Podcasts about college admissions

In this episode you will hear:   (02:50) Question from a listener:  Number 1 Julia joins me to answer a question from Cortnie from Connecticut and she wants to know if it is true that sometimes a college blacklists a high school they are not happy with.   (19:04) Question 2 Carter, a student from VA asks a question and we also have a question from an anonymous listener, both questions have to do with preparation for med school. Susan joins me to answer these questions, Part 2 of 2   (41:32) Interview #1-Lisa interviews Adrienne Amador-Oddi Part 1 of 2 v  Adrienne shares why financial aid is important to her personally v  Adrienne tells us what SAI and EFC are and she explains what these terms are and how they are calculated v  Lisa and Adrienne have a good conversation about why financial aid is so confusing, especially when you are talking about colleges that require the CSS Profile v  Lisa and Adrienne talk about a school with an expensive sticker price may end up costing the same as your state school v  Adrienne talks about appealing an aid award v  Adrienne talks about how important it is for a family to be very specific in their request for additional money v  Adrienne gives a very concrete example of how a conversation for a school to re-consider their original financial offer that is productive looks like   (59:15) Interview #2: Mark Stucker and Bob McMahan, President of Kettering University Preview of Part 1 of 5 ²  Bob gives us his backstory ²  Bob gives us the history of Kettering University ²  Bob explains Kettering very unique approach to education ²  Bob explains how Kettering's co-op is different from all other co-op programs in the country. ²  Bob talks about the impressive ROI of Kettering graduates       Speakpipe.com/YCBK is our method if you want to ask a question and we will be prioritizing all questions sent in via Speakpipe. Unfortunately, we will NOT answer questions on the podcast anymore that are emailed in. If you want us to answer a question on the podcast, please use speakpipe.com/YCBK. We feel hearing from our listeners in their own voices adds to the community feel of our podcast.   You can also use this for many other purposes: 1) Send us constructive criticism about how we can improve our podcast 2) Share an encouraging word about something you like about an episode or the podcast in general 3) Share a topic or an article you would like us to address 4) Share a speaker you want us to interview 5) Leave positive feedback for one of our interviewees. We will send your verbal feedback directly to them and I can almost assure you, your positive feedback will make their day.   To sign up to receive Your College-Bound Kid PLUS, our new monthly admissions newsletter, delivered directly to your email once a month, just go to yourcollegeboundkid.com, and you will see the sign-up popup. We will include many of the hot topics being discussed on college campuses.   Check out our new blog. We write timely and insightful articles on college admissions:   Follow Mark Stucker on Twitter to get breaking college admission news, and updates about the podcast before they go live. You can ask questions on Twitter that he will answer on the podcast. Mark will also share additional hot topics in the news and breaking news on this Twitter feed. Twitter message is also the preferred way to ask questions for our podcast:   https://twitter.com/YCBKpodcast   1. To access our transcripts, click: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/transcripts/ 2. Find the specific episode transcripts for the one you want to search and click the link 3. Find the magnifying glass icon in blue (search feature) and click it 4. Enter whatever word you want to search. I.e. Loans 5. Every word in that episode when the words loans are used, will be highlighted in yellow with a timestamps 6. Click the word highlighted in yellow and the player will play the episode from that starting point 7. You can also download the entire podcast as a transcript   We would be honored if you will pass this podcast episode on to others who you feel will benefit from the content in YCBK.   Please subscribe to our podcast. It really helps us move up in Apple's search feature so others can find our podcast.   If you enjoy our podcast, would you please do us a favor and share our podcast both verbally and on social media? We would be most grateful!   If you want to help more people find Your College-Bound Kid, please make sure you follow our podcast. You will also get instant notifications as soon as each episode goes live.   Check out the college admissions books Mark recommends:   Check out the college websites Mark recommends:   If you want to have some input about what you like and what you recommend, we change about our podcast, please complete our Podcast survey; here is the link:     If you want a college consultation with Mark or Lisa or Lynda, just text Mark at 404-664-4340 or email Lisa at or Lynda at Lynda@schoolmatch4u.com. All we ask is that you review their services and pricing on their website before the complimentary session; here is link to their services with transparent pricing: https://schoolmatch4u.com/services/compare-packages/

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Christopher Gray. CEO and co-founder of Path. Gray discusses how his AI-powered platform is transforming test preparation for professional certifications, IT, cybersecurity, healthcare, and college admission exams.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Christopher Gray. CEO and co-founder of Path. Gray discusses how his AI-powered platform is transforming test preparation for professional certifications, IT, cybersecurity, healthcare, and college admission exams.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Christopher Gray. CEO and co-founder of Path. Gray discusses how his AI-powered platform is transforming test preparation for professional certifications, IT, cybersecurity, healthcare, and college admission exams.

In this episode you will hear:   Mark shares a story from a meeting he had with a mom in Orange County, CA. Mark talks about the dispute Harvard University is currently facing.   Mark interviews John Pollard, Dean of Admissions of Franke Honors College at the University of Arizona, Understanding Franke Honors College, Part 1 of 2 Preview ² Friends, you are going to see why Honors colleges and public John explains how Franke is distinctive from other Honors colleges ² John talks about the Honors Village ² John talks about a unique dual degree program Franke offers ² Dr. Pollard tells us about two unique minors that Franke offers ² John talks about early assurance programs that Franke has with their med school and with their vet school ² John tells us about the unique peer to peer mentoring program called Path that 400 students participate in ² John tells us about some more unique programs that will be rolled out over the next few years ² John talks about how Franke handles Gen Ed courses in ² John talks about how Franke uniquely gets students involved in research ² John talks about unique scholarships for Franke and their unique study abroad offerings ² John talks about the 25-million-dollar gift that Bill Franke gave to help Franke ² John tells how The University of Arizona is different from Arizona State University ² John tells us how Franke is different from Barrett, which is Arizona State's Honors college ² John talks about the admission criteria for getting into Franke ² John talks about the 3 different pathways to get into Franke     Speakpipe.com/YCBK is our method if you want to ask a question and we will be prioritizing all questions sent in via Speakpipe. Unfortunately, we will NOT answer questions on the podcast anymore that are emailed in. If you want us to answer a question on the podcast, please use speakpipe.com/YCBK. We feel hearing from our listeners in their own voices adds to the community feel of our podcast.   You can also use this for many other purposes: 1) Send us constructive criticism about how we can improve our podcast 2) Share an encouraging word about something you like about an episode or the podcast in general 3) Share a topic or an article you would like us to address 4) Share a speaker you want us to interview 5) Leave positive feedback for one of our interviewees. We will send your verbal feedback directly to them and I can almost assure you, your positive feedback will make their day.   To sign up to receive Your College-Bound Kid PLUS, our new monthly admissions newsletter, delivered directly to your email once a month, just go to yourcollegeboundkid.com, and you will see the sign-up popup. We will include many of the hot topics being discussed on college campuses.   Check out our new blog. We write timely and insightful articles on college admissions:   On X for our podcast:   https://twitter.com/YCBKpodcast   1. To access our transcripts, click: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/transcripts/ 2. Find the specific episode transcripts for the one you want to search and click the link 3. Find the magnifying glass icon in blue (search feature) and click it 4. Enter whatever word you want to search. I.e. Loans 5. Every word in that episode when the words loans are used, will be highlighted in yellow with a timestamps 6. Click the word highlighted in yellow and the player will play the episode from that starting point 7. You can also download the entire podcast as a transcript   We would be honored if you will pass this podcast episode on to others who you feel will benefit from the content in YCBK.   Please subscribe to our podcast. It really helps us move up in Apple's search feature so others can find our podcast.   If you enjoy our podcast, would you please do us a favor and share our podcast both verbally and on social media? We would be most grateful!   If you want to help more people find Your College-Bound Kid, please make sure you follow our podcast. You will also get instant notifications as soon as each episode goes live.   Check out the college admissions books Mark recommends:   Check out the college websites Mark recommends:   If you want to have some input about what you like and what you recommend, we change about our podcast, please complete our Podcast survey; here is the link:     If you want a college consultation with Mark or Lisa or Lynda, just text Mark at 404-664-4340 or email Lisa at or Lynda at Lynda@schoolmatch4u.com. All we ask is that you review their services and pricing on their website before the complimentary session; here is link to their services with transparent pricing: https://schoolmatch4u.com/services/compare-packages/

In this episode you will hear:   (02:24) Question from a listener:  Julia joins me to answer a question from a dad from North Carolina who wants to know if there is a way of figuring out class rank or a proxy for it when it is not explicitly listed.   (16:20) Second Question from a listener: Mark and Hillary answer a question from a listener who has heard that students should not mention their race in their Personal Statement   (24:41) 3rd and 4th questions are both about preparation for med school   Carter, a student from VA asks a question and we also have a question from an anonymous listener, both questions have to do with preparation for med school. Susan joins me to answer these questions, Part 1 of 2 (51:54) Interview: Mark Stucker and Nate Haveman,  VP of enrollment of Hope College Preview of Part 4 of 4 v  Nate explains the various reasons why HOPE loses students to their overlap schools v  Nate tells us what percentage of students are from Michigan, what percentage are from contiguous states and what percentage of students are International v  Nate tells us which sports Hope has had the most success in v  Nate tells us what two of his admissions pet peeves are v  Nate goes on the hotseat in our lightning round       Speakpipe.com/YCBK is our method if you want to ask a question and we will be prioritizing all questions sent in via Speakpipe. Unfortunately, we will NOT answer questions on the podcast anymore that are emailed in. If you want us to answer a question on the podcast, please use speakpipe.com/YCBK. We feel hearing from our listeners in their own voices adds to the community feel of our podcast.   You can also use this for many other purposes: 1) Send us constructive criticism about how we can improve our podcast 2) Share an encouraging word about something you like about an episode or the podcast in general 3) Share a topic or an article you would like us to address 4) Share a speaker you want us to interview 5) Leave positive feedback for one of our interviewees. We will send your verbal feedback directly to them and I can almost assure you, your positive feedback will make their day.   To sign up to receive Your College-Bound Kid PLUS, our new monthly admissions newsletter, delivered directly to your email once a month, just go to yourcollegeboundkid.com, and you will see the sign-up popup. We will include many of the hot topics being discussed on college campuses.   Check out our new blog. We write timely and insightful articles on college admissions:   Follow Mark Stucker on Twitter to get breaking college admission news, and updates about the podcast before they go live. You can ask questions on Twitter that he will answer on the podcast. Mark will also share additional hot topics in the news and breaking news on this Twitter feed. Twitter message is also the preferred way to ask questions for our podcast:   https://twitter.com/YCBKpodcast   1. To access our transcripts, click: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/transcripts/ 2. Find the specific episode transcripts for the one you want to search and click the link 3. Find the magnifying glass icon in blue (search feature) and click it 4. Enter whatever word you want to search. I.e. Loans 5. Every word in that episode when the words loans are used, will be highlighted in yellow with a timestamps 6. Click the word highlighted in yellow and the player will play the episode from that starting point 7. You can also download the entire podcast as a transcript   We would be honored if you will pass this podcast episode on to others who you feel will benefit from the content in YCBK.   Please subscribe to our podcast. It really helps us move up in Apple's search feature so others can find our podcast.   If you enjoy our podcast, would you please do us a favor and share our podcast both verbally and on social media? We would be most grateful!   If you want to help more people find Your College-Bound Kid, please make sure you follow our podcast. You will also get instant notifications as soon as each episode goes live.   Check out the college admissions books Mark recommends:   Check out the college websites Mark recommends:   If you want to have some input about what you like and what you recommend, we change about our podcast, please complete our Podcast survey; here is the link:     If you want a college consultation with Mark or Lisa or Lynda, just text Mark at 404-664-4340 or email Lisa at or Lynda at Lynda@schoolmatch4u.com. All we ask is that you review their services and pricing on their website before the complimentary session; here is link to their services with transparent pricing: https://schoolmatch4u.com/services/compare-packages/

Want to send your student to college without going into debt? Join me for the second part of my conversation with Shellee Howard on how to make college more affordable and accessible for your family.   Shellee is the founder and CEO of College Ready and a certified independent college strategist. She specializes in helping families navigate the complex world of college admissions and funding.   In part two of our conversation, we discuss: The critical steps to take if you're starting the college prep process late Key factors colleges consider in applications and how to enhance them The importance of community service, leadership, and extracurricular activities How to identify the right colleges based on fit and financial considerations Tips for effectively negotiating financial aid and scholarships effectively   Tune in now to gain the knowledge you need to help your child succeed in their college journey! If you missed part one, be sure to listen to that episode before diving into this one.   And as a special gift, Shellee is offering a complimentary 30-minute consultation for listeners who want to assess their child's college readiness. You can grab that opportunity at collegereadyplan.info.   Connect with Shellee: College Ready's website: https://collegereadyplan.com/  College Ready's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/    Shellee's Podcast: Parents: Is Your Teen College Ready?   Shellee's Books on Amazon: How to Send Your Child to College Without Losing Your Mind or Your Money The College Admissions Plan Simplified  

