Navigating College Admissions with Coach Tony: Key Insights from a Live Q&A
College admissions can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, students can confidently navigate this journey. Recently, Coach Tony, a former UC Berkeley admissions reader and UCLA director, hosted an engaging live Q&A session addressing some of the most pressing questions students and parents have about college admissions, work-life balance, and leveraging technology for success. Here are the key takeaways from his session held on June 9th, 2025.
Understanding College Admissions: College vs. Major
One common misconception is that students are admitted directly into specific majors. Coach Tony clarifies that most universities, including top UCs like UC San Diego and Cal Poly, admit students by college rather than by major. This means:
- Years 1 and 2: Students complete general education and prerequisite courses.
- Years 3 and 4: Students take courses specific to their declared major.
For competitive majors like engineering, students often need strong grades in prerequisite courses to transfer from an undeclared status into the major. However, admission to the college itself is the first critical step, and transferring into a highly impacted major can be just as competitive as initial admission.
The Value of High School Research and Activities
Students often wonder if participating in multi-year high school research or lab-based seminars holds equal value compared to college-level research programs. Coach Tony advises:
- High school research, while valuable, is generally not equivalent to college-level research.
- Admissions officers care more about why a student pursued an activity rather than the activity itself.
- The key is to focus on personal growth and what the experience reveals about the student’s character and passions.
In essence, your unique story and motivation matter more than the specific activity.
Achieving Work-Life Balance in High School
Balancing school, work, and personal life is a frequent challenge. Coach Tony offers a realistic perspective:
- There is no universal "work-life-school balance." It varies based on individual goals.
- For students aiming at highly competitive schools like the Ivy League, extraordinary effort is often required, which may mean sacrificing typical balance.
- Health remains paramount: aim for 8 hours of sleep, healthy eating, and daily "me time" of 1-2 hours for relaxation.
- Reflect on what balance means to you and what kind of life you want to lead. Self-awareness is crucial.
Admissions for Liberal Arts vs. STEM Majors
Is it easier to get into UCs as a liberal arts major compared to STEM? Coach Tony explains:
- UCs generally admit by college, not by individual major (except UCI and UCSB).
- Some colleges, like the College of Letters and Science, are broader and less impacted than specialized colleges like Engineering or Business.
- It’s not necessarily easier, but the applicant pool differs.
- When applying, clearly articulate why you want your chosen major, supported by your past experiences.
International Student Costs and Financial Aid
International students often ask about the cost of pursuing an undergraduate degree in the U.S.:
- Tuition and fees vary widely depending on the institution.
- Out-of-state students pay additional fees (commonly called out-of-state tuition).
- Private colleges charge the same tuition regardless of residency.
- Financial aid for international students is limited but varies by school. It is advisable to contact each college’s financial aid office directly for specific information.
Improving Writing Skills
Coach Tony’s straightforward advice for enhancing writing is:
- Write more! Practice is essential.
- Don’t fear making mistakes; initial drafts are often imperfect.
- Consider starting a blog or writing anonymously to build confidence.
- Leverage AI tools like ChatGPT to get feedback and suggestions, but use them as learning tools rather than shortcuts.
- Read widely to absorb language and style.
Volunteering and Extracurricular Activities
Is volunteering necessary for college admissions?
- Volunteering is not a mandatory checklist item.
- Admissions officers value consistent, meaningful involvement over simply ticking boxes.
- Aim for 20-30 hours per week in activities if targeting competitive colleges.
- Focus on why you engage in your activities rather than just the activities themselves.
Using AI Tools in Academics
AI tools can be powerful aids in studying and project development:
- Popular tools include ChatGPT, Claude for writing, and Replit or Bolts for coding.
- AI can help brainstorm and edit but should not replace original work, especially for college essays.
- Colleges are still developing their policies on AI usage; use responsibly.
Upcoming Opportunities for Class of 2026
Coach Tony announced a special Final Training Webinar for the Class of 2026:
- A 90-minute live session on June 11th, 2025, at 6:00 PM Pacific.
- Comprehensive guidance on college applications, essay writing, and timelines.
- Limited spots available; interested families can text “2026” to 949-775-0865 to register.
Inspiring Passion Project Examples
Some standout student projects shared included:
- Running a summer entrepreneurship program for middle schoolers inspired by personal experiences.
- Collecting and recycling tennis balls from local country clubs to reduce waste.
- Conducting research on traffic safety to advocate for new stop signs, showcasing initiative despite setbacks.
The common thread: the "why" behind their projects—their motivation and personal connection—makes their stories compelling.
Final Thoughts
Coach Tony’s Q&A highlighted several essential truths:
- Admissions focus more on the student’s story and motivation than on a checklist of activities.
- Achieving balance and success is a personal journey shaped by goals and self-awareness.
- Utilizing modern tools wisely can enhance learning and productivity.
- Consistent effort, reflection, and authenticity are key to standing out.
For students and parents navigating the college admissions maze, these insights offer clarity and encouragement. Stay tuned for more live sessions with Coach Tony to get your questions answered and learn practical strategies for success.
Stay Connected
If you missed the live session or want to ask questions, Coach Tony streams regularly on Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok. Join the conversation and prepare to take your college journey to the next level.
Written by [Your Name], inspired by Coach Tony’s live Q&A session on June 9th, 2025.