Down -Start Now

Tune in now to reframe your summer, unlock your potential, and build the life and career you’re dreaming about, one strategic step at a time.

Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission is now open for you to complete your applications in 12-weeks! With live coaching, you develop your applications & gain insights into your applications processes like never before. Join us now using this link to enroll!

Connect with Adrienne!

Looking for support with your graduate or professional school applications? Connect with us at Apply Yourself Global™! Email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal.

Ask the Expert

Have any questions on applications, success, test prep, and more? Send your questions us, or you can submit an audio file via Instagram DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne

💫 Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can complete your applications — with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Dr. Adrienne Shnier, an Admissions Committee Member. Book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about how AYG can help you Get In.💫

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In this Success Unlocked episode, Dr. Adrienne Shnier sits down with Osgoode Hall JD/MBA student and Apply Yourself LSAT Coach Syed Reza for a refreshingly real and inspiring convo on what it actually takes to crush the LSAT, navigate law school admissions, and build the mindset that turns stress into strategy.

From outdoor classes at York University to coaching future law students, Syed shares how his non-linear path, his boxing background, and his passion for growth helped him flip the script on self-doubt and impostor syndrome.

Together, Adrienne and Syed unpack how to use discomfort for growth, how not to burn out with test prep, and why believing you are enough is the most underrated strategy of all. This episode is your masterclass in planning, persistence, and power moves.

What You’ll Learn:

Why LSAT prep is more like athletic training than you think
The #1 mistake students make when studying (and what to do instead)
How mindset, habits, and consistency carry your score further than you realize
Why different resources work for different learners - and that’s a good thing
How to avoid burnout and study smarter (not longer)
What Syed wishes he knew before his first sitting
Why coaching isn’t a luxury - it’s a strategy
How to treat your prep like a fight camp (seriously—it works)

Episode Chapters:0:00 – Meet Syed Reza: From Student to Coach
1:47 – JD/MBA Decisions and Life at Osgoode
2:52 – Why Syed Chose AYG (and What He Wishes He Had Sooner)
5:42 – The Start of the LSAT Journey: It Wasn’t Linear
8:59 – Ditch the Perfectionism: Study What Works for YOU
11:33 – You Can’t Learn Everything—But You Can Learn What Matters
13:20 – Failures, Frustrations, and Nonlinear Growth
16:42 – Enjoying the Prep (Yes, Really)
19:28 – Why LSAT Skills Stay With You
21:59 – You Don’t Need to Do This Alone: Coaches Matter
28:31 – Productivity > Panic: Study Smarter
30:26 – You’re Not Just Studying. You’re Becoming31:40 – The Boxing Analogy: Train Like an Athlete
38:47 – Fake the Fascination
41:36 – Syed’s Biggest Tip: Tackle What’s Right in Front of You
46:00 – From Future Self to Present You: You Are Enough

Tune in now to hear how Syed trained his brain, found his rhythm and got into one of the country’s top law schools - with his passion, purpose, and posture intact.

Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission is now open for you to complete your applications in 12-weeks! With live coaching, you develop your applications & gain insights into your applications processes like never before. Join us now using this link to enroll!

Connect with Adrienne!

Looking for support with your graduate or professional school applications? Connect with us at Apply Yourself Global™! Email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal.

Ask the Expert

Have any questions on applications, success, test prep, and more? Send your questions us, or you can submit an audio file via Instagram DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne

💫 Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can complete your applications — with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Dr. Adrienne Shnier, an Admissions Committee Member. Book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about how AYG can help you Get In.💫

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In this honest episode of Success Unlocked, Dr. Adrienne Shnier chats with the talented Sarah Baughan, an artist at heart who once thought her creative side didn’t belong in the world of law. (Spoiler: it does. And it got her in.)

Sarah walks us through her journey from feeling completely directionless to landing multiple law school acceptances. She shares the exact mindset shifts that helped her stop hiding the parts of herself she thought didn’t “fit,” and how early preparation, and a whole lot of self-reflection, turned everything around.

This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt like they don’t belong in the room, like they have to trade their passions for professionalism, or like law school is only for a certain “type” of student. Sarah proves that your background isn’t baggage, it’s your edge.

What You’ll Learn:

Why your non-traditional background can set you apart
How to stop editing yourself out of your own story
Why authenticity in applications = actual results
The power of a five-year vision (and seeing yourself in it)
What it looks like to go from unsure to unstoppable
How to use writing as a confidence-building tool
Why early prep changes everything, especially your mindset

Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to Sarah's Journey
02:50 – Navigating the Law School Application Process
06:03 – Embracing Authenticity in Applications
08:59 – The Power of Self-Discovery
12:09 – Celebrating Acceptances and Achievements
15:02 – Building Confidence Through Writing
17:56 – The Impact of Arts on Legal Aspirations
21:04 – The Importance of Early Preparation
23:49 – Reflecting on the Journey and Future Goals

Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission is now open for you to complete your applications in 12-weeks! With live coaching, you develop your applications & gain insights into your applications processes like never before. Join us now using this link to enroll!

Connect with Adrienne!

Looking for support with your graduate or professional school applications? Connect with us at Apply Yourself Global™! Email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal.

Ask the Expert

Have any questions on applications, success, test prep, and more? Send your questions us, or you can submit an audio file via Instagram DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne

💫 Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can complete your applications — with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Dr. Adrienne Shnier, an Admissions Committee Member. Book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about how AYG can help you Get In.💫

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In this solo episode of Success Unlocked, Dr. Adrienne Shnier is pulling back the curtain on one of the biggest application mistakes out there: being too polished and not personal enough. If your application reads like a LinkedIn post from 2016, it’s time for a rewrite.

Adrienne walks you through how to write with authenticity, purpose, and actual strategy because generic won’t get you in. From turning real-life experiences into compelling narratives to using language that makes your story come alive, this episode is your no-BS guide to standing out on paper and owning your path forward.

Whether you’re struggling with your personal statement, second-guessing your story, or just don’t know where to start, consider this your permission slip to get real, get reflective, and get RESULTS.

What You’ll Learn (and actually use):

Why authenticity > perfection every single time
How to write like a human, not a robot
What admissions committees really want to see in your personal statement
How to link your experiences to your mission (and future goals)
Why active, specific language shows leadership
What makes a letter of recommendation unforgettable
The mindset shift that changes your entire application game

Timestamps:

00:00 – Unlocking Authenticity in Applications
03:01 – The Importance of Personal Connection
05:49 – Crafting Your Unique Narrative
08:59 – Demonstrating Passion and Impact
11:55 – Mindset and Strategy for Success

Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission is now open for you to complete your applications in 12-weeks! With live coaching, you develop your applications & gain insights into your applications processes like never before. Join us now using this link to enroll!

Connect with Adrienne!

Looking for support with your graduate or professional school applications? Connect with us at Apply Yourself Global™! Email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal.

Ask the Expert

Have any questions on applications, success, test prep, and more? Send your questions us, or you can submit an audio file via Instagram DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne

💫 Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can complete your applications — with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Dr. Adrienne Shnier, an Admissions Committee Member. Book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about how AYG can help you Get In.💫

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In this real-talk episode of Success Unlocked, Dr. Adrienne Shnier sits down with the brilliant (and now Osgoode Law School–bound) Veronica D’Ambrosio to talk about everything the highlight reel doesn’t show. Spoiler: getting into Osgoode isn’t just about a perfect LSAT score; it’s about mindset, accountability, and doing the inner work no one tells you about.

Veronica opens up about what it takes to get in - from managing the anxiety of “the unknown,” to resisting the urge to compare yourself to every other overachiever online. She shares how travel became self-care, why she stopped chasing gold stars, and how the Apply Yourself Global program gave her structure, clarity, and a whole new kind of confidence.

This episode is your reminder that you don’t need to be perfect; you just need to be honest, consistent, and strategic. And yes, you can do hard things (like getting into one of the top law schools in the country) without burning out.

If you're in the thick of applications, this one’s your permission slip to stop spiraling and start owning your story.

What You’ll Learn:

Why starting early isn’t just smart - it’s your secret weapon
How to stop making everything feel like punishment and start using rewards as motivation
Why authenticity > copy-paste personal statements (every single time)
What to do when comparison kicks in and your confidence tanks
The underrated power of having actual support instead of relying on Reddit threads
How to lean into structure and coaching calls so you don’t lose steam
Why your “why” matters more than your scores
The truth: You don’t need to do this alone, and you shouldn’t

Timestamps: 00:00 – Veronica’s Journey: Real, raw, and unfiltered
02:35 – Why Travel Is More Than Just a Break
06:43 – Reward vs. Necessity: The Mindset Shift That Changed Everything
07:45 – The Anxiety of the Unknown (and how to stop spiraling)
11:15 – Starting Early: Not Optional
15:37 – Inside the Program: Structure That Actually Works
20:53 – Building a Community That Gets It
23:59 – Accountability Calls: Yes, You Need Them
25:09 – Reflections That Change Your Trajectory
25:56 – Finding Your Why (and owning it)
32:03 – No One Cares About Perfect—Be Authentic
37:10 – Stop Comparing. Start Owning.
43:29 – The Power of S

Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission is now open for you to complete your applications in 12-weeks! With live coaching, you develop your applications & gain insights into your applications processes like never before. Join us now using this link to enroll!

Connect with Adrienne!

Looking for support with your graduate or professional school applications? Connect with us at Apply Yourself Global™! Email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal.

Ask the Expert

Have any questions on applications, success, test prep, and more? Send your questions us, or you can submit an audio file via Instagram DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne

💫 Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can complete your applications — with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Dr. Adrienne Shnier, an Admissions Committee Member. Book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about how AYG can help you Get In.💫

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Whether you live in a house, apartment, or dorm, a cluttered space can impact your focus. How do you create an environment that supports your studying goals and lets you get your very best results?

Decluttering Your Home and Life With Intention

In this thoughtful episode of Success Unlocked, I’m honoured to sit down with Brittnei Gaudio, a professional organizer, decluttering coach, and owner of Wellnested Living, to talk about her no-stress approach to organizing, simplifying, and streamlining.

During our conversation, Brittnei shares her expert tips for keeping your study space neat and well-organized — and the trick to transforming a post-exam disaster zone into an ideal study area in just 15 minutes a day! Press play to discover how outer order can create inner calm and learn how to get intentional about tidying your space.

In this episode, we explore:

How to reclaim control of your space after a busy exam period without overwhelm, so you’re ready for what comes next
Why utility trumps tradition when figuring out where your things should go
How to set expectations when sharing a space with another person
The mindset shift that will help you stop feeling guilty about mess and start preventing clutter from building up in your home

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Guest bio: As the owner and head nester of Wellnested Living, Brittnei Gaudio helps busy families and professionals create spaces that feel right for their lives.

Timestamps:‌ ‌

01:46 Meet Brittnei Gaudio

03:14 Importance of decluttering

04:45 Reorganizing after exams

07:09 1-minute rule & ‘increase’

11:43 Tradition v. utility

15:10 Shared space

17:27 Brittnei’s journey

20:07 Case study

27:00 Indoor spaces

30:15 Outdoor spaces & odd items

33:15 Impact & maintenance

36:00 Final tips & workshop

Links mentioned:‌ ‌

Brittnei Gaudio

wellnestedliving.ca

Facebook: Wellnested Living

Instagram: @well.nested.living

Pinterest: wellnestedliving

Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission is now open for you to complete your applications in 12-weeks! With live coaching, you develop your applications & gain insights into your applications processes like never before. Join us now using this link to enroll!

Connect with Adrienne!

Looking for support with your graduate or professional school applications? Connect with us at Apply Yourself Global™! Email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal.

Ask the Expert

Have any questions on applications, success, test prep, and more? Send your questions us, or you can submit an audio file via Instagram DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne

💫 Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can complete your applications — with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Dr. Adrienne Shnier, an Admissions Committee Member. Book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about how AYG can help you Get In.💫

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The world around you doesn’t pause while you’re preparing for grad school! As new responsibilities, transitions, and life events come up, how do you ensure that your application or exam prep schedule remains consistent?

Finding Your Rhythm: Creating Consistency in Chaos

While consistency is key, your study schedule should never be set in stone. Calendars are iterative and need to adapt based on what is happening in your life. In this highly practical episode of Success Unlocked, I reveal everything you need to know about planning (and revising) your calendar during a hectic or transitional period, whether preparing for the LSAT or working on your grad school application. Discover how to build an effective, burnout-free schedule that truly works for you and keeps you on track — no matter what else may be going on in your life!

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why you should avoid relying too heavily on AI-assisted schedules (no matter how convenient they may seem!)
How to identify your priorities, flexibilities, and non-negotiables, so that your calendar fits your needs
What you need to consider when creating your calendar — and how to customize your study schedule and strategy
How one of our amazing Apply Yourself clients enjoyed a glorious ten-day vacation in Italy without derailing her application process (and the #1 thing she did right!)

Follow and subscribe to never miss an episode!

Timestamps:‌ ‌

01:46 Intro

03:12 Calendars in transitional periods

05:49 Prioritizing & building consistency

07:26 Taking time off

13:39 Developing long-term schedules

15:52 Customizing your calendar

19:02 Why we change things

20:40 Recap & outro

Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission is now open for you to complete your applications in 12-weeks! With live coaching, you develop your applications & gain insights into your applications processes like never before. Join us now using this link to enroll!

Connect with Adrienne!

Looking for support with your graduate or professional school applications? Connect with us at Apply Yourself Global™! Email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal.

Ask the Expert

Have any questions on applications, success, test prep, and more? Send your questions us, or you can submit an audio file via Instagram DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne

💫 Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can complete your applications — with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Dr. Adrienne Shnier, an Admissions Committee Member. Book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about how AYG can help you Get In.💫

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At Apply Yourself Global, we pride ourselves on delivering real results while revolutionizing admission preparation and success-based programs. How do we ensure our clients get the support and resources they need to achieve their highest goals?

Discovering the Habits & Mindset That Work For You

My guest for this episode of Success Unlocked is Emily Caruso, one of our accomplished clients and fellows. Emily received acceptance letters from 100% of her chosen schools — including extremely early acceptance to her dream school! Press play to discover the individualized support that helped her thrive throughout her application journey, how the process has caused her to show up differently in her life and relationships, and why you must remember to trust your brain!

In this episode, we explore:

The personalized process that helped Emily increase her LSAT score by 11 points (and why her study schedule was so easy to stick to)
The moment that flipped the switch in terms of Emily’s mindset — and how this shift transformed her approach to practice tests
Whether you should include pre-undergrad experiences in your law school application (and Emily’s unique and effective strategy!)
Emily’s experience in juggling LSAT coaching with our Mastering Academic Applications program

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Guest bio: Emily Caruso is in her fourth year of the Justice, Political Law, and Philosophy program at McMaster and will be starting as an L1 student at Osgoode Hall Law School in September.

Timestamps:‌ ‌

01:47 Meet Emily Caruso

04:25 Emily’s path to Apply Yourself

06:23 Two layers of support

09:56 Mixing programs & coaching

13:04 Pre-undergrad experiences

15:01 Early acceptance & support

19:40 Fellowship

21:40 Mindset shifts

26:11 Showing up differently

27:44 Experience-based support

34:03 Growth & care

36:37 Final thoughts & outro

Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission is now open for you to complete your applications in 12-weeks! With live coaching, you develop your applications & gain insights into your applications processes like never before. Join us now using this link to enroll!

Connect with Adrienne!

Looking for support with your graduate or professional school applications? Connect with us at Apply Yourself Global™! Email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal.

Ask the Expert

Have any questions on applications, success, test prep, and more? Send your questions us, or you can submit an audio file via Instagram DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne

💫 Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can complete your applications — with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Dr. Adrienne Shnier, an Admissions Committee Member. Book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about how AYG can help you Get In.💫

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When an application process feels like a labyrinth, taking your first step can feel impossible — but an experienced Coach can help you map out a personalized route to success.

Step by Step: Getting Clear on Your Unique Journey

In this episode of Success Unlocked, I’m honoured to sit down with Meera, an amazing Apply Yourself client and fellow who began working with us during her second year at McMaster University. Our thoughtful conversation explores the big feelings students experience when opening an application package for the first time — and how overwhelm can derail the process before they even begin.

Listen now to learn how our Coaches help students cut a path through the confusion, get clear on each step they need to take, optimize their study habits, and refine their materials while feeling safe and supported!

In this episode, you’ll discover:

How Meera’s experience with Apply Yourself compares to her time working with a tutor before coming to AYG (and the #1 thing that made a difference)
Common fears that come up early in the application process, and how our non-competitive community builds students’ confidence and sets them up for success
Why processing your experiences is important for knowing what to share (and how to share it) in your personal statement
Why Meera still attends our weekly Coaching calls — even though she’s submitted her application!

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Guest bio: Meera is a fourth-year student at McMaster University who will graduate in April with an Honours in Political Science.

Timestamps:‌ ‌

01:46 Meet Meera

02:39 Finding Apply Yourself

04:35 Cutting through the fog

07:14 Tutor v. Apply Yourself

09:59 Working 1:1 with a Coach

11:59 Weekly calls & group vibe

16:30 Writing & processing

20:32 Identifying goals & worth

23:59 Fellowship & relationships

30:51 Meera’s advice

33:05 Outro

Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission is now open for you to complete your applications in 12-weeks! With live coaching, you develop your applications & gain insights into your applications processes like never before. Join us now using this link to enroll!

Connect with Adrienne!

Looking for support with your graduate or professional school applications? Connect with us at Apply Yourself Global™! Email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal.

Ask the Expert

Have any questions on applications, success, test prep, and more? Send your questions us, or you can submit an audio file via Instagram DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne

💫 Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can complete your applications — with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Dr. Adrienne Shnier, an Admissions Committee Member. Book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about how AYG can help you Get In.💫

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Apply Yourself Global saw a record number of early admissions last year, thanks to the hard work and determination of our students and coaches. While each client story is unique and inspiring, I’d like to share one that truly showcases the Apply Yourself difference!

Optimize Your Progress By Unlocking Your Success Mindset

Mastering the LSAT is about so much more than standardized testing. In this episode, I share an uplifting story about one of our amazing LSAT prep students and the mindset journey that led her to succeed far beyond her wildest dreams. Press play to discover how our individualized coaching, nurturing strategy, and supportive community empowered our client to progress from a diagnostic starting score of 138 to a jaw-dropping 161.

In this episode, I explore:

Two major shifts our client experienced as she worked with us, and how they enabled her exceed her goals
How we help our clients cultivate a genuine belief in their abilities (and why I do NOT believe in trying to “fake it till you make it”)
Why we emphasize consistency over cramming, and community over competition
How we’ve built integrity and support into each of our powerful signature programs — and why this is so important!

Follow and subscribe to never miss an episode!

Timestamps:‌ ‌

01:47 Intro

03:31 Score progression

06:39 Seeking help & self-belief

10:31 More than just showing up

13:06 Work with us!

Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission is now open for you to complete your applications in 12-weeks! With live coaching, you develop your applications & gain insights into your applications processes like never before. Join us now using this link to enroll!

Connect with Adrienne!

Looking for support with your graduate or professional school applications? Connect with us at Apply Yourself Global™! Email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal.

Ask the Expert

Have any questions on applications, success, test prep, and more? Send your questions us, or you can submit an audio file via Instagram DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne

💫 Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can complete your applications — with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Dr. Adrienne Shnier, an Admissions Committee Member. Book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about how AYG can help you Get In.💫

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Large admissions prep companies and independent tutors promise students big results, but don’t always deliver. What sets Apply Yourself Global apart from the crowd — and how do we consistently outperform our big box competitors?

Taking an Individualized and Nurturing Approach to Advancement

By cultivating a supportive and 100% non-competitive environment, Apply Yourself Global has carved out a revolutionary space not only in the advancement world, but the academic world in general. Where other success-based programs rely on fear and competition to sell themselves and motivate their clients, we’ve built a nourishing community that uplifts one another, led by compassionate coaches who understand that advancement strategies are not one-size-fits-all.

In this episode, you’ll learn about Apply Yourself’s unexpected origin story, how our unique approach has shaped our signature programs, and why you should consider reaching out to us regardless of your grades!

You’ll discover:

How a series of study sessions at a Starbucks led to the unplanned creation of Apply Yourself Global
A common mistake students make when putting together their applications, and why your written materials are more important than you think!
Why each component of your application should fit together like a harmonious puzzle
How our coaches cater to your learning style, rather than relying on a standardized approach
Horror stories from big box exam prep programs (and why their promises are unethical!)

Follow and subscribe to never miss an episode!

Timestamps:‌ ‌

01:47 Intro

04:35 Apply Yourself origin story

09:59 Interconnected materials

11:00 Big box promises

13:16 Individualized curriculum

15:37 Growing Apply Yourself

20:45 Our difference

25:35 Open to all

30:28 Outro

Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission is now open for you to complete your applications in 12-weeks! With live coaching, you develop your applications & gain insights into your applications processes like never before. Join us now using this link to enroll!

Connect with Adrienne!

Looking for support with your graduate or professional school applications? Connect with us at Apply Yourself Global™! Email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal.

Ask the Expert

Have any questions on applications, success, test prep, and more? Send your questions us, or you can submit an audio file via Instagram DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne

💫 Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can complete your applications — with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Dr. Adrienne Shnier, an Admissions Committee Member. Book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about how AYG can help you Get In.💫

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The post-secondary landscape has undergone an incredible transformation, and today’s students have access to a huge range of resources and values-based communities. How do they get the most benefit from these powerful opportunities?

Finding the Right Guidance to Help You Reach Your Goals

This episode of Success Unlocked was recorded on location at UCLA and is the conclusion of a two-part conversation with Apply Yourself’s Client Success Coordinator, Vanessa Caco. Join us as we dig into juicy insights gained through attending an event hosted by LeGal, an undergrad organization specializing in women's empowerment in the political and legal fields.

In this episode, we explore:

How undergraduate events and organizations have shifted in aim and scope over the past decade
Why people with high grades may not be accepted (and what schools are really interested in)
The options available to you when a class is dragging down your GPA
Why students should avoid relying on social media for information about the application process — and where to find detailed, accurate guidance
The rise in first-year students proactively seeking resources and support
The key values that Apply Yourself looks for when sponsoring student groups

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Guest bio: Vanessa Caco is the Client Success Coordinator for Apply Yourself, where she plays a pivotal role in fostering client success. In addition to this role, she is a Paralegal at Shnier Mackenzie Law in Toronto and has been working in the legal field since 2014.

Timestamps:‌ ‌

01:47 LeGal event

03:12 Student groups & events

04:58 Sponsoring & social media

06:37 Accessing resources

08:47 Apply Yourself Masterclass

11:23 Written materials & improving your GPA

14:58 Median scores & expectations

17:51 Connection & commitment

20:09 Our early acceptances

23:10 Swag & outro

Links mentioned:‌ ‌

LeGal at UCLA

Sponsorship Form

Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission is now open for you to complete your applications in 12-weeks! With live coaching, you develop your applications & gain insights into your applications processes like never before. Join us now using this link to enroll!

Connect with Adrienne!

Looking for support with your graduate or professional school applications? Connect with us at Apply Yourself Global™! Email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal.

Ask the Expert

Have any questions on applications, success, test prep, and more? Send your questions us, or you can submit an audio file via Instagram DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne

💫 Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can complete your applications — with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Dr. Adrienne Shnier, an Admissions Committee Member. Book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about how AYG can help you Get In.💫

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Apply Yourself provides valuable journeys not only to our clients, but also our team. As we help our students stretch their ambitions and strengthen their skills, we find ourselves growing alongside them!

Achieving New Heights Through Consistency, Commitment & Community

This week’s episode of Success Unlocked was recorded on the beautiful UCLA campus. I’m joined by the wonderful Vanessa Caco, our Client Success Coordinator at Apply Yourself Global. Vanessa finds tremendous fulfillment in helping students master new tools and maximize their opportunities. Listen now as we discuss the inspiration she draws from our amazing clients, the unexpected text message that brought her a surprising opportunity (while on her honeymoon!), and how our key values of transparency and integrity have been vital to Apply Yourself’s organic success.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

The important steps Vanessa and I took to ensure we’d be a good fit to work together
How working with our clients has challenged and guided Vanessa to new growth and understanding
What sets Apply Yourself apart from big box admission services companies — and what our students must bring to the process to see their very best results
What Vanessa has observed about our coaching calls and community (and how doing mindset work with students has helped shift her own!)

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Guest bio: Vanessa Caco is the Client Success Coordinator for Apply Yourself, where she plays a pivotal role in fostering client success. In addition to this role, she is a Paralegal at Shnier Mackenzie Law in Toronto and has been working in the legal field since 2014.

Timestamps:‌ ‌

01:48 Meet Vanessa Caco

02:59 Vanessa’s career path

06:45 Finding a good fit

08:05 Challenges & growth

10:41 Organic success

11:56 Committing to the process

14:27 Coaching & community

16:35 UCLA panel & outro

Links mentioned:‌ ‌

Shnier Mackenzie Law

Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission is now open for you to complete your applications in 12-weeks! With live coaching, you develop your applications & gain insights into your applications processes like never before. Join us now using this link to enroll!

Connect with Adrienne!

Looking for support with your graduate or professional school applications? Connect with us at Apply Yourself Global™! Email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal.

Ask the Expert

Have any questions on applications, success, test prep, and more? Send your questions us, or you can submit an audio file via Instagram DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne

💫 Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can complete your applications — with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Dr. Adrienne Shnier, an Admissions Committee Member. Book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about how AYG can help you Get In.💫

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Lessons From My Broken AnkleAt the time of recording this episode, I am joining you not from the office or my usual desk space, but from my bed where I have been sitting and recovering from a broken ankle. My initial thought as this accident happened was, “There is something to be learned from this," and I today explore this lesson with you.

Letting Yourself Process and Keeping a Positive MindsetThe main lesson I bring to you today is this: Allow yourself to process and seek out the lessons you can learn from challenges. This mindset shift allows us to take challenges in stride and have deeper insight into what is going on around us. Personally, I am still processing and I want to bring you along this journey with me. Here are some key takeaways from this episode:

There's no rush when it comes to processing events that happen to you. Being able to process freely and openly is a skill that takes years to master, so let the processing happen and welcome the thinking that comes with it.
We don’t see progress in one day. It takes consistency and showing up for yourself and others in order to succeed. I continue to show up each day, even while in a cast for my ankle, because I truly believe in the work we are doing and I love being a part of my clients’ journeys.
We do the work that we do in order to serve our clients to the best of our abilities, and to build a life beyond our wildest dreams.
I am so grateful to you for showing up to the podcast each week and allowing me to let you into my life.
We just brought on 10 LSAT and MCAT coaches for our Mastering Test Prep program, and we continue to work with all of our teams to bring our programs to you and support your advancement journey. I am so thankful and proud of all of the people we have brought onto the team and everyone we work with under the mission of Apply Yourself.

Follow and subscribe to never miss an episode!

Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission is now open for you to complete your applications in 12-weeks! With live coaching, you develop your applications & gain insights into your applications processes like never before. Join us now using this link to enroll!

Connect with Adrienne!

Looking for support with your graduate or professional school applications? Connect with us at Apply Yourself Global™! Email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal.

Ask the Expert

Have any questions on applications, success, test prep, and more? Send your questions us, or you can submit an audio file via Instagram DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne

💫 Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can complete your applications — with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Dr. Adrienne Shnier, an Admissions Committee Member. Book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about how AYG can help you Get In.💫

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New Years “Resolutions” - Do They Align with You?Today, I discuss why I personally skip New Years “resolutions.” When we think about what's happening outside of the formal institutions where we learn, work, and play, treating the winter like a period of starting anew seems out of alignment with the natural environment and hibernation cycles, perhaps even ourselves. And if New Year's resolutions work for you, go for it! However, for many members of our Apply Yourself community, their goals didn’t just start in January. They've spent weeks, months, or even years working on their advancement and applications to their dream programs or jobs.

3 Strategies to Reframe ResolutionsRather than setting new goals at the start of the year, I propose 3 strategies to remain productive and committed to ourselves while making incremental, thoughtful steps towards our advancement and our goals at any time of the year:

Re-centering and re-aligning ourselves to what feels right for us - This means to come back to what’s most in alignment with your goals and the kind of life you want to build for yourself. This involves using visualization to critically and thoughtfully analyze your choices and next best steps.
Committing to what’s in alignment with ourselves - Once you identify what feels in alignment with you, commit. At any point in time, you need to set your goals with thoughtfulness and intentionality behind them in order for them to pan out as planned. We have to remain accountable to ourselves, take ourselves seriously, identify the tools we’re using that serve our productivity, and seek out support when needed.
Remain consistent to build up the skills of focus and discipline - Discipline is not a prison, but rather a tool that helps us to create, come back to where we left off, and show up for ourselves. Consistency helps you to build up these skills and work towards your goals.

Subscribe to never miss an episode!

Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission is now open for you to complete your applications in 12-weeks! With live coaching, you develop your applications & gain insights into your applications processes like never before. Join us now using this link to enroll!

Connect with Adrienne!

Looking for support with your graduate or professional school applications? Connect with us at Apply Yourself Global™! Email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal.

Ask the Expert

Have any questions on applications, success, test prep, and more? Send your questions us, or you can submit an audio file via Instagram DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne

💫 Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can complete your applications — with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Dr. Adrienne Shnier, an Admissions Committee Member. Book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about how AYG can help you Get In.💫

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Life at Apply Yourself is never boring! While we’ve refined our support, coaching, and strategy over many years of helping students secure admission to their dream programs, master their LSAT and MCAT prep, and flourish in their professional lives, each client has their own unique journey through the process — and their own powerful story to tell.

Striking the Right Balance: Communicating Trauma in Your Written Materials

In our last episode, I shared a few of the top lessons and takeaways gleaned from Apply Yourself’s latest application cycle. In this thoughtful episode, I explore the valuable strategies I use to help my clients write about their challenging life experiences in a way that strikes a chord with committees while protecting their peace.

This episode explores:

How to best approach traumatic experiences and difficult circumstances within written application materials (and the key to being effective and not excessive)
Why I encourage students to communicate their challenging experiences in their written materials — and how their inclusion will strengthen their application
The difference between writing for discovery and writing for communication
How the process of writing productively about trauma can shift your perspective, and the compassionate support Apply Yourself offers along the way!

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Timestamps:‌ ‌

01:46 Intro

02:00 Communicating traumatic experiences

07:36 Why include trauma?

09:53 Reading from the place of the scar

13:21 Outro

Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission is now open for you to complete your applications in 12-weeks! With live coaching, you develop your applications & gain insights into your applications processes like never before. Join us now using this link to enroll!

Connect with Adrienne!

Looking for support with your graduate or professional school applications? Connect with us at Apply Yourself Global™! Email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal.