In this insightful conversation between Shelley Howard and Elliot Felix, Felix—shares valuable guidance on preparing students not just to enter college but to thrive throughout their college journey and beyond. He emphasizes the importance of community, support systems, and aligning coursework with career goals to maximize the college experience. Elliot breaks down complex academic research into practical strategies, such as setting process-based goals and finding mentors, which significantly improve student outcomes. He candidly addresses the evolving value of college in today's economic landscape, highlighting that success is not guaranteed but can be increased by purposeful engagement and preparation. Elliot also explores how families can decide if college is the right path for their child, emphasizing alternative educational routes and realistic planning. His two books, How to Get the Most Out of College and the forthcoming The Connected College, aim to empower students, families, and institutions to foster environments conducive to student success. Ultimately, Felix advocates a design-thinking approach to life and college, encouraging students to prototype their decisions through exploration, research, and mentorship. HighlightsElliot Felix emphasizes the critical difference between getting into college and truly succeeding once there.Students need a sense of belonging and community to thrive in college.Aligning coursework with career goals through real projects creates meaningful learning experiences.Process-based goals (e.g., completing tasks) outperform vague performance-based goals (e.g., earning a grade).Finding mentors doubles the likelihood students will value their education and succeed professionally.College's worth depends largely on how students engage, not just on where they attend.Viewing college and life decisions as a “prototype” allows for flexible learning and growth.Key InsightsProcess-Based vs. Performance-Based Goals: Elliot underscores research from MIT that process-based goals—clear, actionable steps—are far more effective for student success than vague performance goals tied to outcomes. This approach helps students focus on controllable behaviors, reduces anxiety, and builds momentum.Sense of Belonging as Foundation for Success: A strong peer community is essential. Feeling connected to a group helps students engage more deeply, access support, and overcome challenges, which boosts retention and graduation rates. Colleges should encourage social and academic integration early.Connecting Coursework with Real-World Careers: Elliot highlights the value of projects that simulate or connect to actual career tasks, helping students experiment with potential fields and build relevant experience. This practical application helps make education more relevant and supports future employment.Mentorship Is a Game-Changer: Referencing Gallup studies, Elliot points out that students with mentors are twice as likely to feel their education was worth it and to be engaged in their careers. Mentorship provides guidance, networking, and emotional support critical for navigating college and work life successfully.Reevaluating the Value and Risk of College: Research shows lifetime earnings can be significantly higher for graduates, but only about 60% of students graduate within six years, making college a risky investment for some. Success hinges on preparation, financial planning, and purposeful engagement rather than blind attendance.Expanding the Definition of College: Elliot stresses that college isn't just four-year universities but also includes community colleges, apprenticeships, and boot camps. Different forms of postsecondary education can suit different students' needs, avoiding a “one size fits all” mentality.Design Thinking and Prototyping Life Choices: Viewing decisions about majors, schools, and careers as prototypes to test and refine reduces pressure and increases adaptability. By encouraging exploration and seeking feedback, students can make more informed choices—ultimately leading to greater success.This interview offers parents and students practical, research-backed advice to navigate higher education more effectively while promoting a more holistic and nuanced understanding of what it means to be “college ready.” The blend of research, personal stories, and actionable tips provides a roadmap for making college a transformative and worthwhile experience.Connect with Shellee Howard:WebsiteYouTubeInstagramLinkedInEmail: shellee@collegereadyplan.comWebsiteYouTubeInstagramLinkedInEmail: elliot@connectedcollege.org  

In a process with as many steps as choosing, applying to, and being accepted at a target higher education institution, small improvements in efficiency at any point can compound dramatically for both applicants and admissions offices. Amy and Mike invited ed tech entrepreneur Sam Bernstein to explore the current state of AI and the college admissions process. What are five things you will learn in this episode? How is AI changing the way students search for colleges and navigate the application process? How should students and parents be using AI in the college process—and where should they draw the line? What AI-powered tools should parents, counselors, and IECs be aware of? How can counselors use AI to manage caseloads more efficiently while maintaining a personal touch? What does a student-first future look like in an AI-driven college admissions landscape? MEET OUR GUEST Sam Bernstein is the co-founder of Loper, a free mobile app designed to help students explore and discover their best educational opportunities after high school. The inspiration for Loper came out of the pandemic, where “life on pause” led to two college friends (Sam and his co-founder Eric) spending long nights discussing their shared passion: education. Fast forward two years, and they quit their jobs to launch Loper, which has now helped nearly 200,000 students find best-fit opportunities after high school. Since founding Loper, Sam has spoken at nearly a dozen industry conferences, and he always loves the opportunity to present to both students and parents on college and career readiness. Sam lives in Chicago, loves to bike, and (so far) has kept up with his 2025 resolution to read more fiction. His favorite podcast is “Revolutions” by Mike Duncan. Sam has previously appeared on the podcast in episode 360 to discuss FINDING YOUR COLLEGE FIT. The best place to connect with Sam is on LinkedIn. If you have questions about Loper or are interested in either a virtual or live presentation to your students, you can reach him at sam@getloper.com. LINKS AI Is Taking Over College Admissions Incorporating AI into the Admissions Process Loper ESAI CollegeCraft.Ai TurboLearn AI RELATED EPISODES COLLEGE ESSAYS IN THE AGE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND ACADEMIC INTEGRITY ADMISSIONS LESSONS FROM ADMISSIONS REPS ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.  

In this episode, Lisa and Alison Slater discuss:Mastering college interviews as a tool for standing out in competitive admissionsBuilding confidence and communication through intentional interview prepNavigating different formats and policies of college interviewsApplying interview skills to scholarships, internships, and future jobsKey Takeaways: Starting interview prep in junior year helps students take advantage of early opportunities, including summer interviews and scholarship deadlines that may come before applications.Building a personal elevator pitch and identifying 3–5 core values allows students to answer questions with clarity and purpose across interviews and essays.Practicing out loud and doing mock interviews with someone objective improves delivery, boosts confidence, and helps uncover forgotten strengths.AI can support interview prep and school research, but the interview itself remains a valuable, real-time moment for students to show authenticity and create a personal connection.“Interview prep is a combination of preparing the skills that you need... and doing the self-reflection to be able to speak about your experiences eloquently.” – Alison SlaterAbout Alison Slater: Alison attended Bucknell University and worked in selective college admissions for fifteen years. Interviews were her favorite part of the college application process, but she found they often became missed opportunities when students arrived nervous or unprepared. Now, Alison helps students make strong impressions by preparing thoughtfully and approaching each interview with a clear plan.Episode References:#170 AI and College Essays: What Families Need to Know with Susan Knoppow: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/170#173 The Top 3 Scholarship Essays That Win Money with Leia LeMaster Horton: https://flourishcoachingco.com/173Alison's Practice Interview Questions: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6680dabe235f54454a61cb47/t/67e1d8b1e9be040252804a25/1742854322162/Common+Interview+Questions.pdfGet Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret). flourishcoachingco.com/video Connect with Alison:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/interviewprepllc/Website: http://www.interviewprepllc.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-slater/ & https://www.linkedin.com/company/interview-prep-llc/Connect with Lisa:Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingcoInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co

In this episode you will hear:   Mark shares four things from his Texas trip he thinks will be of interest to our listeners. .  Mark shares why he does not think high schools should rank students.   Mark interviews John Pollard, Dean of Admissions of Franke Honors College at the University of  Arizona. John gives an overview of Honors Colleges in the United States. Preview o   John gives an overview of the national landscape when it comes to Honors Colleges o   John explains some outstanding strengths that almost all Honors colleges have in common o   John gives the history of Honors colleges, and he shares how they have evolved over the last 30 to 40 years o   John shares what questions students and parents need to ask to differentiate between one Honors college and another one and he gives us eight questions that students and parents need to ask when comparing one Honors College to another o   John lets us know the difference between an Honors College and an Honors Program o   John talks about the caliber of the faculty that Honors colleges attract o   John shares the three ways in which students have an Honors experience academically     Speakpipe.com/YCBK is our method if you want to ask a question and we will be prioritizing all questions sent in via Speakpipe. Unfortunately, we will NOT answer questions on the podcast anymore that are emailed in. If you want us to answer a question on the podcast, please use speakpipe.com/YCBK. We feel hearing from our listeners in their own voices adds to the community feel of our podcast.   You can also use this for many other purposes: 1) Send us constructive criticism about how we can improve our podcast 2) Share an encouraging word about something you like about an episode or the podcast in general 3) Share a topic or an article you would like us to address 4) Share a speaker you want us to interview 5) Leave positive feedback for one of our interviewees. We will send your verbal feedback directly to them and I can almost assure you, your positive feedback will make their day.   To sign up to receive Your College-Bound Kid PLUS, our new monthly admissions newsletter, delivered directly to your email once a month, just go to yourcollegeboundkid.com, and you will see the sign-up popup. We will include many of the hot topics being discussed on college campuses.   Check out our new blog. We write timely and insightful articles on college admissions:   On X for our podcast:   https://twitter.com/YCBKpodcast   1. To access our transcripts, click: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/transcripts/ 2. Find the specific episode transcripts for the one you want to search and click the link 3. Find the magnifying glass icon in blue (search feature) and click it 4. Enter whatever word you want to search. I.e. Loans 5. Every word in that episode when the words loans are used, will be highlighted in yellow with a timestamps 6. Click the word highlighted in yellow and the player will play the episode from that starting point 7. You can also download the entire podcast as a transcript   We would be honored if you will pass this podcast episode on to others who you feel will benefit from the content in YCBK.   Please subscribe to our podcast. It really helps us move up in Apple's search feature so others can find our podcast.   If you enjoy our podcast, would you please do us a favor and share our podcast both verbally and on social media? We would be most grateful!   If you want to help more people find Your College-Bound Kid, please make sure you follow our podcast. You will also get instant notifications as soon as each episode goes live.   Check out the college admissions books Mark recommends:   Check out the college websites Mark recommends:   If you want to have some input about what you like and what you recommend, we change about our podcast, please complete our Podcast survey; here is the link:     If you want a college consultation with Mark or Lisa or Lynda, just text Mark at 404-664-4340 or email Lisa at or Lynda at Lynda@schoolmatch4u.com. All we ask is that you review their services and pricing on their website before the complimentary session; here is link to their services with transparent pricing: https://schoolmatch4u.com/services/compare-packages/

Your college application isn't just paperwork—it's your personal sales pitch. It's how you present your academic story, your values, and your potential to admissions committees who may only spend a few minutes reviewing it. In the fourth episode of our ... Read More » The post 578: College Applications 101: Everything You Need to Know (College Admissions Essentials #4) appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel tackles a concern we hear often from families: “What if my kid isn't the extroverted type who starts clubs or rallies crowds?” What happens when a student is deeply curious, authentic, and passionate—but in a quieter, more individual way? Thomas breaks down what admissions officers actually value, why solo work can absolutely shine, and how to ensure your quieter approach still connects outside your own bubble. With real examples from students who were more introspective but still successful at the most competitive schools, this episode will help you reframe what leadership, initiative, and involvement really mean—and how to lean into your strengths, even if they look different from everyone else's. Key Takeaways: Being Introverted Isn't a Red Flag: You don't need to lead 100 people to be seen as a leader. You just need to show passion, initiative, and depth—on your own terms. Independent Work Still Counts as Involvement: Internships, research, and solo projects are valid forms of engagement. If you're working with a local lab, nature center, or professor—that is community involvement. But You Can't Stay in a Bubble: Doing everything in isolation won't cut it. Admissions officers are looking for signs that you'll engage with a college community. Find ways to bring your work into the world—through mentorship, volunteering, presentations, or collaboration. Top Schools Value Depth Over Performance: Real curiosity and consistency go further than surface-level leadership. What matters most is how well you understand yourself and how thoughtfully you pursue your interests. You don't need to be someone else to succeed in this process—but you do need to stretch. That might mean presenting your research, finding collaborators, or simply joining a community tied to your interest. Whatever your personality, the key is showing that your work doesn't exist in a vacuum. Let your ideas breathe outside your own world. You're not applying to college to live alone in a lab or in your head—you're joining a community. Admissions officers want to see that you're ready for that in a way that's still true to who you are. Are you an introvert navigating this process? We want to hear your story. DM us your questions @admittedlyco on Instagram or TikTok. Visit www.admittedly.co for more resources and support.

