The College Essay Guy Podcast: A Practical Guide to College Admissions

623: Standing Out in STEM: Practical Advice for Future Scientists, Engineers and Techies

Dec 23, 2025

In this engaging discussion, Jay Zhang, a college counselor with a rich background in microbiology and school counseling, shares invaluable insights for aspiring STEM students. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing core science courses and navigating the evolving landscape of standardized testing. Jay breaks down various student archetypes, from late bloomers to those seeking interdisciplinary options, and discusses how to effectively broaden college lists. With practical strategies and inspirational anecdotes, he encourages students to turn their passions into impactful projects.

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ADVICE

Prioritize Core Math And Science

Maximize available math offerings and aim for Calculus (AP/BC) if possible.
Take core sciences (biology, chemistry, physics) before niche electives to keep options open.

ADVICE

Plan Standardized Testing Early

Prepare for the SAT/ACT early and aim to test by 10th–11th grade when possible.
Check admitted-student averages at your target schools to set realistic score goals.

INSIGHT

Major Labels Don't Define Career Paths

Many STEM careers don't require the obvious major; adjacent majors can lead to the same outcomes.
Exploring university course lists reveals alternative majors that teach the skills you want.

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Welcome back to the College Essay Guy Podcast. Today's episode is hosted by Tom Campbell, Community Manager & Senior Essay Specialist at College Essay Guy and a former admission officer at Pomona College and Holy Cross.

We've polled the thousands of students who participate in our live webinars and courses and ask what they're favorite subject is, and consistently, STEM reigns supreme. By a lot. In this episode, Tom sits down with Jay Zhang, college counselor at College Essay Guy, to dig into the biggest questions students and families have about preparing for and applying to STEM programs. Together, they explore:

What students should know about STEM coursework, rigor, and testing—and where there's more flexibility than most people realize
How to think about majors, specialization, and which colleges to consider beyond the usual short list
Common STEM student archetypes, including late starters, students unsure which direction to take, those in high-pressure STEM "bubbles," and students worried that elite summer programs are the only path forward
And more.

Jay Zhang holds a B.S. in Microbiology from UCLA and an M.A. in School Counseling from NYU, and he's spent over a decade helping STEM students navigate selective admissions—especially within the UC system. He's also a former UCLA scholarship reader and interviewer, so he's seen exactly what works. Jay brings a strength-based, big-picture approach to STEM planning—and when he's not counseling students, you'll probably find him hiking at Crystal Cove or driving all the way from Orange County to LA for his haircut (hey, clearly, this is a man who knows his priorities).

We hope you enjoy the episode.

Play-by-Play:

2:14 – What are some early memories of Jay and Tom learning STEM in school?
5:44 – Jay shares his background and where he grew up
7:55 – What are some high school courses that students interested in STEM could plan to take?
11:33 – What should STEM students know about standardized testing?
14:33 – How can students better understand different STEM pathways and majors?
17:55 – What are some lesser-known colleges or programs that students could explore?
24:03 – What are some strategies for broadening a student's college list?
30:01 – How can students balance prestige with selectivity and other factors that are important to them in finding the right fit?
32:46 – How can students explore diverse interests in STEM?
38:52 – What can high school juniors and seniors do to show interest in STEM if they're just getting started?
46:11 – What helps students in competitive STEM "bubbles" move beyond comparison culture?
50:26 – How can students build on personal experiences that spark their interest in STEM?
53:30 – How important are prestigious summer programs for students interested in STEM?
59:25 – Closing thoughts

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