Ask the Expert

Have any questions on applications, success, test prep, and more? Send your questions us, or you can submit an audio file via Instagram DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne

💫 Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can complete your applications — with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Dr. Adrienne Shnier, an Admissions Committee Member. Book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about how AYG can help you Get In.💫

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Helping our inspiring students receive admission to prestigious schools around the world is immensely fulfilling work — and as the Apply Yourself team helps our clients develop important new skills and perspectives, we often discover new things alongside them!

The Apply Yourself Method: Reducing Time, Stress, and Worry

As Apply Yourself wraps up our busiest application cycle ever, I’m excited to take a moment to reflect on this memorable journey. Over the last few months, our students have broken records, overcome serious hurdles, and introduced us to wild holiday trends. Listen now to discover the thoughtful lessons, key takeaways, and new discoveries this outstanding application cycle has generated!

In this episode, you’ll discover:

Why it’s crucial to order two copies of your transcript — and why this task is definitely non-negotiable!
How we will help you reduce the time required to create your written application materials by up to 70%
The incredible feedback that one of our students received from her dream law school (and why it’s such a historic win!)
Why so many parents feel comfortable leaving for spa weekends during key periods in their child’s application process

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Timestamps:‌ ‌

01:46 Intro

03:58 Boo baskets

06:32 Cutting down application time

07:59 Historic feedback & spa trips

10:35 Ordering your transcript

13:10 Worst transcript screw-up

14:50 Recap & outro

Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission is now open for you to complete your applications in 12-weeks! With live coaching, you develop your applications & gain insights into your applications processes like never before. Join us now using this link to enroll!

Connect with Adrienne!

Looking for support with your graduate or professional school applications? Connect with us at Apply Yourself Global™! Email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal.

Ask the Expert

Have any questions on applications, success, test prep, and more? Send your questions us, or you can submit an audio file via Instagram DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne

💫 Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can complete your applications — with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Dr. Adrienne Shnier, an Admissions Committee Member. Book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about how AYG can help you Get In.💫

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The LSAT is known to be challenging, and much of its difficulty lies in its multiple question types requiring different skill sets. Which skills should you focus on while preparing for the LSAT, and which strategies will help you see your best results?

A New Approach to LSAT Prep: Revolutionizing the Student Experience

In this thoughtful episode of Success Unlocked, I’m grateful to have the opportunity to sit down with Cindy Miao, one of our exceptional Apply Yourself LSAT coaches! Cindy has held numerous teaching roles since her undergrad and is passionate about helping others unlock their full potential.

Press play to discover how Cindy’s academic background gave her unique insight into highly effective LSAT preparation, and how she has integrated these valuable lessons into her coaching approach.

We explore:

The major reason why Cindy’s scores improved as she was preparing for the test — and how this has influenced her coaching strategy
The role of formal logic in the LSAT and why so many test prep companies miss the mark when preparing their students for the exam
Why successful LSAT prep can be surprisingly unintuitive (and the score-boosting skills that Cindy teaches her students)
Cindy’s softer, human-centred approach to LSAT coaching — and why it works so well!

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Guest bio: Cindy Miao is a valued LSAT coach at Apply Yourself and a second-year student at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law. Her undergraduate background is in philosophy and mathematics, and she earned her Bachelor of Arts from McMaster University.

Timestamps:‌ ‌

01:47 Meet Cindy Miao

04:18 Cindy’s LSAT experience

06:08 Cindy’s LSAT results & strategy

09:33 Revolutionizing LSAT prep

13:45 Student experience

17:31 Cindy’s human-centred approach

22:30 Working with Cindy

23:26 Cindy’s #1 tip

26:12 Outro

Links mentioned:‌ ‌

Work with Cindy Miao

Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission is now open for you to complete your applications in 12-weeks! With live coaching, you develop your applications & gain insights into your applications processes like never before. Join us now using this link to enroll!

Connect with Adrienne!

Looking for support with your graduate or professional school applications? Connect with us at Apply Yourself Global™! Email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal.

Ask the Expert

Have any questions on applications, success, test prep, and more? Send your questions us, or you can submit an audio file via Instagram DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne

💫 Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can complete your applications — with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Dr. Adrienne Shnier, an Admissions Committee Member. Book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about how AYG can help you Get In.💫

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Application and test prep is a large and growing industry, with companies big and small promising successful outcomes. While aspiring students today have a wealth of options, not all prep companies are created equal! What sets Apply Yourself apart from the crowd?

Building Authentic Connections That Nurture Lifelong Success

Since 2015, we’ve strived to ensure that Apply Yourself offers the right programs and resources to help you fully prepare for your next steps. Our non-competitive membership communities provide support and accountability, while our 1:1 coaching cultivates an application process that is highly personalized, meaningful, and authentic.

In this episode of Success Unlocked, you’ll discover why our process is unique in the world of application prep, the key elements that set us apart from our big-box competitors, and the important reason why I sometimes discourage my clients from submitting their applications!

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How the Apply Yourself system fosters authentic, long-term connections and remarkable ongoing success
How we work to create a comfortable and supportive environment that allows our clients to achieve strong focus and see their best results
How Apply Yourself can support you beyond graduate school through our executive coaching program

Timestamps:‌ ‌

01:18 Intro

03:18 When you should NOT submit

04:32 Mother story

08:19 Comfortable environment

10:02 What we do is different

12:44 Outro

Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission is now open for you to complete your applications in 12-weeks! With live coaching, you develop your applications & gain insights into your applications processes like never before. Join us now using this link to enroll!

Connect with Adrienne!

Looking for support with your graduate or professional school applications? Connect with us at Apply Yourself Global™! Email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal.

Ask the Expert

Have any questions on applications, success, test prep, and more? Send your questions us, or you can submit an audio file via Instagram DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne

💫 Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can complete your applications — with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Dr. Adrienne Shnier, an Admissions Committee Member. Book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about how AYG can help you Get In.💫

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Many variables can impact your efficacy when preparing for the MCAT, including when you choose to take it. What is the best time to write the MCAT — and how can you optimize your prep?

Timing is Everything: Creating a Balanced & Aligned MCAT Study Plan

In this episode of Success Unlocked, I was pleased to sit down for a conversation with one of our wonderful MCAT coaches, Rachel Waldman. Rachel is a fourth-year biology student at the University of Victoria who took the MCAT after her second year, opting for a short but intense study schedule. Our thoughtful discussion is full of valuable insights about what this experience taught her — and what you need to know before making a similar decision on your own journey.

We explore:

Why Rachel chose to write the MCAT early and how her course schedule supported that decision
What you should consider when deciding when to take the MCAT and how to ensure that you have the bandwidth
How the MCAT differs from the LSAT (and Rachel’s favourite MCAT study strategies)
Why devoting all of your time to test preparation may cause more harm than good
The importance of having a social circle that understands your MCAT prep stress — and will celebrate your wins!

Guest bio: Rachel Waldman is a fourth-year biology student specializing in neurobiology at the University of Victoria in British Columbia.

Timestamps:‌ ‌

01:47 Meet Rachel Waldman

03:07 Writing the MCAT early

05:51 Deciding when to write it

08:58 Have something apart from studying

10:37 Support systems

12:29 MCAT v. LSAT

14:08 Study strategies

18:31 Rachel’s relationship with her score

21:14 Coaching v. tutoring

23:17 First step

24:38 Outro

Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission is now open for you to complete your applications in 12-weeks! With live coaching, you develop your applications & gain insights into your applications processes like never before. Join us now using this link to enroll!

Connect with Adrienne!

Looking for support with your graduate or professional school applications? Connect with us at Apply Yourself Global™! Email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal.

Ask the Expert

Have any questions on applications, success, test prep, and more? Send your questions us, or you can submit an audio file via Instagram DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne

💫 Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can complete your applications — with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Dr. Adrienne Shnier, an Admissions Committee Member. Book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about how AYG can help you Get In.💫

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The Power of Mindset in LSAT Prep with Clement

The LSAT is widely known as one of the most challenging standardized tests, with high scores requiring the mastery of several different skills. What are the key ingredients for successful preparation, and how do Apply Yourself coaches help students maximize their study skills and confidence?

Courage, Community & Coaching: Unlocking Your Peak LSAT Score

My guest for this episode is Clement, one of our amazing LSAT coaches. After being inspired by the in-depth discussions around personal freedom sparked by the Covid pandemic, Clement moved to Canada from China to pursue a career in law and is in his third year of study at Osgoode Hall Law School. In this conversation, he shares why he was drawn to the Apply Yourself philosophy, how his experience in the program enriched his LSAT preparation, and the key insights he loves to share with the students he coaches.

You’ll discover:

The importance of fostering nurturing communities that allow students to flourish as they work toward their goals
The fundamental meaning and value of the LSAT — and how to improve your chances of success in just 2 months
Whether or not you should search for LSAT information online (and why you should be wary of free resources!)
What happens when you compare yourself to others rather than focusing on your progress — and the role that courage plays in LSAT preparation

Guest bio: Clement is a 3L student at Osgoode Hall Law School at York University. He decided to go to law school because he saw law as having the power to advocate for the disadvantaged, and is pursuing a legal career in the public interest.

Timestamps:‌ ‌

01:46 Meet Clement

03:06 Why Apply Yourself resonated

04:31 Choosing to study law

07:12 Impact of community

08:41 What is the LSAT?

12:33 Courage & mindset

16:03 Online resources

19:12 Comparison

21:11 Final takeaway

23:51 Outro

Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission is now open for you to complete your applications in 12-weeks! With live coaching, you develop your applications & gain insights into your applications processes like never before. Join us now using this link to enroll!

Connect with Adrienne!

Looking for support with your graduate or professional school applications? Connect with us at Apply Yourself Global™! Email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal.

Ask the Expert

Have any questions on applications, success, test prep, and more? Send your questions us, or you can submit an audio file via Instagram DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne

💫 Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can complete your applications — with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Dr. Adrienne Shnier, an Admissions Committee Member. Book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about how AYG can help you Get In.💫

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This episode of The Advancement Spot is the second of a two-part conversation with the amazing Kevin P Murphy, host of The Reflect-On Podcast. Kevin is a passionate and insightful advocate for the power of honest and vulnerable conversation to help improve lives and grow actionable potential.

Building Healthier Schedules and Deeper Trust in a Complex Modern World

Our meaningful conversation builds upon the honest reflections shared in episode #112 — I highly recommend that you start there if you missed it! If you’re ready to continue with the second instalment of this beautiful and thoughtful discussion, press play to discover how to set yourself up for success through managing your time (and expectations), embracing flexibility, and choosing to believe in yourself.

In this episode, we explore:

The many different types of time that play a role in our lives, and the importance of managing it in a way that honours your energy and desires
What we must consider when deciding whether to instil trust in an institution, government, or corporation
Three simple but valuable “wisdom bites” to live by — and three powerful questions that will help you open the door to deeper reflection

Guest bio: As a Financial Planner and host of The Reflect-On Podcast, Kevin P Murphy has learned that reflection, attention, and emotionality are perhaps the biggest catalysts for betterment that we possess in our modern world. He is on a mission to grow a platform that highlights unique stories and inspiring messages from all walks of life to empower reflection, foster creativity, and spark more joy.

Timestamps:‌

01:35 Intro

02:25 Time management

09:59 Identify what you can control

17:33 Losing trust

22:05 Earning trust

26:52 Wisdom bites

30:46 The 3 Rs

34:59 Outro

Links mentioned:‌ ‌

Kevin P Murphy

podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-reflect-on-podcast/id1715393227

Instagram: @kevin.p.murphy

Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission is now open for you to complete your applications in 12-weeks! With live coaching, you develop your applications & gain insights into your applications processes like never before. Join us now using this link to enroll!

Connect with Adrienne!

Looking for support with your graduate or professional school applications? Connect with us at Apply Yourself Global™! Email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal.

Ask the Expert

Have any questions on applications, success, test prep, and more? Send your questions us, or you can submit an audio file via Instagram DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne

💫 Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can complete your applications — with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Dr. Adrienne Shnier, an Admissions Committee Member. Book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about how AYG can help you Get In.💫

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Achieving Healthy and Sustainable Success with Kevin P Murphy

This episode of The Advancement Spot is a little bit different — I was honoured to sit in the guest seat as the incredible Kevin P Murphy stepped into the host role to lead our candid and inspiring discussion!

Reframing Our Concepts of Success, Privilege, and Balance

As the host of The Reflect-On Podcast, Kevin explores inspiring stories, traumas, lessons, and reflections on fears, feelings, and what truly matters. In this episode, he guides us through a beautiful conversation that touches on Apply Yourself’s holistic vision, why we shouldn’t ignore the immense benefits of in-person learning, and how we can nurture and nourish our drive to succeed.

You’ll discover:

How to embrace the moments of reflection and surrender that will help us reach our goals
How education will likely shift in the future and how to maximize its benefits
Why the idea of work-life balance is a lie (and what we should actually strive for!)
How to avoid letting toxicity seep into your professional or academic life
The power of using your privilege for good — and how it can help you build a beautiful legacy

This no-limits conversation is the first of a two-part series. Be sure to tune into next week’s episode to experience our full journey!

Guest bio: Kevin P Murphy is an advocate for the power of honest and vulnerable conversation to help improve lives and grow actionable potential. As a Financial Planner and host of The Reflect-On Podcast, Kevin has learned that reflection, attention, and emotionality are perhaps the biggest catalysts for betterment we possess in our modern world.

Timestamps:‌ ‌

01:35 Meet Kevin P. Murphy

02:16 About Adrienne

04:19 About Kevin

06:47 Being vulnerable on your path

08:51 Adrienne’s journey

15:08 Moments of surrender

21:20 Future of education

29:45 Holistic success

35:24 Privilege & legacy

38:29 Toxicity

44:14 Outro

Links mentioned:‌ ‌

Kevin P Murphy

Instagram: @kevin.p.murphy

The Reflect-On Podcast

Connect with Adrienne!

Looking for support with your graduate or professional school applications? Connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot! Email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, or email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal — Let us know about your scheduling strategies!

Ask the Expert

Have any questions on applications, advancement, studying for law school exams, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne

Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications — with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne’s Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

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Crafting a Personal Statement That’s More Than a CV

Many grad school applicants find writing their personal statement to be the trickiest part of the application process. While a student may excel at academic writing, crafting a clear and vibrant personal statement requires a different skill set and strategy!

Writing From the Inside: Centring Yourself in Your Own Experiences

When you’re writing an academic essay, you need to be thorough, balanced, critical, and objective. The most powerful personal statements, on the other hand, are energetic, distinctive, and full of spirit. After spending years being trained in academic writing, writing about your own experiences — and what they meant to you, emotionally or spiritually — can feel a little strange! In this episode, you’ll find tips and insights that will help you write an effective personal statement that feels like so much more than just a glorified CV.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

The differences between academic and personal writing, and why these skills are not fully transferable
The mindset shift that will change the way that you approach your personal statement and allow you to reflect more easefully
Why you should start writing your personal statement long before you think you need to
The role that Starbucks played in the birth of Apply Yourself — and how the business was built almost accidentally!

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Timestamps:‌ ‌

00:46 Intro

01:56 Academic writing

03:26 Client example

04:50 Starbucks dissertation story

10:56 Be the centre

14:40 Outro

Connect with Adrienne!

Looking for support with your graduate or professional school applications? Connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot! Email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, or email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal — Let us know about your scheduling strategies!

Ask the Expert

Have any questions on applications, advancement, studying for law school exams, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne

Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications — with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne’s Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

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Preparing for the Unexpected on the LSAT

The reading comprehension section of the LSAT contains a variety of different types of passages. Students may encounter passages relating to knowledge areas for which they don’t have a strong background. How do you effectively prepare for a test notorious for its diversity and unpredictability?

Substance Over Jargon: Focusing on the Bigger Picture

Since most law school applicants come from the humanities and social sciences, many have a tough time with passages in the LSAT relating to STEM areas such as chemistry, biology, and technology. If you find yourself struggling, don’t panic! You do not need to know all the big science words in a passage in order to understand its overall meaning — in fact, some of them may be there in order to distract you!

The truth is that every LSAT question contains the information you need to solve it, no matter your background knowledge. In this episode, you’ll discover powerful strategies that will help you approach reading comprehension passages holistically, analytically, and strategically, so you can achieve your best possible results.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

How to pinpoint the types of questions you should be targeting during your study sessions
How to identify which words are “make-or-break” and which are inconsequential, so you can prioritize your focus
Why it’s important to pay attention to the layout pattern of a reading comprehension passage
A simple daily exercise that will help you become far more comfortable with scientific writing

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Links mentioned:

1,000 Inventions and Discoveries by Roger Bridgman

Timestamps:‌ ‌

00:46 Intro

03:00 Identify your struggles

04:32 Prioritize your focus

09:51 Become more familiar with scientific writing

12:41 Daily reading exercise

14:29 Outro

Connect with Adrienne!

Looking for support with your graduate or professional school applications? Connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot! Email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, or email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal — Let us know about your scheduling strategies!

Ask the Expert

Have any questions on applications, advancement, studying for law school exams, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne

Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications — with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne’s Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

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Making The Most of Your LSAT Prep

With so many physical and electronic study tools available, students preparing for the LSAT today have a wealth of options. Even the test itself may be taken online or in person, written digitally or by hand. How can students identify the strategies and resources that will help them achieve their best results?

Creating Healthy, Sustainable, and Effective Study Strategies in a Digital World

For nearly a decade, we’ve helped our incredible clients learn how to study for the LSAT correctly and efficiently, with personalized coaching that maximizes their learning potential. This solo episode of The Advancement Spot reveals some of our most valuable and actionable strategies for confidently mastering your test prep without burning yourself out. Press play to discover how to set yourself up for success during your LSAT journey, from choosing the right tools to adopting the right mindset.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why it’s crucial to maintain an emotional distance from your practice scores, why so many students find their raw scores confusing, and how to interpret your numbers
What to consider when choosing whether to sit for the LSAT in person or online — and the method we strongly recommend!
Two simple but powerful choices that will optimize your LSAT preparation
The minimum length of time you should give yourself to prepare for an important test and why pacing yourself is essential
Where to find our favourite and most trusted study, productivity, and lifestyle products

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Timestamps:‌ ‌

00:46 Intro

01:37 LSAT prep materials

04:11 Digital v. in-person testing

06:06 Raw v. final LSAT scores

10:32 Coaching call example

15:28 Our Favourites shop

16:22 Final takeaways

17:49 Outro

Links

The Advancement Spot #94 – On Running Out Of Time With Our LSAT Coach, Marco Kim

Connect with Adrienne!

Looking for support with your graduate or professional school applications? Connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot! Email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, or email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal — Let us know about your scheduling strategies!

Ask the Expert

Have any questions on applications, advancement, studying for law school exams, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne

Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications — with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne’s Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

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Choose the Right Supervisor for Your Goals

For many students, a successful application period can introduce new challenges. When you’re in the position of choosing between two different paths, how do you decide which one will best support your goals?

Developing the Criteria for Identifying Your Best Path

In this episode of The Advancement Spot, I was pleased to be joined by Stephanie Sansone, a VIP Apply Yourself member who has been with us since day one through Mastering Academic Applications and The Success Society. During her graduate school application period, Steph was not only accepted to her top school but highly sought after by multiple grad school supervisors — an impressive feat!

Listen now to learn how she faced the challenge of choosing between two supervisors, and where she found the invaluable support that helped her confidently move forward with her decision.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

The due diligence process that helped Steph settle on the ideal supervisor and institution for her career goals and mental health
Steph’s tried-and-tested advice for students who are choosing between multiple supervisors
How to conduct research in a way that allows you to more easily retain and apply what you’ve learned (and when it’s okay to use Google!)
How the learning process differs from undergrad to grad school — and why you must remain open to “learning how to learn”
The mindset shift that will allow you to give yourself grace and experience growth during your academic journey

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Guest bio: Stephanie Sansone is working on her Master’s in Science and Biology at York University, with the intention of applying to medical school.

Timestamps:‌ ‌

00:46 Meet Steph

02:54 Choosing between supervisors

06:03 Finding support

11:28 Mental health

14:16 Steph’s advice

16:05 Conducting research

20:59 Bridging the Google gap

26:01 Learning the learning process

28:39 Mindset

32:50 Biggest shift

36:57 Outro

Connect with Adrienne!

Looking for support with your graduate or professional school applications? Connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot! Email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, or email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal — Let us know about your scheduling strategies!

Ask the Expert

Have any questions on applications, advancement, studying for law school exams, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne

Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications — with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne’s Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

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You Can Have It All

We all want our lives to have a rewarding balance of professional achievements, self-actualization, and personal satisfaction and growth. But is it possible to fit it all on our plates without compromise… or burnout?

Creating a Healthy and Supported Balance

This bite-sized solo episode explores a question that came up recently in The Success Society, our weekly private coaching program, when one of our members wondered whether it was possible to finish their Master’s program, then apply for and get into their MD PhD program, all while having a family and living their most fulfilling life.

Listen now to learn why it is possible to have it all professionally and personally — and discover the healthy mindset shifts and strategies that can help you accomplish this!

In this episode, you’ll discover:

Why it isn’t greedy to want more for your life — and how to recognize the self-limiting beliefs that are holding you back
Why the concept of keeping your personal and professional lives completely separate may not be serving you (and may actually be harming you)
The practical and creative strategies that will help you build personal and professional lives that support each other
How “wanting it all” can help you create more positive impact for those around you

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Timestamps:‌ ‌

00:45 Intro

02:01 Self-limiting beliefs

03:18 Personal v. professional lives

06:27 Finding support

07:34 Creating more impact

09:09 Supporting & investing in your growth

10:53 Just wanting more

12:58 Recap & outro

Links mentioned:‌ ‌

Shnier Mackenzie Law

Connect with Adrienne!

Looking for support with your graduate or professional school applications? Connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot! Email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, or email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal — Let us know about your scheduling strategies!

Ask the Expert

Have any questions on applications, advancement, studying for law school exams, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne

Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications — with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne’s Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

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What to Expect When You're Applying with Olivia Dobiecki

When you’re the first in your family to move through the application process, it’s easy to feel lost and overwhelmed. What do students need in order to feel supported, knowledgeable, and confident throughout this journey?

Peeking Behind the Curtain: A Unique Perspective of the Apply Yourself Way

In this week’s episode, I speak with Olivia Dobiecki, our wonderful administrative assistant who has been part of the Apply Yourself family for the past 18 months. Olivia has not only seen it all during this time, she also has firsthand experience with our programs. In this candid conversation, she shares behind-the-scenes insights regarding our client successes, and describes her own experiences in our Mastering Academic Applications program and The Success Society, our invite-only private coaching.

You’ll discover:

How shifting the application process from a confusing maze of open tabs to a manageable and streamlined action plan helped clarify Olivia’s career goals
How a non-competitive community of peers can help ease the stress of waiting to hear back from institutions
Why Olivia considers visualization to be such a powerful and important decision-making tool
When she recommends enrolling in Apply Yourself — and how her own timeline ended up saving her time, money, and a lot of stress!

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Guest bio: Olivia completed her Bachelor of Science in Global Health with a specialization in health promotion and disease prevention from York University. She currently works as an administrative assistant at Shnier Mackenzie Law and Policy Consulting, and will be applying to law school this upcoming cycle.

Timestamps:‌

00:45 Meet Olivia Dobiecki

02:40 Deciding to reach out

04:34 Streamlining the process

07:32 Having community

09:05 Visualization & decision-making

12:59 Timeline & process

15:33 A-ha! moments

18:53 Final advice & outro

Connect with Adrienne!

Looking for support with your graduate or professional school applications? Connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot! Email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, or email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal — Let us know about your scheduling strategies!

Ask the Expert

Have any questions on applications, advancement, studying for law school exams, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne

Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications — with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne’s Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

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Pursuing Law Through the NCA Process with Lais Gomes

The application process can often feel like a challenging puzzle, especially when your situation or background isn’t typical. Sometimes, the process can unearth painful memories or trauma. The full range of our experiences make up who we are, but how should we present them in our applications?

Crafting Your Narrative: Balancing Authenticity, Vulnerability, and Self Care

In this episode, I sit down with one of our fantastic clients, Lais, who has made some major life changes since moving to Canada from Brazil in 2019. Our thoughtful conversation explores her journey from practicing law to serving in the nonprofit sector — and how we’ve been helping her find her way back into the legal world. Lais shares her experience of putting together the pieces of the application process puzzle and reshaping her career trajectory after a long absence from her field.

You’ll discover:

The decision-making process that helped Lais clarify her goals and discover her path to a career that she finds meaningful, nourishing, and inspiring
How she wove together the threads of all of her experiences, goals, and values into a vivid and cohesive narrative that reflects her unique journey and talents
How the application process can cause us to face things in our lives that we haven’t fully dealt with yet — and how this can lead to transformational shifts in the way that we want to live and serve
How coaching helped her gain confidence in her ability to showcase her skills and communicate the value of her experiences

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Timestamps:‌ ‌

00:46 Meet Lais

02:51 Planning her trajectory

03:41 Coaching experience

05:25 Clarifying her path

10:17 Finding work as a newcomer

12:20 The application process

16:18 Sharing authentically & comfortably

24:42 Staying aligned & intentional

27:02 Conclusion

Connect with Adrienne!

Looking for support with your graduate or professional school applications? Connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot! Email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, or email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal — Let us know about your scheduling strategies!

Ask the Expert

Have any questions on applications, advancement, studying for law school exams, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne

Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications — with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne’s Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

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Joyful, Non-Toxic Learning with Dr. Deena Shaffer
When an educational experience is steeped in competitiveness, one-size-fits-all policies, a “grind” mindset, and an emphasis on achievement over individual growth, the classroom can feel stressful and unwelcoming. How can we create learning environments that feel healthy and supportive?

Infusing Sustainability, Empathy, and Inclusivity into the Classroom

This week, I was excited to sit down with a former teacher of mine, the wonderful Dr. Deena Kara Shaffer. Dr. Shaffer is the author of Feel Good Learning and a lifelong learning strategist who can be described as both an academic resilience coach and a nontoxic productivity coach. Our conversation is full of beautiful insights about what we can and should be doing to make learning feel better — for students and teachers alike.

You’ll discover:

The personal journey that inspired Dr. Shaffer’s nontoxic learning philosophy and the strategies she uses to make learning feel more welcoming and joyful
What needs to be unpacked and addressed when it comes to decision-making around learning and our students’ need for external validation
That all life is education — and why confining our focus to classroom strategies, institutional policies, and scoring standards is reductive and short-sighted
How establishing a nurturing safe space to explore creativity can create lifelong confidence in expressing ourselves creatively
How introverted and gentle people can find their place in a teaching world that rewards extroversion and performativity

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Timestamps:‌ ‌

00:44 Meet Dr. Deena Kara Shaffer

04:49 Nurturing creativity & getting out of the way

13:55 Quiet teachers & embracing aliveness

17:24 Dr. Shaffer’s approach

23:27 All life is education

26:10 Authenticity & deconditioning

30:18 External validation

38:59 Finding joy

47:02 Final tip & what’s next

51:02 Conclusion

Links:‌ ‌

Awakened Learning by Dr. Deena Kara Shaffer

Instagram: @awakenedlearning

Connect with Adrienne!

Looking for support with your graduate or professional school applications? Connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot! Email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, or email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal — Let us know about your scheduling strategies!

Ask the Expert

Have any questions on applications, advancement, studying for law school exams, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne

Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications — with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne’s Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

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Mastering Law School Applications with Sam Kinsella
In this episode I had the honour of chatting with Sam Kinsella, a recent member of the Apply Yourself Community, where we discuss his journey and the significant milestones he has achieved over the past year. Sam, currently working for the Ministry of Energy, shares insights into his experiences and the pivotal role that the Apply Yourself Mastering Academic Applications program played in his path to success.

Journey Through Uncertainty: Navigating Life's Challenges and Building MomentumThroughout our conversation, Sam generously shares his firsthand experiences and insights gained from the application process. From grappling with uncertainties to discovering the power of building momentum, Sam offers advice for anyone navigating the journey of defining their goals and preparing for their next steps. Let’s dive into Sam's journey, exploring the importance of positivity, resilience, and strategic decision-making in the pursuit of personal and professional growth.

Sam reflects on the process of deciding to enroll in the Apply Yourself program, highlighting the importance of understanding one's goals and aligning them with the program's offerings.
He emphasizes the transformative nature of the program, particularly in refining his application materials and framing his experiences in a compelling manner. Sam recalls specific moments, such as receiving feedback on his drafts, which led to significant realizations about authentic self-expression.
Through visualization exercises and mindset coaching, Sam learned to shift his focus from dwelling on obstacles to identifying actionable steps towards his goals. This shift in mentality not only impacted his application process but also influenced his approach to everyday challenges and time management.
Sam shares insights into navigating conversations about challenging experiences in his journey. He emphasizes the importance of reframing difficulties as learning opportunities and focusing on personal growth rather than comparison with others.
Sam emphasizes the importance of building momentum and making decisions from a positive place rather than a negative one. He reflects on his own journey of self-discovery and application preparation, highlighting the value of small wins and the power of knowing what you want to pursue.

Follow and subscribe to never miss an episode!

Connect with Adrienne!Looking for support with your graduate or professional school applications? Connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot! Email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, or email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal – Let us know about your scheduling strategies!

Ask the ExpertHave any questions on applications, advancement, studying for law school exams, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne>>> Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications – with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne’s Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

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The Importance of Consistency in Success with Priya P.I'm thrilled to have you join me today as we delve into a heartfelt conversation with Priya, our determined client on a journey towards her academic dreams. In this episode, we explore Priya's transformative experience navigating the challenging landscape of graduate school applications. From moments of self-doubt to triumphant achievements, Priya shares valuable insights into the power of self-validation, consistency, and resource utilization.

Navigating Graduate School Applications with Confidence
Join us as we uncover the strategies and mindset shifts that propelled Priya towards success, offering invaluable lessons for anyone embarking on their own academic or professional journey. Let's dive in!

Priya initially believed her CV was strong but discovered its limitations through coaching with Apply Yourself, ultimately gaining a deeper understanding of her experiences and their relevance to her goals. She highlights the importance of infusing her personality and personal connection into the statement, moving beyond a purely intellectual approach.
Priya discussed the importance of revisiting her application after submission to reassure herself and reignite her confidence in her abilities.
Through coaching with Apply Yourself, Priya gained confidence in her abilities and learned how to approach interview questions strategically. She also developed a more positive mindset about her worthiness and success.
Priya's consistent dedication to the process, despite occasional challenges and nerves, contributed to her success.
Priya emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities for support and guidance, such as finding coaching resources like Apply Yourself.
Priya encourages listeners to believe in themselves and their potential for growth, highlighting her own journey from uncertainty to confidence with the help of Apply Yourself.

Follow and subscribe to never miss an episode!

