Podcasts about college counseling

Ashley Thorndike is a licensed clinical professional counselor, longtime dance educator, and founder of Dance and College Counseling. With a PhD in Dance Studies, an MEd in Counselor Education, and a BFA in Modern Dance, she brings a rare combination of mental health expertise and firsthand academic experience to college and career planning for dancers.Ashley and I are both products of college dance programs and have gone on to mentor dancers through this process, so I absolutely loved connecting over this topic! Our conversation is jam-packed with everything from the complex admissions process to building a broad, sustainable career in dance.Key "Pointes" from this Episode: Ashley's winding path into dance and her academic journey through the University of Utah, the University of Virginia, and Ohio State University where she became the first person to earn a PhD in dance studies. The biggest mistakes dancers make when applying to college dance programs. How families can explore financial options when loans and personal resources do not cover the cost of a dance education. How to identify the right college fit as a dancer and what to look for during your search. The importance of moving beyond a one-lane mindset and exploring the many paths available within the dance world. Why college is a uniquely valuable time to explore interests beyond dance. How a long, meaningful dance career can take many different shapes, even beyond performing on stage. What dance faculty are looking for at auditions, based on Ashley's experience serving on an admissions committee. How to approach your interview as a dance applicant and what questions you should and should not be asking. Advice for parents who feel uncertain about their child pursuing dance as a college and career path.Connect with Ashley:Ashley's College Planning Guide: https://www.danceandcollegecounseling.com/guideAshley's Website: https://www.danceandcollegecounseling.com/Follow Ashley on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danceandcollegecounseling/Links and Resources:SHOP MSeam Apparel: https://mseamapparel.com/ (use code BRAINY25 at checkout for 25% off all items)SHOP ORZA: www.orzabrand.com ($20 off all Orza Pro® 2.0 ballet shoes June 22nd through the 28th with ORZA day deals - no code needed!)Let's connect!MY WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.comINSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerinaSchedule your complimentary career consultation: https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/career-mentoringQuestions/comments? Email me at caitlin@thebrainyballerina.com

College visits can feel exciting, overwhelming, and sometimes disappointing if families arrive without a clear plan. In this episode, Sarah Bergin, Director of College Counseling at Evolved Education, shares how students and parents can prepare mentally, emotionally, and practically before setting foot on campus. She explains why visits matter, when to schedule them, and how thoughtful preparation can transform a simple tour into one of the most valuable parts of the college search process. Sarah encourages students to approach each visit with curiosity, trust their instincts, and pay attention to both the academic and social environment. She also offers parents practical guidance on supporting the process without unintentionally influencing their student's impressions. Whether visiting a dream school or exploring possibilities, this episode provides a roadmap for making college visits meaningful and productive. In this episode: Why campus visits provide insights no brochure can offer Four important things to do before arriving on campus How students and parents can approach visits differently What to evaluate beyond academics alone Why unstructured time on campus can reveal the most If you're preparing for college visits and want personalized guidance through the process, reach out to Sarah Bergin and Evolved Education for support at admin@evolveded.com. For the full transcript of today's episode along with our terms, conditions, and disclaimers and privacy policies, visit the Evolved Education website at: https://evolvededucationcompany.com/resources/podcast/ © 2021 - 2026 Mary Miele

For many student-athletes, the discipline learned on the track does not end at the finish line — it can become a foundation for academic ambition, college access, and long-term opportunity. At a moment when young people are navigating rising college costs, uneven access to counseling, and growing uncertainty around higher education, programs that connect athletics, academics, and personal support are taking on new importance. At The Armory Foundation in Washington Heights, that connection is more than a theory: since 2016, Armory College Prep has maintained a 100% four-year college acceptance rate for its seniors. The stakes are clear for first-generation and underserved students, many of whom need not only academic guidance, but also exposure, confidence, and a sense of belonging.So what happens when a track-and-field institution becomes a launchpad for college access, career exploration, and community transformation?Welcome to DisruptED. In the latest episode, host Ron J. Stefanski speaks with Rita Finkel, Co-President of The Armory Foundation, and Clayton Harding, Director of College Counseling for Armory College Prep. Their conversation explores how the historic Armory has evolved from a former homeless shelter into a hub for athletics, education, health, and community programming — and how its college prep model helps students translate the discipline of sports into academic persistence and long-term opportunity.Top insights from the talk…Athletics becomes a bridge to academics. Harding explains that student-athletes already understand the value of practice, discipline, and measurable improvement. Armory College Prep helps them apply that same mindset to grades, test preparation, essays, college applications, and persistence through graduation.College access requires exposure and trust. The program takes students beyond New York City to visit small liberal arts colleges, private universities, SUNY and CUNY campuses, and other institutions they may not have considered. Finkel and Harding emphasize that seeing a campus firsthand can help students and families overcome “sticker shock” and understand how financial aid can make a private college more affordable than expected.The Armory model is high-touch and long-term. With a strong adult-to-student ratio, structured SAT/ACT preparation, essay coaching, alumni mentorship, college visits, and paid summer internship support, the program focuses not only on college admission, but also on college completion and career development.Rita Finkel serves as Co-President and COO of The Armory Foundation, where she has spent more than 20 years leading operations, strategy, finance, and youth-serving programs. She previously served as Executive Vice President of Strategy and Finance at the Armory and has played a major role in advancing the organization's athletic, educational, and community impact work. Before joining the Armory, she was Executive Director of Fencers Club, where she oversaw membership development, coach recruitment, and day-to-day operations.Clayton Harding serves as Director of College Counseling at Armory College Prep, where he has spent more than 12 years guiding students through college admissions, academic planning, financial aid, and long-term success. He has previously served as Interim Director of College Success, supporting alumni with paid internship placement, academic resources, graduate school applications, resume writing, mock interviews, networking, and career readiness. Earlier in his career, he co-owned and led test-prep organizations, including Bell Curves/The ProTesters and PLR Publishing, where he developed K-12 and LSAT preparation programs and co-authored test-prep materials.

We're joined by Jeremy Branch, Associate Director of College Counseling at The Haverford School, who brings 16 years of experience in college admission. Jeremy is also past president of PACAC and past board director of NACAC.In our conversation, we learn more about Jeremy's approach to working with students and their families and how he brings his admissions expertise into his work. This one is a must-listen for counselors at any stage of their career!Follow us on Instagram!Learn more about Scoir

On this episode of the Davidson Day Community Podcast, guest host and Director of College Counseling, Tia Hill, sits down with New York Times best-selling author Jeff Selingo to discuss today's rapidly changing college admissions landscape and his advice to Davidson Day families and students as they build balanced college lists and prioritize fit.

