Podcasts about common app

In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, Thomas Caleel sits down with Charles Loxton, Chief Communications Officer at Advantage Testing and an experienced application consultant, to explore one of the most misunderstood parts of the admissions process: the college essay. Drawing on decades of experience helping students develop their personal narratives, Charles explains why essays matter, how storytelling works in admissions, and why the best essays often start in unexpected places. Key Topics: Why the college essay is one of the few places students can show who they are beyond grades, scores, and activities The connection between storytelling, listening, and authentic self-reflection How to think about family, adversity, mental health, and other sensitive topics in admissions essays What the Additional Information section is really for — and the mistakes students make when using it The difference between Common App essays, UC personal insight questions, and UCAS personal statements Why students should stop obsessing over the perfect hook and focus on telling a compelling story first How to approach "Why This College?" essays in a way that feels genuine rather than formulaic Guest: Charles Loxton is the Chief Communications Officer at Advantage Testing and has spent more than two decades helping students develop compelling application essays and personal narratives. With a background in creative writing, documentary filmmaking, and educational consulting, Charles specializes in helping students uncover authentic stories that resonate with admissions officers. Learn more about Admittedly's partnership with Advantage Testing: admittedly.co/programs Follow Admittedly: Instagram & TikTok: @admittedlyco Follow Advantage Testing: Instagram: @advantagetesting

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Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Jamie Pack, Director of Content at Advantage College Planning helps break down what the Common App personal statement is really for, then she walks prompt by prompt through how students can write an essay that reveals character instead of chasing the “most impressive” story. We focus on voice, tone, and reflection so admissions readers finish your essay feeling like they've met a real person they want to know. We also cover:• Why colleges use the essay to understand who you are and how you think • Building two lists: what the application already shows vs what's missing • Avoiding sample-essay pressure and the myth that one essay decides admission • Prompt 1: choosing one essential thread rather than a full life story • Prompt 2: picking a healthy topic and using the one-third challenge, two-thirds growth formula • Prompt 3: handling disagreement with nuance, not arguments • Prompt 4: keeping gratitude essays focused on the student's change and actions • Prompt 5: separating internal growth from external achievement and showing evidence • Prompt 6: writing curiosity essays that follow a rabbit hole instead of listing interests • Prompt 7: using topic of choice to reveal values and consistent traits without recycling work If today's episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this podcast with someone who needs study guidance right now. 

AI college essay detection is broken — and it's threatening students' college admissions futures in 2026. If your high school junior or senior is writing a college application essay right now, this episode of LCP Coffee Talk is the most important thing you'll watch this year. Andy Lockwood and Pearl Lockwood of Lockwood College Prep break down what's actually happening inside admissions offices — and what it means for your kid's college essay, Common App submission, and financial aid strategy. A Bible verse scored 93% AI-generated by an AI detector. A student's personal college essay — written by hand, in their own voice — flagged as ChatGPT. This is not a hypothetical. This is the current reality of AI detection software like Turnitin and GPTZero, and it is actively threatening real students in the college admissions process right now. The question isn't whether colleges are using AI detectors. They are. The question is whether those AI detector tools are accurate — and the answer, backed by evidence, is no. Yet the consequences for a false positive on a college essay can range from a failed grade to an expulsion hearing. Andy and Pearl cut through the noise and give Class of 2027 families a clear-eyed look at what AI in college admissions actually means for your student's application. IN THIS EPISODE ────────────────────────── • Why AI detector software — including Turnitin and GPTZero — cannot reliably distinguish between human and AI writing, and why false positive AI detection on college essays is a growing crisis for high school students • The "Bible verse test": how a passage of ancient scripture scored 93% AI-generated, exposing the fundamental unreliability of AI detection software used in college admissions • How to use ChatGPT on a college application essay the right way — as a thinking partner and editor, not a ghostwriter — without triggering false AI accusations or compromising your Common App essay • "Robots grading robots": professors using AI to grade essays, and what that feedback loop signals for the Class of 2026 and Class of 2027 • Why computer science went from one of the hottest college majors to one of the most saturated — and how AI is reshaping career planning for students choosing their college major in 2026 • Pearl's "where's the beef" case study: the financial aid mistake families make 8 months too late — and how merit scholarship negotiation still works if you know the FAFSA filing window and your leverage points • Real Class of 2026 college admissions wrap-up: waitlists, May 1 college deadline decisions, and scholarship negotiations still in play for families right now ABOUT LOCKWOOD COLLEGE PREP ────────────────────────── Andy Lockwood and Pearl Lockwood are the founders of Lockwood College Prep, a private college admissions consulting firm based in Glen Head, Long Island. Through their proprietary P4 system — Plan, Path, Position, Pay — Andy and Pearl have helped hundreds of families navigate the college admissions process, maximize financial aid, and secure merit scholarships at schools their students love. LCP Coffee Talk is their weekly show covering real college admissions strategy for parents of high school students. Learn more lockwoodcollegeprep.com.