In this episode you will hear:   (01:45) Question from a listener:  Mark and Hillary answer a question from a listener who wants to know how AI is being used in admissions (17:33) Second Question from a listener: Barry from New Jersey wants to know more about dual enrollment, and especially how dual enrollment classes are interpreted by colleges for a physical applicant (42:20) Interview: Mark Stucker and Nate Haveman,  VP of enrollment of Hope College Preview of Part 3 of 4 v  Nate tells us about why he is so impressed with President Scoggin v  Nate tells us about the Racquet Sports management program that Hope offers v  Nate tells us about the most popular majors at HOPE v  Nate tells us about what it means that HOPE is a “Colleges That Change Lives” school v  Nate talks about the outstanding art music, dance and theater programs at HOPE v  Nate answers the question, would a student who a Christian is not fit in at HOPE v  Nate talks about the political affiliation of the students at HOPE v  Nate talks about who the small colleges they overlap with are. v  Nate talks about the things that when he is reading an admissions file makes them pop and stand out v  Nate explains why students pick HOPE over there other cross-apps         Speakpipe.com/YCBK is our method if you want to ask a question and we will be prioritizing all questions sent in via Speakpipe. Unfortunately, we will NOT answer questions on the podcast anymore that are emailed in. If you want us to answer a question on the podcast, please use speakpipe.com/YCBK. We feel hearing from our listeners in their own voices adds to the community feel of our podcast.   You can also use this for many other purposes: 1) Send us constructive criticism about how we can improve our podcast 2) Share an encouraging word about something you like about an episode or the podcast in general 3) Share a topic or an article you would like us to address 4) Share a speaker you want us to interview 5) Leave positive feedback for one of our interviewees. We will send your verbal feedback directly to them and I can almost assure you, your positive feedback will make their day.   To sign up to receive Your College-Bound Kid PLUS, our new monthly admissions newsletter, delivered directly to your email once a month, just go to yourcollegeboundkid.com, and you will see the sign-up popup. We will include many of the hot topics being discussed on college campuses.   Check out our new blog. We write timely and insightful articles on college admissions:   Follow Mark Stucker on Twitter to get breaking college admission news, and updates about the podcast before they go live. You can ask questions on Twitter that he will answer on the podcast. Mark will also share additional hot topics in the news and breaking news on this Twitter feed. Twitter message is also the preferred way to ask questions for our podcast:   https://twitter.com/YCBKpodcast   1. To access our transcripts, click: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/transcripts/ 2. Find the specific episode transcripts for the one you want to search and click the link 3. Find the magnifying glass icon in blue (search feature) and click it 4. Enter whatever word you want to search. I.e. Loans 5. Every word in that episode when the words loans are used, will be highlighted in yellow with a timestamps 6. Click the word highlighted in yellow and the player will play the episode from that starting point 7. You can also download the entire podcast as a transcript   We would be honored if you will pass this podcast episode on to others who you feel will benefit from the content in YCBK.   Please subscribe to our podcast. It really helps us move up in Apple's search feature so others can find our podcast.   If you enjoy our podcast, would you please do us a favor and share our podcast both verbally and on social media? We would be most grateful!   If you want to help more people find Your College-Bound Kid, please make sure you follow our podcast. You will also get instant notifications as soon as each episode goes live.   Check out the college admissions books Mark recommends:   Check out the college websites Mark recommends:   If you want to have some input about what you like and what you recommend, we change about our podcast, please complete our Podcast survey; here is the link:     If you want a college consultation with Mark or Lisa or Lynda, just text Mark at 404-664-4340 or email Lisa at or Lynda at Lynda@schoolmatch4u.com. All we ask is that you review their services and pricing on their website before the complimentary session; here is link to their services with transparent pricing: https://schoolmatch4u.com/services/compare-packages/

In this episode of the Mad Rush Podcast, host Tricia Addicks welcomes Brian Eufinger, owner of Edison Prep, to discuss the landscape of college admissions and test preparation. Brian shares the importance of a strong GPA, extracurricular activities, and strategic planning for SAT/ACTs. He emphasizes the long-term impact of these scores on internships and job applications. Throughout the conversation, Brian provides valuable tips on creating effective college essays, the significance of early preparation, and debunks myths about the 'test-optional' policy. Additionally, he introduces helpful resources such as free mock tests and merit aid grids for financial planning. This episode is a deep dive into optimizing the college prep process to achieve the best possible outcomes for students. 00:00 Introduction to the Mad Rush Podcast 00:03 The Importance of Test Scores Beyond College 01:35 Meet Brian Eufinger of Edison Prep 02:17 The Journey and Success of Edison Prep 02:49 The Value of Hard Work and Test Prep 03:19 Real-Life Stories of Test Prep Success 04:05 The Role of Parents in Test Prep 04:43 Financial Benefits of High Test Scores 06:10 The Impact of GPA on College Admissions 16:40 Understanding Yield Protection in College Admissions 21:55 The Importance of Early Decision and Application Strategies 34:04 Final Tips for College Admissions Success 36:14 Designing a Summer Plan for SAT/ACT Prep 37:15 Understanding the Costs of SAT/ACT 37:38 State and District Funded Testing 41:12 The Importance of Super Scoring 46:51 Test Optional Misconceptions 54:15 The Long-Term Value of Test Scores 56:47 The Role of Essays in College Admissions 01:01:18 The Importance of College Counselors 01:04:27 Edison Prep Services and Resources 01:07:56 Conclusion and Contact Information Brian's Info:

The college admissions process can be incredibly competitive and stressful―intense strategizing is required. The lack of clarity around the role that standardized admissions tests such as the SAT and ACT play in the process doesn't help. College admissions coach Nancy Steenson joins podcast host John Bryson on how best to navigate the evolving college admissions environment.

In this special episode recorded on site at SXSW EDU, Dustin speaks with Ana Homayoun, executive functioning expert, author, and founder of Green Ivy Educational Consulting and Luminaria Learning. Ana has spent 25 years helping students develop the organization, planning, and adaptability skills they need to thrive in school, work, and life. She explains why higher ed institutions must start teaching executive functioning skills, how this can boost retention and student well-being, and why these abilities are just as critical as technical knowledge for career success.Guest Name: Ana Homayoun - Author, Nonprofit Executive, & Independent Academic AdvisorGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Ana Homayoun is a noted author, academic advisor, and early career development strategist. Her work focuses on helping students develop executive functioning skills in today's technology and social media world. Her latest book, Erasing the Finish Line: The New Blueprint for Success Beyond Grades and College Admissions, underscores the fundamental skills needed for academic success, emotional well-being and long-term workforce development. Ana is the founder of Green Ivy Educational Consulting, a Silicon Valley-based academic advising firm that helps students, parents and educators with crucial executive function and life-management skills. She is also the founder and executive director of Luminaria Learning Solutions, a non-profit initiative developing the Life Navigator School Advisory Program, an executive function skills curriculum rooted in social and emotional well-being that aims to prepare students for success in and outside of the classroom. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you'll like other Enrollify shows too!Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

Welcome to Part 2 of 2 of this mini-series on AI in college admission! In our last episode, I interviewed Jen Rubin from foundry10 on how students and counselors are using AI in the college admission process. In today's episode I'll get into what colleges have to say, and what I would advise as a result. I'll get into: My biggest concern with AI… in general (spoiler: it's much bigger than college applications) My concerns related to AI use in the college application process   Common App guidelines + What colleges have to say around AI use What I believe students might miss out on if they use AI to write their essays for them My advice to students and counselors We hope you enjoy!   Play-by-Play: 2:12 – What is Ethan's biggest concern with AI?  3:29 – CommonApp Guidelines 4:09 – What do colleges have to say about AI use in the application process?   7:05 – What does Ethan believe students might miss out on if they use AI to write their essays for them? 12:00 – Can Chat GPT and AI be useful in certain contexts? 13:34 – AI use and environmental impacts  14:26 – Closing thoughts    Resources: CEG Podcast Episode 605 - Navigating College Applications with AI (Part 1): How High School Teachers and Students Use Tools Like ChatGPT Blog Version of this episode – Navigating College Applications with AI: What Colleges Say + CEG's Advice to Students and Counselors CEG's Thoughts on AI and College Application Essays Duncan Sabian – Article on AI Safety AI 2027 CommonApp Affirmation Statement College Statements on AI Usage Princeton University CalTech Brown University University of California (UC) System Gonzaga University Southern Methodist University (Graduate) University of Melbourne (Outside the US) As Use of A.I. Soars, So Does the Energy and Water It Requires Jeff Neill's Tech-Neill-ogy  College Essay Guy's Personal Statement Resources College Essay Guy's College Application Hub  

Today's guest is Kathleen deLaski, author of the thought-provoking new book: Who Needs College Anymore? Imagining A Future Where Degrees Won't Matter. Kathleen spent 20 years as a journalist, including time as an ABC News White House correspondent. In the second half of her career, she has focused on education reform, cofounding or founding several national nonprofits, notably the Education Design Lab, which led her toward this book. After stepping down as president to become board chair, Kathleen also spends time as a senior advisor to the Project on Workforce at Harvard University and teaches human-centered design and higher ed reform as an adjunct professor at George Mason University. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly e-newsletter on education entrepreneurship and innovation at edentrepreneur.org.

The last thing anybody wants to do is sit for a meaningless test. Entrance exams like the SAT & ACT should be able to inform both test takers and target institutions about the likelihood of success at the next level. So do they? Amy and Mike invited educator David Blobaum to explore the predictive validity of test scores in college admissions. What are five things you will learn in this episode? Research says that SAT/ACT scores are better predictors of success at Ivy-plus colleges than are high school grades–why? Have any other colleges beyond the Ivy-plus colleges made similar statements? Why have colleges not gone back to requiring test scores then if they're so predictive? Do test-optional colleges value SAT/ACT scores? Are test-blind colleges blind to all tests? MEET OUR GUEST David Blobaum graduated from the University of Chicago with honors both from the college and in his major. In college, he took seriously the University of Chicago's aim of a “Renaissance” or well-rounded education and took courses in 17 different disciplines, ranging from Statistics and Economics to Philosophy and Art History. Since then, he has devoted himself to helping students reach their potential on the SAT and ACT and, more broadly, to help them succeed through education.  To that end, in 2013, he founded Summit Prep with a former UChicago classmate. They now have two tutoring centers in New Jersey, and their team of SAT/ACT experts privately tutors over 500 students per year. David is a consultant to schools on SAT/ACT best practices, personally trains each Summit Prep tutor one-on-one, and tutors a select few students himself. David not only teaches students the necessary subject matter but also motivates them to continually strive towards their potential. David first appeared on the podcast in episode 79 to discuss Why The SAT And ACT Are Awesome, in episode 582 to discuss The Need For Testing Sites In California, and in episode 421 for a Sponsor Spotlight. Find David at https://summitprep.com/. LINKS Common Data Set AP Exam Scores Are Important For College Admissions  The Rumors Are... True. Testing is Coming Back. SAT And ACT Scores Are More Predictive Than Grades? RELATED EPISODES HOW GRADING POLICIES INFLUENCE GRADE INFLATION WHO LOSES WHEN WE ABOLISH ENTRANCE EXAMS? WHY TESTS MATTER: STUDENT PERSPECTIVES WHY UC WAS WRONG TO STOP USING THE SAT ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.  

Host Jonathan Hughes talks with Mark Stucker, host and producer of the podcast Your College-Bound Kid, about recent key trends in college admissions. They discuss AI, student diversity, direct admissions, college fit, how students can prepare for the admissions process, and more.

