The Bold Student Podcast

What if everything you thought you knew about finding your path in life was wrong? We've all been told the same story: pick a career, follow a straight line, and check off the boxes of success. But what if that rigid path is actually what's keeping you from living a life full of meaning, joy, and purpose? In this deeply personal and thought-provoking episode, I sit down with Ryan, a Fulbright Scholar and PhD candidate from New Zealand, to talk about the myths we've been fed about happiness, potential, and purpose—and why real self-actualization isn't about reaching the top of the mountain but learning how to walk the path that's right for you. Because let's be honest—if you've ever felt like you're behind, lost, or like you missed the memo on how to “figure it all out,” you are not alone. And Ryan's journey—from a small hometown in New Zealand to the halls of Harvard—is proof that there's another way forward. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER: Why self-actualization isn't just a buzzword—and how to define it for yourself How your “ideal self” can become a compass for making aligned, purpose-driven choices The reason most people never reach their potential (and how to avoid that trap) What elite institutions get right—and wrong—about making life-changing knowledge accessible This episode is an invitation to rethink what it really means to live a meaningful life—and how to bring big ideas back down to earth so they actually serve you. TAKE ACTION

Is "meeting students where they're at" actually doing more harm than good? If you've ever heard the question, "What do you want to do with your life?" and felt a pit in your stomach—or worse, watched your child shut down in response—this episode is going to change the way you think about college admissions. The truth? Most students don't know what they want at 16 or 17—and that's not the problem. The real issue is that traditional college counseling assumes they should know... and builds a future based only on who they've already been. What if we stopped projecting certainty onto students and started creating space for curiosity, confidence, and growth? BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER: Why starting with GPA and test scores can be a dead-end The #1 mistake most counselors make—and how it crushes self-esteem A real-life story of a student who turned a "silly" interest into a compelling college theme The power of building a path based on curiosity, not performance The 3-step framework we use at The Edvisory to help "undecided" students create authentic themes that admissions officers remember Why the students who seem "behind" often end up at their dream schools TAKE ACTION: Ready to stop asking "So... what are you going to do with your life?" and start building a roadmap to college that actually fits who your student is becoming?

Today on the Bold Student Podcast, we're joined by my very special guest Isaac Lubert. Isaac is a former transfer student of mine who is currently pursuing music, business and psychology at NYU. In today's episode, we talk about Isaac's journey from Indiana University to Santa Monica College to now NYU and how our work together encouraged him to pursue his current path.   Isaac shares wisdom around navigating change, not being afraid to try new things and how working with a private college counselor pushed him in the right direction (even when it meant pushing him outside of his comfort zone). If you ever wondered how working with an admissions counselor could benefit you, you don't want to miss this episode! What We Cover: Isaac's original plans for college and how they changed Isaac's current path and why it's the perfect fit for him Cathleen's role in helping Isaac discover and pursue his path  The importance of trying things out  “I wouldn't change what happened with me, because that ended up working out well. So I'd say do what you want to do. Do what you think you're supposed to do and you'll figure it out.” - Isaac Lubert   Thanks for listening, and if you like what you've heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don't forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends!   Want to join a group coaching experience to help you develop a roadmap for living your wildest dreams, on your own time and on your own terms? Not to mention one that will WOW colleges and help you get admitted? Join our next round of Theme Queen™: https://theedvisory.thrivecart.com/theme-queen-november-2023/    WORK WITH THE EDVISORY:   If you're a high school student in 9th-12th grade or the parent of one, I work with a small cohort of students annually and help them develop the core traits I discussed in the podcast and apply to selective colleges. You can apply to work with me below:   Apply to Work with Cathleen Follow Cathleen on Instagram & DM with any questions @lifeandcollegecoach

Today on the Bold Student Podcast, we're joined by none other than Donald Jolly. Donald is our very own essay coach, but he's also a first-generation college student who studied English at Dartmouth, and has an MFA in dramatic writing from the University of Southern California. He's also a Los Angeles-based writer proudly hailing from Washington, DC.    As a playwright, he wrote the historical drama, Bonded, which was nominated for the Los Angeles stage Alliance Ovation award for playwriting and the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Los Angeles theatre, and winner of the 2013 Archon Bruce Brown Playwriting Award for LGBT historical place.   In today's episode, Donald shares his experience as a first-generation college student and why he decided to major in English. He also talks about his love for using storytelling as an agent that inspires change. Donalds shares why he decided to go to Dartmouth and his collegiate experience, including how he found his space while navigating college life.   What We Cover: Being a first-generation college student and why he decided to major in English Donald's love for using storytelling to inspire change Why Donald decided to go to Dartmouth, and what was his experience there like? Donald's advice for navigating collegiate life and finding your space   “There are so many people who don't get to have this very special privilege that I have. And there's so much sacrifice that has gone in to get me here, whether it's my teachers in school, my grandparents who fled the Jim Crow South. The donors who gave money after school, American taxpayers for the Pell Grants, or Stafford loans, and financial aid, there were a lot of sacrifices made. And I felt it my responsibility to make the most of it. And that meant to explore what, meet new people, try new things, do my best in my classes, and ask for help when I need it.” - Donald Jolly Connect with Donald: Website: https://www.d-jolly.net/  Thanks for listening, and if you like what you've heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don't forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends!   Learn about our group program, THE COLLEGE ESSAY EXPERIENCE™: https://theedvisoryla.kartra.com/page/CEE    WORK WITH THE EDVISORY:   If you're a high school student in 9th-12th grade or the parent of one, I work with a small cohort of students annually and help them develop the core traits I discussed in the podcast and apply to selective colleges. You can apply to work with me below:   Apply to Work with Cathleen   Follow Cathleen on Instagram & DM with any questions @lifeandcollegecoach

I'm so excited to introduce you to today's guest, Ilona Barnhart. Ilona is a human design reader who blends insight and inspiration from multiple sources to create something entirely new so that you can embrace and accept more parts of yourself.   In today's episode, Ilona shares what human design is and the events that led her to become a human design practitioner. Ilona also talks about living in an energy-based world and what that means. Then, we discuss the different types of human design and how understanding human design allows you to connect to your own unique intuition while helping you understand those around you.   This is a very special episode that you won't want to miss. So tune in to hear all about human design and how it can help you connect to your intuition.   What We Cover: What is human design? How Ilona's life shifted and how she became a human design practitioner Living in an energy-based world and what that means Understanding the different types of human design How human design allows you to understand how you and those around you work How human design allows you to connect to your own unique intuition Where to start if you're interested in human design   “Learning about the different (human design) types is really fun, because then you could potentially start playing with showing up differently.” - Ilona Barnhart Connect with Ilona: Website: https://www.ilonabarnhart.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unravelbliss/  Thanks for listening, and if you like what you've heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don't forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends!   Learn about our group program, THE COLLEGE ESSAY EXPERIENCE™: https://theedvisoryla.kartra.com/page/CEE    WORK WITH THE EDVISORY:   If you're a high school student in 9th-12th grade or the parent of one, I work with a small cohort of students annually and help them develop the core traits I discussed in the podcast and apply to selective colleges. You can apply to work with me below:   Apply to Work with Cathleen   Follow Cathleen on Instagram & DM with any questions @lifeandcollegecoach

Today's guest has such an interesting and inspiring story for anyone who has dreams of overcoming their circumstances and becoming more than what they have always known. Marvette Lacy is an aspiring engineering student, turned student affairs doctoral student who started her business all while finishing her dissertation in THREE MONTHS!    Now, Marvette runs a multiple six-figure business as a coach and in today's episode she shares all of the pivots that she made in her journey to get to this place. Marvette's story is one that will encourage you to always be flexible and to remember the importance of dreaming. Tune in now - you don't want to miss this conversation!   What We Cover: About Marvette and her education journey The importance of mentorship and support in her journey to higher education Her decision to attend a small liberal arts college over Northwestern Her journey into entrepreneurship while pursuing her PhD Deciding how you want to contribute to the world & being a catalyst for change Marvette's advice if you are overwhelmed but inspired by her story   “I want you to know you have so many options in front of you and that you already have the skills.” Connect with Marvette: Website: https://marvettelacy.com/  Full Time Educators Program: https://marvettelacy.com/full-time-educators  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marvettelacy/  The Happy, Free and Paid Podcast: https://marvettelacy.com/podcast  Thanks for listening, and if you like what you've heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don't forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends!   Learn about our group program, THE COLLEGE ESSAY EXPERIENCE™: https://theedvisoryla.kartra.com/page/CEE    WORK WITH THE EDVISORY:   If you're a high school student in 9th-12th grade or the parent of one, I work with a small cohort of students annually and help them develop the core traits I discussed in the podcast and apply to selective colleges. You can apply to work with me below:   Apply to Work with Cathleen   Follow Cathleen on Instagram & DM with any questions @lifeandcollegecoach