Applying to college isn't just about submitting applications in senior year. It starts with months or even years of preparation, which many families are caught off guard by once their teen becomes a rising senior. But don't worry. We are here to give you some tips and tricks to reduce the stress and confusion that can come from having all the information thrown at parents at once. Knowing how to write college admissions essays and how to find scholarship opportunities before things get too busy allows you to take some work off your plate now, making everything more manageable later. College essay expert Dr. Kellie Coppi and Dave “The Scholarship Coach” Peterson share actionable steps that your Class of 2027, 2028, and even 2029 students can take this spring and beyond to make their college admissions journey less stressful and more successful. Two College Prep Programs - One Low Price Get access to the Scholarship GPS Course and the Writing the College Admissions Essay Course for one low price! Writing the College Admissions Essay This self-paced course will take you through 9 lessons, both introducing you to the purpose of an admissions essay and how to properly craft one. Whether you're looking to write a Common App essay, essay for any other submission platform, a UC PIQ, or a supplemental essay, this course will ensure that your written submission fulfills the character-driven requirements for any admissions submission. With the structure and support offered, you also have a course at your disposal that can be used for students submitting in future college-bound cycles, as well! With nearly two decades of experience in college application coaching, Dr. Coppi is a college admissions essay expert. Dr. Coppi's background in higher education ensures that she understands the nuances of crafting compelling admissions essays. Dr. Coppi's College Admissions Essay course normally sells for $175, but with this special offer, you get BOTH the Scholarship GPS course and the College Admissions Essay course for one low price! Scholarship GPS The Scholarship GPS self-paced video course allows you to learn at your own pace. Throughout the course, you'll acquire essential scholarship skills, including: How to identify the best scholarships based on your student's unique profile Tips and best practices for scholarship applications, essays, and projects The importance of crafting your student's Personal Narrative, a key element in winning scholarships Additionally, you will have access to helpful tools such as: A scholarship tracking tool preloaded with quick and easy no-essay scholarships for immediate application A scholarship checklist template to ensure completion of applications Examples of scholarship-winning essays The Scholarship GPS course normally sells for $197, but with this special offer, you get BOTH the College Admissions Essay course and the Scholarship GPS course for one low price! Get lifetime access to BOTH the Writing the College Admissions Essay course AND Scholarship GPS for the low price of just $147! Click here to take advantage of this limited-time offer: https://www.scholarshipgps.com/collegeprepbogo ---------- Featured Scholarships: $1000 Review It Scholarship Constituting America "We the Future" Contest $2500 Jeanne Lucas Memorial Scholarship $1000 Veliz and Associates Right Mindset Scholarship $2026 No Essay Scholarship from ScholarshipOwl $10,000 Scholarships360 No Essay Scholarship ---------- Did you know that you can appeal your financial aid offer? In fact, colleges expect you to do so. However, it's important to submit your financial aid appeal correctly. That is why I'm so happy to share with you the FREE Financial Aid Appeal Letter Generator. The Financial Aid Appeal Letter Generator is completely FREE, takes just 5 minutes, provides you with a custom letter for your student based on their unique circumstances, and gives you a list of documents you can use to support your appeal. So, don't delay! Click here to start your financial aid appeal today!