In the heat of the pandemic, we were all working from home. There was no "hybrid" element to worry about - just a whole new way of working. Since then, every aspect of our job can be measured against the question, "Do I need to be in the office to do this?"But with the flexibility comes challenges that didn't exist before.Given our longer runs in the profession, we thought this would be a great topic for folks who see this current approach as more normal and mainstream than those of us who've been around for a minute.Lexi Aguayo, Senior Associate Director at Pepperdine UniversityEbony Sistrunk, Associate Director of College Counseling at The Whitefield School

To speak with an advisor and map out your student's next steps, book a Complimentary Strategy Call at admittedly.co/apply. In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, Thomas sits down with Admittedly's Interim Director of College Counseling and former Senior Admissions Officer at Duke University, Sonam, for a candid look inside how highly selective admissions offices actually evaluate applications. Sonam reviewed more than 10,000 applications during her time in admissions. She holds degrees from Duke and an MBA from Rice, and she has worked across nearly every side of the process — inside a top university admissions office, in high schools, and in community-based organizations. In short: she understands both how decisions are made and how students should prepare. Together, Thomas and Sonam pull back the curtain on how admissions officers are trained, how institutional priorities shape decisions, and why the process is far more nuanced than most families realize. They discuss the return of standardized testing, what transcripts really signal, how committee rooms actually function, and why trying to "reverse engineer" a school's priorities is often a mistake. The conversation also dives deep into extracurricular strategy — what meaningful involvement looks like, how admissions officers spot inconsistencies, and why students don't need ten perfectly aligned activities to be compelling. From late bloomers to school list strategy to regional admissions nuances, this episode gives families a rare insider perspective grounded in real experience. This is especially valuable for parents and students aiming at highly selective colleges who want clarity about how decisions are made — and how to position themselves with intention rather than guesswork. Key Takeaways: • Admissions officers are trained — extensively — to evaluate applications within institutional priorities. • The supplemental essays often reveal more about what a school values than the personal statement. • Standardized testing is returning as a tool to combat grade inflation and assess academic readiness. • Admissions decisions are not pure meritocracies — they are shaped by institutional needs and shifting applicant pools. • Extracurriculars should demonstrate action and authenticity, not just alignment with a proposed major. • Changing direction mid-high school is acceptable — if it's explained thoughtfully and reflects genuine growth. • Students should build school lists based on fit, not assumptions about what a college "wants." Listeners can continue the conversation by following @admittedlyco on Instagram and TikTok, where Thomas and the Admittedly team answer real admissions questions weekly. Free resources, guides, and webinars are available at admittedly.co. If your family is ready for strategic, experience-driven guidance, book a Complimentary Strategy Call at admittedly.co/apply.  

JOIN THE EXCLUSIVE WEBINAR (FEB. 24th): https://hubs.la/Q042YjBT0 Megan Bailey (Duke Graduate & Associate Director of College Counseling) reveals the exact roadmap she uses to guide students to top schools like Princeton, Yale, and Stanford, before junior year even begins. Schedule a FREE 30-minute 1:1 call with one of our Former Admissions Officers here and we'll help you improve your chances of acceptance with personalized support: https://hubs.la/Q02WyJTt0 Admissions officers see thousands of "perfect" applicants. Don't just be smart, be interesting. In this video, we break down how to move beyond being just smart and become memorable, compelling, and interesting in the eyes of admissions officers. Learn how Ivy League and top colleges evaluate applicants, what actually differentiates accepted students, and how to craft an application narrative that makes admissions officers stop and take notice.

On this week of Raising Serotonin, I'm sharing what it's really been like stepping into something completely new, my practicum for my master's degree. I talk honestly about the nerves, self-doubt, and emotional waves that come with starting unfamiliar territory, and how quickly those moments can bring our deepest core beliefs about self-worth to the surface.I reflect on what it looks like to notice those beliefs, challenge them, and choose growth anyway, even when it feels uncomfortable. This episode is about honoring your feelings without letting them run the show, trusting yourself in the unknown, and allowing change to shape you rather than scare you. If you're standing at the edge of something new, this one's for you.Get your Raising Serotonin Merch here! FOLLOW RAISING SEROTONIN ON INSTAGRAM HERE Support the show

What does the college admissions process really look like from a student's perspective? In this episode of the College Ready Podcast, Founder & CEO Shellee Howard sits down with College Ready student Vidarth to unpack his journey—from discovering engineering, conducting advanced research, and presenting to professionals, to managing senior-year stress and finding balance through music. Vidarth shares: When he actually started thinking about college How passion (not pressure) shaped his activities Why reaching out for help changed everything The confidence he gained beyond college admissions Advice he would give his freshman-year self This conversation is a must-watch for parents and students who want clarity, perspective, and reassurance during the college planning process.