Connect with Adrienne!Looking for support with your graduate or professional school applications? Connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot! Email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, or email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal – Let us know about your scheduling strategies!

Ask the ExpertHave any questions on applications, advancement, studying for law school exams, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne>>> Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications – with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne’s Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

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Live Mindset Work for Increase with Leni
I'm thrilled to share a special episode where I had the opportunity to delve into a coaching session with our client, Leni. At the end of our session, Leni suggested that we turn our conversation into a podcast episode, knowing it could benefit others facing similar challenges. We explored Leni’s experience of discomfort, dissecting procrastination, and reflecting on the concept of taking time for granted. Our discussion even led us to explore the concept of the 'upper limit problem' and how it can impact our success. Join us as we dive deep into these topics and share insights that could help you navigate your own journey.

Turning Discomfort into Growth: A Deep Dive into Procrastination and Personal Evolution
In our conversation, we delved into the feelings of discomfort and resistance many of us experience while preparing for the LSAT exam. We explored the concept of listening to your body and unpacking the underlying emotions that may be causing procrastination or hesitancy. Here are the key points we discussed:

Exploring Feelings: I acknowledged feeling discomfort and resistance when attempting to study for the LSAT. We delved into the emotions behind these feelings, such as fear of failure and uncertainty about the future.
Processing Emotions: We emphasized the importance of processing emotions and facing them head-on rather than avoiding them. I encourage you to acknowledge and understand these feelings as a normal part of personal growth and change.
Recalibration: We discussed the need for recalibration after a period of intense emotional processing or personal development. I suggest using tools like mindset journaling to reflect on experiences and ground myself in the present.
Accepting Change: There was a focus on accepting positive change and embracing growth, even when it feels uncomfortable or unfamiliar. Discomfort is a normal part of the process and can be used as a catalyst for personal evolution.
Breaking Through Limiting Beliefs: We touched on the concept of the "upper limit problem" from "The Big Leap," highlighting the tendency to self-sabotage when reaching a certain level of success or happiness. I encourage you to break through these limiting beliefs and embrace ongoing growth and improvement.

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Connect with Adrienne!Want support with studying for the LSAT? Connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot! Email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, or email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal – Let us know about your scheduling strategies!

Ask the ExpertHave any questions on applications, advancement, studying for law school exams, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne>>> Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications – with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne’s Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

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Celebrating YOU!In our monumental 100th episode of the Advancement Spot Podcast, I embark on a heartfelt journey of reflection, gratitude, and celebration. This episode isn't just about hitting a number; it's about taking a moment to look back, soak it all in, and say a big, heartfelt "thank you" to each and every one of you who've been with us on this journey. To our incredible listeners, your support and engagement have been the driving force behind the success of this podcast. Without your dedication, we wouldn't be celebrating this monumental achievement today.

So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. Thank you for tuning in, for sharing your thoughts, for being part of this amazing community we've built together. You've made every episode worthwhile, and I couldn't be more grateful for each and every one of you. Here's to many more episodes and shared moments together!

Celebrating Success: Voices from the Apply Yourself Community
Throughout this special episode, I'll be diving into the amazing stories of transformation that have unfolded thanks to Apply Yourself services. Our fantastic members from Apply Yourself step up to share their own tales of growth and success.

Our members express their heartfelt thanks to Apply Yourself for the incredible support and guidance they've received. They talk about how the program has boosted their confidence and helped them chase their dreams with a newfound zeal.
We have several members sharing their experiences with Apply Yourself and how it's changed the game for them in terms of applications and personal growth, highlighting how crucial community support is for shaping personal and professional growth.
Our members share stories of overcoming tough times and achieving what they once thought impossible, thanks to the support of Apply Yourself.
Our members highlight the importance of having a structured approach to application processes, which helped them to navigate complexities and overcome challenges.
We dive into the deep end of personal growth in this episode, exploring everything from self-reflection to boosting confidence. It's clear that Apply Yourself isn't just a program—it's a life-changer, giving you the tools you need to navigate life's twists and turns.
Our members share how they've kicked negative thinking to the curb and how it's made a world of difference in their lives and relationships.
From the bottom of my heart, I want to give a huge shoutout to the amazing team behind Apply Yourself. They've poured their hearts and souls into making this program a success, and we wouldn't be here without them. Thanks for being the wind beneath our wings!

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Connect with Adrienne!Want to connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot? Email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, or email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com or DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal – Let us know when you ask for help and how we can support you!

Ask the ExpertHave any questions on applications, advancement, studying for law school exams, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne>>> Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications – with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out

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How to Know When to Say Yes
Let’s discuss one of the most important decisions I've ever made: saying yes. It's a common question to ask yourself, 'Am I making the right choice? Am I on the right path?' The decision I made at a young age to embrace opportunities that resonated with my goals highlights the significance of deliberate decision-making and mentorship in personal growth.

Embracing Opportunities: A Journey of Intentional Decision-Making and Personal Growth
I encourage you to evaluate your choices, set boundaries, and align your actions with their highest aspirations. There is a liberating freedom found in embracing opportunities that serve personal growth and alignment.

At a young age, I made the pivotal decision to seize opportunities aligned with my ambitions, beginning with my tenure at Baycrest's Rotman Research Institute in Neuroscience during my undergraduate years.
I delve into the nuanced aspects of intentional decision-making, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and personal reflection in navigating life's opportunities and challenges.
Despite encountering challenges and tough choices along the way, I reflect on each experience with fondness and gratitude, emphasizing the transformative impact of intentional decision-making.
I underscore the importance of seeking out opportunities that align with personal values, even during my student years, and acknowledge the intentional effort put into every decision.
Reflecting on past experiences, I acknowledge the importance of letting go of relationships or opportunities that no longer serve my growth or alignment with personal goals.
Give yourself permission to say yes to opportunities that resonate with your true self, you will start to attract less of what doesn't align by focusing on what does.

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Connect with Adrienne!Let’s talk about how to know when to say yes! Connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot! Email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, or email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal – Let us know about your scheduling strategies!

Ask the ExpertHave any questions on applications, advancement, studying for law school exams, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne>>> Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications – with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne’s Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

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Embracing Flexibility in Your ScheduleA topic that comes up in so many of our coaching calls, is scheduling and flexibility. This often comes up at the beginning of the year, as we have new classes, new jobs, new responsibilities, and new obligations to ourselves and to other people. So, when we have new things that we want to do and get involved in, how do we fit all that in?

Navigating Life’s Rhythms Through Flex SchedulingWhen it comes to scheduling anything from school, family time, social time, time to study, work, how do we do it all? It is easy to want a routine, but life is flexible, so we need to find some flexible time. Embracing flexibility in your life to your advantage is going to change how you do and see everything and every opportunity, and that is why we use flex scheduling.

Flex scheduling requires the process of identifying non-negotiables and integrating flexibility into the schedule to accommodate different activities.
It is important to use flex time productively, doing activities such as exercise, socializing, or engaging in meaningful experiences rather than passive pursuits like scrolling or binge-watching.
Be present and mindful in every activity, whether it's studying, working, or leisure time. I encourage intentional engagement with chosen activities.
Life is inherently flexible, schedules may change due to evolving circumstances and unexpected events. Embrace life's ebbs and flows, and adapt your routine accordingly.
Find comfort in the flexibility of life rather than seeking rigid routines. It is important to adapt to different life seasons and use flexibility to your advantage.

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Connect with Adrienne!Want support with scheduling for success? Connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot! Email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, or email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal – Let us know about your scheduling strategies!

Ask the ExpertHave any questions on applications, advancement, studying for law school exams, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne>>> Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications – with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne’s Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

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Using Your Discomfort to Guide You to SuccessIn our previous episode, we delved into the intricacies of intention setting for the new year, emphasizing consistency, accountability, strategy, and hope. Building on that, I stress the inevitability of discomfort in the pursuit of growth. While remaining in a comfort zone may feel secure, real progress often requires investing energy, time, and sometimes money in oneself. There are two types of discomfort—urgent, fight-or-flight reactions indicating a safety concern, and the "good" discomfort associated with personal and professional advancement. This episode takes a deeper dive into the transformative power of this constructive discomfort, unraveling its manifestations and its role as a guiding force on our journey to success.

Unveiling the Uncomfortable: Navigating Growth and the Two Faces of DiscomfortIn this episode, we navigate the landscape of discomfort and its profound role in personal and professional growth. From decoding the nuances of different discomforts to leveraging it as a guiding force, we explore the transformative journey towards success. Here’s a closer look at what we covered in this episode:

Delving deeper, I draw a clear line between the discomfort that signals immediate danger and the discomfort that accompanies the journey of pushing our boundaries and embracing growth.
Recognize the transformative power of discomfort, and view it as a compass. This discomfort becomes your guide, steering your decisions, shaping your energy investments, and influencing where you choose to allocate your resources.
There are many physiological manifestations of discomfort, it can manifest as tightness in the chest, stomachaches, or tension in various parts of the body. Recognizing these physical signs is key to self-awareness.
It's crucial not to downplay your emotions. I stress the importance of acknowledging and addressing your feelings, irrespective of their perceived magnitude, emphasizing the significance of self-validation.
Dream big! There is power in setting ambitious goals. Discomfort is an integral part of the process, propelling us toward those dreams that might initially seem out of reach.
Regularly reassess your intentions and how discomfort is harnessed. This ongoing evaluation ensures that your journey aligns with your personal and professional growth objectives.

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Connect with Adrienne!Want to connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot and continue this discussion on discomfort for growth? Email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, or email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com or DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal – Let us know when you ask for help and how we can support you!

Ask the ExpertHave any questions on applications, advancement, studying for law school exams, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne>>> Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications – with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne’s Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!
Resources and links mentioned in this episode:Episode 96:

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Components of Intention Setting for the New YearToday, we're diving into a topic close to my heart – intention setting for the new year. As we kick off 2024, I want to share my insights on why resolutions often miss the mark, and why I don’t wait for the New Year to start working on a new goal. I operate on a quarterly, monthly, and sometimes even daily basis to ensure my intentions align with the ever-evolving journey of life. So, whether you're a seasoned goal-setter or looking for a fresh approach, let's navigate the path to a purposeful and successful 2024 together.

The Art of Intention Setting and Key Components for SuccessIn this episode, we're steering away from traditional resolutions and delving into the transformative power of intention. Here are the five things that I make sure I am implementing constantly and regularly reviewing to foster a sense of renewal in the New Year:

Intention setting – Why do I set intentions rather than traditional New Years Resolutions? Intentions involve making active and intentional choices aligned with your goals.
Consistency - Success is built through consistent effort, energy, and intentionality. You need to approach goals with a daily commitment to making the right choices, big and small.
Accountability Matters - Surrounding oneself with a supportive community that holds each other accountable is crucial. True accountability involves regular check-ins and updates, ensuring commitment to personal goals. That’s what the Apply Yourself Community is here for!
Strategic Approach - Having a well-thought-out strategy is essential for achieving long-term goals. Strategy serves as a roadmap, guiding you through challenges and circumstances on the path to success.
Hope as a Driving Force – You must maintain hope for a better future. Believing in your limitless potential and possibilities is essential for achieving significant and long-term goals.

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Connect with Adrienne!If you want to chat about goal-setting, and connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot, email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, and send me a DM personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal – Let us know how we can support you in your own advancement journey!

Ask the ExpertHave any questions on applications, advancement, studying for law school exams, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne>>> Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications – with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne’s Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

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How Social Circles Affect Our SuccessIn today's episode, I want to share insights from a recent coaching call where we discussed a common challenge: dealing with changing social circles while striving for personal and professional advancement. This particular conversation stemmed from a member in our Mastering Academic Applications program who expressed a dilemma about a group of friends whose goals seemed to be misaligned. Join me as we explore strategies for planning for the future and choosing friends who align with your positive growth.

Navigating the Social Landscape: Balancing Success, Friendship, and Self-DiscoverySocial circles, as we all know, can be unpredictable. You can't anticipate that a group today will remain unchanged over the next 5, 10, or even 50 years. People evolve, friendships transform, and it's a journey that we can't entirely plan for. How can we approach planning for the future and selecting friends who contribute positively? Here are some key points from this episode:

As a young person, I've experienced similar challenges - wanting to socialize while dedicating time to studies. It's essential to recognize that studying and achieving success take time, and there's no quick fix. What we do need is consistency, accountability, and a sprinkle of hope. Believing in yourself is key; if it's in your head, it's already yours - just figure out the how.
In contemplating success, I encourage you to define what it means to you. For me, it's freedom - the ability to choose.
Your current circumstances and friend groups play a role in your current and future success. Consider who you surround yourself with; it's a massive predictor of your journey. Yes, advancing might mean feeling a bit lonely sometimes, but that's the truth of success. You will outgrow people, and it's okay.
Think about the you in five or ten years - the successful you. What choices would that person make today regarding social circles? Align your decisions with your future success. You're on your unique journey, and it's okay to prioritize your goals over immediate socializing.
We all crave acceptance, a biological instinct, but now we're in settings where we decide who has the privilege of being in our lives. Focus on those who support your journey and reciprocate the support.

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Connect with Adrienne! Need support navigating social circles? Connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot! Email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, or email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal – Feel free to connect!

Ask the ExpertHave any questions on applications, advancement, studying for law school exams, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne>>> Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications – with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne’s Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:Episode 53: How to Define Success —> ht

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On Running Out of Time with Our LSAT Coach, Marco KimIn this episode, I’m joined by Marco Kim, our wonderful LSAT coach in Mastering Test Prep! Marco is a second-year law student at the University of Western Ontario, formerly an economics student at the University of McGill. As a seasoned LSAT coach, Marco shares valuable strategies and perspectives on effectively managing time constraints and achieving your LSAT goals. Join us as we explore practical approaches to handling time-related challenges and maintaining focus on achieving academic objectives.

Navigating Time Constraints and Achieving Goals with Marco KimPreparing for the LSAT can be quite a journey, and we understand the challenges it brings. Recognizing the significance of time management can help you to ease stress and enhance your study approach. In this episode, we delve into essential strategies for managing time constraints and successfully achieving goals. Listen to learn more about:

Acknowledging time constraints when plans encounter interruptions, delays, or unforeseen issues. Your original plan may fall short due to time constraints and trigger a sense of panic. The first step towards a solution is recognizing these time limitations.
Adopting an outsider's perspective to look at the situation objectively and deal with panic. Learn how to distinguish between external factors causing delays and internal issues with plan execution.
Being generous with yourself when planning and managing time - plan for consistent disruptions or accounting for extra time if not. If delays are due to poor planning, reevaluate strategies for a more effective approach.
Focusing on essential goals when time is insufficient. Recognize the importance of reassessing what can be realistically achieved and recognize various goals within a larger plan and understand their timelines.
The need to reevaluate and reassess goals instead of outright abandoning them. There is a delicate balance required between realistic expectations and often underestimated time requirements.
Marco's personal strategy for calming panic, involving detachment from the situation, having a meal, and engaging in relaxing activities. Remember to look at the situation objectively after grounding yourself

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Connect with Adrienne!Want to connect with Marco and our other amazing coaches in Mastering Test Prep? Email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, or email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. Interested in working with Marco? Email him at Marco@applyyourselfglobal.com. And DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal – Let us know how we can support you in your standardized test prep!

Ask the ExpertHave any questions on applications, advancement, studying for law school exams, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne>>> Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications – with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne’s Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

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Mastering the MCAT with Our Coach, Josh KapurI'm joined by one of our wonderful MCAT Coaches in Mastering Test Prep, Josh Kapur! Josh is a fourth year student in the Kinesiology program at the University of Toronto, and we are so happy to announce that he has been admitted to his first choice medical school program! He has been actively involved in so many Apply Yourself initiatives and we're so grateful for all of his work. We get to know Josh in this episode and learn more about his journey and what led him here to Apply Yourself.

Nurturing Yourself and your Strategy While Studying for the MCATStudying for the MCAT is a high-stress and often isolating experience. It’s so important to take care of yourself and focus on strategies that work best for you. Tune in this episode to learn more about:

Insights into the medical school application process;
The ways we bring our clients the most up-to-date resources and strategies that suit their individual learning styles through the unique delivery of expertise by each of our Coaches;
Josh’s experience writing the MCAT and the strategies he used that best suited his own learning style, such as spaced repetition, and the ways he simulated the uncertainties of test day by studying in different environments;
The importance of focusing on yourself and your strategy, not on the competition, especially during high-stress times like studying for the MCAT or any standardized test - You’re writing the test by yourself, for yourself, so it’s imperative to not let other people’s opinions and comparisons impact the way you study;
Apply Yourself’s holistic approach to coaching where we focus on the personal outside of the test, not just the test, because the personal and the professional are one in the same. We need to nurture both throughout our advancement;
The student groups Apply Yourself sponsors across the country and internationally, such as the MCAT Prep Club at UofT, which Josh is a part of!
Our Mastering Test Prep program and the ways our Coaches strive to provide our clients the best standardized test strategies - In MTP, you have the option to choose your own Coach and build a working relationship with them so they can really get to know you as a person and your learning style.

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Connect with Adrienne!Want to connect with Josh and our other amazing coaches in Mastering Test Prep? Email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, or email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. Interested in working with Josh? Email him at josh@applyyourselfglobal.com. And DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let us know how we can support you in your standardized test prep!

Ask the ExpertHave any questions on applications, advancement, studying for law school exams, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne>>> Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

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Scheduling for Success: How to Stay on TrackWhat happens when things don’t go according to schedule? We have to plan for contingencies and external factors in order to keep moving towards our goals. Today, I explore with you some scheduling strategies that have helped me and my students and clients in their advancement.

Flex Schedules and Planning for ChangeMany of us are going through challenging processes and times of busyness. Remember, stress and sacrifice aren't forever. Our “ideal” schedule and our non-negotiables change over time and invite the changes that come with our journeys. Here are three types of schedules that you can develop to help keep you on track:

The Ideal Schedule - This is where you map out what you actually have to do for this moment in time. What are your obligations and non-negotiables? If you’re enrolled in Mastering Academic Applications, I give you a template for scheduling and you fill it out with ease. Otherwise, you can develop a schedule that works for you and map out your day, the time that each task takes you, and do so in the context of an ideal world. This is a world where everything runs smoothly, consistently, and there are no outside influences.
The Flex One Schedule - This is your schedule when some things don't go according to plan. Maybe you need to spend more time studying for your standardized tests and this means you can only go to the gym three times in the week instead of five. Your flex one schedule allows more time for the non-negotiables and less time for the negotiables.
The Flex Two Schedule - This is your schedule when a lot doesn’t go according to plan. You may have to start cutting down on things that maybe, in your ideal or flex one schedule, are non-negotiable in order to give yourself more time to do more urgent tasks. For example, when you have to take care of a family member in the hospital. During times of intense stress and uncertainty, it’s so important to take care of yourself while being there for the people around you.

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Connect with Adrienne!Want support with scheduling for success? Connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot! Email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, or email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let us know about your scheduling strategies!

Ask the ExpertHave any questions on applications, advancement, studying for law school exams, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne>>> Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:Episode 32: Caring For Loved Ones During Our Times Of Advancement – Is It Possible? With Stephanie Muskat —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-32/

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Studying for Standardized TestsIn this week’s episode, I share with you my top three non-negotiables for standardized test studying. Four degrees later, I can safely say that I've been through a ton of school and exam periods, both as a student and as a professor who sees what students need to succeed. For standardized tests, studying is much more prolonged, requires more endurance, and requires you to build up the skill and muscle memory to be able to perform at your best.

My Top 3 LSAT & MCAT Non-NegotiablesIt's important to put your health first and engage in study strategies that are sustainable. These are my top 3 non-negotiables when it comes to studying for the MCAT, the LSAT, or any standardized test:

Sleep - You need full nights of restful, restorative sleep that allow you to be sustained throughout the day and go to bed at a reasonable time, all with a perfect study strategy that allows you to feel good about the progress that you're making.
Physical movement - You don't have to go for an intense jog. You can do shorter bursts of physical movement that restore you and your mind. When I was in school studying for exams and standardized tests, I always did one thing to keep me studying productively, and that was go to the gym.
Time to think - It’s vitally important that your subconscious mind has the time and the space to think, process, and put your skills and memory into the short-term and long-term so that it's sustained throughout your studying.

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Connect with Adrienne!We would love to hear from you! Email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, or email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Feel free to connect and I'll send you some resources on sleep!

Ask the ExpertHave any questions on applications, advancement, studying for law school exams, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne>>> Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:Episode 49: There’s No Shame in Rewriting Standardized Tests —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-49/

Episode 78: We’re Doing LSAT Questions LIVE! With Jaylene D. —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-78/

Episode 85: How To Deal With LSAT Issues With Our LSAT Coach, Marco Kim —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-85/

Episode 87: Writing The LSAT With Jacob McNair —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-87/

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When to Ask for HelpI share with you another client story from one of our group coaching calls in The Success Society, which is our higher-level coaching group where we talk about all things outside of the application. Now, I am a firm believer that you don’t need to come with a “problem” or something to troubleshoot every single week in order to participate in and benefit from our coaching sessions. Like I say to our Apply Yourself community members, you don’t need to wait until you experience a problem to reach out and ask for support. When it comes to our coaching, we take a holistic approach because you shouldn't actually have to ask for help. It should be a well-rounded process that you engage in fully, freely, and on your own terms.

Holistic Coaching, Asking for Help, and Making Good Choices in your AdvancementChatting with this client brought up a really important question: When do we ask for help? Asking for help often requires a serious analysis of where we are, where we want to be, and the gap between them. Here are some key points from this episode:

If you're feeling unsure of your next steps, it’s important to take a step back and visualize where you want to be in a productive way.
In order to reach your goals, your current self needs to make choices that can, in truth, be uncomfortable. These are often the choices you would make when you look back in hindsight.
Imagine yourself 10, 20, 30 years into the future, or even 1 year in. What choices would you make today to get you where you want to be faster, without stress, with more joy, support, encouragement, and community, and in a healthier and sustainable way?
There doesn't always have to be a problem. It’s important to learn how to ask for help and when to ask for help. And in order to ask for the right kind of help, you need the right people to be on the other end, listening to and supporting you.
At Apply Yourself, we provide coaching for applications, for test prep, and for life in general, and we have programs that focus on each of those areas. Want help on applications? We have Mastering Academic Applications. Want to excel in your MCAT and LSAT test prep? We have Mastering Test Prep. Need support in different areas of your life? We have The Success Society. And for all of the above, we always offer 1:1 VIP time to our clients.

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Connect with Adrienne!Want to connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot and continue this discussion on asking for help? Email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, or email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com or DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let us know when you ask for help and how we can support you!

Ask the ExpertHave any questions on applications, advancement, studying for law school exams, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne>>> Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

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Fighting Through Fear and External Validation with FarwaToday, I'm joined by one of our dear clients, Farwa, who has made so many amazing strides in our short time working together! Farwa is an incoming candidate of the Master of Health Industry Administration Program at the Schulich School of Business, and a recent graduate of York University’s Global Health Program with a specialization in Health Policy, Management, and Systems. Farwa is a student leader and community worker with over three years of experience in community-based research, student engagement, and leadership development. She is interested in pursuing research pathways for humanitarian and community health, and exploring innovative and technological ways to improve health outcomes. I am so excited to be joined by Farwa so we can both celebrate her success and learn more about her journey.

The Importance of Investing in Yourself and Your ApplicationFarwa dishes out all the details this episode and describes her experience with the application from before our work together to now. I am so happy to share that Farwa has gained admission into her top program of choice at Schulich, and she is so excited to begin this next chapter of her advancement journey. Listen to this episode to learn more about:

Farwa’s academic background and professional interests in improving community health outcomes;
Her experience working together in Mastering Academic Applications and The Success Society - through our coaching together, we were able to clearly define Farwa’s goals, aspirations, and thoughts in her application in a polished, professional, and concise way;
Insights into the application process at one of Schulich's Masters programs and the kind of strategy and preparation needed for success in the application materials and interview process;
The level of personalized and customized support you gain by joining the Apply Yourself community, because we all come here each week with real vulnerability and readiness to share, accept, support, encourage, and strategize; and
Why we have a 90% success rate in getting our clients and community members into their dream schools and jobs through our various programs, coaching strategies, and non-competition principle.

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Connect with Adrienne!Want to connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot? Email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, or email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let us know if you’re interested in learning more or if you want to join the Apply Yourself community!

Ask the ExpertHave any questions on applications, advancement, studying for law school exams, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne>>> Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

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Writing the LSAT with our LSAT Coach, Isabella PapaliaWe are joined by Isabella Papalia, one of our all-star LSAT coaches! Isabella holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Neuroscience, and Behavior with a minor in Biology from McMaster University. She is currently completing her second year of law school with the University of Toronto Faculty of Law. Today, we take you into the world of coaching with us and learn more about Isabella along the way.

Believing in Yourself Throughout your LSAT and Law School JourneyThe LSAT and law school are no doubt challenging processes, but it’s important to believe in yourself and ensure this path aligns with you. Isabella’s experience demonstrates the ways that a growth mindset, consistency, discipline, and hard work can propel you forward. Listen to this episode to learn about:

Isabella’s academic and professional experience, in which her passions for science and law fuel her interest in intellectual property law;
Her experience writing the LSAT, the lessons she learned, and some actionable LSAT study strategies;
Isabella’s philosophy behind LSAT coaching, where she is able to help our clients improve their scores, strategies, and circumstances around studying;
Our online community platform where we ask questions and support one another each week;
Not needing a specific background to get into and succeed at law school - your background is perfect for whatever you want to do, you just have to know that you enjoy doing it!

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Connect with Adrienne!Want to connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot, Isabella, and our other wonderful coaches in Mastering Test Prep? Email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, or email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also email Isabella at isabella@applyyourselfglobal.com. And DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let us know if anything resonated with you this episode!

Ask the ExpertHave any questions on applications, advancement, studying, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne>>> Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:Episode 5: Overcoming “Imposter Syndrome” —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-5/

Episode 55: Law School Chat Forums – Are They Useful? —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-55/

Episode 70: Meet Our LSAT & MCAT Coaches! Part 3: Josh Kapur, Gabriel Benjamen, Jacob McNair, Isabella Papalia, Jonathan Mackenzie —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-70/

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Writing the LSAT with Jacob McNairWe have Jacob McNair, one of our amazing LSAT coaches, on the podcast! Jacob holds a a Masters degree in Journalism from Toronto Metropolitan University and is currently completing his second year of law school. Today, we're going to learn all about Jacob, his academic and professional background, his experience, his philosophy, and the ways these inform his coaching with Apply Yourself.

The Key to Positive Mindset Shifts in your Law School and LSAT JourneyThe LSAT doesn’t have to be an isolating or competitive process, and Jacob’s experience can attest to that. When we undergo challenging and stressful periods of time, we need to remember to listen to the whispers that guide us to where we want to be, and seek out those moments of reassurance and support. Tune in to learn more about:

Jacob’s journey on getting to law school and his academic and professional background;
His experience preparing for the LSAT and his perceptions on the competition - and at Apply Yourself we know that the competition is there, but we focus on you and what you bring to the table;
What brought Jacob to Apply Yourself, where we help clients and applicants not only get the best grades, but also build healthy work habits;
The importance of a growth mindset in recognizing that the competition is not there to work against you, but instead work alongside you as potential colleagues;
Insights into the LSAT and the skills building involved so you can apply your study strategies to law school; and
The importance of gaining exposure to the law and to connect with lawyers when appropriate to determine if this is the path that aligns with you.

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Connect with Adrienne!Want to connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot and get started on studying for the LSAT? Email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, or email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also email Jacob at jacob@applyyourselfglobal.com. And DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let us know how we can support you in your LSAT and law school journey!

Ask the ExpertHave any questions on applications, advancement, studying for law school exams, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne>>> Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:Episode 23: The Simple Question That Will Change Your Life —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-23/

Episode 70: Meet Our LSAT & MCAT Coaches! Part 3: Josh Kapur, Gabriel Benjamen, Jacob McNair, Isabella Papalia, Jonathan Mackenzie —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-70/&

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Writing for Discovery vs. CommunicationIn today’s episode, we talk about the key differences between writing for discovery vs. writing for communication. This distinction can apply to any piece of writing that is going to be submitted or be used for some purpose other than your own.

The Discovery Phase of WritingWriting for discovery is so crucial to fully understand and process your own experiences. It can look like so many different things, like journaling or creating a web diagram, but it just has to make sense to you and help you process, understand, and connect the dots between your experiences. Here are some tips for writing for discovery to ensure this phase is a productive part of your process:

First, you need to dedicate time to do this phase in order to plan out your final product and to fully reflect on your own circumstances, experiences, and the ways you grew from them.
Second, you need to give yourself the quiet and the space to do this phase. Give yourself the time and space to think without pressure.
Third, you need a pen and paper, rather than solely relying on typing. I suggest printing out your CV and beside each experience you write a description of your feelings, memories, and reflections on that experience.
Fourth, you need to make connections between your experiences and where you were, where you are, and where you are going. After this process, you can then move forward into the…

The Communication Phase of WritingWriting for communication is the phase where you convey your message for the understanding of your audience. Here are some tips for writing for communication:

First, know who your audience is. Are you writing for the admissions committee, your professor, your colleagues, or your supervisor at work?
Second, the communication phase has many considerations, such as proper formatting of your writing, and, in the context of applications, writing to advocate for yourself.
Third, writing for communication is for the audience to understand who you are, what your experience is, and what you bring to the table.
Fourth, you may switch between writing for discovery and writing for communication many times, and that is a totally normal part of the writing process.

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Connect with Adrienne!Want to connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot and continue this conversation on writing for discovery and communication? Email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, or email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let us know how we can support you in your writing process!

Ask the ExpertHave any questions on applications, advancement, studying for law school exams, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne>>> Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

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Ways to Deal with LSAT Challenges with our LSAT Coach, Marco KimI am joined by Marco Kim, one of our amazing LSAT coaches, on today’s episode! Marco holds a Bachelor's degree from McGill University where he completed his Major in Economics with a Double Minor in Philosophy and World Cinema. He is currently completing his second year of law school at the University of Western Ontario. He’s back on the podcast this week to tell us more about himself and his advancement journey, and to share some key insights and strategies on succeeding at the LSAT. Tune in to learn more!

The Importance of Consistency and Confidence in Your Law School JourneyWriting the LSAT and law school applications are often very intense, involved, and deeply introspective processes. While Marco’s journey has not been easy, his story demonstrates the importance of being consistent in your studying, having confidence in yourself and your abilities, and being introspective when examining the reasons behind your decision to pursue law school.

