SI Counseling Podcast

There are a lot of questions out there and we are here to answer them. Stay tune and learn about the ever changing college admissions world.

Wanted to check out colleges in Southern California? Let's find out about some exclusive and unknown colleges like UCLA, Cal Poly Pomona (both public colleges in Southern California), University of Southern California, Loyola Marymount University (LMU - Jesuit campus) and Whittier College. You have your large campuses: USC, UCLA, Cal Poly Pomona Medium size campuses: Loyola Marymount University and a small campus like Whittier. Let's listen on different experiences from students in the Magis program at Saint Ignatius College Preparatory in San Franciso who took a bus tour, listen to student panels, spoke with college represntatives and their critical point of view, too!

Join us and listen in with the SI College Counseling Team, with over 75 years of college counseling experience, to advise our wonderful parents and guardians regarding the next steps. As your support team expands at St. Ignatius College Counselors, the key thing is to check in with your student on what their needs are versus the wants of others. To utilize the resources available and to ask questions ahead of time as the college admissions countdown begins. Subscribe, learn, and let's move forward TOGETHER! For more information and resources subscribe to our YouTube Channel, as well, @SICollegeCounseling

Come and join us as our agenda focuses on our parents/guardians' questions regarding college and:Test Optional does it matter yes or no?FAFSA changesFSA ID - establishing your parent and student accountsCSS Profile colleges that consider all variables impacting family's access to fundCommon App the application for 1000+ colleges and review on factors used in admissionUniversity of California Cost of AttendanceUniversity of California test free (no SAT or ACT)Cal State University test freeCollege Scorecard a college search engine for all studentsScoir a college search engine for second semester SI Sophomores, Juniors and SeniorsSI College Rep Visits why they are important (all listed on Scoir, on X and SITV)Social Media: IG - @StIgnatiusMagis X - @StIgnatiusMagis YouTube @SI College CounselingPreACT for Sophomores (all regisgtered) on October 11thNew PSAT Digital Exam for Juniors (all registered) on October 11thColleges that meet full needMyinTuition - find your net price from generous collegesScholarship search enginesCareer One StopFastwebGoing MerryRaise.meScholarship OwlSchollyScholarships.comSubscribe to get the informed so you CANT STOP WONT STOP! Learn about Charles Mason from LMU who inspired "CANT STOP WONT STOP!"

Here we go again to have the great honor of helping students close one chapter in their high school lives to begin a brand new novel - COLLEGE. This podcast is a recording of a presentation where we cover: **Role of the Parent/Guardian in the College Process **What are the Factors in Admissions**To Test or Not to Test**College Financial Aid **Tasks required on Scoir**The College Application Plan Part II**Timelines both for Colleges and at Home**Statements for College*Demonstrated Engagement & Understanding**Resources available and so much more. Listen in and subscribe!

It is time for every senior in the country to look on what they have not done and what they need to get done like: Final draft list of collegesTheir requirements for admissions, interviews, rep visits and financial aid (check this one!)Drafts of statements for each application and for each campus (there will be a lot)Check with recommenders (two core teachers, counselor and outside recommender if desired)Check your emails -- they can see if you read your emails or notGet connected with your repsAll transcriptsTriple check your list that there are challenge, possible and likely campuses for admissions and paying for collegeGood luck!

Seniors it is time to get ready to work on your college applications before applications open up and deadlines approach.There is a lot you can do like statements, interviews, research and so much more. Let's just listen and let's get GOING!

Lots of changes are moving fast and forward in college admissions due to the decisions made this June by the Supreme Court of the United States aka SCOTUS. The world of college admissions will be transforming again. Some individuals in society do not know what has happened, many outlets are not talking about it extensively, many discussions are happening behind close doors and individuals are trying to adapt, pivot and understand.Here is a reflection.