On June 24, 2022, the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade. Whether you're a parent to a soon-to-be-applying student, a junior or senior applying to college, or an international student coming to the US – this decision affects you.   In this episode, I want to make some predictions on how this decision will impact college admissions and how to actively prepare to still get into your dream college despite the changes that this decision may bring.   Even with these predictions, I believe this next generation will reshape our world into something better and brighter – and with intentionality, research, and planning, future students can get accepted to and attend a college where they'll thrive, grow, and feel safe. And I'm here to help them every step of the way.   What We Cover: Why this decision affects every college student Looking for the benefits and opportunities through hardship The positive changes that could emerge as a result Why our greatest challenges produce the greatest heroes Deciding how you want to contribute to the world & being a catalyst for change Being intentional and doing your research on state laws Predicting an increase in applications for urban areas and blue states Why it's so important to commit to intentional education     “Whatever your goal is, make it wild and bold and audacious and pursue it, and don't give up.” Thanks for listening, and if you like what you've heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don't forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends!   SIGN UP FOR THE FREE CREATE YOUR COLLEGE ROADMAP LIVE WORKSHOP: https://theedvisory.thrivecart.com/create-your-college-roadmap-workshop/    WORK WITH THE EDVISORY:   If you're a high school student in 9th-12th grade or the parent of one, I work with a small cohort of students annually and help them develop the core traits I discussed in the podcast and apply to selective colleges. You can apply to work with me below:   Apply to Work with Cathleen  Follow Cathleen on Instagram & DM with any questions @lifeandcollegecoach

I'm so excited to be joined by none other than Mary Esposito on today's episode of The Bold Student Podcast. Mary is a 19-year-old entrepreneur and financial literacy TikToker. She's always been an entrepreneur at heart, juggling business and academics while in high school. Today, she helps Gen Z'ers sharpen their financial literacy skills through her educational TikTok content, runs her company called Money with Mary, and is a full merit scholarship college student.   In this episode, Mary and I discuss her early journey through entrepreneurship. She also shares her experience of breaking free from the traditional mold and how she found her way to entrepreneurship. Then, Mary talks about how she was self-taught in personal finance and financial literacy before sharing her advice for younger women who'd like to get started on their own financial literacy journey. Finally, Mary talks about why she decided to take a gap year and why that time was incredibly valuable to her.   What We Cover: Mary's early journey through entrepreneurship How Mary broke free from the traditional mold and found her way to entrepreneurship How Mary taught herself about personal finance and financial literacy Mary's advice for younger women who'd like to get started on their financial literacy journey Why women should take more accountability when it comes to learning financial literacy Why Mary took a gap year and why that time was valuable to her   “I'm appealing to Gen Z as a whole, but specifically other teenage girls because financial abuse is more common than we think in relationships.” - Mary Esposito   “I started my gap year with the intention of seeing how far I could take my businesses if I took away academics temporarily and just went all in.” - Mary Esposito    Connect with Mary: LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/moneywithmary  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@moneywithmary Thanks for listening, and if you like what you've heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don't forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends!   WORK WITH THE EDVISORY:   If you're a high school student in 9th-12th grade or the parent of one, I work with a small cohort of students annually and help them develop the core traits I discussed in the podcast and apply to selective colleges. You can apply to work with me below:   Apply to Work with Cathleen    Follow Cathleen on Instagram & DM with any questions @lifeandcollegecoach

In today's episode, I'm joined by a very special guest, Nikhil Desai. Nikhil is a recent college graduate currently applying to med school, and he happens to be a TikTok and Instagram phenomenon as well.    We have a raw conversation that breaks down the stereotypes of success, pursuing a non-traditional route as a student, and the importance of being intentional with your time (no matter how you spend it). Nikhil shares his journey to college and being a non-traditional pre-med candidate, being open-minded about learning from others' success, and why it's so important to discover your true purpose. This is an incredibly uplifting episode for anyone who might feel like things aren't turning out the way you thought they would. So tune in and get ready to be inspired.   What We Cover: The different paths to success Why Nikhil made the decision to be a non-traditional pre-med candidate Why college rejection means that there is a more aligned opportunity Why you need to be more focused and intentional with your time Being open and more willing to learn from other successful people Discovering your true purpose, finding your tribe, and creating your reality     “If a college declines you, that doesn't necessarily mean they don't think you're a good student or you're not worthy. I think they might just not think you're the right fit for that time for that college.” - Nikhil Desai     Connect with Nikhil: https://www.tiktok.com/@nikhil.desai?lang=en  https://www.instagram.com/nikhildesai.med/ https://www.nikhilndesai.com/premed-services https://www.nikhilndesai.com/proteus-creative  Thanks for listening, and if you like what you've heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don't forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends!   WORK WITH THE EDVISORY:   If you're a high school student in 9th-12th grade or the parent of one, I work with a small cohort of students annually and help them develop the core traits I discussed in the podcast and apply to selective colleges. You can apply to work with me below:   Apply to Work with Cathleen  Follow Cathleen on Instagram & DM with any questions @lifeandcollegecoach

In today's episode, I am keeping it short and sweet as I discuss a few important things to consider as you begin your college admissions journey. Speaking from years of research as an admissions counselor, my own experience in college and my students' experiences, I share the best way to approach your own decision-making process. There is a lot to consider as you enter this very important stage of your life and learning journey. Tune in now for some tips on how to make the best decisions for you so that you can create the successful life you dream of.     What We Cover: What is an open curriculum and why you should consider schools that offer them The pros and cons of a CORE curriculum  The importance of dating colleges and selecting a fit based on alignment  The benefits of working with an advisor throughout the college admissions process     “Know that colleges are like people. Colleges have personalities. You're not going to be best friends with everyone, and just because your friend thinks someone is incredible and funny, you might find them annoying.”   Thanks for listening, and if you like what you've heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don't forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends!   WORK WITH THE EDVISORY:   If you're a high school student in 9th-12th grade or the parent of one, I work with a small cohort of students annually and help them develop the core traits I discussed in the podcast and apply to selective colleges. You can apply to work with me below:   Apply to Work with Cathleen    Follow Cathleen on Instagram & DM with any questions @lifeandcollegecoach

How do we develop confidence and assertiveness in all aspects of our life?   In today's episode, Talia Bombola, a licensed therapist in the state of California and a Confidence and Assertiveness specialist joins us to help us navigate this conversation. From what she does as a confidence and assertiveness specialist to the ideal ways in which parents can cultivate a not-so-harsh inner critic in their children, Talia shares her wisdom on these important topics.   This is an important conversation for anyone who is interested in psychotherapy, developing more confidence, and reframing the idea of failure.   What We Cover: What is a confidence and assertiveness specialist? How to navigate the conversation of finding a therapist What is the ideal way to cultivate a not-so-harsh inner critic in your children? How the role of a neutral adult comes into play Advice on gap years and how to detach from the idea of failure from a licensed therapist   Connect with Talia: Website: https://taliabombola.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taliabombola/      “I think really slowing down and letting that explorative phase take as much time as it needs and provide as much guidance as possible. That's the key.” - Talia Bombola   Thanks for listening, and if you like what you've heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don't forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends!   WORK WITH THE EDVISORY:   If you're a high school student in 9th-12th grade or the parent of one, I work with a small cohort of students annually and help them develop the core traits I discussed in the podcast and apply to selective colleges. You can apply to work with me below:   Apply to Work with Cathleen    Follow Cathleen on Instagram & DM with any questions @lifeandcollegecoach  

How do we achieve our wildest dreams? Whether it's getting into your dream college or starting your own business, the pursuit of success can be simultaneously exciting and daunting.    In today's episode, I am speaking with the well-accomplished Janae Young about her journey into entrepreneurship at the tender age of 15! Janae is a soon-to-be Stanford graduate who also runs a successful tutoring business that she started as a student in high school.    Janae and I discuss some of the difficulties that she had to overcome to achieve business ownership at such a young age and she offers great advice on how to navigate your own journeys to success. Janae's story is impressive and her wisdom is inspiring, so tune in now to hear from a fellow student what it really takes to become successful.   What We Cover: How Janae started her tutoring business in high school The progression of Janae's business from conception to managing her first employees How flexibility with her vision allowed Janae to develop her current business  The importance of patience and persistence while pursuing your vision Fixed mindset learning vs growth mindset learning   Reframing the relationship between failure and success  The difference a shift in mindset makes in all aspects of your life  Janae's advice for curious students who are hesitant to make the next move Why it's necessary to ask for help in your journey    Connect with Janae: Join Janae's SAT/ACT Prep Program Here: https://jan-a-e-tutoring.mykajabi.com/the-sat-act-success-system Website: www.janaetutoring.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janaetutoring1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janaetutoring/     “I want to convey that it is equally exciting and [also] can make you feel like,'Oh my goodness, what am I doing?” not taking such a traditional path. - Janae Young   Thanks for listening, and if you like what you've heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don't forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends!   WORK WITH THE EDVISORY:   If you're a high school student in 9th-12th grade or the parent of one, I work with a small cohort of students annually and help them develop the core traits I discussed in the podcast and apply to selective colleges. You can apply to work with me below:   Apply to Work with Cathleen    Follow Cathleen on Instagram & DM with any questions @lifeandcollegecoach