In this episode you will hear: We welcome a new member to our podcast, Carter Delloro, Co-Director of College Counseling at the Marymount School of New York. Carter will discuss a New Yor Times article, "The Early Decision Option Is a Racket. Shut It Down"-Part 3 of 3 Mark and Lisa answer a QFL from a listener who wants advice because a lot of the student in her area are discouraged because they didn't get in to the colleges they applied to in the early round. Recommended Resources Colleges that allow self reporting of test scores Colleges that Allow Self-Reporting of SAT and ACT Scores Great source for questions about finances and college Edvisors: Financial Aid, Student Loans, Scholarships and Money Management FAFSA Walkthroughs Mark recommends Complete FAFSA 2026‑2027 Walkthrough | From Start to Submit 2023-2024 FAFSA Walkthrough Video English CSS PROFILE Walkthroughs CSS Profile Walkthrough MEFA Institute: A Deep Dive into the CSS Profile 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: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/blog/ 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 follow our podcast. It really helps us move up in Spotify and 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: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/recommended-books/ Check out the college websites Mark recommends: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/recommended-websites/ 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: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScCauBgityVXVHRQUjvlIRfYrMWWdHarB9DMQGYL0472bNxrw/viewform If you want a college consultation with Mark just text Mark at 404-664-4340 or email at mark@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: (01:58) In The News, Part 2 of 3 We welcome a new member to our podcast, Carter Delloro, Co-Director of College Counseling at the Marymount School of New York. Carter will discuss a New Yor Times article, "The Early Decision Option Is a Racket. Shut It Down" and then a listener, Sean Elliott sends in a message in support of Early Decision and Carter shares his perspective on Sean's perspective. (25:18) Matt Carpenter interview, Part 2 of 3 ² Matt gives examples of colleges who almost never lead with their best offer ² Matt and I discuss now hard the job of a financial aid officer is ² Matt calls for greater transparency ² Matt and Mark discuss the kinds of colleges that are notorious for giving poor aid awards and gapping students ² Matt and I transition to discussing the different types of appeals and we will pretty much stay on the appeals topic until the end of part 3 of the interview ² We discuss why the high tuition, high tuition discount model is so popular ² Matt and I discuss the need-based appeal, and Matt tells us what the starting point is for him for the need-based appeal (50:28) Interview: Mark interviews Kev Sanders, Associate Director of Admissions, University of Utah Preview o Kev Sanders shares his interesting background, explaining he got into the field of admissions o Kev answers the question, If he was in an Uber Drive in Loudoin county Virgina, what would he say someone asked him, "Help me understand the University of Utah o Kev tells us what U Online is o Kev explains why the University of Utah is growing so fast and he shares the states where they are experiencing the largest increase of applications o Kev lets us know which programs at Utah attract the most students o Kev explains to use what WUE is? o Kev explains how there is a potential for students coming from a WUE state to get in state residence, and he tells listeners what they need to do to get in-state tuition . Recommended Resource Guide to help first year students complete the Common Application- Application guide for first-year students 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: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/blog/ 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: 1. To access our transcripts, click: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/transcripts/ 2. Find the specific episode transcripts for the one you want to search for 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: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/recommended-books/ Check out the college websites Mark recommends: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/recommended-websites/ 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: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScCauBgityVXVHRQUjvlIRfYrMWWdHarB9DMQGYL0472bNxrw/viewform If you want a college consultation, text Mark at 404-664-4340, or email us at yourcollegeboundkid@yahoo.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: We welcome a new member to our podcast, Carter Delloro, Co-Director of College Counseling at the Marymount School of New York. Carter will discuss a New Yor Times article, "The Early Decision Option Is a Racket. Shut It Down" and then a listener, Sean Elliott sends in a message in support of Early Decision and Carter shares his perspective on Sean's perspective. New Interview-Evan Mandery-How America's Elite Colleges Breed High-Status Careers—and Misery Preview of Part 3 of 3 ² Evan and Mark spend almost the entire segment debating whether you need to go to an elite college to have limitless career opportunities, he says some things Mark totally agrees with, and others Mark pushes back on, but we think you will find it interesting; honestly, the truth is somewhere between his view and my view ² Evan shares what are the next writing projects he is working on ² Evan shares his concerns about where our country is at ² Evan closes by picking Mark's brain about his own kids and their educational journey and satisfaction with their college choices Recommended Resources Colleges that allow self reporting of test scores Colleges that Allow Self-Reporting of SAT and ACT Scores Great source for questions about finances and college Edvisors: Financial Aid, Student Loans, Scholarships and Money Management FAFSA Walkthroughs Mark recommends Complete FAFSA 2026‑2027 Walkthrough | From Start to Submit 2023-2024 FAFSA Walkthrough Video English CSS PROFILE Walkthroughs CSS Profile Walkthrough MEFA Institute: A Deep Dive into the CSS Profile 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: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/blog/ 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 follow our podcast. It really helps us move up in Spotify and 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: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/recommended-books/ Check out the college websites Mark recommends: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/recommended-websites/ 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: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScCauBgityVXVHRQUjvlIRfYrMWWdHarB9DMQGYL0472bNxrw/viewform If you want a college consultation with Mark just text Mark at 404-664-4340 or email at mark@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 staring down the college admissions maze and wondering how on earth you're supposed to stay sane through it? Laurie Kopp Weingarten says there is a calmer way to do this. And yes, she makes it sound possible.  Rebecca sits down with Laurie Kopp Weingarten, CEP, President and Chief Educational Consultant at One-Stop College Counseling, for a masterclass in making the college admissions process less stressful and far more human. Laurie has decades of experience guiding students and families with clarity, strategy, and character-grounded wisdom. In this episode, she explains why uncertainty fuels family stress, how to help teens stay motivated, why parents need to stop rewriting their kids' essays, what demonstrated interest really means in 2026, and how character and likability now play as much of a role as GPA. This is the ultimate guide for parents who want to support their teens without taking over the entire process. Six Key Takeaways → Uncertainty fuels anxiety Focus only on what your teen can control instead of the entire admissions maze. → Character matters Colleges want kind, collaborative students who contribute to their community. → Demonstrated interest counts Most colleges track visits, interviews and engagement. It truly makes a difference. → Parents often add pressure Too much college talk overwhelms teens. Many families do better checking in once a week. → Never hinge everything on one dream school Build a balanced list of schools your teen would happily attend. → Let your teen lead the process Essays, interviews, and communication should come from them. Parents support, not steer. Quotes from Laurie “One of the biggest mistakes is when parents take over. Teens need to learn to advocate for themselves before they get to college.” “You want to show colleges that you will thrive academically and also contribute to the community.” How to Reach Laurie Website www.one-stopcc.com Email Laurie@one-stopcc.com Monthly Tips for Teens newsletter is available on her website  Like this episode Share it Leave Rebecca a review and tell another parent who needs this conversation today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you staring down the college admissions maze and wondering how on earth you're supposed to stay sane through it? Laurie Kopp Weingarten says there is a calmer way to do this. And yes, she makes it sound possible.  Rebecca sits down with Laurie Kopp Weingarten, CEP, President and Chief Educational Consultant at One-Stop College Counseling, for a masterclass in making the college admissions process less stressful and far more human. Laurie has decades of experience guiding students and families with clarity, strategy, and character-grounded wisdom. In this episode, she explains why uncertainty fuels family stress, how to help teens stay motivated, why parents need to stop rewriting their kids' essays, what demonstrated interest really means in 2026, and how character and likability now play as much of a role as GPA. This is the ultimate guide for parents who want to support their teens without taking over the entire process. Six Key Takeaways → Uncertainty fuels anxiety Focus only on what your teen can control instead of the entire admissions maze. → Character matters Colleges want kind, collaborative students who contribute to their community. → Demonstrated interest counts Most colleges track visits, interviews and engagement. It truly makes a difference. → Parents often add pressure Too much college talk overwhelms teens. Many families do better checking in once a week. → Never hinge everything on one dream school Build a balanced list of schools your teen would happily attend. → Let your teen lead the process Essays, interviews, and communication should come from them. Parents support, not steer. Quotes from Laurie “One of the biggest mistakes is when parents take over. Teens need to learn to advocate for themselves before they get to college.” “You want to show colleges that you will thrive academically and also contribute to the community.” How to Reach Laurie Website www.one-stopcc.com Email Laurie@one-stopcc.com Monthly Tips for Teens newsletter is available on her website  Like this episode Share it Leave Rebecca a review and tell another parent who needs this conversation today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More money, more possibilities. For our Season 10 finale, we asked a simple but revealing question: if your admissions or counseling budget grew by 20%, where would you put it, and why?Our guests share how they'd prioritize resources, balance quick wins with long-term investments, and make the case for more support:Cicily Shaw, Director of College Counseling at Thayer Academy (MA) and Past-President of New England ACACStephanie Dickerson, Associate Director of Admissions for Outreach & Scholarships at the University of Louisville (KY) and Past-President of Kentucky ACACTheir answers may surprise you, and spark your own ideas for what to do with more funding.

We talk a lot about students ghosting colleges, but what about when we're the ones who disappear? This week, we take a closer look at why admissions offices sometimes go silent, what that means for relationships, and how to re-engage students more intentionally.Our guests bring both the high school and college perspectives:Diane Campbell, Director of College Counseling at Liberty Common School (CO) and Past President of Rocky Mountain ACACDr. Jose Valentine, Dean of Enrollment Management at San Jacinto College (TX) and President-Elect of Texas ACACThey share honest reflections on communication gaps, data-driven follow-up, and how to keep students feeling seen, even when time and budgets are tight.

Registrars often work behind the scenes, but their impact on admissions, transfer credit, and graduation is enormous. This week, we explore how admissions and registrar's offices can move from occasional overlap to meaningful collaboration.Our guests bring both the school counseling and campus perspectives:Adam Stout, Co-Director of College Counseling at The Prairie School (WI) and President-Elect of Wisconsin ACACAlyson Leas, Director of Admissions at the University of Jamestown (ND) and Past President of Dakota ACACThey share candid insights on where breakdowns happen, what strong partnerships look like, and how better collaboration can improve student success.