In this episode you will hear:   Mark shares two things from his Texas trip he thinks will be of interest to our listeners. .  Mark shares how he answers the question, “What Can I Do To Support My Student With The College Admissions Process” Mark interviews John Pollard, Dean of Admissions of Franke Honors College at the University of Arizona, Topic, Understanding the University of Arizona Preview of Part 2 of 2 ·         John talks about the strength of the engineering program ·         John talks about the strength of the fine arts program at U of A ·         John talks about he marching band program at U of A ·         John talks about creative photography and ·         John talks about the school spirit around sports at U of A ·         John talks about the Greek life at U of A ·         John describes the personality at U of A ·         John talks about the weather at U of A ·         John talks about the merit scholarships at U of A ·         John talks about some of the challenges U of A has faced recently ·         John talks about the new President at U of A     Speakpipe.com/YCBK is our method if you want to ask a question and we will be prioritizing all questions sent in via Speakpipe. Unfortunately, we will NOT answer questions on the podcast anymore that are emailed in. If you want us to answer a question on the podcast, please use speakpipe.com/YCBK. We feel hearing from our listeners in their own voices adds to the community feel of our podcast.   You can also use this for many other purposes: 1) Send us constructive criticism about how we can improve our podcast 2) Share an encouraging word about something you like about an episode or the podcast in general 3) Share a topic or an article you would like us to address 4) Share a speaker you want us to interview 5) Leave positive feedback for one of our interviewees. We will send your verbal feedback directly to them and I can almost assure you, your positive feedback will make their day.   To sign up to receive Your College-Bound Kid PLUS, our new monthly admissions newsletter, delivered directly to your email once a month, just go to yourcollegeboundkid.com, and you will see the sign-up popup. We will include many of the hot topics being discussed on college campuses.   Check out our new blog. We write timely and insightful articles on college admissions:   On X for our podcast:   https://twitter.com/YCBKpodcast   1. To access our transcripts, click: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/transcripts/ 2. Find the specific episode transcripts for the one you want to search and click the link 3. Find the magnifying glass icon in blue (search feature) and click it 4. Enter whatever word you want to search. I.e. Loans 5. Every word in that episode when the words loans are used, will be highlighted in yellow with a timestamps 6. Click the word highlighted in yellow and the player will play the episode from that starting point 7. You can also download the entire podcast as a transcript   We would be honored if you will pass this podcast episode on to others who you feel will benefit from the content in YCBK.   Please subscribe to our podcast. It really helps us move up in Apple's search feature so others can find our podcast.   If you enjoy our podcast, would you please do us a favor and share our podcast both verbally and on social media? We would be most grateful!   If you want to help more people find Your College-Bound Kid, please make sure you follow our podcast. You will also get instant notifications as soon as each episode goes live.   Check out the college admissions books Mark recommends:   Check out the college websites Mark recommends:   If you want to have some input about what you like and what you recommend, we change about our podcast, please complete our Podcast survey; here is the link:     If you want a college consultation with Mark or Lisa or Lynda, just text Mark at 404-664-4340 or email Lisa at or Lynda at Lynda@schoolmatch4u.com. All we ask is that you review their services and pricing on their website before the complimentary session; here is link to their services with transparent pricing: https://schoolmatch4u.com/services/compare-packages/

You've made it to the end of AP season—or you're just about to. So… what now? In this episode, I share what successful students actually do after their exams are over to prepare for college applications. These are the same strategies used by Ivy League, Stanford, and MIT admits—and they're simple, clear, and powerful.You'll learn:Why the summer after junior year is a “bonus semester”The two questions your application must answerWhat aligned action looks like (with real student examples)How to recover, reflect, and move forward with purposeA simple 3-step plan you can start this weekWhether you're feeling burned out or just unsure of your next step—this episode will help you reset your direction and use your time wisely.

College admissions have long favored those with access—whether that's legacy ties, zip code advantages, or the ability to afford pricey private consultants. But now, the game is changing. Artificial Intelligence is emerging as a powerful equalizer in education, and one startup is turning that promise into reality. Just days ago, Shark Tank investor Mark Cuban backed ESAI, a platform founded by Julia Dixon that's helping students craft authentic, compelling college applications—without ghostwriting, gimmicks, or gatekeeping.If elite-level college admissions support has traditionally come with an elite price tag, can AI finally break down those barriers for good?On this episode of DisruptED, guest host Darin Francis, Managing Partner & CEO of Harbinger Lane Consulting, speaks with Julia Dixon, Founder of ESAI. The conversation, recorded live at the ASU+GSV Summit, explores how Dixon's platform is flipping the script on college advising, giving hundreds of thousands of students high-touch guidance powered by data, storytelling, and ethical AI.The main topics of conversation…Dixon explains how ESAI helps students uncover personal narratives that make their applications stronger, without writing essays for them.The platform has engaged over 33 million students via TikTok, offering Gen Z a relatable, accessible on-ramp to the admissions process.Ethical design is at the core of ESAI's AI tools, developed with input from current and former admissions officers to ensure the platform empowers students without compromising integrity.Julia Dixon is the Founder and CEO of ESAI, an AI-powered college admissions platform that has helped over 550,000 students and saved families more than $150 million in advising costs. With a background in cultural strategy and marketing at Weber Shandwick and a strong focus on Gen Z engagement, she has driven 33M+ views on TikTok to expand ESAI's reach. A University of Michigan alum and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, Dixon combines deep industry knowledge with a mission to make ethical, personalized college support accessible to all.

I wanted to have Dan on the show to learn more about the inner workings of the mysterious private tutor world.  When I was coming up, private tutors were hardly a thing; now, they can be a difference maker.  Access to elite educational opportunities is a key line of division in our fracturing society and, while in education we tend to look for systemic solutions, what's going on with private tutors suggests that individual intervention may be where we want to focus.  Tune in to this fascinating conversation to learn:Why parents around the world are willing to pay people like Dan upwards of $2000 per hour to help their kids do better on standardized testsWhat close reading is and why it's the secret to standardized test success Just what is being measured by standardized tests, and why should we care about itWhy, despite their issues and limitations, many schools are turning back to standardized test scores to help sort candidatesHow the best schools in the world are designed to create lifelong learners rather than for information/curriculum deliveryAnd Much, much moreConnect with Nick Halaris: Nick Halaris website and newletter (sign up!) Nick Halaris on Instagram Nick Halaris on linkedin Nick Halaris on Twitter

Double deposits, college decisions, admissions policies, financial aid penalties—families need to know what really happens when students commit to two colleges. Pearl and Andy Lockwood break down the legal, ethical, and financial dangers of double depositing—and why it could backfire for Class of 2025 students and families navigating college admissions. In this episode: ✔ What double depositing is and why families consider it ✔ Real consequences from colleges if they find out ✔ How it impacts financial aid, enrollment, and credibility ✔ Better decision strategies for uncertain students

In this episode you will hear:   (01:36) Question from a listener:  Mark and Hillary continue giving tips for college fairs but then they discuss how it lands when a student doesn't have any service hours. (17:33) Interview: Mark Stucker and Nate Haveman,  VP of enrollment of Hope College Preview of Part 2 of 4 v  Nate and I talk about why college costs so much these days v  Nate goes back to Hope Forward and goes into more in depth explaining things like, how are students selected for Hope Forward and is it based more on merit or need, and what is the interview process like v  Nate talks about how unique it is for a liberal arts school to offer both business and engineering, like Hope provides v  Nate talks about the role of research at Hope v  Nate talks about study abroad opportunities at Hope   (32:22) College Spotlight-Kevin Newton, Changes in International Admissions-2 of 2       Speakpipe.com/YCBK is our method if you want to ask a question and we will be prioritizing all questions sent in via Speakpipe. Unfortunately, we will NOT answer questions on the podcast anymore that are emailed in. If you want us to answer a question on the podcast, please use speakpipe.com/YCBK. We feel hearing from our listeners in their own voices adds to the community feel of our podcast.   You can also use this for many other purposes: 1) Send us constructive criticism about how we can improve our podcast 2) Share an encouraging word about something you like about an episode or the podcast in general 3) Share a topic or an article you would like us to address 4) Share a speaker you want us to interview 5) Leave positive feedback for one of our interviewees. We will send your verbal feedback directly to them and I can almost assure you, your positive feedback will make their day.   To sign up to receive Your College-Bound Kid PLUS, our new monthly admissions newsletter, delivered directly to your email once a month, just go to yourcollegeboundkid.com, and you will see the sign-up popup. We will include many of the hot topics being discussed on college campuses.   Check out our new blog. We write timely and insightful articles on college admissions:   Follow Mark Stucker on Twitter to get breaking college admission news, and updates about the podcast before they go live. You can ask questions on Twitter that he will answer on the podcast. Mark will also share additional hot topics in the news and breaking news on this Twitter feed. Twitter message is also the preferred way to ask questions for our podcast:   https://twitter.com/YCBKpodcast   1. To access our transcripts, click: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/transcripts/ 2. Find the specific episode transcripts for the one you want to search and click the link 3. Find the magnifying glass icon in blue (search feature) and click it 4. Enter whatever word you want to search. I.e. Loans 5. Every word in that episode when the words loans are used, will be highlighted in yellow with a timestamps 6. Click the word highlighted in yellow and the player will play the episode from that starting point 7. You can also download the entire podcast as a transcript   We would be honored if you will pass this podcast episode on to others who you feel will benefit from the content in YCBK.   Please subscribe to our podcast. It really helps us move up in Apple's search feature so others can find our podcast.   If you enjoy our podcast, would you please do us a favor and share our podcast both verbally and on social media? We would be most grateful!   If you want to help more people find Your College-Bound Kid, please make sure you follow our podcast. You will also get instant notifications as soon as each episode goes live.   Check out the college admissions books Mark recommends:   Check out the college websites Mark recommends:   If you want to have some input about what you like and what you recommend, we change about our podcast, please complete our Podcast survey; here is the link:     If you want a college consultation with Mark or Lisa or Lynda, just text Mark at 404-664-4340 or email Lisa at or Lynda at Lynda@schoolmatch4u.com. All we ask is that you review their services and pricing on their website before the complimentary session; here is link to their services with transparent pricing: https://schoolmatch4u.com/services/compare-packages/

Are you feeling pressure to make the most of summer—but not sure what actually matters for college admissions? In this episode, Steve Gardner breaks down the three most common mistakes high-achieving students make when planning their summer... and shows you how to avoid them.You'll meet:Sophia, who overloaded her schedule trying to impress collegesDaniel, who created a meaningful project from a single questionAnd Bryanna, a real student whose summer project led to research, grants, and scholarship offersWhether you're feeling behind or just overwhelmed, this episode will help you create a summer that builds not just a stronger application—but a stronger you.-----To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our websiteTo follow on Instagram:  @TheIvyLeagueChallengeTo join us on our Facebook group for parents

The latest episode is with Jenny Rickard, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Common App, a not-for-profit membership organization committed to the pursuit of access, equity, and integrity in the college admission process. Each year, more than one million students, one-third of whom are first-generation, apply to college through Common App's online application. Ms. Rickard was a pleasure to interview, it was fun conversation with lots of great details about her personal journey coupled with great insights and advice for our listeners. Ms. Rickard has shown a strong commitment to college access as evidenced by her accomplishments as the chief enrollment officer at both the University of Puget Sound and Bryn Mawr and in admission roles at Swarthmore and New York University School of Law. Her extensive service within the national higher education community includes a wide range of roles with the College Board, Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools (ACCIS), US Department of Education, and The Common Application Board of Directors — serving as Board President from 2007 to 2008. Within the corporate field, Ms. Rickard was a vice president responsible for higher education product strategy at PeopleSoft. She was also a consultant for the higher education software company Datatel and started her career on Wall Street at J.P. Morgan & Co. Since she joined Common App in August of 2016, the organization has developed a long-term strategic plan and roadmap and has expanded its access initiatives, including the acquisition of Reach Higher, the college access and success campaign founded by former First Lady Michelle Obama during her time in the White House, and the development of a new application system for transfer and adult students. Ms. Rickard serves on the board of directors for the Posse Foundation and College Possible. She is an advisory board member for the National Education Equity Lab and Liaison GradCAS, a centralized application for graduation admission, and she currently sits on the American Council on Education's Washington Higher Education Secretariat. She received a doctorate in higher education management from the University of Pennsylvania; a Master of Business Administration degree from New York University, Stern School of Business; and a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Swarthmore College. This interview was extra special for Eli and Jordana due to the common connection of Swarthmore College. It was an fun interview for them, especially connecting on all things Swarthmore. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