Listen to this episode to learn more about:

Marco’s personal interests, and his academic and professional experiences;
His journey getting to law school and completing the application requirements, including the LSAT and his law school application components;
Showcasing yourself in your law school applications and the importance of tailoring each personal statement and other written components to each school;
Marco’s study strategy and advice when he works with clients on the LSAT; and
The kind of coaching and support you receive when working with Marco and our other amazing LSAT and MCAT Coaches at Apply Yourself!

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Connect with Adrienne!Want to connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot and get started on your LSAT journey? Email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, or email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also reach Marco at marco@applyyourselfglobal.com. Feel free to DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let us know how we can support you in your LSAT and law school applications!

Ask the ExpertHave any questions on applications, advancement, studying for law school exams, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne>>> Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

Episode 68: Meet Our LSAT & MCAT Coaches! Part 1: Hyun Tae Kim, Olga Shaporenko, Marco Kim, Jonathan Mackenzie —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-68/

Episode 78: We’re Doing LSAT Questions LIVE! With Jaylene D —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-78/

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Why You Need Independence for GrowthThis week, I bring you into a conversation that I had with one of my amazing clients in the Success Society, which was about the need for independence to grow. This amazing member was experiencing a few circumstances happening at home that were preventing her from going back to school and moving back to campus on time. Not only was she delayed in moving, she was also feeling alone and isolated while starting these new processes at the beginning of her semester because her partner was doing his co-op in a different city. Ultimately, after working through these feelings of nervousness and stress together, this member made some important realizations about the importance of guilt-free independence in order to grow and flourish while pursuing one’s own advancement - listen to this episode to learn more!

Insights on Growing Independently, Without Guilt or ShameSo many of us rely on our relationships with people for comfort, and this is completely natural. But we cannot rely on the presence of another person so heavily that we revolve our entire schedules, strategies, and social time around what we think is convenient for the other person. There are ways that we can grow independently while also maintaining our cherished relationships with others. Here are some key takeaways from this episode:

When we are implementing new skills and strategies to improve our productivity, grades, study habits, and further our advancement in general, we need to put ourselves first when it comes to making decisions that help us pursue our next best steps.
Doing things independently and when you want to does not make you selfish. Instead, this makes you appropriately focused on your own growth and success.
Just because you and another person, whether it be your partner, friend, or family member, are not together doesn’t mean you’re growing apart. It means that you might be growing together in parallel, with the appropriate independence that you need in order to make decisions for yourself, unencumbered by the decisions or expectations of others.
Remember, if they are the right person or people, they will support you in your independent growth and grow alongside you.

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Connect with Adrienne!Want to connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot and continue this conversation on growing independently? Email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, or email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let us know if anything in this episode resonated with you and your circumstances!

Ask the ExpertHave any questions on applications, advancement, studying for law school exams, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne>>> Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

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Setting Ourselves up for Study SuccessThis is a question I often receive and is also something that came up during one of our coaching calls in Mastering Test Prep, that is: How can you set yourself up for study success? This conversation came up with one of our Apply Yourself members because they're starting to implement new study strategies to really bump up their grades, and I share these strategies with you today!

5 Strategies for Study SuccessThese strategies for study success revolve around planning and understanding what you need to succeed. This includes nourishing your body and mind, and planning ahead in order to get what you need to boost your productivity and performance while studying. Here are 5 strategies for study success that you can use to propel your advancement forward:

Set up your study environment for success. You need to have a study space that you are comfortable and safe in, whether it be at home, at school, or in the library, otherwise you may feel distracted.
Make sure that you are feeding your body nourishing foods. This means meal planning in advance and packing your food appropriately and sustainably. This is an especially important point for students because food is expensive. We talk a lot about meal planning in our coaching sessions, including appropriate library foods and affordable, easy to make meal options.
Plan what times of the day you will be eating. Will you eat before or after class? When will you eat your meal and when will you have snacks? It’s also important to keep an emergency stash of food in your bag at all times.
Work in flexibility of when you will be eating throughout the day. Make sure you are eating when you are actually hungry and not just when you have it scheduled in.
Make sure that you are drinking enough water throughout the day. Bring your refillable water bottle and fill it up at school or at work at the designated filtered water stations. You can also have coffee if you need to and plan to make it at home or budget accordingly.
Use earplugs while you are studying. This was really helpful for me when I was studying because you can tune out any noise and distractions. You don’t need earplugs to study well, but it's good to have the option to use them when you need to get into the zone.

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Connect with Adrienne!Want more strategies on studying successfully and productively? Connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot! Email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, or email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let us know if these strategies helped you in your study success!

Ask the ExpertHave any questions on applications, advancement, studying for law school exams, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne>>> Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

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The Art of To-Do ListsI often get this question from my students and clients: How do I manage my to-do list?

We all have lists of things that we need to get done. Some challenges that we may face when it comes to to-do lists include 1) not prioritizing appropriately, and 2) finding ourselves in what I call “analysis paralysis,” where we overanalyze the things we need to get done to the point that we actually don’t move forward with getting anything done. Today, I share with you actionable, efficient strategies that have worked and continue to work not only for myself, but also for my students and clients.

5 Strategies for Managing Your To-Do ListThere’s no doubt that to-do lists are useful. We have to keep track of what we have to do so we can get everything done. But I’m here to tell you that we don’t need to find the perfect tool or app to keep ourselves organized. Here are 5 key strategies to managing your to-do list and successfully getting things done:

We have to prioritize appropriately. For example, we can prioritize getting tasks done based on deadlines, both externally and internally. Tune in to learn more!
We have to commit to deadlines and trust in our own ability to fulfil the commitments we set out for both ourselves and others. Remember, these commitments are a reflection of us and our reputation.
Know and understand that things on our to-do lists may take longer to complete than we expect, and this is totally normal! You are growing through the work that you set out to do, so give yourself a little grace and flexibility.
Part of maturing is knowing and understanding that we can’t always do 100% of the things that we want to do when we have to finish 100% of the things that we need to do.
At the end of each work day, write out a list of all of your next steps, everything that you still need to do, and everything that you didn’t get done that you planned to get done that day. It's okay if this looks like some repetition on your to-do list and in your day-to-day. Here’s the beauty of doing this: After you wake up, do your morning routine, and get to your workspace, you can refer to this list and know exactly where you need to start and you can easily get started where you left off.

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Connect with Adrienne!Want more strategy on successfully managing to-do lists? Connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot! Email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, or email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let us know if these strategies helped you get those to-do lists done!

Ask the ExpertHave any questions on applications, advancement, studying for law school exams, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne>>> Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

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Defining Gratitude and AppreciationIn this week’s episode, I explore the idea of gratitude and the ways this can manifest in our relationships, specifically with our parents. This conversation on gratitude was sparked by a recent coaching session. One of our Apply Yourself members told us about a circumstance happening at home and they felt they needed to be there to mediate the situation. As you’ll hear in this episode, there are healthy and unhealthy ways to show gratitude, and this can dictate our relationships and the ways we navigate them.

Practising Healthy Gratitude in Our RelationshipsDuring this coaching call, we explored the ways we can show gratitude to our parents and in other relationships in a more healthy, well-rounded way. Different members had different ideas; some were healthy and some were not, and that’s okay! This is the reality of dealing with relationships and circumstances.

In the end, we came up with this: The way to show gratitude is by continuing to share your life with the people that you are grateful for. Here are some key takeaways:

It’s not healthy to suppress any feelings of disagreement between you or anybody else for the sake of showing gratitude. We need to be able to have wholesome, well-rounded conversations on what we agree and disagree on, and why - and we don’t have to convince each other to agree! We can just have a mutual understanding of our different perspectives.
Gratitude is also maintaining relationships even when things get hard. It’s about continuing to share your life and your story with the supportive people around you.
We need to be mindful of our social circles and who is in them, who is influencing us, and who we are influencing. Remember that relationships change and evolve over time.
Our community members share very vulnerably with one another and with me, and for that I am so grateful. I am so grateful for everyone because we all show up each week to listen and support one another, all while practising strong confidentiality so everyone feels comfortable and confident in sharing what they need to during our time together.

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Connect with Adrienne!Want to continue this discussion on gratitude and connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot? Email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, or email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Tell us about your own perspective on showing gratitude and appreciation!

Ask the ExpertHave any questions on applications, advancement, studying for law school exams, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne>>> Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

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Finding Yourself Through Your Applications with MichelleToday, we have Michelle, one of our amazing community members, on the podcast! Michelle graduated from the Global Health program at York University, specializing in Health Policy, Management, and Systems. She is one of our OG clients who has been working with us for about a year and a half now, starting all the way back in the Founders Cohort of Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission. We talk about Michelle’s journey through the application process, her growth and experience being a part of the Apply Yourself Community, and the work she engaged in that led to her finding herself again and getting accepted into the program of her dreams - Tune in to hear more!

The Need for Community in Your ApplicationsMichelle’s work on her applications has led to such life-changing transformations and mindset growth in how she approaches everything, from her flourishing personal relationships, to the way she presents herself on paper and in person, the way she perceives herself and the person she is growing to be, and so much more. I am so proud of the strides Michelle has made in our time together, and her story exemplifies the importance of having a positive community supporting you throughout the application process. Listen to this episode to learn more about:

Michelle’s academic, professional, and personal experiences and interests;
Her experience working on her applications before joining the Apply Yourself Community vs. after, and the transformative growth into herself where she now feels more confident in her own abilities and the future she is striving towards;
Insights into the ways visualization can help us gain clarity on our goals and next best steps;
The kind of growth that happens for our community members when they put in the work and show up for themselves each week in our group and 1:1 coaching calls; and
The importance of asking for help when you need it, and to seek a community that is supportive, consistent, and committed to your success, and vice versa!

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Connect with Adrienne!Want to connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot? Email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, or email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Are you seeking a positive community to support you in your advancement and applications? Connect with us and let’s chat about how we can best work with you!

Ask the ExpertHave any questions on applications, advancement, studying for law school exams, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne>>> Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:Episode 64: Listen To Your Body: When To Slow Down —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-64/

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Fighting Through Fear and External Validation with FarwaToday, I'm joined by one of our dear clients, Farwa, who has made so many amazing strides in our short time working together! Farwa is an incoming candidate of the Master of Health Industry Administration Program at the Schulich School of Business, and a recent graduate of York University’s Global Health Program with a specialization in Health Policy, Management, and Systems. Farwa is a student leader and community worker with over three years of experience in community-based research, student engagement, and leadership development. She is interested in pursuing research pathways for humanitarian and community health, and exploring innovative and technological ways to improve health outcomes. I am so excited to be joined by Farwa so we can both celebrate her success and learn more about her journey.

The Importance of Investing in Yourself and Your ApplicationFarwa dishes out all the details this episode and describes her experience with the application from before our work together to now. I am so happy to share that Farwa has gained admission into her top program of choice at Schulich, and she is so excited to begin this next chapter of her advancement journey. Listen to this episode to learn more about:

Farwa’s academic background and professional interests in improving community health outcomes;
Her experience working together in Mastering Academic Applications and The Success Society - through our coaching together, we were able to clearly define Farwa’s goals, aspirations, and thoughts in her application in a polished, professional, and concise way;
Insights into the application process at one of Schulich's Masters programs and the kind of strategy and preparation needed for success in the application materials and interview process;
The level of personalized and customized support you gain by joining the Apply Yourself community, because we all come here each week with real vulnerability and readiness to share, accept, support, encourage, and strategize; and
Why we have a 90% success rate in getting our clients and community members into their dream schools and jobs through our various programs, coaching strategies, and non-competition principle.

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Connect with Adrienne!Want to connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot? Email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, or email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let us know if you’re interested in learning more or if you want to join the Apply Yourself community!

Ask the ExpertHave any questions on applications, advancement, studying for law school exams, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne>>> Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

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Doing LSAT Questions LIVE with Jaylene!In this episode, I invite you to experience first-hand a live coaching session in Mastering Test Prep, which takes place every Thursday where we work together on your standardized test strategy. This coaching session features one of our amazing members, Jaylene, and we ended up working through three LSAT Reading Comprehension questions together- and we got them all right! We also implemented and fine-tuned some strategies for Jaylene to use and carry with her throughout her advancement. Jaylene has had a massive, transformative realization about herself and the way she has been approaching the test and questions - stick around until the end of the episode to find out!

Studying for the LSAT Can Be Fun! and 5 Tips for LSAT and Standardized Test SuccessStudying for your standardized test doesn’t have to be a gruelling, punishing, or lonely process. As this episode demonstrates, studying for the LSAT can be fun, it can evoke laughter and conversation, and it can produce some productive insights about your strategy and relationship with the test itself. Here are 5 tips to succeed at the LSAT and any standardized test:

When working through passages on the LSAT, it’s important to read for understanding rather than just going through the motions to answer questions.
We need to reframe the way we think about LSAT passages. It’s not that the wording in the passages doesn’t make sense, it just needs to make enough sense for us to be able to answer the questions efficiently and accurately.
As soon as we say “It just doesn’t make sense,” we’re letting go of our agency to do our standardized test, and we’re giving away the power we have to actually work through it. Instead, let’s reframe our mindset to “It’s tough, but I can do it.”
Our mind, ego, and feelings work in action to inform the ways we study and what answers we’re willing to take risks on. For example, in Jaylene's experience before working together, not wanting to take a risk on the answer we thought was right, but wanting the certainty of the answer that we knew was incorrect.
When undergoing these challenging processes and studying for standardized tests, we need support, community, people we can laugh with, the right kind of strategy, and people who understand the process to guide us through it.

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Connect with Adrienne!If you're interested in connecting with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot, email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, or email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Want to start mastering your LSAT, MCAT, or other standardized test? Let us know how we can support you!

Ask the ExpertHave any questions on applications, advancement, studying for law school exams, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne>>> Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

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The “Upper Limit Problem” and the Issue with Limiting BeliefsYou may have heard about The Upper Limit Problem, a term first coined by Gay Hendricks in his book “The Big Leap.” The Upper Limit is a construct of assumptions that we believe and place on ourselves, or assumptions that we have adopted over the course of our lives based on what we hear about ourselves from others, which limits us from succeeding and performing to our true potential.

It’s only when we step back, reflect on ourselves, and develop our own frameworks for success that we see that many of these assumptions are totally constructed and holding us back. In this episode, I tell you about the ways this played out for one of our Apply Yourself community members while she was managing her chronic pain and medical needs and, after our work together, coming out of breaks and rest in a more productive way.

Busting Through Limiting Beliefs: From Pain to PerformanceThe Upper Limit, or the limiting beliefs we have for ourselves, is often moulded by other people’s opinions, expectations, and perspectives of what is true for us. If we define our own stories by what other people say, then we would be living their life and not our own. So, it’s really important that we develop our own frameworks for success that work for us and our own circumstances. Here are some key takeaways from this episode:

Tune in to learn the difference between taking a break vs. taking rest and, importantly, doing both without guilt in order to come back energized and ready to perform at your best.
You don’t need a reward and punishment system to “make yourself work.” What you need is your own framework for success that best works for you, based on your own circumstances, abilities, medical needs, perceptions, strategies, and other personal factors that contribute to your advancement.
It’s so crucial to validate your own experiences and perspectives without the need for other people’s validation or input. One story that this community member has been told her whole life, and eventually started to believe, was that her chronic pain was something to push through. However, if we cared for ourselves through pain rather than pushing through it, then we would have a lot more success and better performance in the short term, rather than making ourselves feel worse in the long term.

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Connect with Adrienne!Want to connect with me and our team at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot? Email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, or email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - What are some limiting beliefs that are holding you back? Let us know what resonated with you this episode!

Ask the ExpertHave any questions on applications, advancement, studying for law school exams, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne>>> Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

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Getting Rid of the ClutterThis week, I share with you one of the most important lessons I learned during my broken ankle healing journey and, more recently, in the process of packing up to move houses in September. That is, we really don’t need a lot of stuff! Think about all of your things: How many pots and pans do you actually use out of the whole set? How many clothes do you use per season?

Stuff can also refer to information that we seek to advance ourselves. At Apply Yourself, we get rid of the clutter when it comes to your advancement, applying for your programs, and answering all of your questions about applications. What you need is not an excess of information, but guidance from someone who has been there before and knows what it’s like behind the scenes as an admissions committee member.

What Admissions Committees Are Looking ForWhile you’re preparing your applications, ask yourself: What information am I consuming? Based on my work with clients, what you need is a step by step plan with lessons and action tasks so you’re completing your applications alongside someone who can answer your questions. Here are some key takeaways from this episode:

Admissions committees are looking for the human being behind the application. They want to get to know you and your experience, and your application has to be drafted in the most authentic, committed, and polished way.
Committees can tell when applicants use AI to produce their statements for them. AI generated statements tend to be very surface level, robotic sounding, and don’t feel authentic. AI generated statements don’t speak to your experience or anything in your CV, resume, or autobiographical sketch, and it’s simply not you.
Ultimately, what you need is ongoing support, strategy, and accountability - and that’s what we do here! We provide customized support so you can apply all of our strategies and systems to you and your circumstances.

Follow and subscribe to never miss an episode!

Connect with Adrienne!Want to connect with me and our team at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot? Email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, or email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let us know how we can support you!

Ask the ExpertHave any questions on applications, advancement, studying for law school exams, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne>>> Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:Episode 57: Artificial Intelligence (AI) And Personal Statements —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-57/

Episode 74: Update on My Ankle and Healing Journey - Part 2 —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-74/

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No Shame in Rewriting Your Standardized TestsIn this episode, I unpack the perceptions around re-writing standardized tests and why it’s totally not a shameful thing. Students and applicants are often hesitant to talk about this, maybe out of disappointment, embarrassment, or fear of failure, but I’m here to tell you that this happens all the time. In fact, many of our guests on the podcast and I have re-written standardized tests. Re-writing doesn’t stop you from advancing and achieving your goals. In fact, it propels you toward them.

4 Things to Consider for Rewriting Standardized TestsStandardized tests are not intuitive - they are skill-based and we have to learn the appropriate strategies to succeed in them over time. Here are some key takeaways:

This process is part of a larger learning experience and it’s okay if you have to write again. It shows that you want what you’re working towards and you’re willing to improve.
Know when you should cancel or keep your score. Ask yourself whether it’s actually necessary to cancel your score. Did you finish the test, but miss a few questions? Did you get sick during the test, causing you to be unable to finish? These are important considerations. Remember that people are getting in even if they answered the last few questions in a rush.
You need strategy to help you improve from one practice test or test attempt to the next. At Apply Yourself, we support you with strategy to improve on your timed or untimed tests, question stem review, and evolving your strategy in a way that works for you.
Remember that you’re writing the test for you, not for anyone else. Learn to turn inwards and focus on yourself during these really intense times, rather than relying on external validation from others. Staying internal protects yourself, your health, mindset, and peace during this process.

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Connect with Adrienne!If you want to discuss standardized test strategies and connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot, email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, or at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let us know how you’re feeling in your study journey!

Ask the Expert - Send in Your Questions!We’re launching a brand new series on the podcast called Ask the Expert! Send us your questions on applications, advancement, and more through our contacts above, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Enroll in Mastering Academic Applications>>> Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:Episode 40: How To Showcase Yourself: Self-Actualization, Identity, And Your Voice With Jessica (Lane) Bassmahon —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-40/
Episode 48: Why You DON’T Need To Obsess Over Your Standardized Tests —> https://applyyou

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Update on My Ankle and Healing Journey - Part 2This week's episode is Part 2 of My Ankle and Healing Journey! Last week, I shared that I was due for surgery three days after I learned my ankle went from a stable fracture to an unstable fracture with a significant bone displacement. Today, I give you the full details of everything that happened leading up to the surgery and post-surgery, so buckle up and enjoy the story!

Learning to Let Go and Listening to the UniverseFinding the lessons behind why something is happening is one way that I can live without regret. After all, if it wasn’t for my broken ankle, then we would have never decided to move houses as quickly and seamlessly as we did. Did you expect that twist? Want to know the details? Tune in to find out more, and I am so happy to share this news with you all!

And, of course, here are some key takeaways from this episode:

It's so important to listen to the whispers of the universe. Listen to the things happening to you, around you, for you, and make the connections as they are happening to you, both in the moment and after the fact. Listening with intent keeps you on the right trajectory in your advancement journey because it allows you to reflect on what you want for yourself.
Be open to what can happen next for you in life. When it comes to your advancement, don’t push so hard for or against something. Whatever comes your way, receive it and lean into it while also being mindful of your own goals and abilities.
Sometimes, it’s okay to let go in order to welcome better things, all while being grateful for opportunities, support, and the people around you along the way.

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Connect with Adrienne!Want to chat with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot? Email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, or email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - If you’re interested, check out my reel on Instagram where you can watch the full ankle story and see my purple cast pre-surgery. While you’re there, send me a DM! I'd love to chat with you!

Ask the ExpertHave any questions on applications, advancement, studying for law school exams, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne>>> Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

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Update on My Ankle and Healing JourneyIf you follow us on Instagram, then you know that I have been keeping the Apply Yourself community updated on my broken ankle and healing journey. I want to give a big thank you to everyone who has followed along this journey with me, my ever supportive family, and to everyone who messaged me with well wishes. By the time this episode comes out, it will have been about a month since I broke my ankle. Today, I share with you some life updates and insights gained over the last few weeks.

The Importance of Advocating for Yourself and OthersI always try to find the meaning behind why things are happening and the lessons that can be learned along the way. This journey has not been an easy one, and I am grateful to have this space to share my thoughts and reflections with such a supportive community. As mentioned in this episode, I recently learned that my ankle had a bone displacement that required surgery in order for me to regain full use and mobility without persisting pain. I get real honest and dish out all the details, so listen to this episode to hear more about:

My experience and the kinds of support I received while navigating internal and external challenges during my ankle healing journey;
The ways that my work as a professor and lawyer helps me relate this journey to my understanding of health policy, caregiving, and legal advocacy for others;
The importance of advocating for yourself and others, especially in a healthcare and caregiving context. Being an advocate means doing everything in your power to provide a voice and making sure that you or the other person receives the necessary care and support.

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Connect with Adrienne!Want to connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot? Email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, or email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let us know if you have experienced or are experiencing something similar!

Ask the ExpertHave any questions on applications, advancement, studying for law school exams, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne>>> Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

Episode 32: Caring For Loved Ones During Our Times Of Advancement – Is It Possible? With Stephanie Muskat —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-32/

Episode 71: Lessons From My Broken Ankle —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-71/

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Get to Know Our LSAT Coach, Hyun Tae Kim!This week we’re joined by Hyun Tae Kim! Hyun Tae is one of our wonderful LSAT coaches and I am so excited to have him back on the podcast so we can further get to know him, his experience, and his journey.

Navigating the LSAT, Law School, and the Canadian Education SystemHyun Tae’s experiences and the work that he does reflects his ongoing resiliency, self-reflection, and objectivity as he progresses through his next chapter in life, both as a Canadian law school student and as an LSAT Coach with Apply Yourself! His story reflects many of the challenges and successes that many students with English as a second language experience. Listen to this episode to learn more about:

Hyun Tae’s academic background and his life in South Korea, where he graduated from one of the top universities of the country, Seoul National University;
The kinds of transferable skills that Hyun Tae gained from writing standardized tests in South Korea, and the ways these skills helped him to succeed on the LSAT and gain admission to the University of Toronto Faculty of Law program;
The kind of support and strategy Hyun Tae can provide students who are writing their standardized tests, based on his experience writing standardized tests in both the South Korean and Canadian educational systems;
Hyun Tae’s experience navigating through an English-speaking institution and writing English standardised tests, like the LSAT, with English as a second language; and
The importance of being objective and confident in yourself, your skills, abilities, and goals in order to remain reflective and true to yourself and what you want to achieve. Don’t let fear, insecurity, and other people’s expectations and opinions dictate you, your goals, and the kind of life you want to live.

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Connect with Adrienne!Want to connect with Hyun Tae and our other wonderful LSAT and MCAT coaches at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot? Email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, or email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let us know what resonated with you in this episode!

Ask the ExpertHave any questions on applications, advancement, studying for law school exams, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne>>> Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:Episode 68: Meet Our LSAT & MCAT Coaches! Part 1: Hyun Tae Kim, Olga Shaporenko, Marco Kim, Jonathan Mackenzie —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-68/

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Lessons From My Broken AnkleAt the time of recording this episode, I am joining you not from the office or my usual desk space, but from my bed where I have been sitting and recovering from a broken ankle. My initial thought as this accident happened was, “There is something to be learned from this," and I today explore this lesson with you.

Letting Yourself Process and Keeping a Positive MindsetThe main lesson I bring to you today is this: Allow yourself to process and seek out the lessons you can learn from challenges. This mindset shift allows us to take challenges in stride and have deeper insight into what is going on around us. Personally, I am still processing and I want to bring you along this journey with me. Here are some key takeaways from this episode:

There's no rush when it comes to processing events that happen to you. Being able to process freely and openly is a skill that takes years to master, so let the processing happen and welcome the thinking that comes with it.
We don’t see progress in one day. It takes consistency and showing up for yourself and others in order to succeed. I continue to show up each day, even while in a cast for my ankle, because I truly believe in the work we are doing and I love being a part of my clients’ journeys.
We do the work that we do in order to serve our clients to the best of our abilities, and to build a life beyond our wildest dreams.
I am so grateful to you for showing up to the podcast each week and allowing me to let you into my life.
We just brought on 10 LSAT and MCAT coaches for our Mastering Test Prep program, and we continue to work with all of our teams to bring our programs to you and support your advancement journey. I am so thankful and proud of all of the people we have brought onto the team and everyone we work with under the mission of Apply Yourself.

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Connect with Adrienne!Want to chat about anything that resonated with you this episode and connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot? Email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, or email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Tell us about the lessons you learned from challenges you may be experiencing!

Ask the ExpertHave any questions on applications, advancement, studying for law school exams, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne>>> Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:Episode 2: Adrienne’s Professional Path —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-2/

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Meet More of Our LSAT and MCAT Coaches!We are so excited to bring you even more of our amazing coaches in Part 3 of our Meet the Coaches series! I am joined by 4 of our wonderful LSAT and MCAT coaches and our amazing COO Jonathan Mackenzie. In this episode, we chat about everyone’s testing experiences, their approaches to coaching, and why they’re here with us at Apply Yourself.

Get To Know Our Coaches!All of our coaches bring a breadth of experience and expertise, as informed by their unique contexts, backgrounds, and perspectives. We are so happy to bring them on to the podcast so you can get to know them better! Listen to this episode to learn more about:

Isabella, Gabriel, Josh, and Jacob’s unique academic, volunteer, and professional backgrounds;
Isabella and Jacob’s experiences studying for and writing the LSAT and their journeys to law school;
Gabriel and Josh’s experiences studying for and writing the MCAT and their journeys to medical school;
The kinds of strategies that worked for each of our coaches and the growth mindset they experienced while studying for, writing, and rewriting their standardized tests - the standardized, traditional way doesn’t work for a lot of people, and at Apply Yourself we believe in creating a personalized study plan that best fits you and your learning style;
Our non-competition based policy and the importance of focusing on yourself, treating your peers as potential colleagues, and celebrating not only your wins, but also the wins of others;
Why the “guarantees” advertised by big box test prep companies are toxic and promote anxiety and scarcity mindset in students who take these standardized courses; and
What each coach is excited to bring to the Apply Yourself Community through their unique strategy, support, and perspectives!

Check out more information about Mastering Test Prep and read our Coaches’ bios on our website at https://applyyourselfglobal.com/testprep/

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Connect with Adrienne!Want to learn more about Mastering Test Prep and connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot? Email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, or email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let us know how we can support you in your standardized test prep and connect you to our team of amazing coaches!

Ask the ExpertHave any questions on applications, advancement, studying for law school exams, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne>>> Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:Episode 55: Law School Chat Forums – Are They Useful? —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-55/

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Meet Our MCAT and LSAT Coaches!We’re back with Part 2 of our Meet the Coaches series! This week, I’m joined by Kirsta Ariello and Jacky Chen, one of our MCAT and LSAT coaches, respectively, and our COO Jonathan Mackenzie on the podcast!

Hear from Kirsta, Jacky, and Jonathan!The values, principles, and strategies of all of our coaches align with Apply Yourself’s philosophy of providing customized and personalized test prep based on each person’s unique learning style and circumstances. Tune in to learn more about:

Kirsta and Jacky’s experiences as applicants and students in their respective schools, and their experiences studying for and taking the MCAT/LSAT;
The kind of growth and reflection that happens in your studying and strategy when you take a standardized test a second time. At Apply Yourself, we know that rewriting standardized tests is absolutely normal and we shine a light on this unspoken part of the process;
The importance of focusing on yourself and not comparing yourself to others, whether it be in person or on online forums, as informed by our non-competition based strategy;
Strategies that helped Kirsta, Jacky, and Jonathan to focus on themselves and maintain their physical and mental health, such as incorporating breaks into their study routine to avoid burnout; and
What Jacky and Kirsta are most excited about as coaches with the Apply Yourself Community!

Check out more information about Mastering Test Prep and read our Coaches’ bios on our website here: https://applyyourselfglobal.com/testprep/

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Connect with Adrienne!Want to learn more about Mastering Test Prep and connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot? Email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, or email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let us know how we can support you in your standardized test prep and connect you to one of our amazing coaches!

Ask the ExpertHave any questions on applications, advancement, studying for law school exams, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne>>> Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:Episode 49: There’s No Shame In Rewriting Standardized Tests —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-49/

Episode 55: Law School Chat Forums – Are They Useful? —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-55/

Episode 64: Listen To Your Body: When To Slow Down —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-64/

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Meet Our LSAT Coaches!We have some big news! We are so excited to launch our brand new LSAT and MCAT Prep Department and our program Mastering Test Prep, which is our new offering for customized standardized test prep. In this episode, I introduce three out of ten of our amazing coaches - Olga Shaporenko, Hyun Tae Kim, and Marco Kim - and I am also joined by our COO Jonathan Mackenzie! We can’t wait to share more with you and support your standardized test journey every step of the way!

All About Mastering Test PrepMastering Test Prep is so different from any other test prep services out there. We offer you high-quality, personalized, holistic, and supportive standardized test preparation with amazing people who align with the values of Apply Yourself. With MTP you can:

Pick the coach you want to work 1:1 with;
Choose between packages of 10, 20, or 30 sessions with your coach;
Access our online platform where you can connect with your coach, myself, and the Apply Yourself Community; and
Have weekly coaching with me on Thursdays from 12pm-1pm Eastern Standard Time!