Obviously, we're still in the pandemic and it has been a huge impact on all of our lives. In today's episode, I'm going to be addressing the 3 biggest changes that come with college admissions during the pandemic. We talk about colleges dropping the test requirements and what that means for the other aspects of your application.     This is an important episode for any student who is applying to their undergrad or grad school during the ongoing pandemic. So tune in, get a pen and paper ready, and take notes! What We Cover: Most colleges getting rid of test requirements and the catch with this change What are colleges using on your application to admit you Why your essays, extracurricular activities, and GPA matter more How to participate in extracurricular activities online The benefits of working with a college counsellor and strategist Why college admissions are now more competitive than it was in the pandemic “Getting into college isn't really [about] how great you are, it's [about] what colleges need, and what they need to form their class and run their business.”       WORK WITH THE EDVISORY:   If you're a high school student in 9th-12th grade or the parent of one, I work with a small cohort of students annually and help them develop the core traits I discussed in the podcast and apply to selective colleges. You can apply to work with me below:   Apply to Work with Cathleen    Follow Cathleen on Instagram & DM with any questions @lifeandcollegecoach

As a college admissions counselor, I have been noticing a few key trends in this field affecting future applicants and their ability to get into top colleges. These trends are affecting both US and international admissions and should be taken into consideration as students prepare for or move through their college admissions process.   Tune into today's episode to learn what these trends are, how they're affecting admissions and ways that you can increase your chances of getting into your college of choice! What We Cover: The huge increase in college applicants and the impact on admissions How to increase your chances of getting admitted  The increase in international applicants in key US cities  Colleges opting to make the SAT/ACT test optional “So a key thing for you to notice is that as tens of thousands more students are applying to these schools, they're not accepting more students.”     WORK WITH THE EDVISORY:   If you're a high school student in 9th-12th grade or the parent of one, I work with a small cohort of students annually and help them develop the core traits I discussed in the podcast and apply to selective colleges. You can apply to work with me below:   Apply to Work with Cathleen    Follow Cathleen on Instagram & DM with any questions @lifeandcollegecoach  

To be honest, I've been procrastinating on recording this episode but here I am today. If you follow me on social media, you probably already know that mindset, spirituality, and manifestation are a big part of my life personally.   It has really helped me throughout my life and in today's episode, I'm sharing how I manifested paying off my student loans all while sharing some key tips for manifesting your goals and whatever your heart desires.    Whether you like it or not, we're manifesting all the time. Manifestation is simply the act of transitioning something from your thoughts into the real world. It's a skill that I wish was more widely taught in schools, because it allows us to tap into our intuition, follow our gut, and use our own energetic gifts.   So today, I'm explaining what manifestation is and why you're already doing it all the time. I also share my story of manifesting paying off my student loans. And finally, I share 3 key tips to help you manifest your goals so that you can live your life in the way that you desire. What We Cover: What manifestation really is and why you're already doing it all the time How I manifested paying my student loans off Why you need to decide on what you want  What it means to live in the act of a wish fulfilled Writing and reading out what your ideal outcome is     “My first tip for manifestation is deciding what you want. One, and then holding the belief no matter what.”       WORK WITH THE EDVISORY:   If you're a high school student in 9th-12th grade or the parent of one, I work with a small cohort of students annually and help them develop the core traits I discussed in the podcast and apply to selective colleges. You can apply to work with me below:   Apply to Work with Cathleen    Follow Cathleen on Instagram & DM with any questions @lifeandcollegecoach

There's a lot of pressure to choose a life-long career and make big money after graduation. But that's not reality, and honestly, that's not sustainable long term. Your career isn't just one static trajectory you're stuck in for the rest of your life. Your career will morph and evolve with you and your passions.    And guess what? You can absolutely build an incredible business that has nothing to do with what you learned in Business 101. Today's guest is living proof!    In this episode, I am talking to Mya Pearl Nerenberg, mom of two, real estate investor, angel investor, and retreat company owner. After starting her career as an aspiring professional ice hockey player, Mya hit a no-income wall at 22 and fell back on her education and credentials as a sports dietitian before shifting into real estate investment in 2016. In 2017, she merged her real estate investment portfolio with health, wellness, and personal growth when she founded Ralia Retreats, a retreat planning business for personal and professional travel.    During this conversation, Mya and I talked about various career paths and how they completely shift from what we imagined them to be as 18-year-olds. Mya also shares her biggest lessons learned as she navigated her unique career path, why she made specific shifts in her career to pursue happiness instead of money, and the importance of following careers that light you up and get you excited (and not feeling pressured to monetize it).  What We Cover: Why you don't need the next 50 years of your life planned out Unpacking the reasons behind your career choice How to evaluate and discover your next passion Why different perspectives are needed in the real estate industry How to keep your passions a part of your life  Why there is no guaranteed path in life The importance of building intergender and multi-generational relationships     ”My biggest lesson overall is work on who you are being and how you're showing up and really listen to what you are interested in doing. And you will enjoy the process, you will enjoy your life.” – Mya Pearl Nerenberg Connect with Mya: Website: https://raliaretreats.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pearlenerenberg/   Thanks for listening, and if you like what you've heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don't forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends!   WORK WITH THE EDVISORY:   If you're a high school student in 9th-12th grade or the parent of one, I work with a small cohort of students annually and help them develop the core traits I discussed in the podcast and apply to selective colleges. You can apply to work with me below:   Apply to Work with Cathleen    Follow Cathleen on Instagram & DM with any questions @lifeandcollegecoach

It's never too early to have goals. But it's also never too late to change your mind or try something new. It's so important to trust yourself enough to know that whatever path you choose to follow is the right one for you – as long as you let go of your fear of failure and really listen and follow your gut.    In this episode, I am talking to Gina Knox, a money coach for entrepreneurs who need to uplevel their finances and want to reach those big money goals. Gina's path to success was by no means traditional. Together, we discuss the adventurous journey of Gina's path thus far, how having trust within yourself will guide you on your journey, as well as taking control and creating the path you personally feel happy pursuing.   What We Cover: What is a money coach and how Gina became one Gina's parents' reaction to her becoming an au pair in Italy From au pair to entering the pathway of design research Having trust within yourself Advice for parents whose children have unconventional plans Why some people allow invested time to keep them miserable Creating the personality and path you want to embody     “You really have to be in tune with your thoughts and be open to new ideas. And also be open to how you change. Because we change so much in our teenage years and our early 20s.”  - Gina Knox     Connect with Gina: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ginaknox/ Thanks for listening, and if you like what you've heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don't forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends!   WORK WITH THE EDVISORY:   If you're a high school student in 9th-12th grade or the parent of one, I work with a small cohort of students annually and help them develop the core traits I discussed in the podcast and apply to selective colleges. You can apply to work with me below:   Apply to Work with Cathleen    Follow Cathleen on Instagram & DM with any questions @lifeandcollegecoach

When you're making a decision as big as where you're going to college, I urge you to put time and research into the college admissions process. You can find great information on the internet, but one of the best ways to help you learn about different universities and gain more insight into college applications is through well-researched and highly informative books.     In this episode, I'm giving a little book review about some of my favorite books that I use for work, recommend to colleagues, and buy for my students to read. Whether you're a parent to a 9th grader who is just starting to think about college or an 11th-grade student in the middle of your college admissions process, I have a recommended book for everyone!     Books We Cover: The Fiske Guide To Colleges The Hidden Ivies: 63 of America's Top Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Colleges That Change Lives Valedictorian At The Gate Write Your Way in: Crafting an Unforgettable College Admissions Essay Admit One: Writing Your Way into the Best Colleges College Essay Essentials     “It's going to shape the rest of your adult life. It's not to say that where you go to college is going to determine your future necessarily but it can have an impact, so, I would urge you to put time and research into this process.” - Cathleen     Thanks for listening, and if you like what you've heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don't forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends!     LINKS MENTIONED: If you're a high school, college, or even post-graduate looking for direction, join my Life Skills Bootcamp course covering time management, decision-making, mindset, manifestation, and money.      If you're a high school student in 9th-12th grade or the parent of one, I work with a small cohort of students annually and help them develop the core traits I discussed in the podcast and apply to selective colleges. You can apply to work with me below: Apply to Work with Cathleen      I cover mindset and manifestation in more depth in my 5-month program for 9th-11th graders, The Admitted Mastermind.     The next round starts in January, and you can apply here.   Follow Cathleen on Instagram & DM with any questions @lifeandcollegecoach