In this episode you will hear:   Mark gives out awards in 25 different categories to the 11 colleges he visited in Texas in his 3 weeks he spent in Texas in April.   Mark interviews John Pollard, Dean of Admissions of Franke Honors College at the University of Arizona, Topic, Understanding the University of Arizona Preview of Part 1 of 2 ·         John gives his backstory ·         John shares what changes he has seen at the University of Arizona ·         John shares the changes at the campus of U of A? ·         John talks about the changes on campus ·         John talks about the world class research being done at U of A ·         How does being close to the border impact school culture ·         John talks about the strength of the Scientific research at U of A ·         John talks about the strength of the Health Sciences at U of A ·         John talks about the strength of Environmental Studies at U of A ·         John tells us more about the unique strengths of the SALT Center at U of A     Speakpipe.com/YCBK is our method if you want to ask a question and we will be prioritizing all questions sent in via Speakpipe. Unfortunately, we will NOT answer questions on the podcast anymore that are emailed in. If you want us to answer a question on the podcast, please use speakpipe.com/YCBK. We feel hearing from our listeners in their own voices adds to the community feel of our podcast.   You can also use this for many other purposes: 1) Send us constructive criticism about how we can improve our podcast 2) Share an encouraging word about something you like about an episode or the podcast in general 3) Share a topic or an article you would like us to address 4) Share a speaker you want us to interview 5) Leave positive feedback for one of our interviewees. We will send your verbal feedback directly to them and I can almost assure you, your positive feedback will make their day.   To sign up to receive Your College-Bound Kid PLUS, our new monthly admissions newsletter, delivered directly to your email once a month, just go to yourcollegeboundkid.com, and you will see the sign-up popup. We will include many of the hot topics being discussed on college campuses.   Check out our new blog. We write timely and insightful articles on college admissions:   On X for our podcast:   https://twitter.com/YCBKpodcast   1. To access our transcripts, click: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/transcripts/ 2. Find the specific episode transcripts for the one you want to search and click the link 3. Find the magnifying glass icon in blue (search feature) and click it 4. Enter whatever word you want to search. I.e. Loans 5. Every word in that episode when the words loans are used, will be highlighted in yellow with a timestamps 6. Click the word highlighted in yellow and the player will play the episode from that starting point 7. You can also download the entire podcast as a transcript   We would be honored if you will pass this podcast episode on to others who you feel will benefit from the content in YCBK.   Please subscribe to our podcast. It really helps us move up in Apple's search feature so others can find our podcast.   If you enjoy our podcast, would you please do us a favor and share our podcast both verbally and on social media? We would be most grateful!   If you want to help more people find Your College-Bound Kid, please make sure you follow our podcast. You will also get instant notifications as soon as each episode goes live.   Check out the college admissions books Mark recommends:   Check out the college websites Mark recommends:   If you want to have some input about what you like and what you recommend, we change about our podcast, please complete our Podcast survey; here is the link:     If you want a college consultation with Mark or Lisa or Lynda, just text Mark at 404-664-4340 or email Lisa at or Lynda at Lynda@schoolmatch4u.com. All we ask is that you review their services and pricing on their website before the complimentary session; here is link to their services with transparent pricing: https://schoolmatch4u.com/services/compare-packages/

In this episode you will hear:   (02:30) In The News Vince Garcia and Mark Stucker discuss observations from admission decisions from this year's class. Part 3 of 3 (16:55) Question from a listener:  Mark and Susan answer a question from a listener who wants advice for student who is content getting B's (50:00) Interview: Mark Stucker and Nate Haveman,  VP of enrollment of Hope College Preview of Part 1 of 4 v  Nate gives his backstory v  Nate explains how Hope is different from other colleges v  Nate talks about how attending HOPE impacting him as a student v  Nate tells us what the tradition of “The Pull” is at HOPE college v  Nate tells us how big Hope is v  Nate tells us more about Holland, Michigan v  Nate tells us about a very exciting new initiative known as “Hope Forward'   (01:09:54) College Spotlight-Kevin Newton, Changes in International Admissions       Speakpipe.com/YCBK is our method if you want to ask a question and we will be prioritizing all questions sent in via Speakpipe. Unfortunately, we will NOT answer questions on the podcast anymore that are emailed in. If you want us to answer a question on the podcast, please use speakpipe.com/YCBK. We feel hearing from our listeners in their own voices adds to the community feel of our podcast.   You can also use this for many other purposes: 1) Send us constructive criticism about how we can improve our podcast 2) Share an encouraging word about something you like about an episode or the podcast in general 3) Share a topic or an article you would like us to address 4) Share a speaker you want us to interview 5) Leave positive feedback for one of our interviewees. We will send your verbal feedback directly to them and I can almost assure you, your positive feedback will make their day.   To sign up to receive Your College-Bound Kid PLUS, our new monthly admissions newsletter, delivered directly to your email once a month, just go to yourcollegeboundkid.com, and you will see the sign-up popup. We will include many of the hot topics being discussed on college campuses.   Check out our new blog. We write timely and insightful articles on college admissions:   Follow Mark Stucker on Twitter to get breaking college admission news, and updates about the podcast before they go live. You can ask questions on Twitter that he will answer on the podcast. Mark will also share additional hot topics in the news and breaking news on this Twitter feed. Twitter message is also the preferred way to ask questions for our podcast:   https://twitter.com/YCBKpodcast   1. To access our transcripts, click: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/transcripts/ 2. Find the specific episode transcripts for the one you want to search and click the link 3. Find the magnifying glass icon in blue (search feature) and click it 4. Enter whatever word you want to search. I.e. Loans 5. Every word in that episode when the words loans are used, will be highlighted in yellow with a timestamps 6. Click the word highlighted in yellow and the player will play the episode from that starting point 7. You can also download the entire podcast as a transcript   We would be honored if you will pass this podcast episode on to others who you feel will benefit from the content in YCBK.   Please subscribe to our podcast. It really helps us move up in Apple's search feature so others can find our podcast.   If you enjoy our podcast, would you please do us a favor and share our podcast both verbally and on social media? We would be most grateful!   If you want to help more people find Your College-Bound Kid, please make sure you follow our podcast. You will also get instant notifications as soon as each episode goes live.   Check out the college admissions books Mark recommends:   Check out the college websites Mark recommends:   If you want to have some input about what you like and what you recommend, we change about our podcast, please complete our Podcast survey; here is the link:     If you want a college consultation with Mark or Lisa or Lynda, just text Mark at 404-664-4340 or email Lisa at or Lynda at Lynda@schoolmatch4u.com. All we ask is that you review their services and pricing on their website before the complimentary session; here is link to their services with transparent pricing: https://schoolmatch4u.com/services/compare-packages/

Dr. Pamela Ellis is the Education Doctor.  She helps college bound students navigate the college admission process, earn scholarships, and find a college that is a perfect fit for success.  Dr. Ellis is a consultant, award winning author, highly sought after speaker, and CEO.  In the past 5 years, 95% of her students have been admitted to their top choice colleges, receiving an average of $75,000 in scholarships. Her mission is clear: to guide students and parents through the complex college preparation process, ensuring a successful and affordable educational journey.  You can reach Dr. Ellis at her website https://compasscollegeadvisory.comA gift for you:  Message "Blueprint25" to Dr. Ellis on LinkedIn to receive her "College Blueprint," a roadmap and communication guide for high school students Some of the highlights Dr. Ellis shares:As a grade school student, a teacher told Pamela that she'd never amount to anything.  Pamela chose to prove that teacher wrong and help other students succeed and "amount to something" as well.The 5 criteria for a "great fit" for collegeAcademic - what is the student interested in studying and what is their learning style?Social - how does the student make friends and what activities do they enjoy?Financial - what makes a college affordable for that student?Vocational - what are they interested in doing after college?Cultural - find a place where the student feels celebrated not toleratedHow to reduce the financial burden of college through scholarshipsDon't procrastinate college prep until a student's senior yearLearn how to build a portfolio for scholarshipsDiscover the wide variety of scholarships availableWhere to find access to data bases of available scholarshipsWhat does your child need to thrive?Boost math and writing skillsHow a positive mindset for the student and parent enhances success Allow the student to take ownership for college admission and applying for scholarshipsHelping students learn life skills like self-advocating and making new friendsAnd moreThank you for supporting Linda's Corner! Please take a moment to share this episode, subscribe to the podcast, and leave a rating and review. Visit the Linda's Corner website at lindascornerpodcast.com, and follow us on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest @lindascornerpodcast.Discover free resources to increase happiness, build confidence, improve relationships, manage stress, and calm feelings of depression and anxiety at the Hope for Healing website: hopeforhealingfoundation.org.For a transformative experience in deep inner healing, visit healingbreathworkdetox.com—a digital platform offering life-changing results.Become the champion of your own story as you overcome life's challenges and unlock your full potential!

In today's episode, Ethan is joined by Jennifer Rubin, Senior Researcher at foundry10 and Principal Investigator of the Digital Technologies and Education Lab. Jen is a first generation college graduate and, like Ethan, she didn't have a ton of support navigating the college application and admission process. When Chat GPT was released, she wondered: How were students actually using these tools for the college essay and application process? And how can we make sure AI becomes a tool for equity, not another advantage for students who already have access?  In this conversation, Ethan and Jen get into: Some of the most interesting takeaways from her research Why higher-income students were more likely to use AI in their applications than lower-income students How educators can increase their students' AI literacy How students can use AI without losing their voice Resources/tools she recommends for students and counselors navigating this new technology And lots more. Jennifer Rubin is a Senior Researcher at foundry10 who investigates how technology shapes youth development, learning, and social connections. She earned a B.A. in Psychology from UC Berkeley before completing a dual Ph.D. in Psychology and Gender and Women's Studies at the University of Michigan. Currently, she is the Principal Investigator of the Digital Technologies and Education Lab, where she leads research on how social media, generative AI, and digital learning environments impact youth development. Her work explores how young people navigate digital spaces, strategies for educators to meaningfully integrate emerging technologies, and the essential skills needed to foster critical engagement with social media and AI tools.  Hope you enjoy!   Play-by-Play 2:26 – Jen shares her research background and what she's been working on  4:06 – What have been the most interesting takeaways from Jen's research?  5:58 – Why were higher-income students more likely to use AI in their applications than lower-income students? 9:16 – What are some practical ways for educators to increase their students' AI literacy? 13:02 – How can students use AI without losing their voice? 18:47 – What resources or tools does Jen recommend for students and counselors navigating this new technology? 22:52 – Does Jen see ethical gray areas with teacher use of AI?  29:02 – How are colleges approaching AI use in applications?  32:16 – Do AI detectors actually work?  37:16 – How does Jen use AI in her own work and writing? 43:11 – What does Jen see for the future of AI? 44:32 – What advice does Jen have for students? 46:10 – Advice for caregivers? 46:58 – Advice for educators and counselors? 48:50 – Closing thoughts Resources: Navigating College Applications with AI  | foundry10 CalTech Admissions AI Policy Princeton Admissions AI Policy Common Sense Media AI Literacy Initiatives Digital Promise: AI in Education Resources  Understanding Generative AI: Caregiver, Teacher, and Student Experiences College Essay Guy's Personal Statement Resources College Essay Guy's College Application Hub  

Mona talks with Richard Kahlenberg about a proposal to make college admissions more fair in a post race preferences world. The Mona Charen Show is a weekly, one-on-one discussion that goes in depth on political and cultural topics. New shows drop Mondays. Find this show wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube. Add the show to your player of choice, here. Listen now to the NPR Politics Podcast, only from NPR – wherever you get podcasts. Get PrivacyHawk and run your FREE privacy scan here! Use code MONA20 (iOS) / mona20 (Android) for full access to the Platinum Suite: $1M ID theft recovery insurance, dark web alerts, sensitive info monitoring, and much more—all at a special price!