Check out more information about Mastering Test Prep on our website: https://applyyourselfglobal.com/testprep/

Hear From our LSAT Coaches!Apply Yourself functions under the principle that each person should have a customized and personalized way to study for standardized tests. Every single person learns differently, and the entire person and their unique circumstances have to be considered when undergoing these intense testing processes. Listen to this episode to learn more about:

The unique personal, academic, and professional experiences of three of our LSAT coaches;
Olga, Marco, and Hyun Tae's LSAT and law school journeys, and their experiences studying for and taking the LSAT;
The values and principles that inform the ways our coaches teach and why they joined the Apply Yourself team;
The values and principles behind our Mastering Test Prep program, as informed by a growth and abundance mindset, and our non-competition based strategy; and
The importance of being human and connecting with supportive people when undergoing these really intense and often isolating testing processes.

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Connect with Adrienne!Want to learn more about Mastering Test Prep and connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot? Email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, or email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let us know how we can support you in your standardized test prep!

Ask the ExpertHave any questions on applications, advancement, studying for law school exams, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne>>> Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

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How to Decide Between Opportunities and Make Tough ChoicesThere comes a time when we have to ask ourselves this question: How do we decide between opportunities? In this episode, I give you strategic questions to help you decide on opportunities that would best lead you to your goals.

7 Questions to Ask When Deciding Between OpportunitiesWhile deciding between opportunities is a great place to be, it’s also stressful because you want to be making the right choice for yourself. Here are 7 questions you should ask yourself when you are at a crossroads:

Does the job description align with the responsibilities of the role? Do these things align with what you want?
Are other employees and staff happy? Is the work environment conducive to your growth, learning, and productivity?
What is the turnover rate? High turnover may indicate underlying red flags.
What is the team dynamic and how does the team interact with one another? Does the office have an authoritative style or a collaborative style?
Is the team supportive of you? Do staff support each other?
Ask yourself: How will I grow here? Will I thrive here? Is there room for growth and advancement here?
Finally, you can use one of our visualization exercises - think about yourself in 5 years as the highest and most elevated version of yourself. Determine what you see yourself doing, then work backwards to understand how you got there. This takes practice and awareness of your advancement, goals, and what you want.

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Connect with Adrienne!If you want to chat more about deciding between opportunities and connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot, email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, or email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let us know if you have any questions on how you can get involved in the Apply Yourself Community!

Ask the ExpertHave any questions on applications, advancement, studying for law school exams, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne>>> Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

Episode 22: How To Achieve A Life Beyond Your Wildest Dreams —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-22/

Episode 36: Interview Stories: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly With Jonathan Mackenzie —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-36/

Episode 52: The Benefits Of Asking Questions —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-52/

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Overthinking and Overanalyzing - Weakness or Superpower?You may have heard someone tell you, “You’re totally overthinking this.” There tends to be a negative connotation placed on the quality of overthinking or overanalyzing, but as a fellow over-analyzer, I believe this is a skill that can absolutely be used for good. Today, I unpack the characteristic of overthinking because I think it is a superpower, not a weakness to anybody’s character, or personality, or to who you are, or how you think, because it’s just the way your brain works.

Using Overanalyzing for Good, Not EvilOverthinking or overanalyzing is the ability to think about your decisions, choices, and things that happen in the world at multiple, often microscopic layers. I believe this is an important human quality because it allows us to understand not only other people’s perspectives, but also the consequences and implications of our decisions. This skill of overthinking can actually help you get further faster if you use it in a positive way, and using this skill for good leaves room for analysis, growth, advancement, and a life beyond your wildest dreams waiting for you, one choice at a time. Here are some key takeaways from this episode:

The ability to analyze (or overanalyze) at such a deep level and being able to unpack the different things happening at those levels is integral to your success - whether it’s your relationships, or what someone said to you, or overthinking a decision you made and whether it’s right or wrong, or an opportunity you may have access to or may pursue, there are layers to all of that - and all of these choices could dictate the rest of your life.
The choices we’re making always move us in one of three ways:
- 1 - They move us closer to our goals or that life beyond our wildest dreams;
- 2 - They keep us stagnant; or
- 3 - They move us further away from our goals or that life beyond our wildest dreams.
Putting yourself first in a positive, healthy way (not at the expense of others) and respecting your own boundaries is not selfish. In fact, putting yourself first is so crucial to your skills building and advancement.
All the seemingly small decisions you make throughout the day add up to the way you are treating yourself, and prioritizing yourself and your goals.

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Connect with Adrienne!Did today's discussion on overanalyzing resonate with you? Want to connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot? Email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, or email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let us know if you have any questions on getting involved in the Apply Yourself Community!

Ask the ExpertHave any questions on applications, advancement, studying for law school exams, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne>>> Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

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How to Be Productive Over the SummerI often get the question: “How do I spend my time and be productive over the summer?” Are you thinking about applying to graduate schools, professional schools, job postings, volunteer positions, and more this summer? Then this episode is for you!

Being Mindfully Productive Throughout Your Advancement JourneyWhen talking about being productive over the summer, it can look like doing anything that helps move you closer to your goals, or doing something you enjoy that positively contributes to your life. Productivity may look like working on your applications, volunteering, starting a summer job, taking summer classes, and more! Even taking time off and going on a much needed vacation can be productive. A crucial component as you go through these different experiences is to be mindful of them in the context of your own life and your goals towards advancement. Here are some key takeaways from this episode:

The idea of productivity should be holistic and considers not only what you have to do, but where you are in your journey and how you are feeling. You can’t work yourself to the bone until you burnout, because that is when we see high levels of substance use and unhealthy vices.
Productivity helps us to determine how much progress we`re making and whether or not we are moving closer to or further away from our goals.
You have to mindfully think about what you’re doing in context of your life trajectory and goals.
Be mindful about the choices you're making, and really think about what you want to do without external validation or other people’s expectations of you. When you’re being intentional about what you’re doing, then you’re getting the significance out of your experience as it is happening.
A piece of advice: write about your experience as you are going through them. Some call it journaling, I call it contemporaneous reflecting or reflecting at the same time as something is happening. This is valuable because you can be mindful and reflective about the experience, and you can go back and refer to what you wrote when drafting your application materials.
At Apply Yourself, we focus on health focused, sustainable strategies so you can be the highest version of yourself and to build a life beyond your wildest dreams while being healthy and sustainable throughout.

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Connect with Adrienne!If you want to chat more about keeping productive this summer and connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot, email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, or email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let us know if you want to get involved in the Apply Yourself Community this summer season!

Ask the ExpertHave any questions on applications, advancement, studying for law school exams, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne>>> Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

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Meet the Apply Yourself Community!We're coming to you live from our weekly Mastering Academic Applications Group Coaching Call on Wednesdays at noon EDT! I'm so happy to have some of our wonderful members of the Apply Yourself Community on the podcast. Today, we are joined by Michelle, Jaylene, Farwa, Stephanie, Casey, and Olivia!

Listen to Your Body: When to Slow DownThis episode is inspired by a great conversation we had about the importance of listening to your body in times of high stress in order to give yourself the time to restore, rejuvenate, and relax so you can continue to be productive and advance in your journey. We talk about what that means for each of us and the ways the Apply Yourself community has supported us throughout our advancement. Listen to this episode to learn more from our Apply Yourself Community members as we explore:

What it looks like when we realize we need to step back and restore.
The ways our Group Coaching Calls differ from other forms of support, such as therapy.
The strategies and support members receive when they bring what they need to troubleshoot to the coaching calls in order to move forward. One skill we develop here is identifying what's holding you back.
What it looks like to restore when you take time for yourself after periods of busyness.

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Connect with Adrienne!Want to connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot? Email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, or email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let us know if you have any questions about our programs and getting involved in the Apply Yourself Community!

Ask the ExpertHave any questions on applications, advancement, studying for law school exams, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne>>> Enrollment for the MAA Summer Cohort closes TODAY on MAY 23rd and is the last call for applicants with medical school and law school application deadlines! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:Episode 20: Mastering Academic Applications With Casey B. In Our Founder’s Cohort! —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-20/
Episode 41: “I’m Only Applying To One Program” —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-41/
Episode 51: The Importance Of Taking Time To Think —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-51/
Episode 54: How To Showcase Yourself In Your Law School Applications —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-54/

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This week’s episode is a replay! Our guest, Gabe Fezza, is a member of the Apply Yourself community and is doing amazing and meaningful work. Gabe shared his insights on the medical school application process and his experience working together in our various programs. Tune in to learn more!

Meet Our Guest and Apply Yourself Community Member, Gabe FezzaThis week, we’re joined by our guest and Apply Yourself Community Member, Gabe Fezza! Gabe is completing his second undergraduate degree, his Honours BSc in Global Health with a specialization in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. He is also a research assistant at the Cardiac E-Health Unit at the Toronto General Hospital and at the Global Strategy Lab at York University. Gabe is making amazing strides in his own work and as a member of our community.

Showcasing Yourself in Your ApplicationsGabe shares his experience working together on his applications in our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission, and our VIP 1:1 program. Through our work together, Gabe learned to showcase himself in his professional, medical, and graduate school applications, and received the structure and answers he was seeking for each of the programs he was applying to.

Listen to this episode to learn more about:

Our 5-Year Vision exercise and the ways it helped Gabe to solidify his narrative and showcase his repertoire of research, volunteer, and professional experience,
What it’s like to work on your CV and Resume and other written materials in Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission. These documents are tools to help you understand the significance of your experiences and in filling out other application components, such as the Autobiographical Sketch and Personal Statement,
The importance of your written application materials. It’s not just about the score - real people are reading your work, and your materials have to showcase you and what you can bring to the table,
Our non-competition policy and the strategies that helped Gabe to focus on himself and produce written materials he’s proud of,
Gabe’s experience as part of the Apply Yourself community, including our weekly group coaching calls in both MAA and The Success Society, our higher-level coaching group. The community aspect of our work is so important because each member learns from each other, supports one another, and witnesses each other’s growth and advancement.

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Connect with Adrienne!If you want to chat more about how to showcase yourself in your applications, and connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot, you can email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, and you can reach me at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let us know the kind of support you need for your applications and join the Apply Yourself Community!

Enroll in Mastering Academic Applications>>> Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

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Meet Our Guest and Apply Yourself Community Member, Jaylene!I am so excited to be joined by this week's guest, Jaylene! Jaylene completed her Bachelor of Arts with a double major in criminology and psychology, and double minor in gerontology and human rights from St. Thomas University in New Brunswick. Jaylene and I first met during one of our Masterclasses, Showcasing Yourself in Your Graduate and Professional School Applications, with St. Thomas University. She currently attends court as a Shadow Student with a Crown Attorney lawyer, and is also applying to law schools in the Maritimes where she will continue to make an impact supporting survivors of sexual and physical violence.

Showing Up for Yourself in Your Applications and BeyondIn this episode, we explore the process of creating law school application materials and the ways you can show up for yourself during and beyond the application. Jaylene also shares her experience working with us in our various programs, including Mastering Academic Applications and our higher-level coaching community, The Success Society. Jaylene has made amazing strides in our 5 months of working together and we can't wait to share more with you!

Listen to learn more about:

Jaylene’s academic, professional, and volunteer background and the ways in which her experiences inform one another.
Jaylene’s experience working together in our Masterclass and signature course Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission. Here, Jaylene developed her CV, resume, personal statement, and other written materials that she’s proud of and which showcase her narrative and experiences in a compelling, professional, and polished manner.
The social, academic, professional, and mindset support our Apply Yourself community members receive and the transformative growth they experience, where they are able to show up for themselves and showcase their personal, unique experiences.
Developing your graduate and professional school applications and the importance of showing up for yourself in order to showcase yourself.
Standardized test strategies and the importance of not focusing on the numbers. Remember that people get in with lower and higher scores compared to the averages and medians posted on schools’ websites.

Follow and subscribe to never miss an episode!

Connect with Adrienne!Want to chat more about showcasing yourself in your law or professional school applications, and connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot? Email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, or send me a DM personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let us know if you have any questions on law school applications!

Ask the Expert
We have a new series on the podcast called Ask the Expert! Have any questions on applications, advancement, studying for law school exams, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne>>> Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

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Meet our Apply Yourself Community Member, Dorsa Lotfazar!I am so happy to be joined by Dorsa Lotfazar, one of our amazing community members here at Apply Yourself. Dorsa graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Major in Psychology and a Minor in Law and Society. We actually became acquainted in our Masterclass held with the UBC Pre-Law Association! She has always had a passion for law and will begin her journey through law school in September. Tune in to learn about the kind of hard work it takes to navigate through law school applications and be admitted to the law school of your dreams.

How to Get Into Law SchoolNot only are we celebrating Dorsa's admission to one of her law school programs of choice, but all of the hard work she has put in along the way! Over our 6 months of working together, Dorsa has made amazing strides and now feels more confident, supported, and proud of her applications and the work that she does. Listen to learn about:

Dorsa’s personal, academic, and professional journey and the ways her work is informed by her passions for law and advocacy for others,
Insights into the law school application process, the Diversity Statement, applying to law schools across Canada, and the lessons and strategies Dorsa implemented along the way,
What it’s like to be a part of the Apply Yourself community where we provide support, strategy, and clarity in a growth-oriented, non-competition based environment - even if application processes are competitive, the Apply Yourself community is not and that allows us to focus on you and what you bring to the table,
Dorsa’s experience with getting support and strategy through our Mastering Academic Applications Content Hub and modules, our weekly Group Coaching Calls in both MAA and The Success Society programs, and our personalized 1:1 sessions,
Showcasing yourself in your application materials and the growth, reflection, and positive mindset work that happens throughout and beyond the process.

Follow and subscribe to never miss an episode!

Connect with Adrienne!Want to connect and chat more about the Apply Yourself community? Email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, or email me at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let us know if you have any questions on all things law school, applications, and advancement!

Ask the ExpertHave any questions on applications, advancement, studying for law school exams, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne>>> Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you! Enrollment for the Summer Cohort opens on MAY 8th and is the last call for applicants with medical school and law school application deadlines!

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:Episode 55: Law School Chat Forums – Are They Useful? —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-55/

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Meet Our Guest, Professor Kyle Brykman!This week's guest is Kyle Brykman, Assistant Professor of Management at the Odette School of Business at the University of Windsor. Kyle holds a PhD in Management from Queen's University's Smith School of Business, a Master of Science in Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management from Wilfrid Laurier University, and an HBA from the Ivey School of Business. His research focuses on employee voice, resilience, and conflict in teams. His mission is to help organizations, teams, leaders, and employees lead happier, healthier, and more productive lives.

Seeking Happiness in Your Work and Finding Your “Why”Determining the “why” in the work you’re doing or the work you want to do sets you up for success. Do you value the work? Are you passionate and interested even when it gets tough? Being proactive in seeking happiness and fulfilment in your work and workplace is a huge part of your advancement journey. Tune in to learn about:

Kyle’s winding academic and professional journey and his research;
The significance of choosing the right research question, graduate school supervisor, and committee;
The ways you can manage conflict that arises in personal, academic, and professional contexts and relationships;
Authority vs. Leadership; and
The 5 Characteristics of Workplace Satisfaction:
The significance of your work - Is it personally meaningful and do you have a positive impact on others?
The variety of the work - Are you working on a variety of things, or one or two tasks?
The autonomy in the work - Do you decide on what you do, when you do it, and how you do it?
The identity of the work - Do you get to see the full product or are you a small piece in the chain?
The feedback on the work - Do you have a good idea of how you're progressing and are you receiving feedback in a way that is constructive and meaningful?

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Connect with Adrienne!Want to chat more about navigating workplace satisfaction and winding journeys, and connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot? Email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, or email me at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let us know if you have any questions on all things applications and advancement!

Ask the ExpertHave any questions on applications, advancement, studying for law school exams, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne>>> Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you! Enrollment for the Summer Cohort opens on MAY 8th and is the last call for applicants with medical school and law school application deadlines!

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:Episode 35: Navigating Your Master’s With Eberechukwu Peace Akadinma —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-35/

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Obsessing Over the Test - Why I Fundamentally DisagreeToday, I unpack a trend that I’m seeing more and more on social media - that is, the concept of students and applicants needing to obsess over standardized tests in order to do well.

I fundamentally disagree with this concept and fear-based marketing because I know it’s not true and I've been there, too. I’ve been an applicant for graduate and professional school cycles, I’ve been on admissions committees at every single level, and I work with students and clients who thrive and succeed in our non-competition-based community. As we know here at Apply Yourself: It’s not just about the score - it’s about you as a person and what you bring to the table.

3 Things We Need to Avoid Obsession Over the TestWe need to focus on healthy, sustainable ways to advance and achieve - commitment, consistency, accountability, strategy, and focusing on you. You don’t have to obsess over the test to be successful. Obsession can lead to unhealthy habits and loss of reason, self, and intentionality, so we need to think critically about any marketing or social media posts that say otherwise.

Here are 3 things we need to avoid obsessing over the test and keep us rational, intentional, and strategic about our next best steps:

We need support - You need support that is informed, up-to-date, and from someone who has actually been through these processes. You also need the support of people who are genuine and don’t focus on the competition.
We need experience-informed strategy - Strategy involves determining your goals and breaking them down into manageable parts so you can take meaningful action. Continuously and consciously think about your goals, plans, and next best steps to achieve what you want in alignment with yourself.
We need to do the right strategy that aligns with us, not “whatever it takes” - Be mindful about the language of obsession and how it’s presented to you on social media and other unhealthy sources. Remember to trust your intuition, be analytical about your choices, and nurture a growth mindset.

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Connect with Adrienne!If you want to chat more about healthily preparing for standardized tests, and connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot, email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, and feel free to send me a DM personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let us know your feelings about this narrative on test obsession, and how we can support you at any stage of your journey!

Enroll in Mastering Academic Applications>>> Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:Episode 2: Adrienne’s Professional Path —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-2/
Episode 6: Advancement And Your Growth Vs. Scarcity Mindset —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-6/

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The Importance of Community for Our GrowthToday, I discuss the importance of community and the ways it can benefit our growth and advancement. Ultimately, you thrive as much as the people around you are thriving, and when we surround ourselves with a positive community, we feel uplifted and supported in our advancement journeys.

3 Reasons Why Community Benefits Our Growth and AdvancementAt Apply Yourself, we support our community members at all ages and stages of life in their advancement, because we believe that you absolutely should be happy with the decisions you make at every step of the way. Here are the 3 reasons why having positive, supportive community benefits our growth and advancement:

The environment you’re in - physically, socially, and virtually - can facilitate or hinder your growth. It’s so important that you seek out and surround yourself with people who also want advancement and growth. The communities we belong to can propel us forward or hold us back, so don't limit yourself, even subconsciously.
As you seek community, be aware of your actions and decisions, of who and what you surround yourself with, and what you're feeding your mind. When you find that community of supportive people, who are helping you succeed with their good energy, thoughts, reflections, and solutions, you feel heard and good about making your choices. Community should also translate to online spaces - Who are you following on social media? What kind of support and information is that providing you? Listen to this episode to try a litmus test for your social media feed!
Investing in yourself can help you thrive and grow with support, strategy, and clarity, and often much quicker than if you were to go through challenging processes alone. You can enjoy the process with the right support and the right people, and it's not shameful to get the support and help you may need.

Follow and subscribe to never miss an episode!

Connect with Adrienne!If you want to chat more about our Apply Yourself community and connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot, email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, or email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. And DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let us know if you have any questions on all things applications and advancement!

Ask the ExpertHave any questions on applications, advancement, studying for law school exams, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne>>> Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:Episode 39: Strategies To Boost Your Productivity In High-Stress Times —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-39/
Episode 55: Law School Chat Forums – Are They Useful? —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-55/

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The Controversy Surrounding AI and Personal StatementsJoin me today as I unpack my thoughts around AI, personal statements, and the ways admissions committees value the applicant. Trust me when I say that admissions committees know the difference between your own work and that of AI. There's a time and place for AI, but we can’t strip away the humanness and authenticity of the application.

3 Reasons Why AI Can’t Give Admissions Committees What They're Looking ForSpeaking as an admissions committee member myself, we want to get to know the applicant as much as possible - their goals, how they want to serve their community, where they see themselves in the future, and more! Here are 3 reasons why AI-generated statements can’t give the committee what they want:

Personal statements produced by AI programs and apps tend to sound surface level and robotic. While the sentence structure and grammar may be correct, AI can't give the admissions committee any information about you as a person. Schools and programs are looking for written materials that are personal and speak to your experiences authentically, passionately, and professionally. A word of caution: inconsistencies between your actual experience and an AI generated statement will lead to rejection from the program. Also, another applicant may have used the same prompt as you so you may have similar answers, and your application and name would be flagged for plagiarism.
AI doesn't know what admissions committees are looking for. We aren't just looking for keywords or buzzwords - we want your experience, how you frame it, how you showcase yourself, and the significance of your experience and growth. There’s a required flow and substance between each line and paragraph of your written application materials that AI can’t replicate.
Think about you as a person - your own integrity, the work you produce, and the kind of advocacy you engage in for yourself and others. Admissions committees take time to read written materials and to advocate for applicants, so give them something to read that is authentic and genuine.

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Connect with Adrienne!If you want to chat more about personal statements and applications, and connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot, email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, or email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let us know if you have any questions about your written application materials!

Ask the ExpertHave any questions on applications, advancement, studying for law school exams, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne>>> Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:Episode 55: Law School Chat Forums - Are They Useful? —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-55/

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Meet our Guest, Britteney Ofodile!I'm so excited to be joined by Britteney Ofodile on the podcast! Britteney is a Business Coach and Consultant and she helps women level-up their business, show up as their authentic selves, and align their work to their driven purposes. Britteney has two decades of experience in corporate America, and she has built and led teams, coached, and mentored others and improved their performance efficiency. Now she takes all of her energy, drive, passion, and experience to move her clients forward - but that’s not all! Join us in this discussion on personal branding and reputation!

3 C’s of Personal Branding and ReputationPersonal branding matters to everyone and the way we present ourselves is so important, whether it be our physical appearance, on paper in our applications, or online on social media! Listen to this episode to learn more about:

Britteney’s professional journey as a leader in corporate America and now as a Business Coach and Consultant;
The importance of building a community of like-minded, supportive people in order to elevate yourself and your skills to the next level;
Why we think “imposter syndrome” and “fake it ‘till you make it” are total BS; and
The 3 C’s to personal branding and reputation! Here’s a quick overview:
Communication is the way you show up for yourself and others. It’s the way you address situations, the consistency in your messaging, what you’re putting out there in the world, and what you’re affiliating with;
Competency refers to your skills and abilities in whatever industry, field or position you’re in. Do you know your stuff based on your education and experience? Remember, knowledge is power and experience is the greatest teacher; and
Character refers to the ways you show up for yourself and others. Are you reliable? Punctual? Do you add value in your work? Can you collaborate and be trusted in a team environment? Can you be trusted as an individual contributor? What is it about your character that sets you apart from everyone else?

Follow and subscribe to never miss an episode!

Connect with Adrienne!If you want to chat more about personal branding and reputation, and connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot, email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, or email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let us know if you have any questions on the 3 C’s and showcasing your authentic self!

Ask the ExpertHave any questions on applications, advancement, studying for law school exams, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne>>> Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:Episode 5: Overcoming “Imposter Syndrome” —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-5/

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Are Law School and Other Chat Forums Useful?We're doing something different this episode - I share a segment from one of our group coaching calls in The Success Society, our higher-level coaching community where we discuss all things outside of the application. This is my response to a discussion about law school forums and how this brought up feelings of insecurity for one of our members about their applications. We have to be mindful when engaging with public, anonymous forums - they often promote a competition-based, scarcity mindset and falling down the rabbit hole can hinder our advancement and success.

The Importance of Focusing On You, Not "the Competition"I unpack law school forums and the ways they actually hinder our advancement based on my experience as a student who has gone through these processes, a professor for over a decade, and an admissions committee member at all levels. Here are some key takeaways:

There's more to life than the application - it's about what we do to manage stress and pressure that lead us to advancement.
These forums are not legitimate sources of information for admissions committees for three reasons: 1- People on forums are anonymous and don't always tell the truth; they may be spreading misinformation to make others feel insecure. 2 - There's no fact checking on these forums and no way to ensure the accuracy of information. 3 - Forums are part of a much bigger issue - they promote competition, substance use, and insecurity among students and professionals.
Don't feed into the trap of online forums to seek external validation or support. Instead, focus on you, and spend your time and energy on the things and people that matter to you.
Be careful of the people you surround yourself with. Don't engage in competitive behaviour because it's the “cool” thing to do.
People are getting in regardless of scores, grades, or experiences; it's about the written application materials and showcasing yourself. Tune in for some behind the scenes on admissions committees!

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Connect with Adrienne!Want to chat more about the impacts of law school forums and connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot? Email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com or email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. Also, DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let us know if you have any questions about our non-competition based strategy!

Ask the ExpertHave any questions on applications, advancement, studying for law school exams, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can DM us an audio file and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne>>> Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more!

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:Episode 2: Adrienne’s Professional Path —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-2/
Episode 6: Advancement And Your Growth Vs. Scarcity Mindset —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-6/

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Meet Our Guest and Apply Yourself Community Member, Jaylene!I am so excited to be joined by this week's guest, Jaylene! Jaylene completed her Bachelor of Arts with a double major in criminology and psychology, and double minor in gerontology and human rights from St. Thomas University in New Brunswick. Jaylene and I first met during one of our Masterclasses, Showcasing Yourself in Your Graduate and Professional School Applications, with St. Thomas University. She currently attends court as a Shadow Student with a Crown Attorney lawyer, and is also applying to law schools in the Maritimes where she will continue to make an impact supporting survivors of sexual and physical violence.

Showing Up for Yourself in Your Applications and BeyondIn this episode, we explore the process of creating law school application materials and the ways you can show up for yourself during and beyond the application. Jaylene also shares her experience working with us in our various programs, including Mastering Academic Applications and our higher-level coaching community, The Success Society. Jaylene has made amazing strides in our 5 months of working together and we can't wait to share more with you!

Listen to learn more about:

Jaylene’s academic, professional, and volunteer background and the ways in which her experiences inform one another.
Jaylene’s experience working together in our Masterclass and signature course Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission. Here, Jaylene developed her CV, resume, personal statement, and other written materials that she’s proud of and which showcase her narrative and experiences in a compelling, professional, and polished manner.
The social, academic, professional, and mindset support our Apply Yourself community members receive and the transformative growth they experience, where they are able to show up for themselves and showcase their personal, unique experiences.
Developing your graduate and professional school applications and the importance of showing up for yourself in order to showcase yourself.
Standardized test strategies and the importance of not focusing on the numbers. Remember that people get in with lower and higher scores compared to the averages and medians posted on schools’ websites.

Follow and subscribe to never miss an episode!

Connect with Adrienne!Want to chat more about showcasing yourself in your law or professional school applications, and connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot? Email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, or send me a DM personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let us know if you have any questions on law school applications!

Ask the Expert
We have a new series on the podcast called Ask the Expert! Have any questions on applications, advancement, studying for law school exams, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne>>> Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

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The Way We Define SuccessThe way we define success affects the ways we get there. We can define and talk about success in so many different contexts - academically, professionally, socially, economically, and more. As you go through your advancement journey, ask yourself: How do I define success?

Success Is the Freedom to ChooseI believe that success is defined by the freedom to choose - the freedom to make choices that take you closer to your goals now and in the future, whether it be five or ten years from now. Here are some key takeaways from this episode:

Success is a moving target; when you're at the top of one mountain, you're at the bottom of another one.
Success is not about the numbers, but what achieving success affords you - the time, choices, opportunities, growth, and freedom to make decisions in alignment with you.
We need to recalibrate our idea of success away from the numbers, and instead define success as the freedom to choose. What choices are you making to achieve and be the highest version of yourself in five years? Ten years?
Success is a continuum; it is not fixed or finite. What choices are you making today that will bring you closer to achieving what you want in five or ten years, and living a life beyond your wildest dreams?
Making good choices often requires visualization and intention, and you don’t need to have all the answers.
Ask yourself: How do you feel about what you're doing? Is it in alignment with you?
Success may also involve regret. Regret is an important indicator that there are lessons to be learned, and can be used to your advantage to propel you forward.

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Connect with Adrienne!If you want to chat more about redefining success and connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot, email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, and feel free to send me a DM personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Tell us how you define success and make choices that bring you closer to your goals!

Ask the Expert - Send in Your Questions!We’re launching a brand new series on the podcast called Ask the Expert! Have any questions on applications, advancement, studying for law school exams, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne>>> Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

Episode 17: Reframing Failure (I’m Calling BS) —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-17/

Episode 45: This Is 99% Of Your Journey —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-45/

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The Benefits of Asking QuestionsToday, we get real about asking questions and why it’s so beneficial for our long-term success, growth, and advancement. As I work with my clients and as we onboard more team members at both Apply Yourself and our law firm, Shnier Mackenzie Law & Policy Consulting, PC, asking questions continues to be a significant part of our mutual success, understanding, and collaboration.

7 Reasons Why Asking Questions Benefits our AdvancementAsking questions is so beneficial to our own advancement, so we shouldn’t be afraid to ask them! Here are some key takeaways from this episode:

Questions are relative to your own experiences and perspective, and you may feel comfortable framing questions in topics or areas that you have experience in. Still, ask questions outside of your comfort zone!
Welcome questions from colleagues, students, and clients because the more questions asked, the more understanding and growth a person has, and we excel faster.
The only "dumb question" is the one that is not asked, because a question not asked is one that’s holding you back from efficiency, growth, and advancement.
It's not up to another person to determine what a valid question is, especially if you need the answer to move forward for a joint or individual goal.
Getting perspective and clarity from others is so valuable. So, it’s important that we're open to questions, and we seek others who are open to questions who genuinely want to help and collaborate. You don't need to have all the answers, but you need to have the conversations in order to gain clarity and move forward.
Sometimes you may not even know what to ask, but you can always develop your questions and understanding, and sometimes even the analysis is the answer.
Value your questions, unknowing, perspectives, and experiences because these are signs of growth.

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Connect with Adrienne!If you want to chat more about asking questions in your advancement journey and connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot, email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, and feel free to send me a DM personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let us know which of these points resonated with you!

Ask the ExpertWe’re launching a brand new series on the podcast called Ask the Expert! Have any questions on applications, advancement, studying for law school exams, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Work with Adrienne>>> Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:Episode 2: Adrienne’s Professional Path

Episode 35: Navigating Your Master’s With Eberechukwu Peace Akadinma

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What’s Missing from Your Schedule? Time to Think.I often hear from students and clients that there’s not enough time in the day to do everything. In today’s episode, I take you through a time management exercise and explore strategies around time, time management, and prioritizing.

Many of my clients feel all consumed with their studying and other responsibilities. But rather than more hours in the day, what's actually missing from their schedules is time to think and plan. We have to give ourselves time to think and plan out our work, studying, goals, and wants in order to advance.