In this solo episode, Lisa reflects on the complex relationship between identity, body image, and authenticity as she reads her essay about developing humor and personality as a survival strategy. Lisa explores how weight loss, shifting social responses, and global awakening experiences sparked an identity crisis that expanded into a deeper understanding of privilege, oppression, and the social context that shapes how bodies are perceived. Lisa examines the intoxicating pull of external validation, the grief of benefiting from appearance, and the lifelong practice of returning to embodied safety and self‑connection.Topics Include:Persona vs. Authentic SelfPrivilege and OppressionExternal ValidationSelf Connection[6:29] Lisa shares her Common App essay which focuses on her weight and personality. She describes her weight as her only flaw and the source of disrespect and impatience with herself. To compensate for not physically fitting in, Lisa cultivated a personality, using humor as her confidence. She reflects that her struggles with weight forced her to develop her inner self. Lisa recalls reading the essay years ago and viewing it through the lens of codependency and people-pleasing, a kind of persona created from a feeling of being unsafe. She used humor as a performance because she felt she couldn't be her authentic self due to her body. She concludes the essay with her valuing the person she became.[15:37] Lisa describes her time on Semester at Sea as the first time she entered a new social environment as a "thin person” and she wasn't receiving the same constant praise she previously had on campus for losing weight. She describes this confusing experience where her role in society felt like it was changing, but she couldn't articulate what was happening.[20:26] Lisa now understands this confusion was due to the world responding to her differently and her responding to the world differently. Lisa explains how her eyes were opening to the social context in general, leading to a crisis about how the world works. Her inability to process this existential crisis manifested physically as the origin of her IBS symptoms. [25:43] Lisa describes this period in her life where she became acutely aware of societal issues like racism, sexism, and poverty for the first time. She emphasized how her perception of the world had changed. Sociology 101 introduced her to the concepts of privilege and oppression. She noted that while the class discussed race, gender, and sexual orientation, the lens of body size was her own connection, allowing her to put the dots together.[43:51] Lisa shared a memory of walking down the street and being ignored by a man passing by and she began reflecting on when she began defining herself by how others saw her. She explained that the goal is not to swing the pendulum from being negatively judged to being positively judged but to be seen for who you truly are.[52:13] Lisa explains that to feel safe in one's body as it is, one must be connected to that body and spiritual being. Lisa issued an invitation for listeners to self-reflect on how much mental "real estate" the preoccupation with others' thoughts takes up in their daily lives.[59:46] She wraps up the episode with an invitation to let the current discussion "settle and marinate" and consider their own position as a person with an "animal brain in a social context," living within constructs of privilege and oppression.*The views of podcast guests do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Lisa Schlosberg or Out of the Cave, LLC.Embody Peace With Food: A Revolutionary Holistic Approach - Omega Institute: July 12-17, 2026LISA IS NOW ACCEPTING: One-on-One Clients!⁠Purchase the OOTC book of 50 Journal Prompts⁠⁠Leave Questions and Feedback for Lisa via OOTC Pod Feedback Form ⁠Email Lisa: ⁠lisa@lisaschlosberg.com⁠⁠Out of the Cave Merch⁠ - For 10% off use code SCHLOS10Lisa's Socials: Instagram⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠

Myles has already been accepted to 10 colleges—and as an autistic student, having real options feels both exciting and overwhelming.A drummer who plans to major in Music or Art History, Myles cast a wide net across the country, looking for schools with strong programs in his interests and meaningful supports for students on the autism spectrum.His list includes:Trinity University (San Antonio, TX)University of Puget Sound (Tacoma, WA)Loyola University Chicago (Chicago, IL)Marquette University (Milwaukee, WI)Whitman College (Walla Walla, WA)Wheaton College (Massachusetts)Drexel University (Philadelphia, PA) …and more.But now comes the hard part: choosing. Myles lives in Los Angeles and has realized he's not thrilled about the idea of a long, cold winter—plus there are a dozen other factors that matter when you're picking a school that truly fits.In this episode of Autism Goes to College, Myles breaks down: ✅ How he built his college list (and what he prioritized) ✅ What “support” actually means when you're comparing schools ✅ How he'll make the final decision once all offers are in ✅ What he'd do differently if he could start overIf you're an autistic student (or a parent) navigating college admissions, this conversation is a practical look at what it's really like to weigh multiple acceptances and find the right next step.Listen now and tell us in the comments: What matters most to you when choosing a college—program strength, location, supports, campus vibe, or something else?Support the show