A common and worrisome question that I keep hearing from my students is: what kind of job (if any) will I get if I choose to pursue the major I am most interested in? I get it. The fear is real because jobs help you pay the bills. But let me set the record straight. The purpose of going to college is not just to get a job. The purpose of going to college is to set you up for life --and life is bigger than your first job out of college.    In this episode, I talk about the unlikelihood that your major will actually be connected to your future job (and the exceptions to this rule), the importance of following your interests, and how unassuming majors can be beneficial in the real world with real-life examples. I'll also explain why choosing “the right” major doesn't guarantee anything and why it's up to you to set your course.   What We Cover: Why your career won't be a linear trajectory Having a plan and the importance of having a plan B How you can be wildly successful by doing anything Why certain degrees can set you up for success no matter what career path you're on The importance of constantly learning and being exposed to new opportunities “Keep in mind that college is not the end of your life. A lot of students think, well, I need to pick the perfect degree so I can get the perfect job, and then everything will work out. But it doesn't really work like that.” Thanks for listening, and if you like what you've heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don't forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends!   LINKS MENTIONED:   If you're a high school, college, or even post-graduate looking for direction, join my Life Skills Bootcamp course covering time management, decision-making, mindset, manifestation, and money.    If you're a high school student in 9th-12th grade or the parent of one, I work with a small cohort of students annually and help them develop the core traits I discussed in the podcast and apply to selective colleges. You can apply to work with me below:   Apply to Work with Cathleen    I cover mindset and manifestation in more depth in my 5-month program for 9th-11th graders, The Admitted Mastermind.   The next round starts in September, and you can apply here.   Follow Cathleen on Instagram & DM with any questions @lifeandcollegecoach

Have you ever created a goal for yourself that was born out of joy or of following your own interest --and then set a timeline to accomplish it? Too often we set timelines with the intention of following through on them immediately, and, inevitably, we fall behind trying to meet these arbitrary timelines that we've made up for ourselves and what follows? Exhaustion, anxiety, and overwhelm from the self-induced pressure.   How can we relieve this pressure we feel around following our dreams?   In this episode, I talk about a very recent turning point in my own journey of applying to graduate school and my goals around this endeavor. I'm sharing my thought process, revelation, and recent decisions behind achieving this dream of mine because I have an educated hunch that you might be going through something similar.    What We Cover: How my graduate school application led me to a revelation The anxiety that comes from application and deadlines Why we make up arbitrary timelines The importance of having third party mentors How to pursue your dreams without feeling pressured   “ Find a way. Instead of being all or nothing, how can you follow your dreams? Now. Even if it's just a few hours a week, how can you relieve some of that pressure? How can you find more joy, more ease, more comfort, and more excitement in what you're doing?” Thanks for listening, and if you like what you've heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don't forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends!   LINKS MENTIONED:   If you're a high school, college, or even post-graduate looking for direction, join my Life Skills Bootcamp course covering time management, decision-making, mindset, manifestation, and money.    If you're a high school student in 9th-12th grade or the parent of one, I work with a small cohort of students annually and help them develop the core traits I discussed in the podcast and apply to selective colleges. You can apply to work with me below:   Apply to Work with Cathleen    I cover mindset and manifestation in more depth in my 5-month program for 9th-11th graders, The Admitted Mastermind.   The next round starts in September, and you can apply here.   Follow Cathleen on Instagram & DM with any questions @lifeandcollegecoach

Are you going through life choosing the safe option? Whether it's the college you're applying to or the career path you think you want, there's no guarantee that the safe option is the right one for you. Sometimes, not knowing what your trajectory will look like can be the catalyst to finding your greatness and creativity. When in doubt, opt for the road less traveled because there are so many different ways of getting to where you want to go.   In this episode, I'm talking to Professor Anna Krakus, professor, writer, Fulbright scholar, and previous admissions committee member at the University of Southern California. Professor Krakus is currently the assistant professor at the Department of Cross-Cultural and Regional Studies at the University of Copenhagen and has previously taught Slavic and Comparative Literature at the University of Southern California.   During our conversation, Professor Krakus talks about her life's trajectory and how her brave choices have positively impacted her university experience. We also discuss the power of embracing discomfort, why being brave might look like choosing the road less traveled, and believing that every new thing will be better or different or more exciting than what you have now. What We Cover: Picking the safe option vs. exploring and taking risks in college What a Fulbright Scholarship is & how it can open doors Why big-name universities aren't always the right fit How to be an impressive student wherever you go to college The benefits of choosing the road less traveled   ”What most people don't understand is that it's you that is going to succeed, that's going to get the job, that writes the book, that starts the business. It's not Harvard. Harvard isn't sitting in the library until midnight writing a book or applying for jobs. You are doing that and you can be successful regardless of where you go to college and whether or not. It's up to you.” - Professor Anna Krakus Connect With Professor Anna:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ucph_eastern_europe/  Thanks for listening, and if you like what you've heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don't forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends!   LINKS MENTIONED:   If you're a high school, college, or even post-graduate looking for direction, join my Life Skills Bootcamp course covering time management, decision-making, mindset, manifestation, and money.    If you're a high school student in 9th-12th grade or the parent of one, I work with a small cohort of students annually and help them develop the core traits I discussed in the podcast and apply to selective colleges. You can apply to work with me below:   Apply to Work with Cathleen    I cover mindset and manifestation in more depth in my 5-month program for 9th-11th graders, The Admitted Mastermind.   The next round starts in September, and you can apply here. Follow Cathleen on Instagram & DM with any questions @lifeandcollegecoach

There are a lot of false beliefs about procrastination and why we procrastinate. From the fear of failure to the pressure you put on yourself with grades or test scores, it's important to overcome any blocks or fears popping up as you navigate the college admissions process. But to do this, you first have to believe that everything you want is totally possible for you and be willing to do whatever it takes to get there.   In this episode, I talk all about procrastination and how to overcome it to achieve your goals. I'll tell you what procrastination can look like, why it's often connected to your core fear. Plus, I'm giving my best advice on overcoming your fears, adjusting your mindset around procrastination, and how to show up and do the work so you can get what you want.    What We Cover: Why the antidote to procrastination is self-care Why we let the fear of failure or judgment from others hold us back How to let go of what you're holding on to and adapt to the world around you Delegate tasks you're procrastinating on How to find the root of your procrastination   ”A lot of times we hold on to what's familiar instead of letting go because we're worried that the new thing that we're pursuing is too risky or too new or not safe or won't be good, but I just kind of challenge you to really examine that belief if you have it.” Thanks for listening, and if you like what you've heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don't forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends!   LINKS MENTIONED:   If you're a high school, college, or even post-graduate looking for direction, join my Life Skills Bootcamp course covering time management, decision-making, mindset, manifestation, and money.    If you're a high school student in 9th-12th grade or the parent of one, I work with a small cohort of students annually and help them develop the core traits I discussed in the podcast and apply to selective colleges. You can apply to work with me below:   Apply to Work with Cathleen    I cover mindset and manifestation in more depth in my 5-month program for 9th-11th graders, The Admitted Mastermind.   The next round starts in September, and you can apply here.   Follow Cathleen on Instagram & DM with any questions @lifeandcollegecoach

What is your next step after college? What happens if you want to follow a non-traditional career path? Unfortunately, society has conditioned us to think in a limited capacity. You're told to pick a major from a setlist and then pick a job that's connected, and then just do that for the rest of your life until you die. This isn't your only option.    In this episode, I want to talk about creating your own reality, setting your own rules, and creating a career you want. This requires you to think outside the box, think beyond the set menu that high school and colleges provide, and create a career path you want to pursue, no matter what that looks like or how alternative it is from your peers.   Learn how you can exert more power over your own life and what you envision it to look like, and then take action to achieve it.   What We Cover: What is your next step after college? The importance of thinking big and thinking outside the box Why college is not a life skills boot camp An inside look at a nontraditional career path An exercise to help you envision what you want your life to look like   “College is not going to teach you how to make decisions, figure out what you want, find meaning and purpose in life.” - Cathleen   “There's so much pressure on just getting into college. And then there's not a lot of support and advice and resources out there for like, Well, what do you do next?” - Cathleen  Thanks for listening, and if you like what you've heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don't forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends!   LINKS MENTIONED:   If you're a high school, college, or even post graduate looking for direction, join my Life Skills Bootcamp course covering time management, decision-making, mindset, manifestation, and money.    If you're a high school student in 9th-12th grade or the parent of one, I work with a small cohort of students annually and help them develop the core traits I discussed in the podcast and apply to selective colleges. You can apply to work with me below:   Apply to Work with Cathleen    I cover mindset and manifestation in more depth in my 5-month program for 9th-11th graders, The Admitted Mastermind.   The next round starts in September, and you can apply here.   Follow Cathleen on Instagram & DM with any questions @lifeandcollegecoach  