6 Strategies for Time Management and PlanningPlanning your time is so important because if we don’t think about what we want to do in the time that we have, how can we go get it? Here are some key takeaways:

Determine what you actually have to do during the time that you have - tune in for a time management and planning exercise!
Ask yourself: What's preventing me from doing the things I have to do? Are these challenges internal, external, socially constructed, procrastinating, or excuses we tell ourselves?
Determine what you're actually doing in your time. Are you giving yourself enough time for each task?
Allow yourself to hope and think about what you want to accomplish. Then ask yourself how you'll get there - this involves visualizing your next best steps.
Having a plan and taking the time to write down your priorities, due dates, and wants on your calendars early on will set you up for long-term success.
Don’t let others dictate the hope you have for yourself and your ability to think, plan, strategize, and carry out actions that will take you closer to your goals. Find a positive community of people you can rely on for mutual support and strategy.

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Connect with Adrienne!Want to chat about time management strategies and connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot? Email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com or at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com, and DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let us know which strategies helped you!

Ask the ExpertHave questions on applications, advancement, studying for law school, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can DM us an audio file and we can feature you on the podcast!

Enroll in Mastering Academic Applications>>> Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:Episode 2: Adrienne’s Professional Path —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-2/
Episode 7: 3 Strategies To Boost Your Advancement Today —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-7/
Episode 22: How To Achieve A Life Beyond Your Wildest Dreams —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-22/

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Meet our guest, Anita RomboughWe are so happy to have Anita Rombough on the podcast this week! Anita is a Soul Strategist & Success Coach who helps high-achievers balance multiple priorities and amplify their fulfilment, time, and success so they can break through to their next level. She shares with us her winding journey and the ways she committed to herself - she knew there was more out there for her. So much of Anita’s work aligns with us at Apply Yourself - tune in to learn more!

The Importance of Committing To YourselfIn this episode, we unpack this concept of the “traditional route” and the ways in which our journeys often go in unplanned directions, often for the better! We also discuss the importance of navigating challenging transition periods, listening to our inner voice and intuition to advance, and committing to ourselves to reach our full potential and make positive impacts.

Here are some key takeaways:

For many people, the “traditional route” doesn’t work for them and may not offer the kind of growth that they want. Life can often go in different directions and it can look so much better than you can ever imagine.
Times of transition and change are often nerve-wracking - whether it be starting a new position, going back to school later in life, or managing your own business - but it’s important to work through these challenges in order to advance.
Knowing there’s “more out there” for you takes reflection and critical analysis of your own wants, goals, choices, next best steps, and the kind of life you want for yourself.
Feeling discomfort actually benefits us - it helps us to identify when things are not in alignment with ourselves and strategize our next best steps.
Listen to the whispers and signs the universe is giving you to identify if things are working for you, or if you need to make incremental changes that are more in alignment with yourself.
We shouldn’t fear failure or success. We need to ask ourselves “What if it does work out?” and be open to opportunities that resonate with us.

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Connect with Adrienne!If you want to chat more about committing to yourself in your advancement journey and connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot, email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com or at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Tell us about how you show up for yourself each day!

Ask the Expert - Send in Your Questions!We’re launching a new series on the podcast - Ask the Expert! Have any questions on applications, advancement, studying for standardized tests, career advancement, and more? Send your questions to our above contacts, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Join Us in Mastering Academic Applications>>> Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:Episode 23: The Simple Question That Will Change Your Life

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No Shame in Rewriting Your Standardized TestsIn this episode, I unpack the perceptions around re-writing standardized tests and why it’s totally not a shameful thing. Students and applicants are often hesitant to talk about this, maybe out of disappointment, embarrassment, or fear of failure, but I’m here to tell you that this happens all the time. In fact, many of our guests on the podcast and I have re-written standardized tests. Re-writing doesn’t stop you from advancing and achieving your goals. In fact, it propels you toward them.

4 Things to Consider for Rewriting Standardized TestsStandardized tests are not intuitive - they are skill-based and we have to learn the appropriate strategies to succeed in them over time. Here are some key takeaways:

This process is part of a larger learning experience and it’s okay if you have to write again. It shows that you want what you’re working towards and you’re willing to improve.
Know when you should cancel or keep your score. Ask yourself whether it’s actually necessary to cancel your score. Did you finish the test, but miss a few questions? Did you get sick during the test, causing you to be unable to finish? These are important considerations. Remember that people are getting in even if they answered the last few questions in a rush.
You need strategy to help you improve from one practice test or test attempt to the next. At Apply Yourself, we support you with strategy to improve on your timed or untimed tests, question stem review, and evolving your strategy in a way that works for you.
Remember that you’re writing the test for you, not for anyone else. Learn to turn inwards and focus on yourself during these really intense times, rather than relying on external validation from others. Staying internal protects yourself, your health, mindset, and peace during this process.

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Connect with Adrienne!If you want to discuss standardized test strategies and connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot, email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, or at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let us know how you’re feeling in your study journey!

Ask the Expert - Send in Your Questions!We’re launching a brand new series on the podcast called Ask the Expert! Send us your questions on applications, advancement, and more through our contacts above, or you can submit an audio file via DM and we can feature you on the podcast!

Enroll in Mastering Academic Applications>>> Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:Episode 40: How To Showcase Yourself: Self-Actualization, Identity, And Your Voice With Jessica (Lane) Bassmahon —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-40/
Episode 48: Why You DON’T Need To Obsess Over Your Standardized Tests —> https://applyyour

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Obsessing Over the Test - Why I Fundamentally DisagreeToday, I unpack a trend that I’m seeing more and more on social media - that is, the concept of students and applicants needing to obsess over standardized tests in order to do well.

I fundamentally disagree with this concept and fear-based marketing because I know it’s not true and I've been there, too. I’ve been an applicant for graduate and professional school cycles, I’ve been on admissions committees at every single level, and I work with students and clients who thrive and succeed in our non-competition-based community. As we know here at Apply Yourself: It’s not just about the score - it’s about you as a person and what you bring to the table.

3 Things We Need to Avoid Obsession Over the TestWe need to focus on healthy, sustainable ways to advance and achieve - commitment, consistency, accountability, strategy, and focusing on you. You don’t have to obsess over the test to be successful. Obsession can lead to unhealthy habits and loss of reason, self, and intentionality, so we need to think critically about any marketing or social media posts that say otherwise.

Here are 3 things we need to avoid obsessing over the test and keep us rational, intentional, and strategic about our next best steps:

We need support - You need support that is informed, up-to-date, and from someone who has actually been through these processes. You also need the support of people who are genuine and don’t focus on the competition.
We need experience-informed strategy - Strategy involves determining your goals and breaking them down into manageable parts so you can take meaningful action. Continuously and consciously think about your goals, plans, and next best steps to achieve what you want in alignment with yourself.
We need to do the right strategy that aligns with us, not “whatever it takes” - Be mindful about the language of obsession and how it’s presented to you on social media and other unhealthy sources. Remember to trust your intuition, be analytical about your choices, and nurture a growth mindset.

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Connect with Adrienne!If you want to chat more about healthily preparing for standardized tests, and connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot, email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, and feel free to send me a DM personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let us know your feelings about this narrative on test obsession, and how we can support you at any stage of your journey!

Enroll in Mastering Academic Applications>>> Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:Episode 2: Adrienne’s Professional Path —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-2/
Episode 6: Advancement And Your Growth Vs. Scarcity Mindset —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-6/

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This week’s episode is a replay! Our guest, Gabe Fezza, is a member of the Apply Yourself community and is doing amazing and meaningful work. Gabe shared his insights on the medical school application process and his experience working together in our various programs. Tune in to learn more!

Meet Our Guest and Apply Yourself Community Member, Gabe FezzaThis week, we’re joined by our guest and Apply Yourself Community Member, Gabe Fezza! Gabe is completing his second undergraduate degree, his Honours BSc in Global Health with a specialization in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. He is also a research assistant at the Cardiac E-Health Unit at the Toronto General Hospital and at the Global Strategy Lab at York University. Gabe is making amazing strides in his own work and as a member of our community.

Showcasing Yourself in Your ApplicationsGabe shares his experience working together on his applications in our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission, and our VIP 1:1 program. Through our work together, Gabe learned to showcase himself in his professional, medical, and graduate school applications, and received the structure and answers he was seeking for each of the programs he was applying to.

Listen to this episode to learn more about:

Our 5-Year Vision exercise and the ways it helped Gabe to solidify his narrative and showcase his repertoire of research, volunteer, and professional experience,
What it’s like to work on your CV and Resume and other written materials in Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission. These documents are tools to help you understand the significance of your experiences and in filling out other application components, such as the Autobiographical Sketch and Personal Statement,
The importance of your written application materials. It’s not just about the score - real people are reading your work, and your materials have to showcase you and what you can bring to the table,
Our non-competition policy and the strategies that helped Gabe to focus on himself and produce written materials he’s proud of,
Gabe’s experience as part of the Apply Yourself community, including our weekly group coaching calls in both MAA and The Success Society, our higher-level coaching group. The community aspect of our work is so important because each member learns from each other, supports one another, and witnesses each other’s growth and advancement.

Subscribe to never miss an episode!

Connect with Adrienne!If you want to chat more about how to showcase yourself in your applications, and connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot, you can email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, and you can reach me at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let us know the kind of support you need for your applications and join the Apply Yourself Community!

Enroll in Mastering Academic Applications>>> Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

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New Years “Resolutions” - Do They Align with You?Today, I discuss why I personally skip New Years “resolutions.” When we think about what's happening outside of the formal institutions where we learn, work, and play, treating the winter like a period of starting anew seems out of alignment with the natural environment and hibernation cycles, perhaps even ourselves. And if New Year's resolutions work for you, go for it! However, for many members of our Apply Yourself community, their goals didn’t just start in January. They've spent weeks, months, or even years working on their advancement and applications to their dream programs or jobs.

3 Strategies to Reframe ResolutionsRather than setting new goals at the start of the year, I propose 3 strategies to remain productive and committed to ourselves while making incremental, thoughtful steps towards our advancement and our goals at any time of the year:

Re-centering and re-aligning ourselves to what feels right for us - This means to come back to what’s most in alignment with your goals and the kind of life you want to build for yourself. This involves using visualization to critically and thoughtfully analyze your choices and next best steps.
Committing to what’s in alignment with ourselves - Once you identify what feels in alignment with you, commit. At any point in time, you need to set your goals with thoughtfulness and intentionality behind them in order for them to pan out as planned. We have to remain accountable to ourselves, take ourselves seriously, identify the tools we’re using that serve our productivity, and seek out support when needed.
Remain consistent to build up the skills of focus and discipline - Discipline is not a prison, but rather a tool that helps us to create, come back to where we left off, and show up for ourselves. Consistency helps you to build up these skills and work towards your goals.

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Connect with Adrienne!If you want to chat about goal-setting, and connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot, email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, and send me a DM personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let us know how we can support you in your own advancement journey!

Enroll in Mastering Academic Applications>>> Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:Episode 22: How To Achieve A Life Beyond Your Wildest Dreams —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-22/
Episode 43: Reward, Punishment, And Productivity —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-43/
Episode 44: “I’m No Quitter”: 5 Strategies To Reframe “Quitting” —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-44/

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The JourneyWhat do we mean when we talk about “the journey”? When we think about our own personal journeys, we often start at the place we want to end up - I want to be a doctor, or a lawyer, a dentist, a teacher, an engineer, you name it. But what happens when we reach that goal, the top of the mountain, and what’s on the other side? We don’t stop progressing or advancing. We have to go through our journeys presently, thoughtfully, and intentionally, while celebrating the steps we take along the way.

Reconceptualizing the JourneyWhen you reach the top of one mountain, you’re at the bottom of another. In the journey, advancement never stops. We're always asking questions, growing, and thinking intentionally about our choices and next best steps.

Here are some key takeaways from this episode:

When you see someone else’s journey and think “Wow, they have it all figured out,” remember that the journey is never easy.
You have to ask yourself really important questions about the kind of life you want. What are the choices you’re making that take you closer or further away from your goals? When you achieve your goal, what does life look like after?
The milestones, like walking across the stage at graduation or getting that promotion, only take up 1% of the journey. The other 99% of the time is spent working towards those goals. That 99%, what I call “The Slog,” is something we all experience and have to work through in order to achieve.
At any stage in life, realizing that you don’t have all the answers means you’ve given yourself more opportunity for growth.
Visualize yourself at the top of the mountain, at those moments of achievement and celebration, to help you determine your next best steps. Remember that things work out when you make intentional, informed choices in alignment with your values, goals, and yourself.
Here at Apply Yourself, we celebrate your journey, accomplishments, and the moves and hard work that brought you there with you.

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Connect with Adrienne!If you want to chat more about your own journey, and connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot, email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com or DM me at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let us know what moves you're making along the way!

Enroll in Mastering Academic Applications>>> Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:Episode 2: Adrienne’s Professional Path —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-2/
Episode 22: How To Achieve A Life Beyond Your Wildest Dreams —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-22/
Episode 36: Interview Stories: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly with Jonathan Mackenzie —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-36/

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“I’m No Quitter”You may have said or heard someone say this before when in a really challenging situation: “I’m no quitter.”

But what if I told you that the choice to stay may actually hinder or prevent your growth and advancement? Now, I don’t believe we shouldn't deal with challenges or hard situations. However, sometimes we have to make the conscious decision to stop doing something for our own benefit and wellbeing.

5 Strategies to Reframe QuittingYou may have heard about my own journey in Episode 2. Based on my own experience, sometimes the decision to stop doing something helps us to advance. Instead of “quitting,” when we make the choice to stop participating in something with thought and intention, we’re doing a critical analysis of our lives, our decisions, and our next best steps.

Here are 5 strategies to reframe quitting:

Ask yourself, “What kind of life do I want? Are my choices, big and small, bringing me closer to - or further away - from that life?” and make intentional choices that will lead you toward that life beyond your wildest dreams.
Think about yourself and your life separately from what other people expect of you. Intentionality comes from within and your choices have to align with you.
Think about whether your decision to stay is because what you’re doing is actually something you can experience growth in, rather than staying because of being afraid of the unknown, taking the next step, challenges, or putting yourself out there.
Remember that you're always advancing and making moves, big and small, so reflect on where you are right now and your next best step, and
Know that your goals and trajectory change over time. We have to engage in continuous, intentional, critical thinking about the kind of life that we want.

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Connect with Adrienne!If you want to continue this discussion on reframing quitting, and connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot, email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, or send me a DM at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let us know if we can support you in making big moves towards your next best steps!

Enroll in Mastering Academic Applications>>> Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:Episode 2: Adrienne’s Professional Path —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-2/
Episode 3: 5 Struggles That Applicants Face And Strategies To Overcome Them (Part 1) —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-3/
Episode 4: 5 Struggles That Applicants Face And Strategies To Overcome Them (Part 2) —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-4/
Episode 17: Reframing Failure (I’m Calling BS

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Productivity and the Principle of Doing Things We EnjoyToday, I delve into the idea of reward and its impact on our productivity. You may have heard this before: I’m going to work an X amount of hours, then I’m going to do something I enjoy or a hobby of mine for X amount of hours as a reward.

I believe that we have to do things we enjoy simply because we enjoy them, not as a reward. This is actually a helpful tool for our own advancement and productivity.

5 Strategies to Reframe Reward and ProductivityHere are 5 strategies to help reframe reward as a tool to enhance your productivity, informed by the philosophies I live by in both my personal and professional life:

We shouldn't consider the things we enjoy to be a reward. At Apply Yourself, we’re all about healthy, sustainable, thoughtful, productive, and intentional advancement. Attributing a reward relationship to something may turn negative very quickly. Calling something a reward can be negative because if we don’t end up doing or achieving X, then we can’t get the reward, and it becomes a cycle of punishing ourselves.
The amount of time we spend on a task can’t reliably measure productivity. (And neither can the number of pages you read per hour!) What if something takes longer than expected or something comes up? We may start to feel insecurity, discouraged, or disappointed in ourselves. Instead, let’s think constructively and intentionally about the time and energy we spend doing something.
Reframe productivity as a process. Processes don’t always go smoothly, so let’s focus on making progress intentionally, thoughtfully, and so we don’t have to go back and redo the work.
Reframe "reward" as “something you’re looking forward to.” A reward is something that you will deny yourself if you don’t achieve X, while something you look forward to is something you’re going to do for yourself anyway.
Reframe your mindset to one of “looking forward” rather than thinking about the things we enjoy as rewards for some quantifiable goal. Do things you enjoy regardless, thinking: “Because it’s good for me, and it will help me to be more productive, present, and have a positive mindset and energy while I’m working.”

Connect with Adrienne!If you want to chat more about productivity, healthy and sustainable strategies, developing a positive mindset, and connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot, email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, and you can DM me at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let us know which strategies helped you in reframing reward and productivity!

Enroll in Mastering Academic Applications>>> Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

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Resources and links mentioned in this episode:Episode 39: Strategies To Boost Your Productivity In High-Stress Times —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-39/

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Meet Our Guest and Apply Yourself Community Member, Gabe FezzaThis week, we’re joined by our guest and Apply Yourself Community Member, Gabe Fezza! Gabe is completing his second undergraduate degree, Honours BSc in Global Health with a specialization in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. He is also a Research Assistant at the Cardiac E-Health Unit at the Toronto General Hospital and at the Global Strategy Lab at York University. Gabe is making amazing strides in his own work and as a member of our Community.

Showcasing Yourself in Your ApplicationsGabe shares his experience working together on his applications in our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission, and our VIP 1:1 program. Through our work together, Gabe learned to showcase himself in his medical and graduate school applications, and learned and implemented the structure and answers he needed for each of his applications.

Listen to this episode to learn more about:

Our 5-Year Vision exercise and the ways it helped Gabe to solidify his narrative and showcase his repertoire of research, volunteer, and professional experience,
What it’s like to work on your CV, Resume, Autobiographical Sketch, Personal Statement, and other written materials in our signature program, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission,
The importance of your written application materials - It’s not just about the scores - real people are reading your work, and your materials have to showcase you and the value of your experiences and growth that you contribute,
Our 100% non-competition policy and the strategies that helped Gabe to focus on himself and produce written materials he’s proud of,
Gabe’s experience as part of the Apply Yourself Community, including our weekly group coaching calls in both MAA and The Success Society, our advanced coaching membership. The Community aspect of our work is so important because our members learn from each other, support one another, and celebrate each other’s growth and advancement.

Connect with Adrienne!If you want to chat more about how to showcase yourself in your applications, and connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot, you can email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com, and you can reach me at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let us know the kind of support you need for your applications and join the Apply Yourself Community!

Enroll in Mastering Academic Applications>>> Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

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Only One Program...Are You Sure?
"I’m only applying to one school or one program." So many of our members proclaim this when we start working together. Today, I want to unpack that - why we are often so committed to only one school or one program?

Why Do So Many Applicants Want to Apply to Only One Program or School?

There tend to be 3 main reasons that students and clients decide to apply to only one school or program, based on my work and experience since founding Apply Yourself in 2015:

We may feel a significant connection to one place. Maybe our friends or family went to that school, or we genuinely love a program and what it has to offer, or maybe it’s in the city that we want to be in.
It’s what a sibling or friend did. Many clients initially choose to apply to a school or program based on other people’s decision-making based on what was right for them (hint: it may not be right for you!).
There may be financial considerations that prevent us from thinking about more than one school or program. We may have to fund our applications ourselves, or we may have support from our parents, spouses, partners, or other loved ones during these processes.

3 Reasons to Apply to More than One Program or School

For many applicants, the application is the first step to achieving your goals and living a life beyond your wildest dreams. Here are 3 reasons why we should be applying to more than one program or school in a given application cycle:

To give yourself the choice and options in order to succeed in a given application cycle. Sometimes that involves some business strategy and doing a cost-benefit analysis.
More than one program or school speaks to you, and is in alignment with your goals and values while leaving space for curiosity. It's so important to identify what your goals and values are to proceed with your next best steps in the application.
Because it’s not just about the application, it’s about your life. The application is often the first step to the kind of life you want, the kind of job you want, the kind of professional you want to be, and how you want to provide for yourself and the people around you.

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Connect with Adrienne!

If you want to chat more about which schools and programs you’re interested in applying to, and connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot, you can email me personally at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let us know about how we can demystify the application process for you and support you in this journey!

Enroll in Mastering Academic Applications

Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

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Our Guest - Jessica (Lane) Bassmahon
We are joined by Jessica (Lane) Bassmahon on this episode! Jessica is an internationally-renowned, award-winning operatic soprano with 15 years of instructional experience, and is currently pursuing her second Master's degree in Counselling Psychology. Full disclosure: I have also been a voice student of Jessica’s for over 10 years!
Shifting Identities and Goals

In this episode, we explore how our winding journeys led us to where we are today. We draw parallels between the voice and identity, that our identities shift over time, our goals shift over time, and the importance of taking care of ourselves throughout our journeys (similar to a singer or performer taking care of their voice). Jessica describes her professional interest in person-centred therapy, which focuses on becoming self-actualized through exploring what you want in life, how to navigate through the world and space you’re in, what is meaningful behind these realizations, and much more.

Jessica and I also explore how we support clients and students in the operatic industry and Apply Yourself, respectively, by helping people strategize their next best choices and/or steps that are fully in alignment with them. So much of Jessica's work and our work at Apply Yourself are in alignment, so join us in this episode to learn more! This episode is for you if you’re thinking about your goals, changes in your professional and personal identities, going through academic and professional transitions, and getting to know yourself in your advancement and self-actualization journeys.

Listen to this episode to learn:

Jessica's personal, academic, and professional journeys, and how voice shapes identity and shifts it over time,
That our voice encompasses who we are - in order for the voice to be in optimal shape, we need to take care of ourselves, our bodies, and our mental and physical well-being,
The identity shift Jessica experienced going from performer to psychotherapist,
That it’s perfectly okay to love more than one thing and to do more than one thing - your experiences inform one another,
That it's okay and natural to experience identity shifts over time - don't be afraid to experience transitions, and
The importance of healthily processing our experiences to help us and others grow, and to use our experiences for positive change and advancement.

Connect with Us!

If you want to continue this discussion on winding journeys and shifting identities, and connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot, you can always email me at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com. Feel free to DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let us know about how your journey is going and if we can support you!

Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

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Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

Episode 13: Professional Applications with Peter Bass —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-13/

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It’s that time of year to focus on final exams, final assignments, applications, and finishing the semester. I hear from students and colleagues, and have felt personally, periods of intense and unwavering stress. It's important to explore strategies to decompress and create some space for calm, unwinding, and the ability to centre ourselves during these intense times of stress. And remember:

You are exactly where you need to be.
Productivity takes focus, discipline, and assessing our changing circumstances and schedules.
Zoning out or detaching from reality can actually be detrimental to our mental health and productivity, so we have to be intentional about how we handle stress in the moment and over time.

Strategies for Success During High-Stress Times

Here are some strategies about how we can maintain our productivity and thrive in high-stress times healthily and intentionally - listen to the episode to learn more!

Intentionally engage in an activity that uses a different part of your brain. By intentionally using a different part of your brain, you are allowing your brain to rest, subconsciously process your learnings, and recharge for productivity.
Become aware of the effects of e-notifications in our daily lives. Notifications from our technology disrupt and distract us from our work and priorities, and prevent us from focusing on ourselves. Be intentional about when and how you're using social media - taking a break and scrolling is not taking a break, but a form of distraction.
Be conscious about the people you’re spending your time with. Be aware of who you allow, and who has the privilege, to be in your life, and whether they are good for you, support you, encourage you to grow, and vice versa.

Connect with Us!

To chat more about strategies for success during high-stress times, connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot - email us at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal. Let us know about how these strategies help you, to take care of yourself and remain productive during this busy time!

Not Sure Where to Start?

Learn more about our programs and signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

Subscribe to never miss an episode!

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

Episode 2: Adrienne’s Professional Path —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-2/

Episode 8: Mastering Exam TIme with 4 Foundational Strategies —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-8/

Episode 10: Unpacking Self-Care —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-10/

Episode 26: Reflecting on “Vacation” —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-26

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With Winter application deadlines fast approaching, my clients often ask me: “How in this application do I showcase myself?

In this week’s episode, I want to talk about what I’ve learned so far from holding our foundational Masterclass: “Showcasing Yourself in Your Graduate & Professional School Applications.” Over the past few months, we had the privilege to connect with students from pre-med, pre-law, pre-vet, health, and so many more university student groups and organizations stretching from BC to New Brunswick! (And if you are a student who attended one of our Masterclasses, shout out to you! It was such a joy to connect with you.)

Why Do We Hold Our Signature Masterclasses?

In our Masterclasses, we give strategy to students about how to write a compelling application that showcases you. Students learn our Core Concepts, and they also learn a little more about me and the Apply Yourself non-competitive methodology. Students also have the opportunity to sign-up for a free 45 minute Strategy Call with me so they can get strategy, clarity, and confidence on the application.

Want Support with Your Applications and Beyond?

Listen to this episode if you want to learn more about our programs, including:

Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission- Our 12 week hybrid program that takes you from the beginning of your application all the way to submission.
The Success Society - Our invite-only, higher-level coaching community.
The Student Advancement Spot - Our introductory student membership where we support university students at any age and stage.

Want to Connect with Us at Apply Yourself?

If you want to book a free Masterclass for your student organization and connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot, you can always email me directly at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let us know about your next steps in your applications!

Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

Subscribe to never miss an episode!

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

Episode 9: Applying to Graduate Schools with Anshikha —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-9/

Episode 20: Mastering Academic Applications With Casey B. In Our Founder’s Cohort! —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-20/

Episode 25: Applying to Grad School with Lavinia L. —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-25/

Episode 33: The Relationship Between Your Applications And Your Life With MAA Graduate, Stephanie S. —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-33/

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This week’s episode is a replay! Here we cover some really important realizations as we go through our advancement journeys. I want to talk about 3 things: outgrowing, doing what makes you happy, and making the hard choices. In my life, in my experience, and in the work that I do with my clients and the people around me, these three factors often lead to the most growth and advancement when we exercise our abilities to identify and act on them. In our own advancement journeys, it is important to keep these three things in mind as we navigate through applications, programs, employment, professional development, and transition periods.

Here are some key takeaways from this episode:

First, the idea of outgrowing something often signifies that you are ready to grow, to build on your experience, and to try something new.
- I want you to listen to this feeling of being so comfortable that you are uncomfortable, because that is life telling you that you are ready to grow and move forward in your journey.
Second, doing what makes you happy helps you to feel growth, like you are thriving, like you have hope and faith in what it is that you are doing, that you believe there is a reason that you are doing what you’re doing, and that your growth is not taken for granted by the people around you and even yourself.
- This idea of outgrowing and doing what makes you happy not only applies to when you feel like you have outgrown a job position, but also to the people you allow into your life, who have the privilege of being in your life.
Third, making the hard choices is often hard because we might be going against the grain, or going against somebody else’s expectations. We might be afraid of what someone else around us will think, someone who we care about and whose opinion we care about, and who may have placed certain expectations on us.
- But ask yourself this: Are you going to make the easy decision of pleasing someone else, or are you going to make the harder decision of doing what it is that you want to do for your own happiness and growth?

If you want to discuss your own application and advancement journey, and connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot, you can email me personally at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let me know how you are growing, doing what makes you happy, and making the hard choices as you progress through your advancement journey. Remember we are always here to support you!

Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

Subscribe to never miss an episode!

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

Episode 4: 5 Struggles That Applicants Face And Strategies To Overcome Them (Part 2) —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-4/

Episode 6: Advancement And Your Growth Vs. Scarcity Mindset —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-6/

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Today we are joined by Jonathan Mackenzie, Apply Yourself COO, who you’ve heard about before in his introduction in Episode 30! Jonathan is back on the podcast with us to talk about interviews - the good, the bad, and the ugly. From contentious interviewers to workplace drama, we share our own stories about our interview experiences, lessons learned, and skills gained while navigating through various interview processes.

Here are some key takeaways this episode:

As interviewees, we are interviewing the potential employer just as much as they are interviewing us. We have to consider specific factors during the interview preparation and process itself, such as the tone of the interview, the workplace culture, the rate of turnover, and so much more.
It’s so crucial to set boundaries for yourself in the workplace, no matter your position, because your time and efforts are important and they matter.
As employers, we need to show up to interviews as representing the company, organization, or firm just as well as you want the interviewee to represent themselves during the interview.
Throughout the interview process and beyond, you have to build the skills to be able to showcase and stay true to yourself, the value that you bring, and the significance of your experiences.
Everything happens for a reason. The bad interview experiences offer lessons learned and make way for more opportunities later down the line, so keep calm and persevere. You will find the right workplace for you, with colleagues who will support you and who you can support, too.

If you want to share your own interview experiences, or ask any questions about applications and advancement, and connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot, you can email me personally at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can DM Jonathan directly at jonathan@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM us on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - We’re always here to support you in any interview process!

Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

Subscribe to never miss an episode!

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

Episode 27: HR Recruitment With Olessia Lapina —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-27/

Episode 30: Apply Yourself Is Growing! Meet Jonathan, Our New COO! —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-30/

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I am so excited to introduce our guest Peace Akadinma to the podcast. Peace is currently completing her Masters in the Health Policy and Equity Program at York University, which is also my alma mater! She holds two degrees in Nursing and Global Health, and she is interested in how health and politics merge and the outcomes produced as a result of the conflicts between the two areas.

Peace shares her experience conducting research at the graduate school level and her journey to frame her research question for her Major Research Paper. We discuss in depth about strategies for success in grad school and beyond, such as effective time management and prioritization, how to navigate shifts in life stages while balancing your busy schedule and responsibilities, how to shift your learning style to best serve you in different learning contexts, and how to continuously develop a positive growth mindset and support system.

Listen to this episode to learn more about:

Peace’s personal, academic, and professional journeys. She gets really honest with us this episode and shares her winding journey, and why she decided to transition from the nursing field to global health and policy while working as a registered nurse,
How you can come up with an effective and manageable research question or topic for graduate school programs, and
Strategies for success. It’s important to remember that one strategy is not going to work forever or work for everything - it’s totally okay to try different kinds of strategies based on the kind of work you are doing. (For example, you can do your readings before class or after class depending on what works best. Also, you don’t need to feel guilty about not doing every reading!)

If you want to discuss your own application and advancement journey, and connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot, you can email me personally at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let us know about how you’re navigating transitions in your application, academic, and professional journeys!

Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

Subscribe to never miss an episode!

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

Episode 4: 5 Struggles That Applicants Face And Strategies To Overcome Them (Part 2) —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-4/

Episode 7: 3 Strategies To Boost Your Advancement Today —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-7/

Episode 30: Apply Yourself Is Growing! Meet Jonathan, Our New COO! —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-30/

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I want to talk about something that I’ve covered extensively with my clients in our private 1:1 sessions and group coaching sessions. What does it actually mean to answer this question: What is an area of weakness or area of improvement for the applicant?

