The college admissions process in the United States has become increasingly competitive, with a surge in applications to elite institutions like Harvard and Stanford. Christopher Rim, an independent educational consultant, helps students navigate this daunting process, charging exorbitant fees for his services. Despite the high cost, demand for such consultants is growing rapidly, driven by parents' desire to secure their children's futures.
Vocabulary:
• Daunting: Something that feels intimidating.
• Application: The process of asking for something, like applying to a college or a job.
• Touting: When someone proudly advertises or promotes something.
• Subject tutoring: Getting help to understand a particular school subject, like math or science.
• Interview prep: Training and getting ready and practicing for a job or college interview.
• To afford: To have enough money to buy or pay for something.
• Paying our fee is a no-brainer: it refers to the fact that some parents are so rich that paying $500,000 for IECs is not a problem; it doesn't require much thought because they are very rich.
• Hollywood a-listers: Hollywood richest and most famous actors.
• To bribe: To give someone money or gifts to make them do something dishonest or illegal.
• To offload: to give someone else the responsibility for something.
Source: TODAY YouTube channel.