On June 29, 2021, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) made the decision to stop allowing college admissions across the nation to use Affirmative Action. Since 1978, the Supreme Court has upheld the use of affirmative action as one factor for admissions until today even though colleges throughout time have proven time and time again that the use of holistic admissions has many factors not just one. On this day, it is important that we all understand that research and data have shown time and time again that diversity (race, experience, background, and ideas) benefits not one, but ALL.We need to continue to move onward and upward TOGETHER despite the decision. As colleges must follow the law like how the UC's and Cal States did when CA voters voted to ban affirmative action in our public system -- it is imperative for all of us to remind students to still honor the stories of students who have illustrated their passions despite it all, demonstrate their strengths despite it all and rise above despite it all. WE MUST! So everyone can get a fair shot and rise above so we as a nation can rise. Bob Schaeffer, a long-time warrior and advocate for equity took some time to discuss college admissions, testing, affirmative action, and more. He shared his wisdom with us on the ongoing changes in college admissions in this interview. Bob has served as Public Education Director of FairTest, since its founding in 1985, and is a member of its Board of Directors. Previously, he was Editorial Writer at the NBC-TV affiliate in Boston, Research Director of the Massachusetts Legislature's Joint Committee on Human Services and Elderly Affairs, and worked for several years as a research associate at the Education Research Center of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is author of Standardized Tests and Teacher Competence (School Voices, Fall, 1996) and coauthor of Standing Up to the SAT (ARCO/Simon & Schuster, 1989). He has also coauthored many FairTest publications, includingTesting Our Children: A Report Card on State Assessment Systems, Standardized Tests and Our Children: A Guide to Testing Reform, Implementing Performance Assessments, The SAT Coaching Cover-Up, Test Scores Do Not Equal Merit, and Sex Bias in College Admissions Tests: How Women Lose Out.

It is time to get starting in writing your personal statement. The key thing to is to start writing, but if you need a little bit more help. Here are just tips on how to start. So let's get going.

It is summer time! Time to rest.Time to connect.Time to have fun.Time for college. Yes, college. Let's make sure you have volunteer, internships or work lined up along with showing your curiosity in subject areas and fields, virtual tours, virtual interviews, research and getting that Common App and Personal Statements done. Let's go!

Welcome to Rice University in Houston, Texas. This urban campus is located in 300-acre tree-lined area with the most breathtaking research and innovative opportunities. Since 1912, the university has produced doctorates and continued to create impressive numbers. Rank top 20 university in the United States.Top 10 schools with resources per the Wall Street Journal and Timers HIgher Education.Amazing in quality in life as well as "race/class interaction" per Princeton Review. The close instructor contact along with amazing peer opportunities allows for a great amazing research opportunities in this NCAA Division I campus. So let's listen and learn from some of their students.

So lucky to have not one, not even two but FIVE Posse Scholars from the Class of 2023 who will be heading to Boston University, Lehigh University, St Olaf College and University of Puget Sound next year to continue the tradition of great leaders who will illustrate with their actions not just words - CAN'T STOP WON'T STOP!

Welcome to Regis University where we get interview a current student on campus to learn more about this Jesuit university that has been recognized as a college of distinction on Business, Nursing, Equity and Inclusion, Military Support. It has been long recognized for being a career readiness for their first generation college student. With an enrollment of over 6000 students with almost 100,000 alums that is an impressive number. Close to transportation to get you into downtown Denver but still provides activities on campus even with their local pub on campus. The one thing that is honored time and time again is the connection students make with their professors. It is an intimate classroom that allows students to connect with their instructors. At the same time being a "Ranger" also means you get access to days like Welcome Week, Ranger Week, Snow Week, Christmas Tree Lighting and more. So listen and learn about Regis University!

Are you the first person in your family attending college? Are you and your older siblings are the first? Whether you are first or not, learn about how being one of the few and creating a "road never traveled" can feel alone, frustrating, hard AND SO REWARDING! Listen to our host and our guests who are all First Gen!

There are a lot of instructions, information, facts and details. IT IS OVERWHELMING which creates a crazy roller coaster ride for any future prospective college admissions. Thus many topics and critical steps often are overlooked like: verification, additional required documentation and many more. Let's listen to a senior who just went through this process who is going to tell you what she didn't know and wished she knew ahead. SYou are lucky that you are listening to this podcast now!