Faculty can be some of the most powerful allies (or unexpected challenges) in student recruitment. This week we explore how to move from “favors” to real partnerships with academic departments, and what makes faculty involvement meaningful for students.Our guests bring both the high school and college perspectives:Amanda Chapman, Director of College Counseling at The Whitfield School (MO) and President-Elect of Missouri ACACChristine Grotzke, Senior Associate Director of Admissions at Michigan Technological University (MI) and President of Illinois ACACTogether, they share how faculty shape student impressions, how to build stronger collaborations, and where admissions leaders can start.

Read Aly's post on AI vs human tutors Visit Upchieve's School Partnership page Math scores study About The Guest Aly Murray is the Founder and Executive Director of UPchieve. She's also a proud Latina, math nerd, and community college grad. After earning an associate's degree, Aly transferred to the University of Pennsylvania where she graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Mathematics. Following Penn, Aly worked on the trading floor at J.P. Morgan for two years before leaving to commit to UPchieve full-time. Her personal experience as a low-income student drives her to fight for educational equity and work towards a world in which all students have an equal opportunity to achieve upward mobility. To date, UPchieve has provided free tutoring to more than 60,000 students nationwide and matched nearly 200,000 tutoring requests— and for her work on UPchieve, Aly has been featured on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in Education (2021) and honored as a Roddenberry Fellow (2021).

Burnout in admissions and counseling is real, but recovery is possible. This week, we're talking about how teams can bounce back, what good leadership looks like, and the practical ways to keep morale strong through a tough cycle.Our guests bring both the school and university perspectives:Arlene Outerbridge, Director of Guidance and College Counseling at The Masters Academy (FL) and President of Southern ACACJames Powell, Assistant Director of Recruitment at Oklahoma State University and President of Great Plains ACACTogether, they share candid strategies for supporting staff, protecting well-being, and leading teams through challenging times.

Season 10 kicks off with a big question: are colleges truly listening to what students care about, or are we still stuck in outdated assumptions?This week's guests bring insider perspectives from both the school and state levels:Julio Mata, Dean of College Counseling at Chadwick School and Past-President of Western ACACAaron Salasek, Direct Admissions Coordinator at the Minnesota Office of Higher Education and Past President of Minnesota ACACTogether, they unpack how student voices are shaping recruitment, communication, and policy, and what admissions leaders need to change now.

Phil Moreno—Associate Director of College Counseling at the Nueva School and Board Chair for the National Association for College Admission Counseling—joins this episode of The ALP to talk about what it means to lead leaders in challenging times, why gratitude and handwritten notes matter, and how he's learned to “stay on the bike” while also carving out intentional moments of stillness and renewal. He shares the practices—from solo retreats to time outdoors under dark skies—that help him restore his energy and model balance for others in a profession that asks us to give constantly.Come for the insights, stay for the velvety voice of a professionally trained broadcaster (the guest; not the host).Highlights00:00 – Introduction: Phil introduces himself, his role at Nueva, and his work as NACAC Board Chair.03:36 – The Nueva School: Founded on Nobel laureates' vision, Nueva emphasizes curiosity, design thinking, and social-emotional learning.06:45 – Switching sides: Why Phil left college admissions after nearly 20 years to counsel students at the secondary level.09:06 – Relationships first: The mentors, associations, and small invitations that shaped his career—and why he now works to extend those same invitations to others.13:36 – Leading in challenging times: Guiding NACAC through political attacks on DEI, and reflecting on past moments of crisis leadership.16:47 – A unifying role: How Phil sees himself as a bridge-builder and “leader of leaders,” making space for every voice at the table while keeping the group focused on action.21:31 – NACAC as family: Why he views conference season as a chance to check in on colleagues and carry their lived challenges into board decision-making.24:15 – Self-care (perhaps Ken's favorite part of the episode): Phil's philosophy of “staying in motion” and the importance of intentional pauses. He describes finding renewal through stillness, solo getaways, and immersion in art and nature.28:17 – Reset moments: From visiting Michael Heizer's vast desert installation City to hiking remote trails and camping under dark skies, Phil explains how solitude outdoors restores his perspective.36:55 – College Horizons: Why he commits time each year to this extraordinary program (run by ALP alumna, Carmen Lopez) serving Native students, and how it reinvigorates his sense of purpose.39:16 – Leadership qualities: Gratitude, lifting others up, modeling behavior through action, and the power of living authentically.43:43 – Rapid Descent.The ALP is supported by RHB, a division of SIG. Music arranged by Ryan Anselment

In this episode, Lisa and Jaime discuss:Understanding the role of impacted majors and prerequisitesThe critical importance of aligning majors with career goals earlyNavigating the complexities of college transfersFinancial planning and its impact on educational choicesKey Takeaways: Over one-third of undergraduates transfer colleges, and without early planning around majors, prerequisites, and credit alignment, they risk losing time, money, and progress.Students in impacted majors like Computer Science, Business, Nursing, and Engineering must complete strict, school-specific prerequisites, so they should map overlapping requirements across multiple target schools.While some parents fear transferring will hurt their job or graduate school prospects, employers usually see only the final degree, and graduate programs value applicants who can explain a well-reasoned shift.Before committing to a college—whether first-time or transfer—use FAFSA estimators to gauge real costs, research transfer scholarships, and compare prerequisite overlaps to avoid financial strain and lost credits.“Most employers aren't looking for whole transcripts to see your collection of credits. They're just looking for the final outcome.” – Jaime SmithAbout Jaime Smith: Jaime Smith is a Certified Educational Planner specializing in college transfer, online learning, homeschooling, and supporting neurodiverse learners. A longtime transfer student advocate, she earned a Post-Master's Certificate in Transfer Leadership and Practice from the University of North Georgia with the National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students in 2023. She holds a BA in Linguistics from UC Berkeley, an MA in TESOL, an MSEd in eLearning, and a certificate in College Counseling.Founder and CEO of Online G3—an independent online program for gifted and twice-exceptional K–12 students—Jaime continues to teach English. A California native now in Oregon, she lives with her husband and pet bunny. Her daughter, a former homeschooler turned transfer student, is now in grad school.Episode References:#140 Avoiding the Pitfalls of College Transfers with Jaime SmithThe Truth about College Admission by Brennan Barnard and Rick ClarkEnter to win a free copy of The Complete Guide to College Transfer at flourishcoachingco.com/transfer through August 31.Order The Complete Guide to College Transfer on Amazon starting August 26 to get the full roadmap for navigating college transfersExplore school-by-school data on competitive and impacted majors at flourishcoachingco.com/majors to make smarter application choices.Get Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corneConnect 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

Senan Khawaja is the Co-founder and CEO of Kollegio, a startup using AI to bring personalized college and career guidance to every student, not just those who can afford it. He's also a recent Stanford grad who's thinking hard about how higher ed needs to change. In this episode, we talk about the messy reality ... Read more The post How AI Is Changing College Counseling and Admissions with Senan Khawaja, CEO of Kollegio | EP190 appeared first on KazSource.