In this episode you will hear:   Mark shares many ways colleges make their admit rates look lower than they are. He shows families a few ways to know if a college is doing this. .   Lisa interviews Jenny Anderson and Rebecca Winthrop, authors of the Disengaged Teen Preview of Part 4 ²  Rebecca gives us three different insights when it comes to how to appropriately handle technology in your teens life ²  Jenny adds the importance of talking with your teen about technology ²  Jenny talks about developing agency as a learner with technology ²  Jenny and Rebecca share the skills students are going to need when it comes to AI and Education ²  Rebecca and Jenny talk about the importance of critical thinking and they talk about technology as substitute for intimacy ²  Rebecca talks about the role of agency in keeping AI in perspective     Speakpipe.com/YCBK is our method if you want to ask a question and we will be prioritizing all questions sent in via Speakpipe. Unfortunately, we will NOT answer questions on the podcast anymore that are emailed in. If you want us to answer a question on the podcast, please use speakpipe.com/YCBK. We feel hearing from our listeners in their own voices adds to the community feel of our podcast.   You can also use this for many other purposes: 1) Send us constructive criticism about how we can improve our podcast 2) Share an encouraging word about something you like about an episode or the podcast in general 3) Share a topic or an article you would like us to address 4) Share a speaker you want us to interview 5) Leave positive feedback for one of our interviewees. We will send your verbal feedback directly to them and I can almost assure you, your positive feedback will make their day.   To sign up to receive Your College-Bound Kid PLUS, our new monthly admissions newsletter, delivered directly to your email once a month, just go to yourcollegeboundkid.com, and you will see the sign-up popup. We will include many of the hot topics being discussed on college campuses.   Check out our new blog. We write timely and insightful articles on college admissions:   Follow Mark Stucker on Twitter to get breaking college admission news, and updates about the podcast before they go live. You can ask questions on Twitter that he will answer on the podcast. Mark will also share additional hot topics in the news and breaking news on this Twitter feed. Twitter message is also the preferred way to ask questions for our podcast:   https://twitter.com/YCBKpodcast   1. To access our transcripts, click: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/transcripts/ 2. Find the specific episode transcripts for the one you want to search and click the link 3. Find the magnifying glass icon in blue (search feature) and click it 4. Enter whatever word you want to search. I.e. Loans 5. Every word in that episode when the words loans are used, will be highlighted in yellow with a timestamps 6. Click the word highlighted in yellow and the player will play the episode from that starting point 7. You can also download the entire podcast as a transcript   We would be honored if you will pass this podcast episode on to others who you feel will benefit from the content in YCBK.   Please subscribe to our podcast. It really helps us move up in Apple's search feature so others can find our podcast.   If you enjoy our podcast, would you please do us a favor and share our podcast both verbally and on social media? We would be most grateful!   If you want to help more people find Your College-Bound Kid, please make sure you follow our podcast. You will also get instant notifications as soon as each episode goes live.   Check out the college admissions books Mark recommends:   Check out the college websites Mark recommends:   If you want to have some input about what you like and what you recommend, we change about our podcast, please complete our Podcast survey; here is the link:     If you want a college consultation with Mark or Lisa or Lynda, just text Mark at 404-664-4340 or email Lisa at or Lynda at Lynda@schoolmatch4u.com. All we ask is that you review their services and pricing on their website before the complimentary session; here is link to their services with transparent pricing: https://schoolmatch4u.com/services/compare-packages/

Do you ever feel that knot of anxiety tightening in your stomach just thinking about college admissions? Are you a student wrestling with the fear of rejection, the pressure to be perfect, or the daunting question of "what if I'm not good enough?" Today I want to talk about dealing with this fear and pressure, for both students and their parents when it comes to the college admissions process.  In this episode, I share my own story and the reasons why I coach our students to set big goals, plus I reveal how I shifted my mindset to deal with the pressure and uncertainty - all while growing myself by embracing all the possibilities. It's my intention that this gives a perspective shift that will help you and your parents  navigate the college admissions process with more confidence, less stress, and a renewed sense of purpose!  Before we get started, for those of you who want to learn more about how we help our students get into their dream Ivy League and Top-tier colleges, you can start with our Free Intro Training at www.passionprep.com/masterclass.  Additionally, we've officially launched our PPBC: Self-Paced Online Course. This digital, step-by-step course will help you build a strong college admissions gameplan, select the right extracurriculars, brainstorm & execute your unique Passion Project, create your resume, and much more: https://passionprep.teachable.com/p/ppbc-self-paced-online-course. Get ready to open your “Congratulations, You're Accepted!” letter from your dream college! You can reserve your spot for Passion Project Bootcamp 2025 - Waitlist, our 1-year group college consulting program to get you ACCEPTED into your dream college using your passion, strength and potential. We are currently closed but you'll be notified when we open up this summer: https://passionprep.com/ppbcwaitlist/! As always, if you have questions, please reach out to our Support Team at info@passionprep.com. Also, I'd love to connect with you on Instagram – our Instagram handle is: www.instagram.com/passion_prep.

In this episode you will hear:   (01:55) In The News Vince Garcia and Mark Stucker discuss observations from admission decisions from this year's class. Part 2 of 3 (18:27) Question from a listener:  Mark and Hillary answer a question from a listener about how her student can demonstrate interest effectively (39:37) Interview: Mark Stucker and David Blobaum, The Co-Founder of Summit Test Prep Debate whether selective colleges should make the SAT or the ACT mandatory-Part 3 of 3 Preview of Part 3 of 3 ²  I share a position that one of MIT's competitors has that I agree with ²  I share a reason why I do not believe using first year GPA is a valid way to see how well a non-test submitter is doing in college ²  David pushes back a little and shares why there is some validity to looking at first year GPA ²  David talks about the “big fish small pond concept” that Malcolm Gladwell uses ²  I push back by talking about individual autonomy over your own life decisions ²  David shares the most compelling reason why he holds his view ²  David and I talk about how test scores can increase your merit scholarship ²  David goes on the hotseat ²  Mark adds a few comments about things he thought of after the debate was over   (01:09:55) College Spotlight-Jim Bok Interview, Understanding Swarthmore College Preview of Part 3 ²  I ask Jim to talk about Swarthmore's wooded arboretum campus ²  I ask Jim to share how Swarthmore and Haverford are different ²  Jim shares a little about the bi-co and tri-co consortiums ²  Jim explains what it means for a college to be a Liberal Arts school ²  Jim explains what skillset a Swarthmore liberal arts education inculcates in its graduates ²  I ask Jim about several financial challenges colleges are facing and I ask him how these financial challenges are impacting admissions ²  I ask Jim if he sees selecting colleges that are not land locked trying to expand their class size as a way of bringing in more revenue. ²  Jim goes on the hot seat in our lightning round         Speakpipe.com/YCBK is our method if you want to ask a question and we will be prioritizing all questions sent in via Speakpipe. Unfortunately, we will NOT answer questions on the podcast anymore that are emailed in. If you want us to answer a question on the podcast, please use speakpipe.com/YCBK. We feel hearing from our listeners in their own voices adds to the community feel of our podcast.   You can also use this for many other purposes: 1) Send us constructive criticism about how we can improve our podcast 2) Share an encouraging word about something you like about an episode or the podcast in general 3) Share a topic or an article you would like us to address 4) Share a speaker you want us to interview 5) Leave positive feedback for one of our interviewees. We will send your verbal feedback directly to them and I can almost assure you, your positive feedback will make their day.   To sign up to receive Your College-Bound Kid PLUS, our new monthly admissions newsletter, delivered directly to your email once a month, just go to yourcollegeboundkid.com, and you will see the sign-up popup. We will include many of the hot topics being discussed on college campuses.   Check out our new blog. We write timely and insightful articles on college admissions:   Follow Mark Stucker on Twitter to get breaking college admission news, and updates about the podcast before they go live. You can ask questions on Twitter that he will answer on the podcast. Mark will also share additional hot topics in the news and breaking news on this Twitter feed. Twitter message is also the preferred way to ask questions for our podcast:   https://twitter.com/YCBKpodcast   1. To access our transcripts, click: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/transcripts/ 2. Find the specific episode transcripts for the one you want to search and click the link 3. Find the magnifying glass icon in blue (search feature) and click it 4. Enter whatever word you want to search. I.e. Loans 5. Every word in that episode when the words loans are used, will be highlighted in yellow with a timestamps 6. Click the word highlighted in yellow and the player will play the episode from that starting point 7. You can also download the entire podcast as a transcript   We would be honored if you will pass this podcast episode on to others who you feel will benefit from the content in YCBK.   Please subscribe to our podcast. It really helps us move up in Apple's search feature so others can find our podcast.   If you enjoy our podcast, would you please do us a favor and share our podcast both verbally and on social media? We would be most grateful!   If you want to help more people find Your College-Bound Kid, please make sure you follow our podcast. You will also get instant notifications as soon as each episode goes live.   Check out the college admissions books Mark recommends:   Check out the college websites Mark recommends:   If you want to have some input about what you like and what you recommend, we change about our podcast, please complete our Podcast survey; here is the link:     If you want a college consultation with Mark or Lisa or Lynda, just text Mark at 404-664-4340 or email Lisa at or Lynda at Lynda@schoolmatch4u.com. All we ask is that you review their services and pricing on their website before the complimentary session; here is link to their services with transparent pricing: https://schoolmatch4u.com/services/compare-packages/

The ACT has been a remarkably stable exam, administered in roughly the same way for decades. However, a new version is on the horizon, and some intrepid souls have braved the uncertainty of the field test to experience it. Amy and Mike invited someone who sat for the April 2025 Enhanced ACT to share the test taker's perspective. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What were your general impressions about the enhanced ACT test experience in the digital format? What did you find to be the same on the enhanced ACT? What did you find to be different on the enhanced ACT? What recommendations would you have for a student taking the new Enhanced ACT? What should tutors know about tutoring for the new Enhanced ACT? MEET OUR GUEST Our guest today has her master's degree in higher education and has worked in multiple areas of college administration. She has been a professional SAT and ACT tutor for the last 10 years and works with students across the US for several test prep companies. She understands the preparation necessary to do well on standardized tests, especially the ACT. She prides herself on the scores she has earned on officially administered ACTs in recent years, earning consistent 36 composites. Most importantly, she recently took the first digital enhanced ACT on April 5, 2025. LINKS ACT Test Enhancements ACT Enhancement Content Rebalancing RELATED EPISODES ALL ABOUT THE ACT TEST ENHANCEMENTS CHOOSING BETWEEN THE DIGITAL SAT AND THE ACT COMPARING PAPER- AND COMPUTER-BASED TESTING ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.  

What's the real key to college admissions success? It might not be what you think. In this empowering episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker is joined by Dr. Pamela Ellis, also known as The Education Doctor. With experience guiding over 30,000 families and helping students earn an average of $75,000 in scholarships, Dr. Ellis shares invaluable insights that every parent needs to hear. In this episode, you'll learn: Why finding the right college fit matters more than just getting into a "top" school. How to debunk common college admissions myths and focus on what truly works. The crucial role parents play—without micromanaging. Tips for empowering your teen to lead their own admissions journey with confidence. How gratitude practices can support emotional health during the stressful admissions process. Whether you're just beginning to think about college or already knee-deep in applications, this episode offers actionable strategies and deep wisdom to help you and your child navigate the college admissions process with purpose and peace of mind. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 – Introduction: Why college admissions is stressful for families 00:21 – Meet Dr. Pamela Ellis: The Education Doctor's approach to college planning 01:34 – Common myths about admissions and scholarships 04:22 – How to find the “right college fit” for your teen 11:13 – The role of parents: guiding without controlling 17:19 – Helping teens take ownership of the process 22:01 – Gratitude practices and their impact on students 26:06 – When college isn't the obvious next step 28:21 – Building confidence through applications 34:16 – Supportive parenting strategies that work 38:55 – Final thoughts and next steps for families About Dr. Pamela Ellis Dr. Pamela Ellis, MBA, Ph.D., is the founder of Compass Education Strategies and author of What to Know Before They Go. Known nationally as The Education Doctor, she helps families navigate college admissions with a focus on holistic student success—academically, socially, financially, vocationally, and culturally. Resources & Links: Learn more about Dr. Pamela Ellis and her work → https://compasscollegeadvisory.com/

    Mark shares a new survey he will be doing with YCBK listeners; he shares two recommended resources for studendts Mark then shares a project a parents can do to really help their student out a lot with the college process that he isn't hearing anyone else talking about .   Lisa interviews Jenny Anderson and Rebecca Winthrop, authors of the Disengaged Teen Preview of Part 3 ²  Jennifer starts by talking about what you can do if you have a student who is stuck in resister mode ²  Rebecca talks about what we can do if we have a student who has mental health or learning differences that are impeding their success in school ²  Our authors talk about dealing with unrealistic parent expectations ²  Our authors talk about how living our your own rejection and turning it into a positive     Speakpipe.com/YCBK is our method if you want to ask a question and we will be prioritizing all questions sent in via Speakpipe. Unfortunately, we will NOT answer questions on the podcast anymore that are emailed in. If you want us to answer a question on the podcast, please use speakpipe.com/YCBK. We feel hearing from our listeners in their own voices adds to the community feel of our podcast.   You can also use this for many other purposes: 1) Send us constructive criticism about how we can improve our podcast 2) Share an encouraging word about something you like about an episode or the podcast in general 3) Share a topic or an article you would like us to address 4) Share a speaker you want us to interview 5) Leave positive feedback for one of our interviewees. We will send your verbal feedback directly to them and I can almost assure you, your positive feedback will make their day.   To sign up to receive Your College-Bound Kid PLUS, our new monthly admissions newsletter, delivered directly to your email once a month, just go to yourcollegeboundkid.com, and you will see the sign-up popup. We will include many of the hot topics being discussed on college campuses.   Check out our new blog. We write timely and insightful articles on college admissions:   Follow Mark Stucker on Twitter to get breaking college admission news, and updates about the podcast before they go live. You can ask questions on Twitter that he will answer on the podcast. Mark will also share additional hot topics in the news and breaking news on this Twitter feed. Twitter message is also the preferred way to ask questions for our podcast:   https://twitter.com/YCBKpodcast   1. To access our transcripts, click: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/transcripts/ 2. Find the specific episode transcripts for the one you want to search and click the link 3. Find the magnifying glass icon in blue (search feature) and click it 4. Enter whatever word you want to search. I.e. Loans 5. Every word in that episode when the words loans are used, will be highlighted in yellow with a timestamps 6. Click the word highlighted in yellow and the player will play the episode from that starting point 7. You can also download the entire podcast as a transcript   We would be honored if you will pass this podcast episode on to others who you feel will benefit from the content in YCBK.   Please subscribe to our podcast. It really helps us move up in Apple's search feature so others can find our podcast.   If you enjoy our podcast, would you please do us a favor and share our podcast both verbally and on social media? We would be most grateful!   If you want to help more people find Your College-Bound Kid, please make sure you follow our podcast. You will also get instant notifications as soon as each episode goes live.   Check out the college admissions books Mark recommends:   Check out the college websites Mark recommends:   If you want to have some input about what you like and what you recommend, we change about our podcast, please complete our Podcast survey; here is the link:     If you want a college consultation with Mark or Lisa or Lynda, just text Mark at 404-664-4340 or email Lisa at or Lynda at Lynda@schoolmatch4u.com. All we ask is that you review their services and pricing on their website before the complimentary session; here is link to their services with transparent pricing: https://schoolmatch4u.com/services/compare-packages/