We got you experts from across the nation, from the far West, down South to the East coast. Join us as we have a college conversation about key aspects and topics from experts in the field -- college administrators themselves from admissions. Let's learn, listen and make smart choices while creating an authentic and loving choices as you move forward and upward towards your goals.

Welcome to the college admissions journey. Join us as we help sophomores and their parents and guardians understand what is up ahead in the college application process. We address some common questions that is heating up the minds of the Class of 2025 high schoolers and their family members. We are joined with college representatives from the Univeristy of California, Santa Barbara, UCSB, and TCU, Texas Christian University to share their years of experience. Gain insight from a public university in California and an out of state private institution to learn how they are similar and different in the college process. Listen, learn and let's go!

We have our wonderful expert in financial aid, Dino Koff, who is the Director of Financial Aid at Dartmouth College. He will address the critical question of how to afford college! As college cost increases, active research on the different aspects of financial aid is critical as understanding the limits for both colleges and families. In addition, tips will be addressed, and questions will be answered. Families will also learn about some of the changes from the changes on FAFSA, beginning with the 2024-2025 application seasno from the Simplification Act. Learn, listen, and let's move forward and onward TOGETHER!

One of our last stops was visiting some great students at Chapman University like Matt. Chapman University is very fortunate to have a student like Matt and it tells. They are a growing popular campus in Orange County in California with beauitful facilities and opportunities.Fifteen miles from the beach from their mid-sized community known for its historic architecture and great weather. This private campus was founded in 1861 filled with about 10,000 students from 49 states and 82 countries. With the small classrooms they offer a variety of academic areas such as Advertising, Animation & Visual Effects, Broadcast Journalism, Biophysics, Engineering, Creative Producing, Graphic Design, Health Sciences Music Composition, Writing for Film & Television and more! Need more information - here are some rankings:*No.4 - Top American Film Schools - Hollywood Reporter*No.52 - Most Innovative Schools - U.S. News*No.72 - Best Business Schools - U.S. News*No. 76 - Best Colleges for Veterans - U.S. NewsStill need more, then take a moment and learn in a short time what have been Matt experiences at Chapman University.

While on the road, stopped by Loyola Marymount University and visited with one of my former students who is a current student at LMU. Loyola Marymount is one of 28 Jesuit (a Catholic university) colleges that are located in 17th states, the District of Columbia and Belize. Jesuit colleges like Loyola Marymount University in California welcome students of all faith and strive to instill values of menaing and empathy for their students. At the same time, their mission is encourage students to become leaders not only in their profession but social justice as well. Loyola Marymount University founded in 1911 has 143 acres with over 6,000 student and has a range of rankings like:*Top 2% in Diversity - College Factual, 2021*No. 3 in Promotion of Latinx Student Success - Education Trust, 2017*No. 4 in "Students Most Engaged in Community Service," Nationally - Princeton Review, 2023*No. 8 in "Best Catholic College," Nationally - Niche.com, 2023*No. 14 in "Best Undergraduate Teaching" Among National Universities - U.S. News*No. 46 in Best Colleges for Veterans, Nationally - U.S. News, 2023*No. 77 in "Best U.S. National Universities" - U.S. News, 2023*No. 90 - Nationally - Wall Street Journal / Times Higher Education, 2022Now rankings give us one picture and academic offerings at LMU like Animation, Engineering, Film & Television, Marketing, Recording Arts, Screenwriting, and Studio Arts can provide us some of the options at Loyola but let's find out the inside story from a student and how they master the admissions and financial aid process to move forward with their dream school - Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California.