This question often comes up in applications, reference letters, and job search and academic interviews. After being on admissions committees and providing references for applicants for many years now, I want to challenge the misconceptions about this question and tell you exactly what admissions committees and employers are looking for. (Hint: Contrary to Google and popular belief, being detail-oriented is not considered a weakness!)

Here are some key takeaways from this episode:

Answering this question requires applicants and referees to frame the applicant’s area of weakness or improvement around self-awareness and growth, and being able to take feedback in order to move forward and overcome barriers. It’s about telling a story with a beginning, middle, and end and finishing with a strong note.
Referees, in my opinion, have an obligation to the applicant to support them wholeheartedly, and should only say “yes” to being a reference if they will 100% support them and represent the significance of the applicant’s experiences. But there are some circumstances when referees do have to say “no” to applicants, such as when students approach them too late in the application cycle, or when they don’t know the student well enough from time spent together in class.
Reference letters actually take a substantial amount of time to write, so potential referees should be given at least 3 months notice to begin drafting.
Forming meaningful relationships and networking are so important in academic and professional advancement, and, of course, the application process, so start early!

If you have any questions about today’s episode and want to connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot, you can always email me personally at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com or at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Tell us how you’re framing this question in your application!

Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

Subscribe to never miss an episode!

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

Episode 27: HR Recruitment With Olessia Lapina —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-27/

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Today, we have one of my amazing VIP clients on the podcast, Stephanie S.! Stephanie is completing her second degree, her Honours Bachelor of Science in Biology, and is currently writing her honours thesis and working as a pharmacy assistant while being a full-time student. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, conducted research at Toronto General Research Institute, and has been a volunteer with Mount Sinai Hospital since 2016.

Steph has made amazing strides in her application journey. We started our work together in our 1:1 sessions and our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission. Steph is also a graduate of our Founder’s Cohort and a part of our Success Society Community! Steph shares her experience of working together in this episode, the kind of transformative growth that happens in our work together, and how she was able to show the significance of her experiences in her applications. As we say here at Apply Yourself: It’s not just about the application, it’s about your life.

Listen to this episode if you want to learn more about:

Stephanie’s academic and professional background, and her experience working with us at Apply Yourself in our 1:1 sessions and our signature course for her applications to medical schools,
The growth Steph experienced in her application journey, where she was able to deeply reflect on her unique experiences and work, experience growth in positive mindset and relationship building, and complete her applications without overwhelm,
How you can use visualization exercises to reflect on why you want to do the things that you want to do, to plan for your goals and aspirations, and to achieve a life beyond your wildest dreams, and
The importance of your CV and Resume in the application process, and how our copyrighted CV and Resume templates are used by our clients for all of their academic and job search applications across all fields.

If you want to discuss your own application and advancement journey, and connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot, you can email me personally at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let us know about how you’re experiencing transformative growth in your application journey!

Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

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Today, we have Stephanie Muskat on the podcast! Stephanie is a registered social worker and holds a Masters in Social Work from the University of Toronto. She is also a licensed psychotherapist and owns Compassion and Caregiving, an all-encompassing mental health network based in Ontario. Compassion and Caregiving focuses on the mental health needs of caregivers, with a focus on one-to-one psychotherapy sessions and group support programs.

Stephanie does so much amazing work and more - when I was in situations where I had to care for my loved ones, I wish I had someone like Stephanie around! Stephanie also has her own podcast called Caregiver’s Compass, which Adrienne will make a guest appearance on very soon!

Listen to this episode to learn about:

Stephanie’s own journey being a primary caregiver during her Masters program, and why she decided to found Compassion and Care Giving to promote equitable access to caregiver support,
How Compassion and Care Giving supports a wide range of clients who are caregivers at different stages of life and who care for, and sometimes grieve, various loved ones in different personal contexts,
Adrienne’s own experience and insights on balancing being a caregiver and school, work, and personal responsibilities,
Strategies for how to be a caregiver while also taking care of yourself, such as establishing boundaries, finding and maintaining a good support system, scheduling in some time for yourself and for self-care, and good communication, and
The importance of managing your energy, taking care of your mental health, and self-care as self-preservation and self-restoration, especially during intense, stressful times.

If you want to discuss your own application and advancement journey, and connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot, you can email me personally at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - We are always here to support you!

Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

Subscribe to never miss an episode!

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

Episode 8: Mastering Exam Time With 4 Foundational Strategies —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-8/

Episode 10: Unpacking Self-Care —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-10/

In just 12 weeks, with this course and my live group coaching, you’ll have all of the tools to develop the skills that you need to create, develop, and complete your professional, polished applications to graduate and professional schools. Enrollment is now OPEN for a program start date of July 11, 2022. This is the LAST opportunity for enrollment for those of you who have October or November deadlines for law schools and medical schools.

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I’m so excited to introduce this week’s guest, Shayna Beeksma! Shayna is an award winning lawyer and founder of Beeksma Law PC. She attended Osgoode Hall Law School - which is also my alma mater! - and was called to the bar in 2012. She completed her articling at Gowling WLG, and following her articling she continued to develop her skills and knowledge at a boutique commercial and estate litigation firm in Burlington, then subsequently moved to a prominent, mid-sized Hamilton firm before opening Beeksma Law in 2018.

Shayna shares with us her journey and how she got to where she is today. She gets really honest with us this episode and describes her experiences and feelings of burnout after completing her articling and working at Bay Street firms. Shayna also tells us how she came to her decision to pursue law school and how her view of the field of law broadened, where she initially pursued International Human Rights law and now primarily does estate law, business law, and real estate law.

Listen to the episode to learn more about:

Shayna’s personal and professional backgrounds, and her undergraduate and law school experiences. (Like Shayna, Adrienne, and many others, you don’t have to take poli-sci, criminology, or anything like that in undergrad to get into law school - people from all sorts of educational backgrounds get into law schools each cycle. So do something you enjoy and make sure you do well!)
Shayna’s journey through her law profession and entrepreneurship,
The importance of knowing what kind of work-life balance you want, specifically in the field of law where there are long working hours, in order to avoid burnout. A positive outcome that often comes from burnout is the self-reflection, and subsequent re-evaluation, that happens as a result,
How it’s okay if your plans change depending on your own interests, financial considerations, priorities, and prospective work opportunities. You can be any kind of professional, any kind of lawyer, you want,
How we don’t have to suffer through “the grind” and experience burnout. We don’t have to feel shame about putting our feelings, our health, and our personal responsibilities at the forefront, and
The importance of visualizing your future and the way this skill can catapult you forward.

If you want to discuss your own application and advancement journey, and connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot, you can email me personally at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let me know how you are maintaining your own health, well-being, and goals in your academic and/or professional journeys. We’re always here to support you!

Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

Subscribe to never miss an episode!

In just 12 weeks, with this course and my live group coaching, you’ll have all of the tools to develop the skills that you need to create, develop, and complete your professional, polished applications to graduate and professional schools. Enrollment is now OPEN for a program start date of July 11, 2022. This is the LAST opportunity for enrollment for those of you who have October or November deadlines for law schools and medical schools.

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We have an exciting announcement to make this episode! Apply Yourself is growing and I am so pleased to introduce Jonathan Mackenzie to the podcast AND the Apply Yourself Team as our Chief Operating Officer! Jonathan has a professional background as a litigator and was called to the bar in 2011. Jonathan has been here since the very beginning of Apply Yourself’s humble beginnings back in 2015 and has a rich understanding and embodiment of our core vision, mission, values, and goals. Full disclosure: Jonathan and Adrienne are actually married and are working together both at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot Inc. and at their law firm, Shnier Mackenzie Law & Policy Consulting!

Listen to this episode to learn more about:

Jonathan’s educational and professional background and his winding journey. Jonathan’s journey actually became winding at a later point in his life during his professional career, and he dives right into his personal insights and reflections,
Why Jonathan decided to leave his litigation career and enter the field of real estate law, and how his litigation experience helped him in his transition to a corporate legal counsel for the largest real estate franchise in Canada,
The importance of taking care of yourself in your personal and professional development to avoid health problems caused by long-term, high stress environments later in life,
Why Apply Yourself practices our non-competition, abundance based approach when working with our clients and community members, and why we have a zero-tolerance policy for competitive behaviours, and
How Apply Yourself is growing and expanding - we are so excited to share more with you!

If you want to discuss your own application and advancement journey, and connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot, you can email me personally at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can DM Jonathan directly at jonathan@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM Jonathan and I on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - We are always happy to support you in any transition period you may be experiencing!

Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

Subscribe to never miss an episode!

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

Episode 2: Adrienne’s Professional Path —> https://applyyourselfglobal.com/ep-2/

In just 12 weeks, with this course and my live group coaching, you’ll have all of the tools to develop the skills that you need to create, develop, and complete your professional, polished applications to graduate and professional schools. Enrollment is now OPEN for a program start date of July 11, 2022. This is the LAST opportunity for enrollment for those of you who have October or November deadlines for law schools and medical schools.

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I’m so happy to be back this week and I’m so grateful that you’re taking time out of your busy day to spend some here with me! Today, I want to talk about something that I’ve received so many questions about - How do we balance application writing with school work, jobs, family commitments, and our other responsibilities? Many of our Apply Yourself clients and community members have application deadlines coming up, so I want to provide some insights and strategies that were discussed with the Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission graduates. Before that, here’s some exciting news: many of our MAA graduates are now community members in The Success Society, Apply Yourself’s higher-level coaching group!

These 8 strategies, which arose from our productive and fruitful weekly group coaching calls in MAA and TSS, have been really helpful for our community members as they transition back into the Fall semester, and I hope these help you as well!

Join us this episode as we discuss the following strategies:

First, we need to perceive our school work as productive and constructive to our success and to the life we want to build for ourselves. It’s about the choices we’re making and the skills, habits, and discipline we’re developing that allow us to excel.
Second, if you are working on applications for graduate or professional schools, or for jobs and careers, we need to reframe the way that we think about and develop them. Applications don’t have to be a drag and we don’t have to suffer through them! At Apply Yourself, we actually work together so we enjoy the process of application development and we get so much more out of it than just the application.
Third, don’t be afraid to contact your professors at the start of the semester. As a professor, I always give my students the opportunity to introduce themselves and let me learn more about them, whether it be through email or in person.
Fourth, aim to stay on top of your coursework and readings, but do it in a way that works best for you, not others. There is absolutely nothing wrong with doing different things for different classes and don’t be afraid to change strategies. (Tip: The way the professor or instructor taught was a huge determinant for if I chose to do my readings either before or after class!) We are a non-competition based community here at Apply Yourself, and we believe that we shouldn’t compare ourselves to other people or focus on the competition. We need to focus on ourselves in order to grow, succeed, build a positive mindset, and achieve advancement.
Fifth, the root cause of procrastination is often anxiety about the future or the unknown. Set yourself up in a way that makes it so that this feeling of anxiety does not hinder you. Anxiety is a completely natural feeling that allows us to stop and evaluate our choices, but we should strategize around it, take small steps, and not let it stop us from moving forward.
Sixth, your environment matters! Where you work, study, read, and think matters. You should feel safe and be able to think freely and productively in your workspace. You can always relocate to where you are most productive (for me, it was the library).
Seventh, be mindful of your technology and app usage. Apps are designed to keep you using them and they benefit from this. We need to understand that we don’t use these apps for “free” - instead they cost us our precious time and energy.
Lastly, if you find yourself checking out, take a break! Schedule in your breaks. If you are feeling disassociated from the work, do something you enjoy and away from screens - go for a walk, get a drink of water or coffee or tea, and you can even spend that downtime working on your applications as a break from your s

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Taking a break from doing something challenging - whether it be school, work, and even applications - is so needed, but is often difficult to do. Believe me, I’ve been there - whenever I have taken a vacation in the past, I almost always brought work with me. (I have brought my laptop with me to the pool on more than one occasion!)

However, I have recently come to realize the benefits and importance of taking a vacation, and I’m talking about a real vacation - one with no external distractions and certainly no work! At the time of recording this episode, I was actually booking a vacation myself and got to reflect on what that term and experience means to me. This episode, I want to take you on a chronology and share my own personal takes and experiences with taking a vacation. Importantly, I want to talk about the value in taking time for yourself.

Here are some important takeaways from this episode:

A vacation can be defined as an extended break from your day-to-day in order to give yourself some respite and recovery from daily stressors,
You don’t have to break the bank to have a restful and rejuvenating vacation. You can have a “staycation,” you don’t even need to leave your borders!
You are the one to decide how you want to take an extended break or vacation - one that is based on what you truly want to do, how you want to spend your time, and who you want to spend your time with,
When taking a break, try to do something that will rejuvenate you that aligns with your interests, like going on a road trip, renting an AirBnB by yourself or with some friends or family, and other intentional activities (hold the scrolling!), and
Giving yourself a break and deliberate rest will allow you to be more productive and creative in your work in the short- and long-term, and avoid feeling burnt out.

If you want to discuss your own advancement and mindfulness journey and connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot, you can email me personally at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let me know how you are spending your well-deserved vacation during this summer!

Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Strategy Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

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Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

Episode 10: Unpacking Self-Care

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I am so grateful to be joined by Lavinia, a wonderful client of mine who was part of the Apply Yourself 1:1 VIP 90-Day Coaching Program. Lavinia graduated from York University’s Health Studies program. She is currently working in the community health field, specifically for the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) and Trillium Health Partners Institute for Better Health. Also, I am so excited to announce that Lavinia has been granted admission to McMaster’s University and is starting her Master’s in Public Health program in just a few weeks!

In this episode, Lavinia explained that her personalized application to her Master’s program was truly informed by her current work and interests in systems navigation, knowledge translation, and integrated care, and her ultimate goal to work in consulting. She shares her experience working with Adrienne during the 1:1 sessions and how the skills she learned in the 1:1 program transfer seamlessly into her current work. Lavinia also shares with us her mindset growth during her application journey - she is now more confident and is able to focus on herself, her experiences, her skills, and what she brings to the table.

Join us this episode to learn more about:

Lavinia’s academic and professional backgrounds, and how her professional work is informed by her personal interests and aspirations to support clients,
What it’s like to work with Adrienne in the 1:1 Program, where we teach you tangible, transferable skills that can be applied to both your applications and your academic and professional work, including how to write professionally in a way that speaks to the admissions committee and fits the program requirements,
The work involved in the Half-Day Strategy Sessions where we lay down all your foundations and get to know who you are as a person, your goals, and your aspirations, and
The kinds of skills you learn when working with us at Apply Yourself, including time management, discipline, motivation, positive reinforcement, and practicing a positive growth mindset.

If you want to discuss your own application journey, learn more about our 90 Day Advanced Program, and connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot, you can email me personally at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com. Like always, you can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let me know how your application process is going and where you are applying to. You can absolutely do this and I am always here for you!

>>> Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Clarity Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

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This one’s an oldie, and a goodie! One of our most listened to episodes is back in case you missed it, or want to have another listen.

In this episode, I unpack the concept of imposter syndrome, why it holds people back, and provide strategies to overcome this popular, self-imposed label.

“Imposter syndrome” is a term, often used in academic and professional settings, that describes feelings of doubt and inadequacy in oneself or one’s abilities. However, this term does not define you or your capabilities for success!

I hate the term “imposter syndrome,” so let’s unpack it and learn how to reframe your perspective of yourself and others to overcome it.

Ultimately, I believe that “imposter syndrome” really describes a feeling of discomfort that has not been properly addressed or identified - in other words, discomfort in periods of growth. But more often than not, we need this discomfort to strategize, to challenge us, and to propel us forward to new opportunities for growth and advancement.

So, how can we overcome “imposter syndrome?” Here are some tips:

Identify your own perceptions → Of yourself, your peers, and your colleagues
Understand that advancement is never done → Major milestones in life give way to evolving goals - advancement is never done
Work through the discomfort → Ask yourself what the next best step is and use visualization techniques to map out strategies to your success
Work on developing a growth mindset and attitude → Remember that your peers are potentially your future colleagues and approach challenging and uncomfortable situations from a place of compassion.

If you want to discuss your own advancement journey and connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot, you can email me personally at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let me know how you are taking back your power over this label. You can absolutely do this, and we are always here to help you work through these challenges!

>>> Calling all applicants! Learn more about our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission and how you can finish your applications - with clarity, support, structure, and strategy with Adrienne, an Admissions Committee Member. Check out Adrienne's Calendar and book your Clarity Call HERE to learn more about if this program is right for you!

Subscribe to never miss an episode!

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

Episode 6: Advancement and Your Growth vs. Scarcity Mindset

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I want to connect the themes and lessons we have talked about in some of the last few podcast episodes, from Episode 16: Reframing Fear to Episode 22: How to Achieve a Life Beyond Your Wildest Dreams. There is one question that often comes up when working with my clients during our coaching and visualization sessions: “What if it doesn’t happen?”

I’m here to ask you, “But what if it does?” And to take it one big step further, I want to support you as you reframe that thought into something positive and productive - that it will happen!

These tough feelings and thoughts we identify during visualization are totally normal, and here at Apply Yourself we are huge advocates of processing feelings and thoughts in a healthy, productive way. We want you to be able to visualize your success, to identify what it is that you want in life, and to feel that important sense of hope and accomplishment in the things that you do and achieve.

Join me in this episode as I take you through a process of visualization and a quick exercise, all while replacing our thoughts of “What if it doesn’t happen?” to “What if it does happen?” I also help you reframe your own thoughts and feelings about yourself and the challenges you may face because as we know advancement is never easy. Remember, you are the only one who can write and rewrite the story of your own journey.

If you want to connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot and continue this discussion on visualization, processing tough feelings, and perseverance in the face of adversity, you can always email me personally at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let me know how you are leading your own advancement journey!

Calling all applicants! It's time!! Our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission is OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT with the Summer Cohort ready to start on July 18th! Are you with me? Ready for your application development over the summer! Adrienne's Enrollment Calendar is now OPEN! Book your strategy call HERE to enroll now!

Want to learn more about how Adrienne can help you advance strategically? Book your Strategy Call HERE!

Subscribe to never miss an episode!

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

Episode 2: Adrienne’s Professional Path

Episode 16: Reframing Fear

Episode 17: Reframing Failure (I’m Calling BS)

Episode 18: Reframing Change

Episode 19: The Sponge Curve With Evan Babins

Episode 20: Mastering Academic Applications With Casey B. In Our Founder’s Cohort!

Episode 21: From Lawyer To Storyteller With Shaun Bernstein

Episode 22: How to Achieve A Life Beyond Your Wildest Dreams

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Today, I want to talk about visualization - that it is one of the most important and powerful tools at our fingertips, something we can all do at our own time, and it’s totally free! Elite athletes do it all the time, and I started doing it even before I knew visualization was a thing! We just need the skill and the tools to be able to do it.

This technique is so powerful because it actually rewires our brains and helps us to understand the power behind our thoughts and our perception of the world around us. Visualizing and mindfully reflecting on our actions helps us to mirror the brain functions associated with doing the actual, physical actions - actions that help us move one step closer to our dreams, goals, and future plans for our lives.

Visualization is so important in the work that I do with my clients, whether it be in our one-on-one coaching sessions, group coaching, or in the Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission program. I’ve seen firsthand how much visualization can help my clients and myself. When we visualize what we want for ourselves in a way that is healthy, positive, and in a way that helps us to grow, our lives have boundless potential to change for the better!

Join me this week to learn more about:

The tools and strategies involved in healthy and positive visualisation,
How visualization and a growth mindset can actually help us to see and be conscious of opportunities for ourselves,
How we can harness the power of the Reticular Activating System (RAS) to better inform our visualization strategies,
- Note: The RAS is a bundle of neurons in our brains with many functions - specifically, it acts as a gatekeeper of the information that we are receiving from the surrounding world - and plays a big role in productive and positive visualization!
The kinds of questions we ask our clients at Apply Yourself when working with them during our visualization exercises,
How working on visualization techniques with my clients helps them to ask the big, specific questions about their life, to identify their feelings, to allow them to feel and be driven by hope, and to plan out their goals and aspirations for the future.

If you want to connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot and continue this discussion on visualization and harnessing this skill, you can always email me personally at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let me know about how your own advancement journey is going!

>>> Calling all applicants! It's time!! Our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission is OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT with the Summer Cohort ready to start on July 11th! Are you with me? Ready for your application development over the summer! Adrienne's Enrollment Calendar is now OPEN! Book your strategy call HERE to enroll now!

Want to learn more about how Adrienne can help you advance strategically? Book your Strategy Call HERE!

Subscribe to never miss an episode!

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

Episode 2: Adrienne’s Professional Path

Episode 4: 5 Struggles That Applicants Face And Strategies To Overcome Them (Part 2)

Episode 6: <

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I am so pleased to welcome this week’s guest, Shaun Bernstein! Shaun is a good friend and colleague who is a journalist turned-lawyer, turned-storyteller, and owner of The Write Stuff Agency, which he founded in 2019 as an open-ended, content writing business. Since then, The Write Stuff Agency has blossomed to help various businesses across many industries tell their stories through web copies, blogs, newsletter articles, e-books, reports, and other storytelling media.

Shaun gets really honest with us in this episode and provides insight into his own winding journey to law school, his experiences as a lawyer, and his eventual change in career paths. He discusses his academic background, his immense passion for storytelling, his personal health journey, his experience as a mature law student, and his perseverance in striving for the life he wants for himself.

Listen to this episode to learn more about:

Shaun’s personal, academic, and professional journeys, which took many twists and turns to get him to where he is today,
Shaun’s experience writing and studying for the LSAT and how it’s totally okay to write a standardized test multiple times - this shouldn’t be a point of shame for applicants because this absolutely does not define who you are or will be as a professional or as a student,
Shaun’s law school journey, and how his previous experiences and his graduate degree in journalism shaped his personal growth and outlook on law school, and
Shaun’s mental health journey and his choice to pursue a different career path that is informed by his passions and his own goals in life - and why it is so important to be in personal and professional alignment with ourselves.

Want to connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot and continue this discussion on winding, twisting journeys, personal health, and professional advancement? You can always email me personally at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let me know about how your own advancement journey is going!

Calling all applicants! It's time!! Our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission is OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT with the Summer Cohort ready to start on July 11th! Are you with me? Ready for your application development over the summer! Adrienne's Enrollment Calendar is now OPEN! Book your strategy call HERE to enroll now!

Want to learn more about how Adrienne can help you advance strategically? Book your Strategy Call HERE!

Subscribe to never miss an episode!

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This week, I am so excited to welcome Casey B. to the podcast! Casey graduated from York University’s Global Health Specialized Honours program in 2021 and is currently working part-time, volunteering, and studying for the LSAT. She is making amazing strides in her work and her law school application as part of the Founder’s Cohort in our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission.

Casey shares with us her experience in the course and how our systems, structures, and strategies have helped to propel her forward in the application process. She describes the challenges she faced with her application prior to enrolling in the course - such as the often conflicting information she received due to a lack of resources about the application process - and how she is so grateful for the guidance and support in her application and advancement journey while working with Adrienne and Apply Yourself.

Having now enrolled in the Founder’s Cohort, Casey tells us how far she has come in the application process in terms of her own perceptions of herself and her goals, organization and planning of her application components, and the time saved while working on her own unique, professional, and personalised application package - all with the support of Adrienne and her fellow Founder’s Cohort members!

Give this episode a listen to learn more about:

Casey’s experience with the application process and working with us at Apply Yourself through our signature course,
Insights into the structure and program of Mastering Academic Applications, and
Our “5 Year Vision” exercise and how it helps our clients to visualize the life that they want for themselves, beyond their wildest dreams!

If you want to connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot and continue this discussion on the application process, our signature course, and on personal and academic advancement, you can always email me personally at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let me know about how your application journey is progressing!

Calling all applicants! It's time!! Our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission is OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT with the Summer Cohort ready to start on July 11th! Are you with me? Ready for your application development over the summer! Adrienne's Enrollment Calendar is now OPEN! Book your strategy call HERE to enroll now!

Want to learn more about how Adrienne can help you advance strategically? Book your Strategy Call HERE!

Subscribe to never miss an episode!

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

Episode 13: Professional Applications with Peter Bass

In just 12 weeks, with this course and my live group coaching, you’ll have all of the tools to develop the skills that you need to create, develop, and complete your professional, polished applications to graduate and professional schools. Enrollment is now OPEN for a program start date of July 11, 2022. This is the LAST opportunity for enrollment for those of you who have October or November deadlines for law schools and medical schools.

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I am so happy to welcome this week’s guest, Evan Babins! Evan is a husband, father, and Canadian Events Professional. Evan has been in the Canadian Events industry for over 11 years and has been recognized on different event industry “best of” lists.

Evan shares with us his own winding journey. He started off his career in Grade 10 doing something he absolutely enjoyed - both as a hobby and professionally - and DJ-ed for various venues and events. Eventually, Evan transitioned to corporate trade show production, then to the hospitality industry, and then to the event industry where he works with clients and produces events. During Evan’s professional journey, he was able to work with various clients both nationally and internationally, and has been exposed to multiple perspectives of the event industry which now informs his work as an events professional.

We may often think that our journeys are “supposed” to be linear, but at some point or another, our journeys wind and twist - and that’s not a bad thing at all! A winding journey helps us to really reflect and think about what we want, what our priorities are, what our goals are, and how they may change over time.

Listen to this episode to learn more about:

Evan’s professional and academic journey, which took many twists and turns, and how it was informed by his passion for DJ-ing
Evan’s personal health recovery journey and how it informs his positive outlook on life and his drive for continuous advancement in his personal, professional, and academic endeavours
How advancement in our professional careers never end - we are always advancing
How it’s absolutely okay to navigate through life and your advancement journey based on your own values and expectations of yourself, not others’ expectations, and
Evan’s “sponge curve method,” which you can implement in times of transitions, whether it be for a new academic program, a new job, or a new chapter of your personal life

If you want to connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot and continue this discussion on winding journeys and professional advancement, you can always email me personally at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let me know about how your advancement journey is going!

Calling all applicants! It's time!! Our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission is OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT! Are you with me? Ready for your application development over the summer! Adrienne's Enrollment Calendar is now OPEN! Book your strategy call HERE to enroll now!

Want to learn more about how Adrienne can help you advance strategically? Book your Strategy Call HERE!

Subscribe to never miss an episode!

In just 12 weeks, with this course and my live group coaching, you’ll have all of the tools to develop the skills that you need to create, develop, and complete your professional, polished applications to graduate and professional schools. Enrollment is now OPEN for a program start date of July 11, 2022. This is the LAST opportunity for enrollment for those of you who have October or November deadlines for law schools and medical schools.

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This episode, I talk about something that I hear from my clients all the time during our first few sessions together - that they are afraid of change, or experience a fear of change or fear of the unknown. I work with applicants and clients who often struggle with identifying this fear of change - who want to hold onto things, jobs, or social circles that they are familiar with, but may not be productive for them or good for their mental or physical health. Some of my clients struggle with identifying their feelings of complacency in a phase, job, or position that is not conducive to their own goals.

Change is something that we experience everyday, often to varying degrees. Change can be big or small, minor or major. The world around us changes everyday - nothing in this world ever stays the same, let alone ourselves. It’s what we do in the face of change that’s important.

I am here to tell you that change can actually be a good, productive thing. Change can lead to your growth and helps you avoid staying stagnant. Remember that change offers boundless opportunities for you, and the first step is to become comfortable with change. Join me in this episode to engage in a brief visualisation exercise in which we shift our mindset on change from “Will I?” to “How will I?”

Instead of asking “Will I get into the program that I want?” ask yourself “How will I get into the program that I want?” The “How will I” question is so important because it critically asks about a process that you plan to engage in, and even if that process is unknown, you at least know that there is a critically important process that needs to happen, that you need to engage with, to achieve your goal and to achieve the life you want beyond your wildest dreams.

If you want to connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot and continue this discussion on embracing change, like always, you can email me personally at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let me know about how you’re handling change during your advancement journey!

Calling all applicants! It's time!! Our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission is OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT! Are you with me? Ready for your application development over the summer! Adrienne's Enrollment Calendar is now OPEN! Book your strategy call HERE to enroll now!

Want to learn more about how Adrienne can help you advance strategically? Book your Strategy Call HERE!

Subscribe to never miss an episode!

I’m launching my course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission, for you to complete your applications in 12-weeks! With live coaching, you develop your applications & gain insights into your applications processes like never before. Join our Launch List, so you’re ready for us to work together to complete your graduate & professional school applications ahead of the deadline. To sign up for the Launch List, visit ap

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This week, we’re going to talk about something that comes up with every client I have the honour of working with – failure. For many of us, the idea of failure, the fear of failure, is not an easy topic or feeling to talk about. Believe me, I’ve been there, too. But what if I told you that failure is actually a productive part of your advancement journey that you can use to your advantage? What if failure is something that you can use to grow and learn from?

In this episode, I have an honest conversation of my own journey and the feeling of failure that I felt in my first year of university – you may remember a little bit of my journey from Episode 2, but in this episode, I really unpack the failure I felt – and how this failure was actually one of the most important lessons in my life. This feeling of failure, and the support of my grandparents to follow the path I defined for myself, helped me to grow, to strive for what I wanted for myself, and to build the life I have today.

I believe that failure can actually be a tool that we can use to gain knowledge about ourselves and our circumstances. We can use failure to drive ourselves forward in the face of adversity rather than feel ashamed of it. As people we are resilient, and we often need failure to grow and succeed from lessons learnt. Successful people often fail more than they succeed – but rather than give up and quit, they use failure as knowledge to drive them forward and guide them into the future.

Remember, at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot, we inform all of our work with an abundance and growth mindset, so share this episode with one person who may need to hear this!

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

Episode 2: Adrienne’s Professional Path
Episode 16: Reframing Fear

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If you want to connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot and continue this discussion on reframing failure and overcoming the fear of failure, you can always email me personally at adrienne@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal – Let me know about how you’re feeling and gaining knowledge about yourself during your advancement journey!

Calling all applicants! It’s time!! Our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission is OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT! Are you with me? Ready for your application development over the summer! Adrienne’s Enrollment Calendar is now OPEN! Book your strategy call HERE to enroll now!

Want to learn more about how Adrienne can help you advance strategically? Book your Strategy Call HERE!

I’m launching my course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission, for you to complete your applications in 12-weeks! With live coaching, you develop your applications & gain insights into your applications processes like never before. Join our Launch List, so you’re ready for us to work together to complete your graduate & professional school applications ahead of the deadline. To sign up for the Launch List, visit ap

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For this week’s episode, I want to explore something that everyone experiences but something that no one seems to talk about - fear. This is one feeling that everyone identifies with in one way or another, and I haven’t been immune to fear either. I’ve been there, too.