College essays, Common App mistakes, and the most important question students never realize they're supposed to answer. In this episode of College Coffee Talk, Andy & Pearl Lockwood reveal what they call the “Invisible Question”—the hidden expectation behind every Common App prompt that separates admits from rejections. Topics include: ✔ Why great writing doesn't equal a great application ✔ What colleges really want to learn about you ✔ How to answer the invisible question—without writing a whole new essay ✔ Real examples from successful and unsuccessful essays ✔ Tips for Class of 2026 writers crafting their main essay

Homecoming Weekend at the University of Mary Washington! Director of First Year Admissions Sarah Lindberg and Dean of Admissions and Associate Vice President Melissa Yakabouski say it's a great time to visit campus and celebrate Eagle pride. It's also Virginia College Application Week — students can use the code VCAW on the Common App to waive the $50 application fee. UMW is also recognizing National Transfer Student Week and the National First-Generation College Celebration on November 8th. The next UMW Open House is coming up November 8th. Info on the UMW Tuition Promise, helping make college more affordable for Virginia families. Learn more and apply at umw.edu/apply or umw.edu/admissions, or email admit@umw.edu.

Together, Michael and Jeffrey unpack the myths of scarcity, the pitfalls of the Common App, and the immense pressure students face in today's admissions arms race.If you have a student in your life considering college—or if you've ever wondered whether chasing elite names is truly worth it—this episode offers a fresh, practical perspective on finding the right fit.Also listen to Episode #454, on Jeffrey Selingo's book ""Who Gets In and Why: A Year Inside College Admissions." (2021). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From a childhood “baseball club” in Boston to becoming a Dean of Admission at just 27, Thyra Briggs, Vice President for Admission and Financial Aid at Harvey Mudd College, has built a career defined by curiosity, courage, and care.In this episode of The Admissions Leadership Podcast, Thyra reflects on the role of baseball in her story—including a thoughtful gift from Ray Brown and why she's known as “Aunt Bob”—and the way cover letters have become her personal test for knowing when an opportunity is truly the right fit. She also talks about the leadership qualities that have shaped her approach over three decades: the grace to assume good intent, and the transparency to build trust with colleagues and counselors alike.Along the way, she shares what it's like to lead through moments of risk—especially during a tricky moment when she was the board president for the Common Application—the lessons she's carried from Sarah Lawrence to Harvey Mudd, and why “never say never” has been a guiding theme in her professional life.00:00 – Introduction: From Boston roots to Harvey Mudd.01:20 – The “baseball club” and why her brother still calls her “Bob.”05:00 – A special baseball: one of the most meaningful gifts ever.07:00 – Growing up a Red Sox fan (and marrying a Yankees fan).10:24 – From Connecticut College to Sarah Lawrence: first career steps.13:00 – Four presidents, two institutions, and why she's stayed.15:30 – Choosing small colleges, quality of life, and cabinet-level impact.18:10 – New presidents, new challenges, and the affordability task force.21:25 – Academic roots in religion and child development, and the “never say never” theme.23:00 – Public speaking fears, Common App crisis leadership, and surviving “majestic flop sweat.”26:47 – Moving west: the serendipity of Harvey Mudd.29:50 – How she decides which opportunities to pursue (and the cover letter test).32:09 – A big risk: becoming Dean of Admission at 27.36:00 – Mentors, financial aid partners, and learning with humility.39:45 – Two leadership cornerstones: grace and transparency.42:40 – Generational shifts in the profession and evolving work expectations.45:55 – Rapid DescentThe ALP is supported by RHB, a division of SIG. Music arranged by Ryan Anselment