We are back again on the road talking with college students to give you real stories of their experiences. This podcast is about one of the nine University of California campuses - UC Riverside! It is 1,200 acre campus with over 26,00 students with two Nobel Prize winners, 11 Fulbright Scholars and 28 National Academies Members located in a diverse geography from the desert to the coast with a group just as diverse. Located Inland Southern California and graduated the first class of 20 students in 1955. Since then he has made some impressive rankings:*No 1 public univeristy in US for social mobility - U.S. News*No 1 for Hispanic enrollment - Urban Institute *No 2 in the country for financial aid - Business Insider*No 2 in Entomology research in the world - Center for World University Rankings*No 3 in Hispanic STEM graduates in the US - Natioanl Science Foundation*No 4 for Pell Grant (low income) student performance - Washington Monthly*No 9 among public universities for sustainability - Princeont Review*No 11 most diverse medical school - U.S. News*Top 12 public university - Forbes "America's Best Value Colleges"*No 14 public university - CNBC "Colleges That Pay Off the Most"*No 31 in the world in plant and animal sciences - U.S. News Yes, impressive now let's hear it from a UCR aka Highlander (school mascot) student point of view.

The Posse Foundation was founded in 1989 by Deborah Bial who received the MacArthur "Genius" Grant for her work to recruit students from across the nation and connect them with partner colleges and universities in the United States as a leadership cohort that is about inclusiveness, support, understanding and game changers. It is one of ten organizations chosen by President Barack Obama to receive a portion of his 1.4 million Nobel Peace Prize and has expanded their program not only with the Posse Arts Program in collaboration with Lin-Manuel Miranda and the Miranda Family Fund but also with a new chapter in the Bay Area. With over 10,000 alumni there is no stopping these students and it is clear with data.Posse Scholars who are nominated their junior year by Posse nominators and selected late Fall their Senior year have quite a resume like cardiologist, state assembly member, CEO, writer, city council members and so much more. The program is still growing with additional grants from Google's Global Impact Award with a 1.2 million grant for the Posse Veterans Program, Netflix's $5 million donation to organize opportunities for Black creators, Black youth, and Black-owned businesses and even developed a STEM program. The four-year Campus Program works to "ensure the retention of Posse Scholars and to increase the impact of the program on campus." How does this happen? Posse staff visit schools four times annually and there are weekly Posse Scholar mentors weekly with their group - their "Posse."The program has expanded to a Career Program that helps schoalrs and alumni to a variety professional opportunities. There are over 20 chapters located in D.C, Virginia, Phoenix, Philadelphia, New York, New Orleans, Newark, Minnesota, Miami, Memphis, Los Angels, Indiana, Houston, Denver, Dallas, Cleveland, Chicago, Charlotte, Boston, Atlanta and NOW - the Bay Area. How does this process work to obtain a full tuition scholarship with priceless amount of support throughout college and beyond! Welcome to a great opportunity to listen to Mia - yes - Mia a Posse Scholar at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania.

If you haven't heard about UC Scouts - you need to know about it. We are here to inform you about an online opportunity to help you to remediate a course or advance your skills in subject areas that may not be available at your high school. This is a podcast for anyone who is a lover of learning from 8th grade to high school. Let's learn and grow!

Let's learn about one of the big leaders in higher education - Boston University. This large university with "endless" amounts of opportunities is the gateway to so many different majors, scholars and fun all around Boston. We will learn from one of their best - BU & SI Alumnus - Rob who will talk about his best experiences at BU and how Boston University can be a great fit for YOU!

This is it! It is college application time and there is so much information. But we are here to help you to understand all the overall steps, tips and suggestions how to move forward on your college applications. Questions are addressed, next steps are given and let's begin the college admissions game TOGETHER!

Did you know some colleges offer optional college interviews? Yes, they do! But do not worry we have a student who will share their experiences before, during and post interview along with suggestions on how you can schedule, prepare and obtain a great mindset before you go onto your next college interview!

You are so lucky! Nope, SUPER LUCKY! We have some great students who took time out of the 10th Annual SI Magis College Bootcamp where all high schoolers have a chance not only to learn about the UC (University of California), CSU (California State University), Common App for over 900 colleges across the world, college personal statement writing AND college financial aid and scholarships. They worked so hard all week on their own personal time during summer vacation. Now that everyone is back gearing up for college applications - they have some advice on how to move onward and upward TOGETHER in the college app process. But they amazed me. Their advice is so good - whether you are in middle school, high school OR even at an university - listen, learn, practice to make permanent and be happy and great because YOU ARE!