This episode is a special one — made especially for parents of Curiosity Lab students, but meaningful for anyone raising a curious preteen.Inside, Steve shares:Why curiosity is a skill, not a personality trait — and why that mattersThe five core pillars of the Curiosity Lab (and how they work together)Three powerful ways parents can support curiosity at homeA bonus mindset shift that will change how you respond when your child says, “This is hard.”Whether your child is already enrolled in the Curiosity Lab or you're curious about what makes this program so unique, this episode will leave you inspired and equipped to support your 10–13-year-old in the most important learning window of their life.Register for the Curiosity Lab at TILC.to/CLhttps://www.globalimpactcouncil.org/gic-curiosity-labs-----To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our websiteTo follow on Instagram:  @TheIvyLeagueChallengeTo join us on our Facebook group for parents

In the final episode of our 4-part series on Homeschooling To College, Kym Kent and I are joined by our two homeschooled high school seniors as they reflect on their homeschooling experience, what the college admissions process has been like, and how they are narrowing down their many college acceptances to choose the one that is right for them by the May 1st college decision deadline. Check out Homeschooling To College Part 1: High School Prep and the Pre-Application Process Check out Homeschooling To College Part 2: Common Myths Around Admission & Affordability Check out Homeschooling To College Part 3: Insights from a College Admissions Counselor *** Subscribe to Kerry's free, weekly LiberatED e-newsletter on education trends at fee.org/liberated.

The Advanced Placement exams represent some of the most challenging subject-specific standardized tests a high schooler might ever take, and AP Economics is no exception. Amy and Mike believe that every test warrants smart, serious preparation, so we invited educator Michael Rodriguez to share valuable strategies, insights, and resources for getting ready for the AP Economics exam.  What are five things you will learn in this episode? What is tested on the Macro vs Micro AP Economics exam? How do students score points on the AP Economics exam? What are the highest priority topics on the tests? How should students prepare for the AP Economics exam? What are the best prep materials for AP Economics? MEET OUR GUEST Michael Rodriguez is a national champion speaker and debater. While he was competing, he claimed the title of national champion in Parliamentary Debate from Phi Rho Pi in 2009. Michael completed his undergraduate degree in economics at Cal State Fullerton in 2012. While in school he helped perform research on the long term implications of training students to become financially and economically literate. After college he worked as an economic consultant to law firms.   For the past 10 years, Michael has worked as a teacher at Modern Brain Academy in Irvine California and as a private tutor in AP economics.  When students learn from coach Michael, they learn how to think like an economist. Find Michael at michael@modernbrain.com. LINKS AP Microeconomics – AP Students | College Board AP Macroeconomics – AP Students | College Board 5 Steps to a 5 500 Must-Know AP Microeconomics/Macroeconomics Questions Jacob Clifford - YouTube RELATED EPISODES BIG CHANGES TO AP TESTS IN 2025 ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.  

In this episode you will hear:   (02:12) In The News Vince Garcia and Mark Stucker discuss observations from admission decisions from this year's class. (23:34) Question from a listener:  Mark and Susan answer a question from an anonymous listener who has a number of questions about selecting an engineering program (56:18) Interview: Mark Stucker and David Blobaum, The Co-Founder of Summit Test Prep Debate whether selective colleges should make the SAT or the ACT mandatory-Part 2 of 3 Preview of Part 2 of 3 ²  I share multiple other reasons why I am not in favor of a mandatory ACT or SAT policy ²  David shares what he thinks about some of the other reasons I do not favor mandatory test scores ²  I share my skepticism that the return to test scores is being motivated by a desire to admit under-represented students ²  Dave shares why he believes it was courageous for colleges to return to test scores ²  I share why the overwhelming majority of admission officers who read files, love test optional and they are discouraged if their institution returns to an ACT or SAT mandatory policy   (01:22:58) College Spotlight-Jim Bok Interview, Understanding Swarthmore College Preview of Part 2 ²  Jim Bock talks about the importance of playing ball with others ²  Jim talks about how they target students who meet their needs and not students who they think will come when making admission decisions ²  Jim talks about whether they build out predictive models to see how kids at certain high schools do at Swarthmore academically ²  Jim talks about how Swarthmore differs from schools like Pomona, Carlton, Amherst and Williams? ²  Jim talks about Swarthmore's Honors program tutorials that have been around for over 100 years ²  Jim talks about why Swarthmore is pass/fail for the first semester ²  I ask Jim to comment on some perceptions I have about Swarthmore and I ask Jim if they are correct. The first one is academically intense ²  I ask Jim if Swarthmore students are quirky ²  I ask Jim if Swarthmore students are progressive politically ²  I ask Jim if Swarthmore students are ²  I ask Jim if Swarthmore students are diverse ²  I ask Jim if Swarthmore students have an insatiable love of learning ²  I ask Jim if Swarthmore students want to change the world ²  Jim talks about the Lang center for civic and social responsibility that Swarthmore grad, Eugene Lang provided the funding for ²  Jim and I talk about how wait lists may change in light of the unforeseen future       Speakpipe.com/YCBK is our method if you want to ask a question and we will be prioritizing all questions sent in via Speakpipe. Unfortunately, we will NOT answer questions on the podcast anymore that are emailed in. If you want us to answer a question on the podcast, please use speakpipe.com/YCBK. We feel hearing from our listeners in their own voices adds to the community feel of our podcast.   You can also use this for many other purposes: 1) Send us constructive criticism about how we can improve our podcast 2) Share an encouraging word about something you like about an episode or the podcast in general 3) Share a topic or an article you would like us to address 4) Share a speaker you want us to interview 5) Leave positive feedback for one of our interviewees. We will send your verbal feedback directly to them and I can almost assure you, your positive feedback will make their day.   To sign up to receive Your College-Bound Kid PLUS, our new monthly admissions newsletter, delivered directly to your email once a month, just go to yourcollegeboundkid.com, and you will see the sign-up popup. We will include many of the hot topics being discussed on college campuses.   Check out our new blog. We write timely and insightful articles on college admissions:   Follow Mark Stucker on Twitter to get breaking college admission news, and updates about the podcast before they go live. You can ask questions on Twitter that he will answer on the podcast. Mark will also share additional hot topics in the news and breaking news on this Twitter feed. Twitter message is also the preferred way to ask questions for our podcast:   https://twitter.com/YCBKpodcast   1. To access our transcripts, click: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/transcripts/ 2. Find the specific episode transcripts for the one you want to search and click the link 3. Find the magnifying glass icon in blue (search feature) and click it 4. Enter whatever word you want to search. I.e. Loans 5. Every word in that episode when the words loans are used, will be highlighted in yellow with a timestamps 6. Click the word highlighted in yellow and the player will play the episode from that starting point 7. You can also download the entire podcast as a transcript   We would be honored if you will pass this podcast episode on to others who you feel will benefit from the content in YCBK.   Please subscribe to our podcast. It really helps us move up in Apple's search feature so others can find our podcast.   If you enjoy our podcast, would you please do us a favor and share our podcast both verbally and on social media? We would be most grateful!   If you want to help more people find Your College-Bound Kid, please make sure you follow our podcast. You will also get instant notifications as soon as each episode goes live.   Check out the college admissions books Mark recommends:   Check out the college websites Mark recommends:   If you want to have some input about what you like and what you recommend, we change about our podcast, please complete our Podcast survey; here is the link:     If you want a college consultation with Mark or Lisa or Lynda, just text Mark at 404-664-4340 or email Lisa at or Lynda at Lynda@schoolmatch4u.com. All we ask is that you review their services and pricing on their website before the complimentary session; here is link to their services with transparent pricing: https://schoolmatch4u.com/services/compare-packages/

In this captivating episode of Trending in Ed, we reconnect with the dynamic filmmaking duo, Jaye and Adam Fenderson of Three Frame Media, to explore their latest impactful project: The Class.   Stepping back into the world of education after their acclaimed film Unlikely (here's the link to their prior appearance talking about it in 2019), the Fendersons' new docuseries, now airing on PBS, intimately chronicles the journey of six East Bay students and their dedicated advisor, Mr. Cam, during the unprecedented challenges of the 2020-2021 school year.   Delving beyond the headlines, The Class offers a poignant look at the resilience, struggles, and triumphs of students navigating their path to higher education amidst a global pandemic.   Through the series, we witness the profound impact of a supportive mentor, the power of community, and the enduring importance of empathy and grace in education.   Key Takeaways: The vital role of counselors, advisors, and mentors in supporting students' journeys to and through higher education.   The transformative power of storytelling in fostering empathy and understanding.   The necessity of processing collective trauma through open conversation and community support.   The enduring resilience of students in the face of adversity.   Why You Don't Want to Miss This Episode: In a time when education faces unprecedented challenges and the need for connection and support is paramount, this episode of Trending in Ed offers a refreshing and deeply human perspective. Whether you're an educator, a student, a parent, or simply someone who cares about the future of education, this conversation with Jaye and Adam Fenderson will leave you inspired, moved, and ready to champion the CAMs (counselors, advisors, mentors) in your own community.   Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into the power of mentorship, the importance of empathy, and the resilience of the human spirit. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more amazing conversations like this one. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:25 Meet the Filmmakers: Jaye and Adam Fenderson 00:43 The Journey in Education Documentaries 00:59 The Class: A New Documentary Series 04:53 Challenges and Inspirations During the Pandemic 09:28 The Unexpected Path to PBS 10:51 Reflecting on the Impact of COVID-19 14:24 The Importance of Grace and Empathy 16:08 Challenges of Filming During the Pandemic 17:13 Introducing the Series and Its Characters 18:08 The Power of Storytelling in Building Empathy 19:37 The Impact of College Advisors 23:21 Future Projects and Final Thoughts

The Advanced Placement exams represent some of the most challenging subject-specific standardized tests a high schooler might ever take, and AP Precalculus is no exception. Amy and Mike believe that every test warrants smart, serious preparation, so we invited educator Joey Lin to share valuable strategies, insights, and resources for getting ready for the AP Precalculus exam.  What are five things you will learn in this episode? What is tested on the AP Precalculus exam? How do students score points on the AP Precalculus exam? What are the highest priority topics on the test? How should students prepare for the AP Precalculus exam? What are the best prep materials for AP Precalculus? MEET OUR GUEST Joey Lin's journey in test preparation and college admissions began in 2005 when he landed a job with Kaplan. From that moment, he was hooked on helping students navigate the pre-college process. Over the years, he has worked with a range of institutions, including Preply, PrepExpert, Northwestern University's Office of Admissions, and the University of California Office of Admissions. At Thinque Prep, Joey has dedicated himself to delivering comprehensive and results-driven programs. Whether guiding students through the SAT and ACT, leading AP exam prep courses, or providing strategic college counseling, his mission remains the same: to equip students with the skills and confidence they need to succeed. Although his career has expanded in many directions, Joey still finds joy in teaching AP content—especially math and physics, the subjects he loved most as a high schooler. Beyond test prep, Joey is deeply committed to mentorship and education reform. He frequently hosts webinars, workshops, and live sessions, providing students and parents with the knowledge they need to navigate the competitive admissions landscape successfully. Find Joey at http://www.thinqueprep.com. LINKS AP Precalculus – AP Students | College Board AP Precalculus Activities - Bryan Passwater • Collection AP Precalculus - Mr. Sindel RELATED EPISODES BIG CHANGES TO AP TESTS IN 2025 GETTING READY FOR THE AP CALCULUS AB OR BC EXAM GETTING READY FOR THE AP STATISTICS EXAM ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.  