What makes a tech stack work for people, not just processes? In this energizing episode, Dustin chats with Sarah Kotlinski, Director of Enrollment Systems and Analytics at Gettysburg College, about the real art behind edtech integration. Sarah shares her “three gates” framework for evaluating tools, how she turns everyday tech into superpowered solutions, and why she's a firm believer in departmental independence with intentional collaboration. You'll leave with practical ideas for managing your systems better—and maybe even rethinking how you define success in digital transformation.Guest Name: Sarah Kotlinski - Director of Enrollment Systems and Analytics at Gettysburg CollegeGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Sarah Kotlinski is the Director of Enrollment Systems and Analytics at Gettysburg College, where she is building a tech stack designed to engage, inform, and simplify every step of the enrollment journey. With over 35 years of experience in higher education, Sarah brings deep expertise and a collaborative spirit to her work.Beyond Gettysburg, she is a Technolutions Slate Community Ambassador and the founder and leader of the Slate Training user group. She also co-facilitates the Slate–Common App user group, mentors new Common App member institutions, and serves on both the CampusESP Customer Advisory Board and the College Board's Enrollment Solutions Strategic Advisory Group. - - - -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 AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.

Send us a textIn this episode of College Planning Simplified, Arielle breaks down four key tasks every rising senior should tackle before senior year begins. From starting your Common App and building a strong activity list to brainstorming your personal statement and balancing your college list, she'll walk you through how starting early sets you up for a smoother, more confident application season.✅ Actionable advice you can use today—so you're not scrambling later.

In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel walks through everything students and families need to prepare as the Common App opens on August 1. From how to set up your account to the mistakes students often make in the academic and activities sections, this is a clear, practical guide to starting the application season the right way.    Key Takeaways: Getting Started with the Common App: Why you should create your account early, what to expect when you log in, and the key things to get right from the beginning. Academic History & Activities: How to report your coursework and grades accurately, what matters most in the activities section, and common mistakes students make when trying to “stand out.” Honors & Awards: What counts as an award, how to present them effectively, and when it's okay to leave this section blank. The Common App Essay: How to choose the right prompt, what colleges are really looking for, and why clarity and self-awareness matter more than gimmicks or polish. Optional Sections & Strategy: How to decide whether to use the Additional Info section, and how to align every part of your application with your broader story.   The Common App can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Use this episode as your launchpad—then join us live on August 3, 2025 for Thomas' free live webinar with a full Common App walkthrough + live Q&A to go even deeper and get your questions answered. Register here and explore more resources built for this season.

College essay mistakes, Common App essay fails, and admissions tips, all based on real examples from our weekend bootcamp. These writing errors can sink even great students. In this episode of College Coffee Talk, Andy & Pearl Lockwood share real case studies from their latest in-office essay bootcamp. You'll see the most common college essay mistakes students make, and how to fix them fast. Topics include: ✔ 3 real essay mistakes from high-achieving students ✔ The problem with generic hardship stories ✔ What colleges really want to see in your essay ✔ Live financial aid appeal breakdown from the Lockwood office

In this episode you will hear:   (01:56) Question from a listener:  Number 1 Julia and Mark answer a question from a mom who has a son at an independent school and she wants to know whether to hire an outside college counselor when the school her son attends is discouraging, making a hire-2 of 2     (01:15:40) Interview Greg Zaiser-VP of Enrollment at Elon University-Understanding Demonstrated Interest-1 of 2 Part 1-Preview v  Greg shares his backstory and you will see, he really knows Elon well v  Greg shares with us why Demonstrated interest is of such great value to Elon v  Greg talks about the value of Early Decision to Elon v  Greg shares whether he thinks Early Decision will continue to spread among public schools v  Greg shares how joining the Common App has impacted Elon v  Greg answers the question, would he like to see more students apply Early Decision v  Greg talks about Early Action and Elon's Yield in Early Action v  Greg gives Elon's stats for Early Decision, Early Action and Regular Decision v  Greg talks about whether students that do virtual visits and in person visits are more likely to enroll at Elon, and is that factored into their DI projections v  Greg explains how AI is used or not used when it comes to tracking demonstrated interest v  Greg talks about whether a student's web traffic on the website is factor Into looking at demonstrated interest         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/