I’ve seen how fear holds people back, the different ways that it manifests in applicants, in my students, my clients, and in so many people that I work with. I am here to tell you that fear can actually play an important role in your advancement journey. It certainly played a big role in mine.

I want to totally reframe the idea of fear so that it no longer holds you back. Here is an acronym I came up with - using the word “fear” - and I hope that anytime you identify a feeling that is holding you back, you remember this acronym and implement it into your advancement journey. Listen to this episode to learn more about reframing fear and turning it into something that propels you forward:

F - Stands for Free. Always remember that you are free to become the person that you want to be and free to make the choices and decisions that align with you and your goals.
E - Stands for Elevate. How you perceive yourself must be elevated above and beyond what you can imagine. You need to believe in yourself, your skills, your abilities, your growth, your decisions, and believe that you deserve to achieve your dreams and what you want in life.
A - Stands for Activate. It is important to carry out and activate ourselves, our actions, behaviours, energies, and thoughts based on positive and productive perceptions about ourselves, our communities, and the world we want to create and be a part of.
R - Stands for Resilience. The work that is involved with advancement is not easy, and everyone’s journey takes twists and turns with challenges at each step of the way. But that is okay because you’re resilient - you recover and persevere and nothing can stop you!

If you want to connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot and continue this discussion on reframing fear and overcoming it, you can always email me personally at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let me know about how you’re feeling during your advancement journey!

Calling all applicants! It's time!! Our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission is OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT! Are you with me? Ready for your application development over the summer! Adrienne's Enrollment Calendar is now OPEN! Book your strategy call HERE to enroll now!

Want to learn more about how Adrienne can help you advance strategically? Book your Strategy Call HERE!

Subscribe to never miss an episode!

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

Episode 15: Rick’s Journey Through Law: From Applications To Criminal Defence Practice

I’m launching my course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission, for you to complete your applications in 12-weeks! With live coaching, you develop your applications & gain insights into your applications processes like never before. Join our Launch List, so you’re ready for us to work together to complete your graduate & professional school applications ahead of the deadline. To sign up for the Launch List, visit ap

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This week, I want to give a warm welcome to our guest, Rick Frank, one of my dear colleagues and law school peers. He completed his undergraduate program in criminal justice studies at the University of Guelph-Humber, and then his Juris Doctor at Osgoode Hall Law School. Rick is currently a criminal defence lawyer at a firm in Toronto called Foda Law, where he serves his clients in serious criminal cases, including homicide, gun and gang, and drug charges. Rick is a board member at Fair Change Community Services, which works with underhoused and homeless clients facing provincial charges. He has two cats, Matilda and Max.

Rick shares with us his journey to and through law school, his experience during the application process, and beyond. His previous experiences and traumas with racism, discrimination, and police harassment have shaped his goals to becoming a lawyer and to promote justice in the world. Through his work and his knowledge about the law, he empowers others and helps them to navigate the criminal justice system.

For all you potential law school applicants, undergrad students, and anyone who is interested in the legal system, this one’s for you! This episode goes into an in depth discussion about the law school application process and law school student experience.

Listen here to learn more about:

Rick’s personal journey in academics and his professional career in criminal law, and how his experiences form the foundation of his ideas of justice and helping others
The efficacy of reflective and mindful work during the application process to create your own personal statement that authentically tells your story, aspirations, and goals
Insights into completing law school and the skill set learned over time - We delve into various discussions on growth vs. scarcity mindset in the context of law school, our experiences in first to third year of law school, and the skills we developed over time such as earning to write summaries and contracts.
The importance of making mindful and purposeful choices in law school - It’s important to really reflect on your own goals, aspirations, and the kind of work that you want to do in order to define your own trajectory and avoid burnout.
The importance of mental health and health consciousness in law school and one’s law career, particularly in the field of criminal law.

If you want to connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot and continue this discussion on law school and the application process, you can always email me personally at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let me know about your law school plans and/or other academic and professional aspirations!

Calling all applicants! It's time!! Our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission is OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT! Are you with me? Ready for your application development over the summer! Adrienne's Enrollment Calendar is now OPEN! Book your strategy call HERE to enroll now!

Want to learn more about how Adrienne can help you advance strategically? Book

I’m launching my course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission, for you to complete your applications in 12-weeks! With live coaching, you develop your applications & gain insights into your applications processes like never before. Join our Launch List, so you’re ready for us to work together to complete your graduate & professional school applications ahead of the deadline. To sign up for the Launch List, visit ap

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I am so grateful to be joined by my dear client, Josh! Josh and I have worked together over the years on various application processes, advancing each time toward a life beyond his wildest dreams. Josh completed his undergraduate Bachelor of Arts degree in political science at the University of Toronto. He began working with us at Apply Yourself in his third and fourth year to prepare for his graduate program application. Currently, Josh is working in Canadian politics for a Minister in the provincial government, in his desired field!

Josh describes his personal experience working with Apply Yourself. While working with Adrienne, Josh realized that his skills in French and knowledge about Quebec politics informed his unique application, based on which he was successfully admitted into his graduate program of choice.

Give this episode a listen or few to learn about:

Josh’s academic interests and professional journey, where Josh’s French-speaking background and certifications in the language have helped to propel him forward into new opportunities that align with his interests and educational background.
The importance of the reflective and mindful work involved with the application process, which many applicants often miss and the work we engage in during our1:1 Sessions, and
How you can produce tangible and intangible deliverables through working with us at Apply Yourself, including your own personalized application package that is unique to you and your experiences. Working together also results in skills development in mindfully reflecting on your own experiences and presenting them in a way that you feel aligned with and that would impress any admissions committee.

Do you want to connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot and continue this discussion on advancement and the application process for graduate programs? You can email me personally at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com. Like always, you can DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let me know your plans for academic advancement!

Calling all applicants! It's time!! Our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submissionis OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT for a start date of May 16th, 2022! Are you with me? Ready for your application development over the summer! Applicants who enroll in our Founder's Cohort between May 1st - May 13th will be offered the full program at our Founder's Price - the course will never be offered at this price again! Adrienne's Enrollment Calendar is now OPEN! Book your strategy call HERE to enroll now!

Want to learn more about how Adrienne can help you advance strategically? Book your Strategy CallHERE!

Subscribe to never miss an episode!

I’m launching my course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission, for you to complete your applications in 12-weeks! With live coaching, you develop your applications & gain insights into your applications processes like never before. Join our Launch List, so you’re ready for us to work together to complete your graduate & professional school applications ahead of the deadline. To sign up for the Launch List, visit ap

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In this week’s episode, we welcome Peter Bass to the podcast! Peter is an amazing client of mine who is completing a Doctorate of Musical Arts at the University of Toronto and has been working on his applications for university professor positions. Peter has 14 years of experience working in the classical music field and has performed all over Canada, the US, Germany, and Italy. He also runs his own voice studio, “PB&J Music Studio,” with his wife, Jess, where they teach singing in all genres for all ages. (Fun fact: I’m also a student there studying classical opera technique!)

Peter Bass has a long-standing relationship with the voice. The voice is the most direct way to communicate and knowing how to use it lets people know who you are. More importantly, however, it lets us understand who we are, what our true sound is, and what we truly want to say. Along with his busy private voice studio, PB & J Music Studio, Peter is currently attending the University of Toronto in pursuit of a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) degree. His research is focuses on the physical manifestations of emotions in performing singers. By understanding that physical sensations are correlated to emotions instills an understanding of who we are as individuals. This, along with a solid, action-based singing technique, creates opportunities to communicate not only with audiences, but also with ourselves.

Peter has almost twenty years of performing experience. He has performed across Canada, in the US, Germany, and Italy. He is experienced in opera, classical, jazz, and music theatre. His vast experience is based on what he teaches and studies: we are all individual, human beings.

Peter discusses his experience working with us at Apply Yourself, during which he prepared strong applications for his professorial positions at university institutions. Peter shares how his experiences inform his personal and professional identities as a student, a doctoral candidate, and as a musical performer. He provides insights into his teaching philosophy and how his years of experience as a music teacher helped him to hone his skill-set and produce an application package that is unique to him.

Give this episode a listen or few to learn more about:

Peter’s academic and professional journey, which are in alignment with his passions for musical theatre, performing, singing, and the classical arts.

The importance of identity and emotional regulation, how these factors contribute to “Imposter Syndrome,” and how to overcome this discomfort in periods of growth.
What it’s like to work with Adrienne in our Half-Day Strategy Session, in the context of professorial applications strategy.
The kinds of resources and deliverables you can expect from working with us at Apply Yourself, including recordings of your personalized live sessions, as well as a resume package that is structured professionally AND tailored to you and your own experiences!

Calling all applicants! It's time!! Our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission is OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT for a start date of May 16th, 2022! Book your Enrollment Call with Adrienne today!

I’m launching my course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission, for you to complete your applications in 12-weeks! With live coaching, you develop your applications & gain insights into your applications processes like never before. Join our Launch List, so you’re ready for us to work together to complete your graduate & professional school applications ahead of the deadline. To sign up for the Launch List, visit ap

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I am so pleased to introduce my dear colleague and long-time friend, Francine! Fran is an in-house insurance defence lawyer and has been practising since 2017. She and I go way back - we first met at a boutique law firm where Fran was one of the lawyers I worked with, and we became fast friends.

In this episode, Fran and I chat about her path to becoming a lawyer, and eventually transitioning careers across legal fields. She describes her winding, twisting road, beginning with her early interest in the legal system, her aspiration of working in a law firm, then preparing for the LSAT and her law school application, and ultimately, completing her law school education at the University of Ottawa.

We started working with Fran - before she knew it! - as she transitioned through legal fields. It was an absolute pleasure to work with Fran during her application process and interview process. I am so proud of all of Fran’s hard work and that we, at Apply Yourself, could be a part of her journey. Fran has since been working as an in-house lawyer and she continues to thoughtfully and mindfully pave her professional path - and we are so here for it all. Fran’s journey, her years of work experience and her transition into a new legal career, reflects the hard work and dedication involved in professional advancement.

Listen to this episode to learn about:

Fran’s academic and professional journey to becoming a lawyer and the steps involved in her legal career transition,
What it’s like to work with Adrienne at Apply Yourself during application processes for professional advancement,
Some insights into writing the LSAT and applying to law school - and it is okay if you had to apply twice! A lot of people do it, and you are not alone. It’s all part of the journey that you want for yourself, and
How everyone’s advancement journey is different and often not a straight path - this journey is for you and your own advancement. The twists and turns you take are all helping to build that life beyond your wildest dreams - keep going, you can do it!

If you want to connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot and continue discussing professional advancement and/or career transitions, you can email me personally at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com.

Calling all applicants! It's time!! Our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission is OPENING FOR ENROLLMENT on May 2, 2022 for a start date of May 16th, 2022! Are you with me? Ready for your application development over the summer! Applicants who enroll in our Founder's Cohort between May 1st - May 13th will be offered the full program at our Founder's Price - the course will never be offered at this price again! Adrienne's Enrollment Calendar opens on May 2, 2022! Book your strategy call HERE if you just can't wait until then!

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

Episode 2: Adrienne’s Professional Path

I’m launching my course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission, for you to complete your applications in 12-weeks! With live coaching, you develop your applications & gain insights into your applications processes like never before. Join our Launch List, so you’re ready for us to work together to complete your graduate & professional school applications ahead of the deadline. To sign up for the Launch List, visit ap

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In this week’s episode, we discuss actionable, strategic steps you can implement prior to, and during, your application process. A crucial first step to develop an application - one that is unique, professional, personal, refined, polished, and true to your values - is to mindfully think about what you actually want in life, both personally and professionally.

Maybe you dream of enrolling in law school, dental school, or a Master’s or Ph.D. program. Maybe you feel external pressures to apply to a certain school or pursue a certain career path. It is perfectly normal to be unsure of which programs or schools you’d like to apply to. You just have to be strategic and informed about your approach, and you’ve got to be true to yourself.

Here are a few ways that you can be better informed, with the knowledge and tools needed, to determine which schools and programs you want to apply to. Listen to this episode to learn more about how you can implement the following strategies:

Contact the schools and programs that you’re interested in and ask if you can sit in on a class or a few classes to get a sense of the student experience (in person or virtually!),
Speak to graduates of the specific programs that you are interested in,
Asking if you can shadow graduates for a day or two in their new professions, and
Always visualize the life you want, the choices and opportunities you want to be available to you, and the freedom you want when applying to potential schools and your goals after graduation.

If you want to connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot and continue this discussion on mindfully applying to graduate and professional schools, you can email me personally at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com. Like always, you can DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let me know if these strategies helped you while you prepare your applications! We’re always here to support you throughout this process.

Are you interested in learning about strategies for the application process and for academic and professional advancement? We are launching our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submissionin just 12 weeks, in Spring 2022, ready for your application development over the summer! Sign up for our Launch List HEREand be the first to find out once it’s live!

Want to learn more about how Adrienne can help you advance strategically? Book your Strategy Call HERE!

Subscribe to never miss an episode!

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

Episode 1:Making Big Moves with Adrienne Shnier

Episode 2:Adrienne’s Professional Path

Episode 4: 5 Struggles that Applicants Face and Strategies to Overcome Them (Part 2)

I’m launching my course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission, for you to complete your applications in 12-weeks! With live coaching, you develop your applications & gain insights into your applications processes like never before. Join our Launch List, so you’re ready for us to work together to complete your graduate & professional school applications ahead of the deadline. To sign up for the Launch List, visit ap

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In this episode, we explore the concept of self-care and redefine how we view and practice taking care of ourselves while pursuing our long-term advancement and goals.

The self-care industry, which makes approximately $10 billion dollars per year, strategically markets “self-care” as indulgences, weekends away, and cucumbers on your eyes. Now, while those things may be nice in the moment, alone they are not the things that will help us decompress, destress, and find alignment with ourselves in the long run.

Rather, self-care is intentionally taking time to engage in sustainable, restorative activities that help you realign or maintain your alignment with yourself – in other words, sustainable restoration to successfully deal with stress. Our own self-care practices have to be conducive to activities that actively oppose feelings of stress and burnout. It is important to invest time in ourselves to recharge, and to engage in intentional rest that is our own choice and unique to each of us.

So, how can we sustainably practice self-care? Listen to this episode to join our discussion of the following strategies, which are free to implement right now, and to engage in a mindful awareness exercise.

Plan for moments of rest and stillness each day.
Engage in awareness of yourself, your feelings, your wants, and your thoughts.
Set healthy boundaries for yourself and others.
Take a step away from your computer or work space, even for just a moment, to help with productivity.

If you want to continue this conversation on reframing self-care and connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot, you can personally email me at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal – Let me know how you are redefining and developing your self-care habits. I’m here for you, supporting you along the way!

Are you interested in learning about strategies for the application process and for academic and professional advancement? We are launching our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission in just 12 weeks, in Spring 2022, ready for your application development over the summer! Sign up for our Launch List HERE and be the first to find out once it’s live!

Want to learn more about how Adrienne can help you advance strategically? Book your Strategy Call HERE!

Subscribe to never miss an episode!

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

Episode 7: 3 Strategies to Boost Your Advancement Today

I’m launching my course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission, for you to complete your applications in 12-weeks! With live coaching, you develop your applications & gain insights into your applications processes like never before. Join our Launch List, so you’re ready for us to work together to complete your graduate & professional school applications ahead of the deadline. To sign up for the Launch List, visit ap

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In this week’s episode, I have the pleasure of introducing our very first guest on the podcast!

Meet Anshikha, a dear client of mine, who is graduating this semester from her undergraduate program and who was granted admission to Columbia University for her Master’s degree this fall! (Huge congratulations to Anshikha for this amazing accomplishment!!)

Anshikha shares her advancement journey and her personal experience working with Adrienne at Apply Yourself. She describes how her interests in academia informed her application submission, in alignment with her goals and passions in the global governance of infectious diseases, political science, and international relations. She reflects on the challenges she overcame while developing her graduate school applications, her process for becoming confident in the applications she submitted, and how she became comfortable with herself and her abilities through the application process.

In this episode, we:

Learn about Anshikha’s personal experiences, interests, and her ongoing advancement journey
Learn about the intensive work that is involved with the application process, including mindset shifts, skills development, time management, and focusing on yourself and not the competition
Learn about the work that we do at Apply Yourself and just some of the positive outcomes that come out of our 1:1 sessions with Adrienne, including improved writing skills and professional development
Know what it’s like to work with Adrienne at Apply Yourself - whether it be through one-on-one live coaching and strategy sessions or our 12 week course!

Are you interested in learning about strategies for the application process and for academic and professional advancement? We are launching our signature course,Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submissionin just 12 weeks, in Spring 2022, ready for your application development over the summer! Sign up for our Launch List HERE and be the first to find out once it’s live!

Want to learn more about how Adrienne can help you advance strategically? Book your Strategy CallHERE!

Subscribe to never miss an episode!

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

Episode 6:Advancement and Your Growth vs. Scarcity Mindset

I’m launching my course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission, for you to complete your applications in 12-weeks! With live coaching, you develop your applications & gain insights into your applications processes like never before. Join our Launch List, so you’re ready for us to work together to complete your graduate & professional school applications ahead of the deadline. To sign up for the Launch List, visit ap

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At this time of year, I often think of my clients and students who are completing higher education and about to enter their exam period. In contrast, If you don’t have exams, your time is usually being tested by those end-of-semester essays or assignments, or even both.

I know how stressful and busy this time gets - I’ve been there myself as an undergraduate, Masters, PhD, and law student - and as a Professor.

In this episode, I provide 4 foundational strategies to help you master exam time, and other intense time periods, while also taking care of yourself. Here is a quick overview:

Manage your distractions → We discuss strategies to reduce distractions during exam time. You can apply these strategies at any time.
Don’t compare yourself to others → Everyone has different study methods, learning styles, and productivity speeds. Focus on yourself, not on others, and trust your process.
If you are facing any extenuating circumstances, get in touch with your Professor and/or TA right away → The sooner you email and inform them, the more effectively your course team will be able to support you and provide you with the resources that you need.
Your notes don’t have to be pretty to be effective→ Your notes should be an effective study tool. Your notes should be accurate, organized, and make sense to you. They don’t need to be pretty to be effective - but organized and effective notes sure do look good!

I have curated these actionable strategies from my years of experience, and now you can implement them to help develop your mindset, focus, and skills to be more effective while studying and working towards your advancement.

If you want to continue this conversation on exam strategies, you can email me personally at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com to connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let me know what strategies you use during exam time. You’re in the final stretch and we’re always here to support you!

Want to learn more about how Adrienne can help you advance strategically? Book your Strategy Call HERE!

Subscribe to never miss an episode!

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

Episode 7: 3 Strategies to Boost Your Advancement Today

I’m launching my course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission, for you to complete your applications in 12-weeks! With live coaching, you develop your applications & gain insights into your applications processes like never before. Join our Launch List, so you’re ready for us to work together to complete your graduate & professional school applications ahead of the deadline. To sign up for the Launch List, visit ap

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In this episode, I give you 3 actionable strategies and tools to help increase your productivity and further your advancement, while also maintaining your health and well-being - even during high volume, busy times!

Let's dive right in! Here are 3 health-conscious, cost-free, and sustainable strategies to help increase your cognitive freedom, decrease exhaustion, avoid burnout, and provide predictability and intention in your actions and daily life:

Clearly plan out your days, weeks, and months → Use a pen and paper - identify your non-negotiables, things you enjoy doing, positive social time, and time for yourself - and diarize these categories. Use a calendar to promote predictability and autonomy over your schedule.
Rid your time and mind of social toxicity → Identify whether you are using your precious minutes and energy on people or behaviours that make you feel bad (i.e., gossip, aimlessly scrolling through social media, or spending time with people who don’t have your best interests at heart); instead, surround yourself with positive perspectives and people who support you.
Be intentional about the activities you engage in → The breaks in your days and weeks, your time away from work, and your outlets should energize and reinvigorate you. Develop a regular schedule for things you enjoy.

I hope that these actionable strategies can help you to navigate stressful times and develop the skills you need for your lifelong advancement.

If you want to chat more about productivity tips and connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot, email me directly at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let me know what strategies help you maintain healthy productivity!

Want to learn more about how Adrienne can help you advance strategically? Book your Strategy Call HERE!

Subscribe to never miss an episode!

I’m launching my course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission, for you to complete your applications in 12-weeks! With live coaching, you develop your applications & gain insights into your applications processes like never before. Join our Launch List, so you’re ready for us to work together to complete your graduate & professional school applications ahead of the deadline. To sign up for the Launch List, visit ap

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In today’s episode, I discuss the importance of a growth mindset in your advancement journey. In my experience, I believe that developing a constructive, productive, health-conscious mindset is about 90% of the work towards achieving and surpassing your goals and aspirations.

When I talk about “mindset,” I’m referring to the way we think - what informs our decisions, how we perceive ourselves and others, and how we approach the world around us - identifying our assumptions, attitudes, biases, philosophies, worldview, and what informs them.

Mindset directly affects how we perceive our own opportunities for growth, advancement, and success.

A “growth mindset” refers to the perspective that anything important to us flows to us in abundance - academic and work opportunities, energy, support from others, financial stability, and other tangibles and intangibles that we strive for. A growth mindset believes there are increasing opportunities for everyone, and everyone can have abundance and success.

Conversely, a “scarcity mindset” is the assumption that anything important to us is scarce and at risk of running out. A scarcity mindset is toxic and detrimental - it leads to doubt in your abilities, feelings of insecurity, and fear of the competition and the unknown. It holds you back from your full potential.

Adopting a growth mindset is a fundamental step towards your long-term advancement. This takes continued work, but with a growth mindset comes boundless opportunity, skills development, and continued success.

If you want to continue this discussion on mindset with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot, you can email me personally at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com. Feel free to DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let me know how you are cultivating a growth mindset!

Want to learn more about how Adrienne can help you advance strategically? Book your Strategy Call HERE!

Subscribe to never miss an episode!

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

Episode 2: Adrienne’s Professional Path

I’m launching my course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission, for you to complete your applications in 12-weeks! With live coaching, you develop your applications & gain insights into your applications processes like never before. Join our Launch List, so you’re ready for us to work together to complete your graduate & professional school applications ahead of the deadline. To sign up for the Launch List, visit ap

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In this episode, I unpack the concept of imposter syndrome, why it holds people back, and provide strategies to overcome this popular, self-imposed label.

“Imposter syndrome” is a term, often used in academic and professional settings, that describes feelings of doubt and inadequacy in oneself or one’s abilities. However, this term does not define you or your capabilities for success!

I hate the term “imposter syndrome,” so let’s unpack it and learn how to reframe your perspective of yourself and others to overcome it.

Ultimately, I believe that “imposter syndrome” really describes a feeling of discomfort that has not been properly addressed or identified - in other words, discomfort in periods of growth. But more often than not, we need this discomfort to strategize, to challenge us, and to propel us forward to new opportunities for growth and advancement.

So, how can we overcome “imposter syndrome?” Here are some tips:

Identify your own perceptions → Of yourself, your peers, and your colleagues
Understand that advancement is never done → Major milestones in life give way to evolving goals - advancement is never done
Work through the discomfort → Ask yourself what the next best step is and use visualization techniques to map out strategies to your success
Work on developing a growth mindset and attitude → Remember that your peers are potentially your future colleagues and approach challenging and uncomfortable situations from a place of compassion.

If you want to discuss your own advancement journey and connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot, you can email me personally at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let me know how you are taking back your power over this label. You can absolutely do this, and we are always here to help you work through these challenges!

Want to learn more about how Adrienne can help you advance strategically? Book your Strategy Call HERE!

Subscribe to never miss an episode!

I’m launching my course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission, for you to complete your applications in 12-weeks! With live coaching, you develop your applications & gain insights into your applications processes like never before. Join our Launch List, so you’re ready for us to work together to complete your graduate & professional school applications ahead of the deadline. To sign up for the Launch List, visit ap

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Preparing an application doesn’t have to be a scary, complicated process! In last week’s episode, we discussed 2 common struggles in the application process and asked the following question: How can I develop the skills necessary to create the best application that fits and aligns with me?

In this Part Two episode, I talk about 3 out of 5 common struggles in the application process and give you key strategies to overcome them. Here are the main takeaways:

Not visualizing your success? → Listen to this episode to learn how to engage in visualization, including a short visualization exercise! Visualize where you want to be on a daily basis!
Letting other people’s expectations dictate you and your path? → Use visualization techniques to visualize yourself and your own goals, expectations, and values - fill in your own puzzle!
Not strategizing your time management? → Develop your calendar, diarize all priorities, block off time for self-care, do a social media clean up, write down where and how you spend your time, and much, much more!

Preparing an application is a long term commitment that requires hard work and meaningful self-reflection, and we’re here to help you! I hope you learn some strategies that you can use to further your success and advancement in many areas of your life.

If you want to discuss what strategies work for you and connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot, you can email me personally at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com. Feel free to DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let me know what strategies you use in your application process. We’re here to support you!

Want to learn more about how Adrienne can help you advance strategically? Book your Strategy Call HERE!

Subscribe to never miss an episode!

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

Episode 2: Adrienne’s Professional Path

I’m launching my course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission, for you to complete your applications in 12-weeks! With live coaching, you develop your applications & gain insights into your applications processes like never before. Join our Launch List, so you’re ready for us to work together to complete your graduate & professional school applications ahead of the deadline. To sign up for the Launch List, visit ap

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Everyone who is currently doing an application or has done an application knows how daunting the process can be. You might be wondering: How can I develop the skills necessary to create the best application that fits and aligns with me?

In this Part One episode, I describe 2 out of 5 common struggles in the application process and go in depth about how to overcome them. Here’s a sneak peak:

Fear of the process and competition? → Be confident in your own abilities and humanize your competition!
Insecure? → Know the difference between internal and external validation and understand how this has affected you. Realize your worth and strengths, set the appropriate boundaries, determine what your values are, engage in continued self-reflection, and more!

The application process and your advancement beyond this process is hard work - No one else will do this work for you! I hope you learn some useful strategies and feel more empowered to make those big moves to achieve your goals. Come back next week for Part Two!

If you want to discuss more strategies and learn more about what we do at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot, email me personally at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - Let me know what strategies have helped you, we’re here to help!

Want to learn more about how Adrienne can help you advance strategically? Book your Strategy Call HERE

Subscribe to never miss an episode!

I’m launching my course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission, for you to complete your applications in 12-weeks! With live coaching, you develop your applications & gain insights into your applications processes like never before. Join our Launch List, so you’re ready for us to work together to complete your graduate & professional school applications ahead of the deadline. To sign up for the Launch List, visit ap

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In today’s episode, I describe my personal journey, which took many twists and turns to get me to where I am today. I open up to you about my university and graduate school experiences, from switching programs in undergrad, to completing my Masters and PhD, to earning my JD at Osgoode Hall Law School, and beyond.

The opportunities that I pursued ultimately aligned with my values, goals, intellectual curiosity, and research interests. The path to success is not a straight line!

The twists and turns that life threw at me during my journey gave me the critical on-the-ground experience to launch Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot, and to help other academic and professional applicants achieve their dreams. I have served on many admissions committees and have seen first-hand that students need personalized, hands-on support and coaching for grad school applications, career transitions and promotions, and other advancement opportunities.

At Apply Yourself, we provide students and applicants with a holistic approach to creating their personal application and help them develop the skills they need to pave the way for success. The choice is yours - you can work with me in a half-day strategy session, where we develop a personalized, actionable plan to move forward in your journey, or in our 90-day program, where we work through the entire application process to ensure a strategic, polished, and personalized application that fills all the requirements. (No ghostwriting! I help you develop all of the skills you need throughout the process so that you can implement them now and in the future.)

As lifelong-learners, advancement is never done, and now I use my experience for you!

If you want to learn more, email me at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com and I will personally get in touch with you. You can also DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - I would love to hear how your journey is going!

Want to learn more about how Adrienne can help you advance strategically? Book your Strategy Call HERE

Subscribe to never miss an episode!

I’m launching my course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission, for you to complete your applications in 12-weeks! With live coaching, you develop your applications & gain insights into your applications processes like never before. Join our Launch List, so you’re ready for us to work together to complete your graduate & professional school applications ahead of the deadline. To sign up for the Launch List, visit ap

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In this first episode, I tell you about myself and my experiences as an Advancement Coach & Strategist, lawyer, and professor. I delve deeper into what Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot does and how we can help you take the next steps to achieving your goals.

Here are some of the things we do at Apply Yourself:

Applications - We coach and strategize with applicants from all demographic and socioeconomic backgrounds to prepare their graduate and professional school applications, from law school, to medical school, to Masters and PhD programs, other post-graduate programs, as well as professional applications and promotions processes.
Coach and Strategize - We coach one-on-one with applicants to help them develop personalized applications that reflect their values and experiences, develop relevant skills, and make big moves to change and advance your academic and professional life.
Support You! - We’re here to support you through the application process, career transitions, and promotions. We focus on you, not the competition.

At Apply Yourself, we keep our approach holistic - we coach the person, we know that our personal lives affect our professional lives and vice versa!

Since 2015, I have been coaching applicants and professionals across disciplines and sectors, helping them make big moves using strategies that work for them. We are so proud of our community, which has grown over the past 7 years. We are now at a new office space on Avenue Road in Toronto, just south of the 401. We are also launching our very own course soon called “Mastering Academic Applications,” which takes you from scratch to submission in 12 weeks.

If you want to learn more about Apply Yourself and our upcoming course, email me at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com - I will personally get back to you, and add you to the waitlist. Feel free to DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - I would love to hear what your future plans are!

Want to learn more about how Adrienne can help you advance strategically? Book your Strategy Call HERE

Subscribe to never miss an episode!

I’m launching my course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission, for you to complete your applications in 12-weeks! With live coaching, you develop your applications & gain insights into your applications processes like never before. Join our Launch List, so you’re ready for us to work together to complete your graduate & professional school applications ahead of the deadline. To sign up for the Launch List, visit ap

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Welcome to The Advancement Spot Podcast! I’m your host, Adrienne Shnier, Advancement Coach & Strategist, Lawyer, and Professor. We are so excited to be launching this podcast series. I’m so glad you're here, and thank you for taking time out of your day to listen. In this introduction:

You’ll learn more about me, and my academic and professional journey.
You’ll learn about what we do at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot.
You’ll learn about what you can expect from working with us, such as getting support with the application process and one-to-one coaching for skills development.
You’ll get a sneak peak of the first three episodes - coming soon!

We believe that continued academic and professional advancement is the key to your freedom, success, and a life that grows and flourishes with you!

If you want to connect with us at Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot and learn more about our upcoming course, email me at hello@applyyourselfglobal.com - you’ll get me directly, not a machine or a random person. Feel free to DM me on Instagram @applyyourselfglobal - I would love to connect with you!

See you in Episode 1!

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Adrienne Shnier