Changes are still coming your way whether you are a Senior, Junior or even a Sophomore. We are here again to talk about standardized test requirements for U.S. colleges like over 1800 of them. What have they decided since the Fall 2022 college admission cycle? Let's learn, let's understand TOGETHER and YOU DECIDE! The key thing is to take ownership of the college process and focus on one's talent and moments that will benefit the students short term, mid-term and long term! YOU MATTER NOT A NUMBER. Let's go!

Have you been asked about your college list? Do folks forget to ask you how you are and rather ask you where you are applying to? Let's listen to a Senior who is going through this process right now and how she is going to decide whether to share or not to share.

We are here today to cover some vocabulary words that are often used in college admissions that most folks do not know. There are many out there, but never hesitate to ask the college rep or your counselor because YOU ARE NOT THE ONLY ONE!

Right after visiting the University of California, Davis and California State University, Maritime we have students giving you their personal experience and advise on the importance of visiting a campus whether on line or in person, what to ask, what to look for and what to do.

So honor to interview with St. Ignatius Magis Alum Ed who is a current student at Seattle University in Washington. He is also a Sullivan Leadership Scholarship winner and is a great example of how to make an impact in college both inside and outside the classroom. Let's learn together about Seattle University, one of 28 Jesuit universities and colleges in the USA. For more details go to: https://www.ajcunet.edu/institutions

Join Mia and I as we discuss a checklist to go over this summer to prepare for college application season. Let's go and do this thing!

It is time for some college advice whether you are just starting to think about college, heavy in the work or just asking yourself how should I present myself. Here is some college advice from AMV with almost 30 years of experience in college admissions.

Listen up everyone who wants to be a superhero - aka a nurse. We are fortunate to have Jonathan Rice from the University of San Francisco share his wisdom for prospective students passionate about nursing. He will talk about what colleges are looking for in prospective nursing majors, what to expect in college as a nursing major, future careers in the medical field and so much more. Let's do this thing!

We went to visit the beautiful campus of University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington. Here we get to catch up with Jacob, a student at the University of Puget Sound, who is also a Posse Scholar. Yes, that is right he earned a full scholarship for free tuition and the most priceless thing - support by his posse. Listen to words of wisdom from Jacob, tips on the Posse process and the secret to success not only in college but in LIFE! #cantstopwontstop

We are so excited to have an opportunity to learn about Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington from Gio who is a nursing student at Gonzaga. Here we will get a student point of view of their experiences as we all learn more about being a Zag!

California State University, Long Beach is our next tour that we took in Southern California. Before our visit we did some homework on the history of Long Beach State - THE BEACH (their mascot). Here you will learn about some unique majors and colleges along with a special interview with two of there very own students. WARNING: Long Beach State is near Long Beach Airport and as we were being safe doing the interview outside due to COVID - it was kinda noisy during the interview. We will do better next time. But let's learn together.

Take a moment as Julia Mata who has worked on both sides in college admissions and I sit down and talk about college admissions results and what does that mean what to do or not to do as we continue to pivot with the ongoing fluid changes in admissions.

Let's learn about Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. We get an unique opportunity to learn about the campus through one of their students. Jordan is studying Public Relations and is loving Pepperdine. Here is an opportunity to learn about the pros and cons about this college campus located in the gorgeous Malibu mountains facing the Pacific Ocean with all of its beaches. If you want to learn more about Pepperdine go visit them in person or even virtually here: https://seaver.pepperdine.edu/about/visit/virtual/ They also have virtual college workshops here https://apply-seaver.pepperdine.edu/portal/visit?tab=workshop where you can meet your counselor and request for more information and materials. So let's learn together as we sit one on one with Jordan on campus at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California.