Lying on college applications, Common App essays, race/ethnicity, fake extracurriculars: and how the NYC mayor candidate got away with it. What does this mean for you in 2025? Today on College Coffee Talk, Andy Lockwood dives into the bizarre and very real story of a NYC mayoral candidate who allegedly lied on his college application: race, background, extracurriculars, all of it. ✔ What admissions officers actually check for ✔ Whether you can really lie and get away with it ✔ Why this isn't just about ethics—it's about strategy ✔ What the scandal reveals about college essay “myths” ✔ The line between storytelling and fraud

In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel speaks directly to rising seniors and their families. First, congratulations—junior year is done. Now it's time to look ahead. The next six weeks before the Common App opens are critical. This is when you take everything you've done and shape it into a focused, compelling strategy. Thomas outlines how students should be using this time: revisiting standardized test plans, reflecting on academic interests and potential majors, and identifying the schools and environments that truly fit. He emphasizes the importance of deeper research, from courses to campus culture, and how these insights should inform your application narrative. Key Topics Discussed: Start With Testing: ACT and SAT scores are becoming more important. Decide now if you need to retake your test, and explore free resources, tutoring, or study groups to help you succeed. Build Your College Framework: Work backward—think about your intended major, then identify the right-fit schools. Research deeply and critically: course offerings, campus culture, and opportunities for involvement. Strategize for Essays: Don't write yet, but start reviewing last year's supplemental essay prompts to understand what different schools value. Shape your approach based on what each school is actually looking for. Summer Isn't Just for Applications: Highly selective schools expect you to be engaged. Volunteer, get a job, read, or explore something that moves you forward. This is your final summer—use it well. Advice for Parents: Support your student, but give them room to process. If your child doesn't want to share their essay, that's okay—find a third-party expert to help with feedback. Get Ahead on the Common App: Create your account and start basic data entry. Getting organized now will save stress later. You don't need to have everything figured out today—but you do need to start moving with purpose. Thoughtful planning now can make the difference between a chaotic senior year and a strategic, confident one. Where are you in the process? We'd love to hear from you—DM us on Instagram or TikTok @admittedlyco with your questions or concerns. Visit www.admittedly.co for free resources, tools, and expert support to help you stay on track.

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  

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!

Send us a textIn this episode of College Planning Simplified, host Arielle and Lindsey Roy discuss how students can make the most out of their summer. They emphasize the importance of intentional planning and the value of part-time jobs, authentic personal projects, and volunteer experiences. They also highlight the significance of early application processes, like starting the Common App, creating an activity list, and reflecting on personal interests and achievements. The episode provides practical advice for students and parents on how to use the summer effectively to enhance college applications.00:00 Introduction and Summer Excitement00:56 The Importance of Summer Planning01:57 Valuable Summer Activities for Students02:38 Personal Stories of Summer Jobs03:51 Authentic Summer Experiences05:31 Encouraging Student Independence14:40 Mistakes in Summer Planning18:45 Tips for Rising Seniors22:41 Conclusion and Summer Fun

With the school year winding down, it's time for a strategic check-in. In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel breaks down what students in each grade level — from freshmen to juniors — should be doing right now to close out the year strong and set themselves up for summer (and beyond). From building study habits and exploring new interests to locking in your college list and prepping your recommenders, Thomas offers clear, actionable guidance tailored to where you are in your high school journey. Plus, he shares inspiring success stories from real students who've taken control of their path — and how you can too.   Key Topics: Freshman: Why reflection is key, how to explore interests and prep for sophomore year Sophomore: What to cut, what to double down on, and how to make this summer count Junior: The most pivotal year — from GPA and testing to activities, majors, and Common App prep Tips for academic improvement and relationship building with teachers Real success stories from Admittedly students in each grade How to approach summer with intention and set yourself up for success next year   College admissions isn't about last-minute scrambles — it's about intentional, thoughtful planning. No matter what grade you're in, the steps you take right now can set you apart in a sea of applications later. Take stock. Get real about your progress. And take ownership of your path. Follow Admittedly on Instagram and TikTok at @admittedlyco for more insights, and drop us a comment! Visit www.admittedly.co to learn more about how Thomas and the Admittedly team can help you navigate your admissions journey.