If you want to stand out from the sea of college applicants vying for a spot at your dream college, you shouldn't just join random clubs at your school --because every other high schooler is already doing that. What you need to do is become the creator of your own extracurricular activities. What I mean is, you need to start small and start early to find a unique passion project (or theme) that's related to your interest and solve a problem around it.   In this episode, I'm talking about being innovative and standing out when it comes to your extracurricular activities. Innovation and uniqueness are key traits for getting admitted to your dream college and necessary for setting yourself up for success in college and life. That's why I'm giving you my best tips and tricks (plus a sneak-peek into The Admitted Mastermind) to help you identify a niche area of interest, develop ideas for your extracurricular passion project and execute it with success.   What We Cover: What it means to create your own activities Why you have to start small to go big An example passion project How to find a real-world problem with real-world implications   “You want to make sure that you're seeking out accomplishments that are hard to explain. Not hard to do.” - Cathleen   “You want to showcase to college admissions officers that you are able to solve actual problems that exist in the world. Not the experiments you're doing in a controlled lab and your AP bio classroom.” - Cathleen   ”Highly selective colleges are looking for students who have potential to be world leaders, game-changers, and entrepreneurs who go out, find a problem, come up with a solution, and does whatever it takes to not get discouraged in the face of challenges.” - Cathleen Connect with   Thanks for listening, and if you like what you've heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don't forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends!   LINKS MENTIONED:   If you're a high school student in 9th-12th grade or the parent of one, I work with a small cohort of students annually and help them develop the core traits I discussed in the podcast and apply to selective colleges. You can apply to work with me below:   Apply to Work with Cathleen    I cover mindset and manifestation in more depth in my 5-month program for 9th-11th graders, The Admitted Mastermind.   The next round starts in September, and you can apply here.   Follow Cathleen on Instagram & DM with any questions @lifeandcollegecoach

Stop wasting your time doing activities that don't get you closer to your goal. Yep, I said it. If your goal is getting into highly selective colleges, you need to make sure you're showing leadership and dedication towards a niche area of specialization and not wasting your time doing activities that aren't serving you in reaching your goals. But where do you start?   In this episode, I'm talking all about my proven Productivity Planner exercise, which I teach inside The Admitted Mastermind. Not only am I explaining why less is more, but I'm also breaking down how to create your Productivity Planner, what you need to include in each section, and how this exercise will help you be ruthless in taking things off your plate and quitting activities that are not serving your goals.     What We Cover: Why we can't do all the things & what we need to do instead The importance of avoiding common activities so you can stand out from the crowd Why you don't need to be well-rounded What time management is and is not How to create your productivity planner   “Students who are stressed out and overwhelmed are doing too many activities. Less is more people. It is so much more impactful if you do one to two activities for a long time and get to a really high level then do 500 different things.” - Cathleen   Connect with   Thanks for listening, and if you like what you've heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don't forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends!   LINKS MENTIONED:   If you're a high school student in 9th-12th grade or the parent of one, I work with a small cohort of students annually and help them develop the core traits I discussed in the podcast and apply to selective colleges. You can apply to work with me below:   Apply to Work with Cathleen    I cover mindset and manifestation in more depth in my 5-month program for 9th-11th graders, The Admitted Mastermind.   The next round starts in September, and you can apply here.   Follow Cathleen on Instagram & DM with any questions @lifeandcollegecoach

Are you creative, motivated, ambitious, and driven? If you answered yes, and you know you don't want to settle for an average life of working in an office, doing the same thing every day, then you're going to have to think outside the box and dare to be different from your peers. This starts with going deep to pursue a theme you're passionate about so you can stand out from the other thousands of students applying for a spot at your dream college.   In this episode, I'm walking you through some of the roadblocks you may hit when it comes to getting classes that are aligned with your theme. Because if you want to apply to highly selective colleges and universities (and get accepted), you need to know how to pick a theme that's true to your interest and learn ways to build a profile of extracurricular activities and research around that theme. You also need to accept that a lot of your friends aren't going to be doing what you're doing --and that's okay.     What We Cover: What a theme is and why it's important Why you can't do what everything else is doing How to build a profile of extracurricular activities and research around your theme Why hitting roadblocks and barriers means you're on the right path Three questions to answer to find your theme “If you are ambitious and driven and you want to do things that have never been done before, or you want to get into colleges that only accept three or four out of every 100 students, you cannot follow what your friends are doing.” - Cathleen   Connect with   Thanks for listening, and if you like what you've heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don't forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends!   LINKS MENTIONED:   If you're a high school student in 9th-12th grade or the parent of one, I work with a small cohort of students annually and help them develop the core traits I discussed in the podcast and apply to selective colleges. You can apply to work with me below:   Apply to Work with Cathleen    I cover mindset and manifestation in more depth in my 5-month program for 9th-11th graders, The Admitted Mastermind.   The next round starts in September, and you can apply here.   Follow Cathleen on Instagram & DM with any questions @lifeandcollegecoach

Your major doesn't determine the job you have in 2, 5, or even 10 years from now. Nor does it determine what kind of business you create (if you decide entrepreneurship is in your future). I'll be totally honest, the hard skills you learn in high school and college will only get you so far. What determines your success in your career --and in life-- is discovering your truth, building relationships, and having empathy with those you encounter, plus the other soft skills you probably aren't learning in the classroom.    In this episode, I'm talking to Luisa Alberto, Founder & CEO of High Five Finance; a Virtual CFO agency that provides bookkeeping, tax planning, and advisory services for women business owners. She leverages 15 years of experience working closely with visionary CEOs in Ops and Finance, business ownership, and consulting to help her clients cut through the chaos and optimize their current financial position so they can achieve their goals. She graduated from Boston College (Go Eagles!) with a major in Philosophy and a minor in Latin American Studies & Faith, Peace and Justice.   Luisa shares how her inquisitive nature led her from a liberal art major to an internship at the FairTrade Certification Organization, and eventually, to running a successful online financial agency. She also shares the importance of learning soft skills over hard skills, why investing in a mentor or expert in your field will get you farther, how to articulate your unique experiences to stand out from the crowd, and the biggest lesson learned that helped lead to the creation of her business.   What We Cover: What CFO means and why businesses need one How numbers play a role in whether or not a business is able to achieve its mission Why your academic background doesn't determine what business you create Why soft skills are essential for a successful career (and life!) The importance of finding a mentor and asking questions   “A lot of our success isn't tied to the skills that we have necessarily, it's tied to the relationships that we build. So if you don't learn how to build relationships, if you can't learn how to connect with another human and share with them what you care about and why it's important. I mean, that's really what makes success.” - Luisa Alberto   ”You can't go wrong building those soft skills because people want to hire good people who can hold a conversation and build trust almost immediately over somebody who knows how to create a balance sheet.” - Luisa Alberto   ”Most adults don't have it figured out. I think it's because we're ever-evolving people. So every experience we have teaches us something new about ourselves, about the world, about the thing we thought was going to be the thing. The more open you can be to just having as many experiences as you can that feel right in that moment, the better equipped you'll be for all the changes that will happen.” - Luisa Alberto   “How equipped are you to deal with big shifts and change? And what can you do in your life to feel like you are confident in yourself, you're confident in what you love?” - Luisa Alberto   “Getting really good at articulating how [your experiences]makes you special is a leg up in any sort of goal that you have or want to achieve in your life.” - Luisa Alberto   Connect with Luisa Website: https://highfivefinance.com/click-me Money Maven Membership: https://money-maven-membership.mn.co/   Thanks for listening, and if you like what you've heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don't forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends!   LINKS MENTIONED:   If you're a high school student in 9th-12th grade or the parent of one, I work with a small cohort of students annually and help them develop the core traits I discussed in the podcast and apply to selective colleges. You can apply to work with me below:   Apply to Work with Cathleen    I cover mindset and manifestation in more depth in my 5-month program for 9th-11th graders, The Admitted Mastermind.   The next round starts in September, and you can apply here.   Follow Cathleen on Instagram & DM with any questions @lifeandcollegecoach 