When it comes to college applications, extracurricular activities often feel like a mystery. Are leadership titles essential? Do you need to be in five clubs? What actually matters? In this episode, we break down how students can move beyond simply ... Read More » The post 573: The Truth About Extracurriculars: What Colleges Actually Care About (College Admissions Essentials) appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

In this episode you will hear:   Mark shares insights from two conversations he had with two admission officers at the SACAC conference Mark then shares how a student can get access to the custom prompts that many colleges require in June or early July, instead of in August when the colleges release their Common Apps.   .   Lisa interviews Jenny Anderson and Rebecca Winthrop, authors of the Disengaged Teen Preview of Part 2 ²  Lisa Jenny and Rebecca continue to talk about the price we are paying as a society for the “perfectionism at all costs” mentality ²  Rebecca talks about the idea of productive struggle ²  Rebecca shares a story of a Yale student who didn't handle struggle very well ²  Jenny and Rebecca talk about what to do and what not to do if you have a kid who is stuck in passenger mode ²  Rebecca talks about what you can do to develop Explorer muscles ²  Jenny talks about the concept of tutoring to optimize     Speakpipe.com/YCBK is our method if you want to ask a question and we will be prioritizing all questions sent in via Speakpipe. Unfortunately, we will NOT answer questions on the podcast anymore that are emailed in. If you want us to answer a question on the podcast, please use speakpipe.com/YCBK. We feel hearing from our listeners in their own voices adds to the community feel of our podcast.   You can also use this for many other purposes: 1) Send us constructive criticism about how we can improve our podcast 2) Share an encouraging word about something you like about an episode or the podcast in general 3) Share a topic or an article you would like us to address 4) Share a speaker you want us to interview 5) Leave positive feedback for one of our interviewees. We will send your verbal feedback directly to them and I can almost assure you, your positive feedback will make their day.   To sign up to receive Your College-Bound Kid PLUS, our new monthly admissions newsletter, delivered directly to your email once a month, just go to yourcollegeboundkid.com, and you will see the sign-up popup. We will include many of the hot topics being discussed on college campuses.   Check out our new blog. We write timely and insightful articles on college admissions:   Follow Mark Stucker on Twitter to get breaking college admission news, and updates about the podcast before they go live. You can ask questions on Twitter that he will answer on the podcast. Mark will also share additional hot topics in the news and breaking news on this Twitter feed. Twitter message is also the preferred way to ask questions for our podcast:   https://twitter.com/YCBKpodcast   1. To access our transcripts, click: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/transcripts/ 2. Find the specific episode transcripts for the one you want to search and click the link 3. Find the magnifying glass icon in blue (search feature) and click it 4. Enter whatever word you want to search. I.e. Loans 5. Every word in that episode when the words loans are used, will be highlighted in yellow with a timestamps 6. Click the word highlighted in yellow and the player will play the episode from that starting point 7. You can also download the entire podcast as a transcript   We would be honored if you will pass this podcast episode on to others who you feel will benefit from the content in YCBK.   Please subscribe to our podcast. It really helps us move up in Apple's search feature so others can find our podcast.   If you enjoy our podcast, would you please do us a favor and share our podcast both verbally and on social media? We would be most grateful!   If you want to help more people find Your College-Bound Kid, please make sure you follow our podcast. You will also get instant notifications as soon as each episode goes live.   Check out the college admissions books Mark recommends:   Check out the college websites Mark recommends:   If you want to have some input about what you like and what you recommend, we change about our podcast, please complete our Podcast survey; here is the link:     If you want a college consultation with Mark or Lisa or Lynda, just text Mark at 404-664-4340 or email Lisa at or Lynda at Lynda@schoolmatch4u.com. All we ask is that you review their services and pricing on their website before the complimentary session; here is link to their services with transparent pricing: https://schoolmatch4u.com/services/compare-packages/

In this episode you will hear:   (02:32) In The News Andy Strickler shares some of the changes admissions offices are making due to financial pressures. Part 3 of 3 (16:28) Question from a listener:  Mark and Hillary answers questions from listeners about if a student applies for aid and doesn't submit the CSS PROFILE, should that student not be admitted? (42:05) Interview: Mark Stucker and David Blobaum, The Co-Founder of Summit Test Prep Debate whether selective colleges should make the SAT or the ACT mandatory Preview of Part 1 of 3 ²  David Blobaum gives his backstory ²  David says what his test score policy would be if he were working at a highly selective school and here is a hint, I don't agree with him ²  I ask David what he thinks about using AP scores instead of SAT or ACT scores ²  David gives some proof that colleges are using test scores ²  David shares why he feels selective colleges need to use test scores in their admissions decisions. ²  I share some other factors that can be used besides test scores that in my opinion, are better to use than test scores ²  I share the primary reason why I am not in favor of test-mandatory admissions ²  I share a creative idea that he would like to see colleges use that allows some use of scores without them having inappropriately too much weight in the admissions decisions. (01:12:08) College Spotlight-Jim Bok Interview, Understanding Swarthmore College Preview of Part 1 ²  Jim Bock tells his story from leaving Austin, Texas and heading to Swarthmore, first as a student ²  Jim shares how he answers the question, I've never heard of Swarthmore, what can you tell me about Swarthmore ²  Jim explains how Swarthmore's founding is different from Haverford, another Quaker school that they are often compared to ²  Jim shares the intellectual qualities that when he is reading a file, makes him think, this could be a good match for Swarthmore ²  Jim shares the Personal Qualities that Swat values ²  Jim explains how Committee Based Evaluation, also known as CBE works at Swarthmore College and how they use CBE to evaluate an admission applicant ²  Jim explains the difference between reading a file with CBE vs the traditional way they read files before they implemented CBE ²  Jim shares why he finds reading by school group helps the admission file reading process   (57:46) Recommended Resource-The Admissions section of each website: Here is a section that says what Swarthmore looks for in a student:      Speakpipe.com/YCBK is our method if you want to ask a question and we will be prioritizing all questions sent in via Speakpipe. Unfortunately, we will NOT answer questions on the podcast anymore that are emailed in. If you want us to answer a question on the podcast, please use speakpipe.com/YCBK. We feel hearing from our listeners in their own voices adds to the community feel of our podcast.   You can also use this for many other purposes: 1) Send us constructive criticism about how we can improve our podcast 2) Share an encouraging word about something you like about an episode or the podcast in general 3) Share a topic or an article you would like us to address 4) Share a speaker you want us to interview 5) Leave positive feedback for one of our interviewees. We will send your verbal feedback directly to them and I can almost assure you, your positive feedback will make their day.   To sign up to receive Your College-Bound Kid PLUS, our new monthly admissions newsletter, delivered directly to your email once a month, just go to yourcollegeboundkid.com, and you will see the sign-up popup. We will include many of the hot topics being discussed on college campuses.   Check out our new blog. We write timely and insightful articles on college admissions:   Follow Mark Stucker on Twitter to get breaking college admission news, and updates about the podcast before they go live. You can ask questions on Twitter that he will answer on the podcast. Mark will also share additional hot topics in the news and breaking news on this Twitter feed. Twitter message is also the preferred way to ask questions for our podcast:   https://twitter.com/YCBKpodcast   1. To access our transcripts, click: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/transcripts/ 2. Find the specific episode transcripts for the one you want to search and click the link 3. Find the magnifying glass icon in blue (search feature) and click it 4. Enter whatever word you want to search. I.e. Loans 5. Every word in that episode when the words loans are used, will be highlighted in yellow with a timestamps 6. Click the word highlighted in yellow and the player will play the episode from that starting point 7. You can also download the entire podcast as a transcript   We would be honored if you will pass this podcast episode on to others who you feel will benefit from the content in YCBK.   Please subscribe to our podcast. It really helps us move up in Apple's search feature so others can find our podcast.   If you enjoy our podcast, would you please do us a favor and share our podcast both verbally and on social media? We would be most grateful!   If you want to help more people find Your College-Bound Kid, please make sure you follow our podcast. You will also get instant notifications as soon as each episode goes live.   Check out the college admissions books Mark recommends:   Check out the college websites Mark recommends:   If you want to have some input about what you like and what you recommend, we change about our podcast, please complete our Podcast survey; here is the link:     If you want a college consultation with Mark or Lisa or Lynda, just text Mark at 404-664-4340 or email Lisa at or Lynda at Lynda@schoolmatch4u.com. All we ask is that you review their services and pricing on their website before the complimentary session; here is link to their services with transparent pricing: https://schoolmatch4u.com/services/compare-packages/

In this episode you will hear:   Mark shares how the SAT offering the new September SAT offers up some opportunities in their test prep calendar. This does not mean to imply everyone should take the SAT, but most of our listeners will take the SAT, so here is some advice. Mark shares the importance of having a balanced list, and he shares two sad stories that happened this year to students who did not have a balanced list. Stuck shares the 32 hardest to get into public universities and he does it countdown style. .   Lisa interviews Jenny Anderson and Rebecca Winthrop, authors of the Disengaged Teen Preview of Part 1 ²  Jenny Anderson shares her backstory and why she was drawn to write the “Disengaged Teen” ²  Rebecca Winthrop gives her backstory, including her work as ²    ²  Jenny and Rebecca share the research they did over three years in preparation to write the book, “The Disengaged Teen”, including the extensive interviews and surveys they conducted. ²  Rebecca talks about why engagement matters ²  Jenny and Rebecca shares the four modes that show how students show up in their learning ²  They explain what coaster, achiever, resister and explorer mode are ²  They share all the benefits that come when students are in explorer mode ²  Lisa talks about perfection at any cost     Speakpipe.com/YCBK is our method if you want to ask a question and we will be prioritizing all questions sent in via Speakpipe. Unfortunately, we will NOT answer questions on the podcast anymore that are emailed in. If you want us to answer a question on the podcast, please use speakpipe.com/YCBK. We feel hearing from our listeners in their own voices adds to the community feel of our podcast.   You can also use this for many other purposes: 1) Send us constructive criticism about how we can improve our podcast 2) Share an encouraging word about something you like about an episode or the podcast in general 3) Share a topic or an article you would like us to address 4) Share a speaker you want us to interview 5) Leave positive feedback for one of our interviewees. We will send your verbal feedback directly to them and I can almost assure you, your positive feedback will make their day.   To sign up to receive Your College-Bound Kid PLUS, our new monthly admissions newsletter, delivered directly to your email once a month, just go to yourcollegeboundkid.com, and you will see the sign-up popup. We will include many of the hot topics being discussed on college campuses.   Check out our new blog. We write timely and insightful articles on college admissions:   Follow Mark Stucker on Twitter to get breaking college admission news, and updates about the podcast before they go live. You can ask questions on Twitter that he will answer on the podcast. Mark will also share additional hot topics in the news and breaking news on this Twitter feed. Twitter message is also the preferred way to ask questions for our podcast:   https://twitter.com/YCBKpodcast   1. To access our transcripts, click: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/transcripts/ 2. Find the specific episode transcripts for the one you want to search and click the link 3. Find the magnifying glass icon in blue (search feature) and click it 4. Enter whatever word you want to search. I.e. Loans 5. Every word in that episode when the words loans are used, will be highlighted in yellow with a timestamps 6. Click the word highlighted in yellow and the player will play the episode from that starting point 7. You can also download the entire podcast as a transcript   We would be honored if you will pass this podcast episode on to others who you feel will benefit from the content in YCBK.   Please subscribe to our podcast. It really helps us move up in Apple's search feature so others can find our podcast.   If you enjoy our podcast, would you please do us a favor and share our podcast both verbally and on social media? We would be most grateful!   If you want to help more people find Your College-Bound Kid, please make sure you follow our podcast. You will also get instant notifications as soon as each episode goes live.   Check out the college admissions books Mark recommends:   Check out the college websites Mark recommends:   If you want to have some input about what you like and what you recommend, we change about our podcast, please complete our Podcast survey; here is the link:     If you want a college consultation with Mark or Lisa or Lynda, just text Mark at 404-664-4340 or email Lisa at or Lynda at Lynda@schoolmatch4u.com. All we ask is that you review their services and pricing on their website before the complimentary session; here is link to their services with transparent pricing: https://schoolmatch4u.com/services/compare-packages/