In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel takes a break from the usual admissions talk to share six inspiring success stories that prove there's no single path to college admissions success. These students faced unique challenges—limited resources, late-changing interests, international barriers—but found creative ways to stand out. Their journeys highlight the power of reframing experiences, seeking the right opportunities, and crafting compelling personal stories. Success Stories: Andie: A student from a middle-class, single-parent home who worked after school instead of doing traditional extracurriculars. By reframing her story, she leveraged her experience into a successful application to Wharton and is now a highly successful graduate. Susan: An artist passionate about architecture, Susan used local resources and an international nonprofit to build a strong application—earning close to $1 million in scholarships and admission to top architecture programs. Bob: An international student passionate about environmental science, Bob found a hands-on path outside the lab with Outward Bound and the U.S. Forest Service, leading him to NYU and a unique blend of fieldwork and academics. James: A boarding school student with an unimpressive resume transformed his passion for healthcare and technology into impactful telehealth advocacy, influencing state laws and earning a spot at Penn—now pursuing a PhD in the Ivy League. Alice: A high-achieving student in Hong Kong's top school shifted from STEM to social sciences, leading impactful work on period poverty in Cambodia. Her advocacy work helped her stand out and become the only student from her school admitted early to an Ivy League. Alex: A sophomore passionate about real estate and fluent in Japanese, Alex found an internship in Japan with Admittedly's guidance. His experience set him apart and helped him gain admission into Wharton's Huntsman Program. With over 8 million applications submitted through the Common App this year, standing out requires more than just strong academics—it demands a compelling personal story. These students prove that by embracing their unique interests, seeking out meaningful opportunities, and telling authentic stories, they were able to beat the odds and gain admission to top universities. Follow Thomas on Instagram and TikTok at @admittedlyco for more insights and updates! Visit www.admittedly.co to discover how Admittedly can support you in your college admissions journey.

In this second episode in our series, Homeschooling To College, Kym Kent and I talk about some of the common myths around college admissions and affordability, as well as how to navigate the Common App as a homeschooling family.  "A trend colleges might not want applicants to notice: It's becoming easier to get in" (The Hechinger Report, Nov. 2024) "The secret that colleges should stop keeping" (The Atlantic, Feb. 2025) In case you missed it, check out our first episode in this series in which Kym and I discuss preparation for college admissions during the high school years, and the pre-application process.  *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly LiberatED e-newsletter on education trends at fee.org/liberated.

In this episode you will hear:   Mark discusses new changes to the Common App, and then he gives he describes Forbes College Financial Grades, a tool you cn use to know which colleges are stable financially and which colleges are struggling financially? Mark interviews Kathleen deLaski, Founder of the Education Design Lab Preview of Part 4 ²  Kathleen and I discuss the correlation between parent involvement and high achievement ²  Kathleen tells our listeners what the Year Up program is ²  Kathleen tells us what a skills genome is ²  Kathleen tells us what the badging movement is ²  Kathleen talks about what she calls the edu-training ecosystem ²  Kathleen says colleges need to be re-imagined and she explains what she calls, “the great college reset” ²  Kathleen talks about students are strategically using Coursera to hack their way to a good job   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 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.  

In this episode, former admissions officers from Johns Hopkins, Yale, and Harvard Law share their honest feedback on real Common Apps from students who applied to Yale, Dartmouth, and Johns Hopkins. Discover what makes an application stand out—and what's missing! Gain insights into the strengths and weaknesses they've observed, plus how domestic and international applications differ in the admissions process.You'll get firsthand insider feedback on the strengths and weaknesses they've seen in these applications, plus hear how the admissions process differs for domestic vs. international applicants. Tune in for some eye-opening insights you won't want to miss! FOLLOW ALONG with our experts by clicking the links below as they walk through each Common App, giving you real-time insights into what works and what doesn't! Yale application Dartmouth application Johns Hopkins application You can now watch us in video on YouTube and Spotify as well!  --- To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE.  Register for our upcoming webinars. Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email jilian.yong@ingeniusprep.com. To learn more about InGenius Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.