Not everybody is born creative --but that doesn't mean you can't get there. Creativity looks different for everybody, and like anything else, it's just another discipline that you have to learn, work through, and most importantly, practice. No matter what your hobby, interest, major, or industry is, creativity, in essence, just means that you are creating something new --no matter what that looks like. How can you tap into your creative self and bring something new into the world?   In this episode, I'm talking to Shyne Webster, a Southern California-based college student, self-proclaimed "Branding Fairy Godsister," and the founder of Designed by Shyne. Specializing in human-first, holistic branding for women entrepreneurs, she's a proud advocate of fun in the workplace and is always determined to challenge the status quo! When Shyne's not working or doing schoolwork, she can be found at a coffee shop, creating content around surf/skate/sneaker culture, or designing merch [her favorite passion project.]   Shyne is sharing her insight into all things creative and critical thinking. She shares how she started a creative business as a college student, how to reduce the pressure around creativity, and why accessing your creative side is beneficial for many aspects of life. Plus, Shyne shares her biggest tip for getting your creative juices flowing. What We Cover: How to overcome your creative blocks What creativity looks like in the non-traditional sense How students can use creativity in life Where the intersection between creativity and critical thinking is Two exercises to develop creative, critical thinking “Your creativity doesn't have to look like anyone else's. As long as you're bringing something new or different or unique to the table, I think that's what creativity is really all about.”   “To create something just means to bring something new into existence. So as long as you're doing that, whether it's traditionally artistic or not, you're being creative.” - Shyne Connect with Shyne Instagram: @designedbyshyne Website: https://www.designedbyshyne.com/  Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/designedbyshyne  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/designedbyshyne     Thanks for listening, and if you like what you've heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don't forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends!   LINKS MENTIONED:   The Element by Sir Ken Robinson Finding Your Element by Sir Ken Robinson Steal Like An Artist by Austin Kleon Show Your Work by Austin Kleon Deep Work by Cal Newport How To Be A Highschool Superstar Without Burning Out by Cal Newport Deep Questions Podcast by Cal Newport   If you're a high school student in 9th-12th grade or the parent of one, I work with a small cohort of students annually and help them develop the core traits I discussed in the podcast and apply to selective colleges. You can apply to work with me below:   Apply to Work with Cathleen    I cover mindset and manifestation in more depth in my 5-month program for 9th-11th graders, The Admitted Mastermind.   The next round starts in September and you can apply here.   Follow Cathleen on Instagram & DM with any questions @lifeandcollegecoach

Your mindset determines your success, more so than any type of strategy out there. But to actually achieve the goals you've set for yourself, you need to understand that how you think about yourself and what you think you're capable of is just as important as what you spend your time doing. Your mindset will help you move the needle forward towards your goals faster than anything else.     In this episode, I'm giving you a simple tool to help you actually achieve your goals and eliminate any self-limiting beliefs you have. Whether your goals are academic-related or personal, I'll walk you through one of my favorite mindset exercises to help you collapse the gap between who you desire to become and who you are now. I'll also explain why approaching life with a more spiritual mindset lens can support you in achieving your goals.     What We Cover: Why your mindset determines your success The Rules For Living list Why you need to be specific yet vague with your list How to collapse the gap between who you want to be and who you are now   “Your mindset really determines your success, more so than what you actually do.”   Thanks for listening, and if you like what you've heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don't forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends!   LINKS MENTIONED:   Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck   If you're a high school student in 9th-12th grade or the parent of one, I work with a small cohort of students annually and help them develop the core traits I discussed in the podcast and apply to selective colleges. You can apply to work with me below:   Apply to Work with Cathleen    I cover mindset and manifestation in more depth in my 5-month program for 9th-11th graders, The Admitted Mastermind.   The next round starts in September and you can apply here.   Follow Cathleen on Instagram & DM with any questions @lifeandcollegecoach  

If you want to write a college essay that gets accepted, you need strong writing skills and interdisciplinary thinking. To get that, you need the right tools and knowledge to implement them --and one of the best (and most underappreciated) skills out there is outlining! Outlining will not only help you map out your essay and plan what you're going to say, but it can help you communicate your ideas more persuasively.  In this episode, I explain why an outline is one of the most important elements for writing a strong college application, my top formatting tips to help you get started, and the specific outlining method that will help you craft a powerful college admission essay in no time. What We Cover: The four-step process of writing your college application essay How an outline is like a roadmap A popular format to help you create an outline How to write using the dramatic outlining method Three questions to ask about the challenge you want to write about   “You want to think, what about you is essential for someone to know in order for them to feel like they really know who you are? Because you want the admissions officer to really know who you are and how your mind works.”   Thanks for listening, and if you like what you've heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don't forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends!     What if I told you that writing your college application essays is like writing in a whole new genre that you've never written in before?   You haven't learned how to write like this in school because you've only learned about 5 paragraph essays.    Your parents aren't familiar with this style of writing….things have changed so much since they applied to college.    You have to craft this thing in a way that sets you apart from the other 100,000 kids who are applying for 1,500 spots at top colleges.    I am here to teach you HOW! Come and join me for a 3 month course, The College Essay Boot Camp!     If working with me 1:1 is what you're feeling, you can apply here.      Follow Cathleen on Instagram & DM with any questions @lifeandcollegecoach   LINKS MENTIONED:   If you're a high school student in 9th-12th grade or the parent of one, I work with a small cohort of students annually and help them develop the core traits I discussed in the podcast and apply to selective colleges. You can apply to work with me below:   Apply to Work with Cathleen    I cover mindset and manifestation in more depth in my 5 month program for 9th-11th graders, The Admitted Mastermind   The next round starts in September and you can apply here

If you're heading into 12th grade, that means it's time to start working on your college applications. But to write application essays that WOW college admission officers, you need a lot of content to write about, specifically content that relates to your desired major. But wait, what if you don't even know what you want to major in yet?  In this episode, I am sharing an amazing brainstorming exercise that will help you not only come up with topics for some of your college application essays but also start to understand whether the majors you're thinking of applying to are actually right for you. I'm helping you take the pressure off so you can figure out what you're deeply interested in right now, write about it in your essay, and then follow it as your major. What We Cover: The pressure to pick a major and figure out your career by age 18 Top misconceptions when it comes to college application essays Four key traits college admission officers are looking for in your essay Why having a theme will help you stand out How to complete the brainstorming exercise “70% of students pick the wrong major. So you might have a major in mind that's not quite right for you.” “This is just one of the many brainstorming exercises I teach my students to help them generate interesting content and ideas because your college application essays count for up to 30% of the admissions decision, which is huge. And through this deep introspective work, you can also start to figure out what you're drawn to and what you're not. A lot of students pick the wrong major.” Thanks for listening, and if you like what you've heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don't forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends! My epic 3 month College Essay Boot Camp is now open for enrollment! This is your everything you need to know about college application essays course -- it's helped my students get into Harvard, Yale, Georgetown, and dozens more top colleges!   There are limited spots available...I'm waiting for you! Apply to work with Cathleen Join here: https://www.thecollegeessaybootcamp.com/    Find out more about The Edvisory and working with Cathleen here: https://www.theedvisoryla.com/   Follow Cathleen on Instagram @lifeandcollegecoach

Exploring alternative career paths should be encouraged, not discouraged. Do you want to know why? Because sometimes those “traditional” jobs you are told to work towards will not bring you the happiness you seek in life. I am all about aligning your passions with your career, and sometimes, that career might look completely different than your expectations. For example, having an interest in writing doesn't mean you need to be a novelist on the New York Times best-seller list (although if that's your goal, go for it!) or even stay in academia to write research papers for the rest of your career. Instead, your writing skills can be used in various industries and various ways --and a copywriter is just one of them!  In this episode, I am talking to Caroline Mays, writer, biographer, and the creator of Switchblade Lemonade, a vitally unorthodox image crafting and biography salon, where she helps corporate refugees approach branding from a different angle so they can use their personal history or "story" to pivot into positions of authority. During our conversation, we talk about why so many adults end up in misaligned careers and how that leads to unhappiness, why staying curious enough to ask questions will get you further in life and business, plus we chat about the non-traditional career possibilities that are out there for students (and adults) and the importance of chasing your passions. What We Cover: How to give people the support to find alternative routes to what they love Why you need to take your ideas seriously, not yourself How to choose the right support system What it means to have golden handcuffs in your job Why you need to find opportunities that align with your vision   “Giving people the support to find alternative routes to what they love is one way we can be helping younger people.” -  Caroline Mays “I think that's what's hard about doing something alternative because so many people take that logical path, but it might be the completely wrong decision for you and a waste of time and money.” -  Caroline Mays ”If you're in something that you can do on autopilot, and doesn't move you forward in any way doesn't change your brain on a daily basis for the better, then that could lead to mediocrity or just total unhappiness.” -  Caroline Mays Connect with Caroline: Website: https://www.switchbladelemonade.com/   Thanks for listening, and if you like what you've heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don't forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends! If you're a 9th or 10th-grade student (or parent), apply to The Admitted Mastermind, a 5 month college prep program for ambitious high school students. The next round starts July 3rd, and spots are extremely limited!   Read about the program and submit an application here: https://theadmittedmastermind.com/   Apply to work with Cathleen Looking for a self-guided group program to help you get into college? The Admitted Masterclass Membership is Cathleen's 6 masterclasses to help you level up and stand out in the college admissions process   https://www.admittedmasterclassmembership.com/ Find out more about The Edvisory and working with Cathleen here: https://www.theedvisoryla.com/ Follow Cathleen on Instagram @lifeandcollegecoach

