College admissions can feel like a high‑stakes project—but for families, it’s really a transition point. In this episode of Stages, host Emily Grace sits down with Elizabeth “Liz” Stone, CEO of Top Tier Admissions, to reframe the admissions process as something far more meaningful than acceptance letters or rankings. Together, they unpack what selective colleges actually value, where families tend to over‑invest their energy, and how students become memorable rather than merely impressive on paper. Liz brings a rare dual perspective: deep experience from inside highly selective admissions offices, combined with decades of work helping families navigate an increasingly opaque and stressful process. The result is a thoughtful, clarifying conversation about focus, intention, and preparing young adults for what comes next—well before senior year. Key Topics & Takeaways Why college admissions is not a meritocracy—and why understanding this early reduces stressWhat selective colleges really mean by “intellectual vitality”Why “doing more” activities often backfiresThe difference between being impressive on paper and memorable as a personHow depth, curiosity, and initiative consistently stand out to admissions readersWhat has changed in recent admissions cycles—and what has stayed the sameHow AI is influencing college essays, and why authenticity matters more than everThe role parents can play that genuinely helps (and where it backfires)How strong recommendations are earned long before they’re writtenA stage‑by‑stage framework from middle school through senior yearEpisode Timeline 01:42 – Liz Stone’s background and the founding of Top Tier Admissions05:41 – Where families waste energy—and why “doing more” doesn’t help08:24 – Turning familiar activities into distinctive impact (the soccer + mindfulness example)09:49 – What’s changed—and what hasn’t—in college admissions11:51 – What admissions officers consistently look for in successful applicants13:00 – Impressive vs. memorable: what really differentiates students18:46 – A practical, year‑by‑year playbook from middle school through senior year24:59 – Building a grounded, balanced college list32:45 – The most common college essay mistakes35:12 – Where parents can help—and where they should step back39:56 – AI‑assisted essays: what schools are seeing and how students should respond48:24 – The one thing families should remember about this processAbout the Guest Elizabeth “Liz” Stone is the CEO of Top Tier Admissions, a firm dedicated to bringing transparency and strategy to the college admissions process. With experience both inside highly selective admissions offices and alongside families navigating the system, Liz focuses on helping students present authentic, compelling applications—and helping families approach admissions with clarity rather than panic. About the Host Emily Grace works with dynamic families as they navigate complex life transitions—balancing opportunity, priorities, and long‑term decision‑making across generations. In her work, college admissions often appears not as a technical problem to solve, but as a signal: a moment when families benefit from stepping back and thinking more intentionally about independence, responsibility, and readiness for adulthood. Emily frequently helps parents think through a broader pre‑college checklist—not a packing list, but a framework for earned independence, with wealth in the background, not the foreground. If This Episode Raised Questions for Your Family That’s often the point. Many families reach out not because they need help choosing a school, but because they want a calmer, more intentional way to navigate this stage—one that supports both the student in front of them and the adult they’re becoming. You can find additional resources in the show notes or reach Emily directly at emily.grace@bernstein.com Thank You for Listening to Stages Stages explores the moments that shape families over time—offering perspective, clarity, and practical frameworks for what comes next. About Stages Stages explores the moments that shape families over time - offering perspective, clarity, and practical frameworks for navigating life’s transitions with intention. About the Host Emily Grace works with dynamic families as they navigate complex life stages, helping parents and individuals step back, clarify priorities, and make thoughtful decisions amid complexity. Her work focuses on long-term readiness, earned independence, and supporting families through transitions where financial resources are present - but not the point. If this episode prompted reflection or raised questions about a stage you or your family is navigating, you’re welcome to reach Emily at emily.grace@bernstein.com.