Every year, new calculations and complications impact the college application process. Amy and Mike invited educational consultant Rebecca Stuart-Orlowski to return to the show with admissions notes for the HS graduating class of 2026. What are five things you will learn in this episode? Is the enrollment cliff real, and what does it mean for the Class of 2026? Which colleges and universities are becoming more popular? With the science section in the ACT becoming optional, should students still take it? Is building a balanced college list enough?  With changing math standards and the introduction of data science in many high schools, should students still take calculus in high school? MEET OUR GUEST Rebecca Stuart-Orlowski, founder of Orlowski College Consulting, has worked in education for 35 years and has worked as an Independent Educational Consultant for 10+ years. She has a specialized Certificate in College Counseling from UCSD, a BA in Communicative Disorders from San Diego State, and two active teaching credentials. She taught deaf, LD, and 2E students for four years and was a college counselor at a small private school for 3 years. Rebecca specializes in gifted/2E, STEM, creative, homeschooled, and transfer students. Rebecca first appeared on the podcast in episode 369 to discuss ADMISSIONS NOTES FOR THE CLASS OF 2023, in episode 526 to discuss ADMISSIONS NOTES FOR THE HS GRADUATING CLASS OF 2024, and in episode 591 to discuss ADMISSIONS NOTES FOR THE HS GRADUATING CLASS OF 2025. Rebecca can be reached at r.orlowski.consulting@gmail.com. LINKS ‘You can't create 18-year-olds': What can colleges do amid demographic upheaval? Northeast students are heading south for college  24 years of UMich admissions: An inside look at acceptance rates and freshman profiles  Will They or Won't They? Tracking Colleges' New ACT Requirements  Admission 101: Why It's Important to Let Us Know You're Interested in Davidson Calculus or Statistics: Does it Matter?  Is calculus an addiction that college admissions officers can't shake?  RELATED EPISODES THE DEMOGRAPHIC CLIFF IS HERE A TEST TAKER'S PERSPECTIVE ON THE ENHANCED ACT USING THE COMMON DATA SET 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, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. 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, get in touch through our contact page.  

In this episode, Lisa and Jyoti discuss:Evaluating college programs for women pursuing STEM degreesThe impact of institutional culture and faculty representation on female STEM persistenceThe role of clubs, communities, and scholarships in STEM success for womenTools and strategies for in-depth college research for female STEM studentsKey Takeaways: Female representation among STEM faculty and mentors significantly improves persistence and confidence in women students by providing relatable role models actively involved in research and mentorship.Programs and colleges that intentionally prioritize gender equity through hiring, admissions goals, and targeted initiatives can offer a more welcoming and empowering environment for women pursuing STEM fields.Supportive ecosystems such as student clubs, professional organizations, and gender-focused learning communities create a vital sense of belonging and peer encouragement that helps women navigate male-dominated disciplines.Early and intentional exposure to hands-on STEM experiences, from middle school through college internships and fellowships, is essential in nurturing both curiosity and long-term career success for young women in science and engineering. “Having women role models to look up to for younger women makes it a little less intimidating.” – Jyoti JainAbout Jyoti Jain: Jyoti found her passion for college counseling while helping her own child through the college admissions process and decided to pursue a Certificate in Career Planning and College Counseling from UC Berkeley Extension.She specializes in STEM, Engineering, and the Pre-Med track. She believes that college is all about fit and is excited about empowering students in discovering their unique STEM journeys.Episode References:#123 College Institutional Priorities: Understanding Who Gets In with Aly Beaumont#132 Computer Science and STEM Admissions Tips with Jyoti JainCommon Data Set InitiativeThe College Finder Fifth Edition by Dr. Steven R. AntonoffGet 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 Jyoti:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jyoticollegeconsultantLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaincollegeconsulting/Website: https://jaincollegeconsulting.com/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 Episode 4 of our series on Admission Nutrients, Tom Campbell is joined by Dysean Alexander, Assistant Director for West Coast Admission at Lafayette College, to discuss Consistent Engagement. In their conversation, they get into:  Why consistent engagement is a valuable nutrient to fold into your high school experience How it's talked about in an admissions office, and how admission readers like Dysean (and his team at Lafayette) measure it Tips on “translating” your own examples of consistent engagement to an admission officer audience Advice for counselors on how to explain the value of this nutrient to students and families And more! Counselor by day and stand-up comedian by night, Dysean Alexander is a first-generation college graduate of Ursinus College (PA) where he earned a BA in Media & Communications while being an all-conference football player. After his first year as a college admission counselor (Albright College), he served as the Assistant Director For Middle School Enrollment at Moravian Academy (PA), allowing him to gain additional knowledge on high-level high school curriculum and communities. After 6 years working at Lafayette College, he has been able to work with Army ROTC recruitment and POSSE selection, and has covered territories all over the globe, domestically spanning from Long Island, NY to Southern California, where he now serves as Assistant Director Of West Coast Admissions.   Play-by-Play:  2:39 – Welcome and introductions  7:12 – Where does consistent engagement show up in an application?  10:09 – How do institutional priorities impact admission?   19:19 – What does consistent engagement say about the student to an admission reader? 25:50 – How can students brainstorm and prioritize which activities to show on the application? 36:30 – What is the balance of quality over quantity when it comes to activities? 45:05 – FAQs about consistent engagement 45:28 – What if I decide to change activities midway through high school?  52:23 – What if I had to stop my activity? 53:49 – What if I transferred schools and didn't have time to engage consistently? 57:49 – What are some tips for counselors and educators in this process? 1:07:06 – Closing thoughts   Resources: College Essay Guy's BEABIES Exercise (Public) College Essay Guy's Personal Statement Resources College Essay Guy's College Application Hub  

Erica and Ana sit down with Dr. Jody Vernam—former president of CSI's Rho Eta Nu Alpha Rho chapter and current core faculty member at Liberty University. In this episode, Dr. Vernam shares her journey into leadership within the counseling profession and offers valuable insights and specifics for those aspiring to become college counselors. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation filled with inspiration and to taste Dr. Vernam's humility and wisdom.   Episode reference: APA: Rhoads, E., & Barend, A. (Producers). (2025, May 15). Ep. 48: The Ins and Outs of College Counseling: An Interview with Dr. Jody Vernam [Audio podcast episode]. In RENAR Voice. Rho Eta Nu Alpha Rho of Chi Sigma Iota, Liberty University      

Join us for a captivating and fun episode of the Application to Admission podcast, featuring college counselor China Hutchins, Senior Associate Director College Counseling · Ransom Everglades School. Together, we dive deep into the pivotal junior year, highlighting crucial summer opportunities and unpacking the changing landscape of standardized testing. China shares targeted, actionable insights specifically aimed at supporting underrepresented families, emphasizing the power of proactive planning, the importance of exploring diverse college options, and how to make the most of virtual campus visits. This dynamic conversation reveals if and why independent consultants sometimes play an essential role in navigating college admissions, and why parents who stay engaged are crucial for long-term success. Students, parents, and counselors alike will come away empowered with practical strategies to confidently tackle their college admissions journey.

Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Click here! Stephanie Mead shares her journey as an "accidental entrepreneur" who built a successful college consulting business by trusting her instincts over conventional business wisdom. Her experience demonstrates that personal authenticity can be the strongest foundation for business success.• Started as a test prep tutor while pursuing an acting career over 30 years ago• Discovered her natural talent for connecting with teenagers • Transitioned organically into college consulting through client demand• Grew a tutoring team to 15 people before scaling back to focus on what she loved• Found that a smaller business actually generated more take-home profit• Implemented an innovative hourly billing system instead of traditional packages• Recently added two associates using a profit-sharing model rather than employment• Uses a virtual assistant to handle administrative tasks, improving efficiency• Believes strongly in being true to yourself in business decisionsIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify or share it with a friend in the college consulting industry.

This week's episode sponsored by Geneologie, where you'll get 10% off your first order if you mention The Admissions Directors Lunchcast.⁠https://www.geneologie.com/promo-box/ ⁠Data drives everything in modern admissions—but are colleges using it the right way? This week, Nathan and Teege dive into how institutions can analyze student data more effectively to improve recruitment and yield.Joining the conversation: Brian Ford, Director of School and College Counseling at Boston College High School, who shares what high schools wish colleges paid more attention to in student data. David Dysart, Associate Director for Data Analytics at Stevens Institute of Technology, who breaks down how colleges can actually use data to target the right students and avoid common integration pitfalls.From tracking demonstrated interest to the ethical concerns of data-driven decision-making, this episode covers it all. Tune in to make sure you're using data the right way!

To kick off Season 6, Ethan shares some practical resources based on a new framework he's been exploring.  If you're a regular listener, you'll already be familiar with something we call the Roles and Identities List, which is a huge menu of roles (things like “catalyst” and “change-maker” and “party-bringer”) — Ethan has used it as a get-to-know-you exercise with a number of previous guests.  In case you missed it, check out Part 1 of this mini-series where Ethan walked through some practical exercises for students and parents based on the Roles and Identities framework.  But what about counselors? We who spend our days (and often nights) answering emails, phone calls, texting and generally caretaking in 100 different ways…  Today's episode is the second of two where Ethan will share some exercises that counselors can use to recognize patterns they may fall into at times and how they might practice more self-care and show up more fully for their students. Ethan explores:  How can counselors make sure we fill our own cups (and not just our coffee cups)?  How can we make sure we're even more spacious and resourced… so that we're able to give back from a full cup, and with a full heart? And more.  We hope you enjoy!   Play-by-Play 0:08 - What is the Roles & Identities Framework?  5:34 - Exercise #1 : The Roles & Identities List  11:39 - Exercise #2: The “shadow” version 21:30 - Exercise #3: The “foil” to your role  23:20 - Closing thoughts    Resources: The Roles and Identities Exercise  College Essay Guy's Personal Statement Resources College Essay Guy's College Application Hub

In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel, former Director of MBA Admissions and Financial Aid at UPenn's Wharton School, tackles the topic of safety schools. Thomas explores how the concept of a safety school has evolved—from a carefully chosen handful of applications to a broader strategy in today's Common App era. He dives into the potential pitfalls of this mindset and offers alternative perspectives, including the benefits of community college transfers and the critical importance of genuine interest when applying to any school. Key Takeaways: What Is a Safety School? In short, a safety school is a "fallback school." However, this mindset carries risks—applying to a school you have absolutely no interest in, even if you're accepted, may not be the best strategy. Rethinking Your Fallback Options: Consider that a community college might be a safer bet than transferring from a low-ranked school. In states like California, transferring from a community college can even come with preferred admission status at some top-tier schools. Why Safety Schools Might Reject You: Schools can detect when they're being treated as mere backups. They seek students who will thrive on campus—not just use the institution as a stepping stone to another university. They want applicants who genuinely like their school. When a Safety School Is Your True Choice: If you actually want to attend a school traditionally considered a safety school, demonstrated interest becomes crucial. Genuine outreach and expressed enthusiasm can set you apart and improve your chances. Broader Horizons: Remember to broaden your thinking and consider factors beyond prestige and brand.  Explore international opportunities, weigh the return on your investments, and consider your long-term goals to choose a path that sets you up for success. Navigating college admissions is about more than just having a fallback plan—it's about finding the right fit and investing in opportunities that truly resonate with your goals. Embrace the journey, be intentional in your choices, and stay open to all possibilities. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @admittedlyco for more insights and updates! Visit www.admittedly.co to learn how Admittedly can help you achieve your dreams.  

Happy New Year! In this year's first episode, I sit down with Chris, the Director of College Counseling at Stony Brook School, and Lisa, a high school counselor, to discuss the mental health challenges Asian American students face. We explore how early support and open conversations with parents can make a difference. Tune in to discover practical ways to support our students and create a healthier path forward.BioChris Loo has been working with young people for most of her career. For the last 13 years, she has been a college counselor. She is currently Director of College Counseling at The Stony Brook School, where she works with a diverse student population. Outside of work, she is on the Board of Directors for NACAC, a member of both the NACAC and ACCIS AAPI SIG and a faculty member of NYSACAC's Summer Institute. Her interest in exploring and discussing issues of diversity stem from her own experience as a Korean-American immigrant and her work with students from all over the world at SBS, where she serves as the faculty advisor for the Asian Student Union. She is a frequent speaker at conferences and workshops, especially on topics about diversity, equity and mental health. She holds both a B.A. in American History and a Masters in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania. Follow Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-loo-78b2b370/ Li Hsiang (Lisa) Chung (she/her) is the College and Career Counselor/Specialist at La Canada High School in La Canada, CA. She joined La Canada Unified School District in 2022, where she played a key role in establishing the La Canada High School College and Career Center. With over 20 years of experience in high school counseling, Lisa began her career at Granada Hills Charter High School, the largest charter school in the nation, and has dedicated her career to empowering students and enhancing educational outcomes in public high schools. In addition to her counseling experience, Lisa has taught as an adjunct professor at California Lutheran University's Graduate School of Education and has worked as a Senior Learning Skills Counselor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego. She has presented on topics such as “Unseen & Unheard: Elevating AAPI Adolescents' Mental Health” at various conferences. Follow Lisa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-chung-lchs-c3/ Resources:https://www.instagram.com/yellowchaircollective/?hl=en, https://challengesuccess.org/, https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/705868/but-what-will-people-say-by-sahaj-kaur-kohli-maed-lgpc/, https://www.jennywangphd.com/new-page, https://www.dacapopress.com/titles/jimmy-o-yang/how-to-american/9780306903502/Sign up to join our live coaching session and receive personalized insights!Application for Students: https://forms.gle/cRyBSFP9tSEJnsVN6Application for Parents and Other Adults:  https://forms.gle/v6Nppxix6HPKrRfdAAccess free resources and learn more about Sheila and her team at Signet Education at signeteducation.com or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaakbar/.

Coach John Zall shares his wealth of knowledge on navigating the complex landscape of prep school basketball. From college recruitment strategies to player development philosophies, Coach Zall offers invaluable insights for athletes and families considering the prep school path. Drawing from his experience both in prep school and professional basketball, he discusses the importance of academic-athletic balance, the evolving recruitment landscape, and what it truly takes to succeed at the next level. Whether you're a student-athlete, parent, or coach, this episode provides essential guidance on making informed decisions about prep school basketball and maximizing opportunities for collegiate success.