Does the thought of writing essays and picking activities to include in your college admissions application completely overwhelm you? Between trying to join any and every club to spice up your application and comparing your essay to every example on Google, who wouldn't be? Lucky for you, there's a better way to work through this process. The traditional strategies do not work anymore so I am giving you a closer look at a client case study that landed her top choices by using the unique strategies we came up with together for her admissions applications.  This episode is for you if you are looking to stand out in the application process for a selective college like an Ivy League school or a top liberal arts college. Before you sign up for 9 activities or write an essay that completely misses the bar, take a listen for strategies to rethink your extracurriculars and ensure that you add purpose and intellectual vitality to your application.  What We Cover: The Four Key Traits Colleges are Looking for in their Students  What is Intellectual Vitality? Why Taking AP Classes Isn't Enough  Creating Legacy vs. Joining Another Club  Adding Real World Application of Skills to Your Essays    “Academic Decathlon or school clubs are not intellectual vitality. Intellectual vitality is demonstrated by students who have really assumed significant responsibility for their own learning process, who showed maturity and self-discipline in the fulfillment of an independent project, usually well beyond the limitations of a school assignment.” - Cathleen McCaffery   Thanks for listening, and if you like what you've heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don't forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends! If you're a 9th or 10th-grade student (or parent), apply to The Admitted Mastermind, a 5-month college prep program for ambitious high school students. The next round starts July 3rd, and spots are extremely limited!   Read about the program and submit an application here: https://theadmittedmastermind.com/   Apply to work with Cathleen and The Edvisory team 1:1 as a college counseling or college essay coaching student  Looking for a self-guided group program to help you get into college? The Admitted Masterclass Membership is Cathleen's 6 masterclasses to help you level up and stand out in the college admissions process https://www.admittedmasterclassmembership.com/ Find out more about The Edvisory and working with Cathleen here: https://www.theedvisoryla.com/ Follow Cathleen on Instagram @lifeandcollegecoach

Do you really know what goes into a college application? This process is already incredibly overwhelming and confusing for students. Add in the fact that there is a lot of false advice circulating around out there uncredited sources. Unfortunately, not everyone has time to sift through hours of video content to figure out which advice is the best advice and write your college admission essays.  That's why, in this episode, I am talking specifically to my 11th grade (and younger) audience about how to write the best college application possible. I want you to understand what really goes into a college application, including a breakdown of each section, why it's there, and how to tackle your application in a way that helps you stand out from the admission competition. What We Cover: How a personal statement is different than anything you've written in school  Why you need to catch attention with your activities The most underutilized yet most transformative section on the application Why honors and rewards matter less than you think The biggest reason behind why your supplemental essay is so important “We are living in the most competitive era of college admissions ever. There are more essays, longer essays, or complicated prompts. Plus more students are applying to college from all around the world.” - Cathleen McCaffery   Thanks for listening, and if you like what you've heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don't forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends! If you're a 9th or 10th-grade student (or parent), apply to The Admitted Mastermind, a 5 month college prep program for ambitious high school students. The next round starts July 3rd, and spots are extremely limited!   Read about the program and submit an application here: https://theadmittedmastermind.com/   Apply to work with Cathleen and The Edvisory team 1:1 as a college counseling or college essay coaching student   Looking for a self-guided group program to help you get into college? The Admitted Masterclass Membership is Cathleen's 6 masterclasses to help you level up and stand out in the college admissions process   https://www.admittedmasterclassmembership.com/ Find out more about The Edvisory and working with Cathleen here: https://www.theedvisoryla.com/   Follow Cathleen on Instagram @lifeandcollegecoach

Do you know what your calling is? Many of us lose sight of our passions, especially during college and the first stages of our careers. We easily stray from our true path and get too distracted by life to notice what went wrong. Today's guest is living proof that you can change your path at any time, no matter what age or what situation you come from.  In this episode, I am chatting with Natalie Lima, essayist, writer, teacher, and soon-to-be author. She's a Northwestern graduate who received an MFA in creative writing from the University of Arizona. Today she's sharing her experience of rediscovering her passion for writing and what that journey looked like for her. We'll also talk about the difference between smaller and larger university resources, the importance of mentorship and guidance from neutral third parties, and why you need to listen to your intuition and be open to opportunities.  What We Cover: Why it's hard for students to say no and set boundaries How your education is what you make of it The shift that moved her from fiction to nonfiction writing Tips and advice for creating your own writing practice Why having an open forum discussion is important for teenagers   “The ones who get the most out of their education are the ones who advocate for themselves, the ones who go to the office hours.” - Natalie Lima “There's a big difference between the folks who utilize the resources provided for them and the ones who just simply don't have a clue that they're even available to them.” - Natalie Lima “To become a writer, it takes ego, and you have to believe you have something important to say. So that's already the first hump you have to get over. So I think that has to be instilled in us very young that we all deserve to write and that all of our stories matter.” - Natalie Lima “Everything that you're so ashamed about will become your greatest strengths. Those exact qualities are what's going to help you succeed. If you allow that to happen. If you don't keep all those parts of yourself hidden.”  - Natalie Lima Connect with Natalie: Bird by Bird The Right to Write UCLA Extension Creative Writing Classes Thanks for listening, and if you like what you've heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don't forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends! If you're a 9th or 10th-grade student (or parent), apply to The Admitted Mastermind, a 5 month college prep program for ambitious high school students. The next round starts July 3rd, and spots are extremely limited!   Read about the program and submit an application here: https://theadmittedmastermind.com/   Apply to work with Cathleen and The Edvisory team 1:1 as a college counseling or college essay coaching student     Looking for a self-guided group program to help you get into college? The Admitted Masterclass Membership is Cathleen's 6 masterclasses to help you level up and stand out in the college admissions process   https://www.admittedmasterclassmembership.com/ Find out more about The Edvisory and working with Cathleen here: https://www.theedvisoryla.com/   Follow Cathleen on Instagram @lifeandcollegecoach

Do you have the right strategies in place to help you stand out from the crowd and get accepted into the college of your choice? Sometimes the best strategy is the least obvious. If you want to rise above the noise of class presidents, straight-A students, and valedictorians in those application piles, you need to seek out accomplishments that are hard to explain but not hard to do. In this episode, I share insight to help you navigate the highly selective college admissions world without getting incredibly stressed out. I'm talking about developing a unique niche interest, getting involved with interesting and innovative activities, and the importance of joining closed communities outside of school. Plus, I'm giving you the three steps to help you create an admission strategy that mirrors your interests and tips to help you avoid some of the pitfalls many students make. What We Cover: How to stand out with the Failed Simulation Effect Why you need to focus on being innovative Three steps to help you focus on being innovate The law of innovation Why closed communities are the best ones for innovation   “A big problem is that most students don't know what makes an accomplishment stand out. And they waste time doing activities that they think are impressive. And a lot of students do activities that they think are impressive, that they may not even enjoy, just because they think it's going to look good or help them get into college. And that never works.”   Thanks for listening, and if you like what you've heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don't forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends! If you're a 9th or 10th-grade student (or parent), apply to The Admitted Mastermind, a 5 month college prep program for ambitious high school students. The next round starts July 3rd, and spots are extremely limited! Read about the program and submit an application here: https://theadmittedmastermind.com/ Apply to work with Cathleen and The Edvisory team 1:1 as a college counseling or college essay coaching student Looking for a self-guided group program to help you get into college? The Admitted Masterclass Membership is Cathleen's 6 masterclasses to help you level up and stand out in the college admissions process https://www.admittedmasterclassmembership.com/ Find out more about The Edvisory and working with Cathleen here: https://www.theedvisoryla.com/ Follow Cathleen on Instagram @lifeandcollegecoach