Amazing, inspiring, uplifting, encouraging, real, humble, genuine, heartfelt, honest - simply put "the greater" the more" spoke at St. Ignatius College Prep Bannan Theater and the SI Magis Seniors of Class of 2022 presented their truth at the 8th Annual Magis Senior Panel. These extraordinary individuals shared their journeys as they trail-blazed as proud BIPOC, first gen, Sobrino scholars, children from immigrant families or children from hard working families and their stories and wisdom echoed strength and beauty. That is why they are irreplaceable. St. Ignatius Magis Class of 2022 took the time to testify what is really important and is not because they believe in themselves and their fellow classmates. They come from roots that told them they are beautiful and capable. Their roots told them they are writers to their destinies whether it be journalist, lawyers, politicians, mathematicians, scientists, doctors, educators, leaders and givers to society. Their roots encouraged them to march higher and stronger DESPITE IT ALL because they CANT STOP WONT STOP. There is no "I' in front of that motto because when we are afraid, feel alone, or just don't know - WE must shout out with our actions and our words in unison CANT STOP WONT STOP. As these powerful individuals close a chapter and create a new one - it will be filled with adventures, mysteries, hard work, joy, sleep, fun, fear and more fun and more sleep. They are strong individuals who will not be afraid to ask for help because we all need each other. After you listen to this podcast - you will need to ask what will you need to do next? What will you decide to do TODAY and the next and the next. The chapters of the past is in the past but today is today and this is when we need to say in celebration, grace and pride - CONGRATULATIONS CONCRATULATIONS because we can't stop and won't stop.

IT IS TIME! Decisions have come in and whether you are excited or not sure how to feel - you gotta decide on the next chapter in your life. It is SIR (statement of intent to register) to one college campus. Yes, you have to pick one college after all the decisions and award letters come in. We have a guest who had to go through this process with all the acceptances, denials and waitlist and figure out what is best. Basically, following your gut and sticking with it. We will also talk about next steps you should take and how to get ahead in a confusing and very important process called - college.

Help the UC Campuses see YOU through your college app statements known as PIQ's. We don't get one but two college representatives from the famous University of California system. They bring their perspectives, experiences and wisdom on what a student do and not to do on their statements on the UC college application. But also remind students how GPA's and courses play a big part but just as important is what you do outside of the classroom, how you explain why you couldn't and why you did. They emphasize using your voice so they can hear you and yes even see you. Now it is time to listen to them....

Take a moment to listen to college admission representatives with a vast amount of knowledge from colleges across the nation who will share their wisdom, insight and advice to help guide students and their support systems on how to approach the college process while staying true on their journey towards college.

We are so lucky to have once again college admission representatives from both the private and public sector to discuss their experiences and desires when reading personal statements for college undergraduate admissions. You will also get expert advise from St. Ignatius College Counseling Department on how to start, things to keep in mind and the importance of authenticity. Thank you to Jonathan Rice from the University of San Francisco and Jesus Ramirez from the University of Vermont who will tell you the answer is often, "it depends."

Did you wonder if tests really matter? Curious how athletes play in admissions? Wonder what a good fit means? Do rigorous courses really matter in admissions? These questions and more are answered by experts both from the UC and private admissions sides with special guests from UCSB and Dickinson College in Pennsylvania. Listen and learn now!

Curious what is the timeline for your college admissions experience starting from sophomore year all the way through senior year? Well listen up and learn how the journey will unfold with lots of opportunities to explore, engage and design your new destiny!

There are so many resources how to look into colleges on how to find the good, the bad, the affordable and the ones you gotta check out. Take some time and listen from a veteran college counselor and a high school student, Mia, on the different perspectives on a variety tools - the best one is a student's!

Whether you are a 9th grader, 10th or 11th grader - it is time to find ways to enrich your life with activities outside of the classroom. It doesn't matter whether you are doing your own experiments like how to dissemble a toaster and put it back together, do a Pre-College program, internship, a job AND MORE! Find out with guest, Mia, why these activities are so important for you and COLLEGE!

Are you ready to go on a college road trip? Well Mia did attend the St Ignatius Magis Southern California College Tour and she is going to share her adventure with us!