In this episode, we interview Ms. O, she talks about life as a college counselor and what goes into getting students into the school that's best for them. She then talks about the transition from high school to college and some of the more non-traditional routes to some professions. To hear more about Ms. O, you can listen to the full podcast on Podbean, Apple Music, or Spotify.

Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced independent educational consultant? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Stef Mauler, founder of the Mauler Institute™ and author of The Complete Candidate™. She began working in Ivy League admissions over 30 years ago. She met thousands of high school students and their families as they went through the mysterious Ivy League admissions process. Discovering that the majority of applicants had the academic record, but were not accepted, she set out to find patterns in what differentiated the students who were accepted from those who weren't. Stef holds a B.A. in Economics and International Relations from the University of Pennsylvania, an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School and a Graduate Certificate in College Counseling from the University of California, San Diego. Stef is a Certified Educational Planner and a professional member of IECA, HECA, AICEP and NACAC. Find Stef at https://www.themaulerinstitute.com. ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our past episodes on the show page and keep up with our future ones by subscribing to our email newsletter. 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 of the Admittedly podcast, host Thomas Caleel dives into the college interview process, offering insights for seniors navigating interview invites and juniors preparing for their future applications. From understanding the importance of interviews to tips for making a strong impression, Thomas shares practical advice to help students shine. Summary of Key Points: 1. Understand the Interview Process: Thomas explains the differences between interviews that count as evaluations versus alumni conversations. Knowing whether the interview plays a significant role in admissions helps students tailor their preparation and approach. 2. Professional Communication: Respond promptly and professionally to interview invitations. Thomas provides tips for crafting a thoughtful response to your interviewer, emphasizing the importance of clarity, courtesy, and preparedness. 3. Preparation is Key: Students should reread their essays, review their reasons for choosing the school, and research their interviewer if possible. Thomas also discusses how to approach commonly asked questions like "Tell me about yourself" in a structured and engaging way. 4. Engage Thoughtfully: Be ready to ask meaningful questions about the school and your interviewer's experience. Avoid "Google questions" or overly technical queries. Instead, focus on topics that demonstrate intellectual curiosity and genuine interest. 5. Follow Up and Reflect: After the interview, send a personalized thank-you email or note. If there were unresolved questions during the interview, use the follow-up as an opportunity to provide answers or clarify any points. College interviews are an opportunity to showcase your personality and demonstrate your fit for a school. With preparation, thoughtful engagement, and professionalism, you can turn an interview into a standout moment in your application. For more tips and guidance, follow Thomas on Instagram and TikTok at @admittedlyco.

Send us a textMeet Dr. Naz Zerka. He's a therapist who meets with students on campus at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana - a college well known for its prestigious engineering school and other STEM programs, which means there's a steady flow of students on the spectrum who wind up seeking guidance. Naz says some of the students who find their way to his office are aware they have autism, or may, others come looking for help because of other challenges and, after using some screening tools, begin to understand that their struggles may be linked by the single diagnosis of autism. Naz knows this path because he was on it. He was undiagnosed and put into special ed programs as a child. He made it to college because he was great at math and science and got a football scholarship. But he had a hard time as an undergrad and was still struggling with reading comprehension, writing and time management in grad school. Mentors helped him find the right supports to keep him on a path to success. Today Naz has a doctorate in social work, but says his best credential is his lived experience as a kid on the spectrum growing up in communities of color in Flint and Saginaw, Michigan. Real talk from a counselor who's been there. Support the show

In this captivating episode, Oliver Sin sits down with Mr. Rod Skinner '72, a distinguished alumnus of Milton Academy's class of 1972 and the Dean of College Counseling from 1999 to 2023. Mr. Skinner shares his unique experiences as a student during the Vietnam War era, shedding light on the anti-war protests that marked his high school years. The conversation delves into the historical context of Milton Academy, contrasting the institution's past and present. Mr. Skinner recounts his journey from Milton to Harvard University, highlighting the influences that shaped his academic pursuits and career choices. He offers invaluable advice for current students, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, resilience, and maintaining a sense of purpose. Join us for an insightful discussion that explores the evolution of education, the impact of historical events on personal growth, and the timeless values that continue to define Milton Academy.

Every year, the conventional wisdom about getting into college gives way to painful, new truths and exciting, new opportunities. Amy and Mike invited educational consultant Rebecca Stuart-Orlowski to return to the show with admissions notes for the HS graduating class of 2025. What are five things you will learn in this episode? How are colleges and students using AI and AI detectors in college admissions and college essays? Are more colleges requiring test scores this application cycle? If so, why? Why is there a dearth of SAT centers despite more colleges requiring tests, and what can students do about it?  How will AP's recalibration of scores influence admissions decisions? Will the FAFSA be a disaster like it was for the Class of 2024? MEET OUR GUEST Rebecca Stuart-Orlowski, founder of Orlowski College Consulting, has worked in education for 35 years and has worked as an Independent Educational Consultant for 10+ years. She has a specialized Certificate in College Counseling from UCSD, a BA in Communicative Disorders from San Diego State, and two active teaching credentials. She taught deaf, LD, and 2E students for four years and was a college counselor at a small private school for 3 years. Rebecca specializes in gifted/2E, STEM, creative, homeschooled, and transfer students. Rebecca first appeared on the podcast in episode 369 to discuss ADMISSIONS NOTES FOR THE CLASS OF 2023 and in episode 526 to discuss ADMISSIONS NOTES FOR THE HS GRADUATING CLASS OF 2024. Rebecca can be reached at r.orlowski.consulting@gmail.com. LINKS U.S. Department of Education Announces Schedule and New Process to Launch 2025-26 FAFSA Form Is next year's FAFSA already off the rails? Incorporating AI into the Admissions Process Testing Policies in the Spotlight I live in Northern California. Why do I have to travel hundreds of miles to take the SAT? Colleges are using AI in admissions. How can they do it right? RELATED EPISODES HOW STUDENTS USE GENERATIVE AI WHAT DO TRULY TEST OPTIONAL COLLEGES FOCUS ON? BIG CHANGES TO AP TESTS IN 2025 FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF THE BETTER FAFSA 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.  

Welcome to Destination University, the podcast that fuels your academic dreams and college aspirations! Hosted by Dr. Cynthia Colón, we dive into expert advice, insightful interviews, and valuable resources to help students, parents, and educators navigate the college admissions process with confidence. In this episode, Dr. Colón speaks with Barbara Connor, Director of College Counseling at Foxcroft School, who shares her Five First Choice Colleges approach to reduce stress and improve college outcomes. Tune in, get inspired, and make informed choices for the next chapter of your life! #CollegeAdmissions #EducationPodcast #DestinationUniversity #HigherEd #CollegePrep #StudentSuccess #AcademicJourney #DrCynthiaColon #BarbaraConnor #CollegeCounseling #PodcastLife #AdmissionsTips #CollegeBound #FutureSuccess