Do you believe that benevolent forces are guiding you to your true purpose? I do. Even with all the failures, hardships, and declined college applications I've experienced in my journey, I truly believe that we all are redirected towards what's meant to be. And from there, we can choose to take those experiences or mistakes to help others find alignment in their path.   In this episode, I am sharing more of my story on why I became a college counselor, how I went down a path that wasn't in alignment, what I wish I knew in retrospect, and my top tips to help students struggling to figure what's next. I am excited to share my academic and career journey with you, and hopefully, it can help you navigate your own career path with more clarity and less unknown.     What We Cover: Trying to figure out what's next intuitively  What happens when all your applications get declined The infinite possibilities of where you can take your career Starting a tutoring and test preparation company Transitioning into college admissions counseling Understanding the cost of DIYing your college applications   “If you maintain that belief that you're always being redirected towards what's aligned and what's meant for you, you're going to have a much easier time and in that pain, in that disappointment, are so many lessons, and that's really where real growth will happen.” - Cathleen   Apply to work with Cathleen and The Edvisory team 1:1 as a college counseling or college essay coaching student Looking for a self-guided group program to help you get into college? The Admitted Masterclass Membership is Cathleen's 6 masterclasses to help you level up and stand out in the college admissions process: https://www.admittedmasterclassmembership.com/ Find out more about The Edvisory and working with Cathleen here: https://www.theedvisoryla.com/     Thanks for listening, and if you like what you've heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don't forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends! Follow Cathleen on Instagram @lifeandcollegecoach

What are your goals? What brings you joy? What feels authentically good to you? Taking the time to connect with yourself and answer these questions honestly is key to finding your purpose. And once you decide what it is you want to do, you need to believe that it's 100% possible.    In this episode, I am talking to Heather Whitaker, a manifestation and mindset coach who helps her clients get out of lack mentality and step into their magnetism so that they can manifest their biggest dreams and desires. Heather found her niche in customizing the TBM work based on clients' individual blocks, personalities, and schedules. She specializes in helping clients find creative ways to maintain magnetism in day-to-day life, while creating a tailored manifestation practice to fit your life and learning style. This allows clients to dig more deeply into the work with newfound motivation and magnetism. Because Heather unblocked her own lack mentality, she offers a powerful perspective for how to shift out blocks related to finances and career. Today we're talking all about how students can manifest their desires by checking in and connecting with themselves and discovering what lights them up and brings them joy during this stage of their life.     What We Cover: The energy behind your choices Discovering your purpose, no matter what your age How outside distractions prevent inner connection Navigating societal expectations and personal wants Mindset tips for embracing change   Whenever I go against what I naturally want to do and do things that I think I should be doing. I always end up coming back to what I really want to do. But it's usually after wasting a lot of time or money or whatever doing what I think I should be doing.” - Heather Whitaker   Apply to work with Cathleen and The Edvisory team 1:1 as a college counseling or college essay coaching student Looking for a self-guided group program to help you get into college? The Admitted Masterclass Membership is Cathleen's 6 masterclasses to help you level up and stand out in the college admissions process: https://www.admittedmasterclassmembership.com/ Find out more about The Edvisory and working with Cathleen here: https://www.theedvisoryla.com/   Connect with Heather: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tobemagnetic/   Thanks for listening, and if you like what you've heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don't forget to spread the word by leaving a review and sharing this podcast with your friends!   Follow Cathleen on Instagram @lifeandcollegecoach

Do you struggle with time management? Do you feel like time is working against you rather than for you when it comes to studying? Shifting your mindset around what time actually means and how you use it strategically is the first step in mastering your time. Today's guest helps college students do just that!   Clarissa Guillen is an Academic Life Coach. Her methodology focuses on the belief that every college student has the ability and power to become extraordinarily brilliant regardless of their circumstances, background, past grades, and failures. Clarissa has worked with over 400 students ranging from Junior college to professional schools. She uses mindset and self-awareness principles alongside science-based learning strategies to help students conquer their courses, build their academic confidence and feel extraordinarily brilliant.   In this episode, we're talking all about how college students (and high school students) can apply exercises and practices to help them adjust their belief system around their expectations around time management. Plus, so much more! What We Cover: What time actually is and why we don't need it How to master your time Navigating expectations that are out of alignment How to view time as a supportive asset  Adjusting your mentality around study habits   “That is what it's like to be human. We're here to experience all range of emotions. But most students don't know how to process the more uncomfortable emotions of things like failure, and defeat and disappointment, and sadness and anger, and frustration. And when they experience those things, they think something has gone wrong.” - Clarissa Guillen Apply to work with Cathleen and The Edvisory team 1:1 as a college counseling or college essay coaching student Looking for a self-guided group program to help you get into college? The Admitted Masterclass Membership is Cathleen's 6 masterclasses to help you level up and stand out in the college admissions process: https://www.admittedmasterclassmembership.com/ Find out more about The Edvisory and working with Cathleen here: https://www.theedvisoryla.com/     Connect with Clarissa: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sherocksatcollege/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc2zbFzdOtIOpUXwSX13jCg Thanks for listening, and if you like what you've heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don't forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends! Follow Cathleen on Instagram @lifeandcollegecoach

What does it mean to be educated? Is school the only place that education happens? Being educated will mean different things to each of you, but no matter what, today, I am urging you to take your education into your own hands.    In this episode, I am breaking down what it means to be educated and why education is not limited to the confines of a classroom. Because it's time to really question this concept of being educated, especially if we assume the purpose of schooling is to become educated.    What We Cover: The purpose of what school really is How to take your education into your own hands The barriers that schools create around learning What it means to be in a flow state Why you need to take more initiative in your education   “If you build the habit of intellectual curiosity and independence early, you will keep evolving even as the world radically changes with technology, you will be able to adapt and succeed.”   Apply to work with Cathleen and The Edvisory team 1:1 as a college counseling or college essay coaching student Looking for a self-guided group program to help you get into college? The Admitted Masterclass Membership is Cathleen's 6 masterclasses to help you level up and stand out in the college admissions process: https://www.admittedmasterclassmembership.com/   Find out more about The Edvisory and working with Cathleen here: https://www.theedvisoryla.com/     Resources Mentioned: Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience  Education Revolution: An Alternative Education Resource Organization Book Recommendations on the history of schooling and self directed education: Blake Boles' College Without High School Dr. Peter Gray's Free to Learn Online Classes Coursera EdX   Thanks for listening, and if you like what you've heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don't forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends!   Follow Cathleen on Instagram @lifeandcollegecoach

Have you ever thought of following your passion in life? Pursuing a path that aligns with your core values may not look like the career journey you envisioned, but it will help you facilitate your personal growth, uncover your true identity, and find happiness in life. When you find the thing that brings you joy, you have to keep going and keep doing it.   In this episode, I am talking to the incredible Ethan Sawyer, best-selling author, mentor, and creator of CollegeEssayGuy.com, an online resource hub that makes college admissions accessible for everyone. Today we're talking all about core values, discovering identities, and what this means for students. Ethan and I will even break down a real-life cold email that I sent to him years ago before working on his team.   What We Cover: Ethan's journey to creating College Essay Guy Aligning your core values with your work Why you need to follow your bliss and then monetize it How to connect with people who are connectors Cold email Break down   “If there's something specific you're really into, just keep doing it, keep doing it, keep learning about it, and then show your work.” - Ethan Sawyer   Apply to work with Cathleen and The Edvisory team 1:1 as a college counseling or college essay coaching student Looking for a self-guided group program to help you get into college? The Admitted Masterclass Membership is Cathleen's 6 masterclasses to help you level up and stand out in the college admissions process: https://www.admittedmasterclassmembership.com/ Find out more about The Edvisory and working with Cathleen here: https://www.theedvisoryla.com/     Connect with Ethan: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegeessayguy/ Website: https://www.collegeessayguy.com/ Thanks for listening, and if you like what you've heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don't forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends!   Follow Cathleen on Instagram @lifeandcollegecoach

Welcome to The Bold Student Podcast!  I'm your host Cathleen McCaffery, founder & CEO of The Edvisory, where my team and I provide Academic and Creative Mentorship for Bold Students around the world with Big Ambition whether that's applying to college, starting a business or magazine, writing a novel, traveling the world (or a combination of all of the above)… I've created a radically different approach to education, based on exploration, strategy, and the pursuit of your big, bold, audacious goals.  I created this podcast to share that perspective with you, bringing insight, and guest experts who have carved their own paths and are making an impact in the world so that you can do the same!!