Send us a textNo two college journeys are the same. For some, it might mean attending college right in their hometown, while others might travel halfway or even to the other side of the country for school.Then, there are those who take their education beyond borders. At the request of one of our listeners, in this episode of College Admissions Insider, we are exploring options for attending college outside of the US.We'll learn where students can begin researching schools, how admissions can differ from country to country, what the day-to-day learning experience might look like, and more.Our guest is Chris Pluta is Director of College Counseling at the United Nations International School.Read a transcript for this episodeIf you have a question, comment or idea for a future episode, email podcast@bucknell.edu.Links:Information for international applicants to BucknellLearn about the international student experience at BucknellInfo about applying to BucknellApplication dates and deadlinesPlan a visit to Bucknell@iamraybucknell, our student-run InstagramBuild a Bucknell Custom ViewbookLatest news for prospective studentsBucknell Virtual Welcome Center

"College is like a rollercoaster, it's scary, expensive, and it makes you question your life choices." - internet Pre-Order my new hardcover book -> https://www.zerogravitykids.com/ Order my new hardcover book -> https://www.homeschoolsecrets.com/

Join Dr. Cynthia Colon and Barbara Conner, Director of College Counseling at the Foxcroft School, as they explore the importance of finding the right college fit. Barbara shares her personal journey and offers practical advice on navigating the college process, especially for first-generation students. This episode is packed with valuable insights and heartwarming stories that will inspire you on your own educational path.

Welcome to our special three-part series on mental health disclosures in college applications.  To kick things off, Ethan interviews Chris Loo, Director of College Counseling at The Stony Brook School, where Chris has been working to help students navigate mental health disclosures in their applications for years. In this episode, they explore: Which student populations does Chris see struggle with mental health challenges? When to disclose mental health issues and when it might not be necessary How and where in their applications students can disclose, from their additional info section to the counselor recommendation letter to the personal statement Advice for counselors and an exploration of the question: "Are we discussing this too much?" This episode is informed by conversations with many admission officers over the years and by direct work with students. If you'd like to hear from an admission officer directly, check out episode two in this series with Christina Lopez, Dean of Enrollment Management at Barnard College, and episode three with Emi Nietfeld, who discusses what it was like to navigate mental health disclosures from the student perspective.  Chris Loo immigrated from South Korea at the age of 5 with her parents. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a B.A. in American History and received her Masters in Clinical Social Work. She has also worked as a music teacher, a campus chaplain and a mental health counselor at a refugee resettlement organization. She also serves as a board director for the National Association of College Admission Counselors (NACAC).  We hope you enjoy the conversation.     Play-by-Play 2:24 - Chris' background in mental health and college counseling 6:11 - Should students disclose mental health challenges in their college application? 10:20 - What questions can students ask themselves to help decide? 15:08 - What is the Additional Information section and how could it be used to disclose mental health challenges? 17:20 - Chris and Ethan review an example disclosure from the Additional Information section 24:06 - What information could be shared through the counselor letter of recommendation? 24:42 - Chris shares a sample counselor letter example  34:33 - Ethan reads a personal statement sample where a student chose to disclose  47:15 - What is the role of the counselor in this process for students? 54:44 - Are we talking about mental health too much?  57:27 - Closing thoughts for students and families     Resources Blog post inspired by this episode: Should I Discuss Mental Health in My Personal Statement or College Application? (And If So, How)? How to Use the Common App Additional Information Section: Guide + Examples CEG Podcast Episode 507: What Colleges Want (Part 7A): Recommendation Letter Crash Course for Students and Families CEG Podcast Episode 508: What Colleges Want (Part 7B): Recommendation Letter Crash Courses for Counselors and Teachers NYTimes Article: Are We Talking Too Much About Mental Health?

On today's episode, Tom Campbell (CEG's Community Manager) is joined by Carolyn Starks, a former Pomona and Bates admissions officer and Associate Director of College Counseling at Oakwood School (North Hollywood, CA) at the time of recording, to talk about extracurricular activities and the activities list on college applications. They get into, among other things: What are some of the benefits of getting involved in your school community? How can students explore activities outside of their high schools? How do admission officers evaluate a student's activities list? Frequently asked questions about activities and summer programs And more!  But first, let's meet Carolyn:  Carolyn Starks followed her father's footsteps and attended Rhodes College in Memphis, TN where she studied English and Africana Studies. After graduation, she moved to Portland, ME to work at Bates College where she focused on supporting first-generation-to-college, BIPOC, and/or low-income students through the admissions process. After two years, she landed a job at Pomona College's Office of Admissions where she joined the Access Team, ran the College's diversity fly-in programs, and learned to be justice oriented in her approach to educational equity. Though at the time of recording Carolyn was Oakwood School in North Hollywood's Associate Director of College Counseling, she will soon be moving to serve as Co-Director of College Counseling at Santa Fe Prep in Santa Fe, NM. In her free time, Carolyn enjoys indulging in local cuisine and watching Bravo with her husband and her dog, Ms. Pecan Pie.    We hope you enjoy the episode.    Play-by-Play 4:48 - What is Carolyn's background?  6:20 - What activities was Carolyn involved in during high school? 8:36 - What activities did Tom participate in during high school?  10:45 - How can students learn about the opportunities at their school? 16:50 - Why should students get involved within their school community? 23:09 - How can students be involved in extracurriculars outside their school?  29:57 - What should students keep in mind when applying to highly selective schools? 36:13 - Do colleges have preferred activities or summer experiences? 36:41 - Does placement on an activities list matter? 37:37 - How many years should students participate in an activity?  39:05 - How important is having formal leadership roles?  42:18 - What might not be worth putting on your activities list?  46:25 - How many activities is enough?  51:22 - How can students maintain a balance between their home life, academic, and extracurricular activities? 55:47 - Closing thoughts  Resources Extracurricular Activities: A comprehensive guide with 400+ examples and ideas How to Write a Successful Common App Activities List A List of Activities You May Not Have Considered Including—But That Count! 80+ Real Examples for Writing Your Extracurricular Activity List

Our mental health series is sponsored by Terri and Andrew Herenstein.In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we wrap up our mental health series by talking to Dr. Yael Muskat, director of Yeshiva University's Counseling Center, and her longtime colleague Dr. Martin Galla about the mental health challenges at the forefront of early adulthood.Young people in the Jewish community are not immune from today's mental health crisis. They have their own, equally pressing versions of those same problems. In this episode we discuss:How do experts deal with the mental health of college students “in between” childhood and adulthood?What mental health challenges to the Jewish world in particular need to address?How can young adults handle the mental health turmoil that can come with dating?Tune in to hear a conversation about how we can get to a place where sound mental health enables spiritual growth. Interview with Dr. Muskat begins at 7:13.Interview with Dr. Galla begins at 55:46.Dr. Yael Muskat, Psy.D., is the Director of the Counseling Center at Yeshiva University and has over 20 years of clinical experience. After graduating from Yeshiva University, she received a Master's in Special Education from Columbia University and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Long Island University, C.W. Post. Dr. Muskat continued her clinical training by completing a Post Doctorate Leadership Fellowship at Westchester Institute for Human Development. Dr. Martin Galla is a former associate director at the Yeshiva University Counseling Center, where he worked for 13 years. References:Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love by Sue JohnsonThe Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der KolkThe Mindfulness Workbook for OCD: A Guide to Overcoming Obsessions and Compulsions Using Mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy by Jon Hershfield and Tom CorboyEinstein's Dreams by Alan LightmanBerakhot 12b