 This week, Tokyo Academics Lead Admissions Consultant Jennifer Liepin shares insights about optimizing your Common App activities list to make the strongest impression possible. Learn how admissions officers evaluate these entries to understand your passions, achievements, and impact. Liepin offers practical advice on prioritizing activities, choosing the right language, and presenting your unique story—all drawn from her extensive experience guiding students through the admissions process. Join free webinars at www.tokyoacademics.com/eventsNeed help applying to college? Contact us for a free consultation where we'll discuss your strengths, weaknesses, and provide an initial assessment to optimize your success. If you want to maximize your chances of getting into your dream schools, we can help! Visit www.tokyoacademics.com/free-trial.

Seniors, are you working on your Common Application? Host Ian Fisher will be interviewing colleague Kristine Sawicki, formerly of Stanford University, about how to make your Common Application shine. We have something for your sophomores and juniors too! You may be wondering how to make the most of high school. We'll be addressing purposeful goal setting instead of just wish making. And parents, are you looking for an out in repaying Parent PLUS or cosigned private loans? It's not easy…but we'll talk about the few ways it might be possible.

What is something that is lowkey gross? You'll never guess what made the top five list! Raven is back! He learned the best hack on where to sit on an airplane if you want to find love!  Anna saw a corporate building by her house but no one knows what is inside! She thinks there are monkeys inside! But then she saw the news and now she's positive that there could be something weird going on in that building! High School Seniors, those Common Apps are due! Anna and Raven wrote their essays from the Comm App, but in 100 words! Can they do it? While on a flight, the screen prompted Anna to look around and make sure there were no children in her area or people that would be offended by her selection of movie… Deadpool and Wolverine. Do you think it's right for airlines to do this? Tim and Julia are planning on a renovation project that'll involve turning the sunroom and part of the patio into a closed space. Her father and brother plan to knock it out in a weekend or so. Her husband says no way, first off, it'll be like every other project they ever take on... A total hack that never gets finished. He knows they won't pull permits or anything, and this is their house, not a shed or bathroom tile job. He wants to tell his father-in-law and brother-in-law, thanks but no thanks. She thinks they'll be offended, and this will save them money that they barely have. Do you have a family member that is an expert in something, but you won't let them do that talent for you? Will Anna let her sister, a professional graphic designer, rebrand her socials? Anna says for all you do, and all you put up with this week, you've earned yourself a drink. What did you do to earn your Mommy Margarita? It's the return of Fired Friday! Call in and tell us what happened at your job, then Anna and Raven will guess whether you kept your job or not. What do you do when you would like to break tradition and stop hosting Thanksgiving? The biggest issue? Your husband doesn't want you to cancel. Marriage and family therapist, Wynter Warshaw, has a response that might surprise you. Find her at YouAreComplete.com. Can't Beat Raven is back with a jackpot of $1300! Will Rose guess more pop culture questions than Raven? Find out!

Ready to tackle college application season? Our latest podcast episode is here to help you navigate this critical time! Join us as we bring together a panel of former admissions officers from the University of Pennsylvania, Brown, and Harvard to address the most common questions surrounding college applications, personal essays, the Common App, letters of recommendation, resumes, activity lists, and much more. To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE.  Join our private Facebook Group to ask our Former Admissions Officers any questions! Register for our upcoming webinars. Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email jilian.yong@ingeniusprep.com. To learn more about InGenius Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.

In this episode you will hear:   (10:50) In The News Mark and Julia discuss SlideRoom, what is it and what tips do we have for students using SlideRoom?   (21:40) Question from a listener:  Our Roundtable is back; this time it is Hillary Dickman, Vince Garcia, Susan Tree and Mark Stucker and they answer several questions from a mom who wants to know, why is the Common App asking about the Future Plans of my daughter after college?   (35:44) Interview  David Graves, a 27-year veteran of the admission office at the University of Georgia does a 2-hour deep dive into helping us understand the University of Georgia-Part 5 of 5 Preview of Part 5   §  David talks about ecology §  David talks about landscape architecture §  David shares the things he really wants to emphasize that §  I ask David to settle the age-old debate, Is UGA the first publicly chartered school or is it UNC, both claim it, which one is correct §  David shares what UGA needs to change to become an even better school §  David shares when they do holistic review and when they do academic review? §  David talks about how they split up academic review and holistic review with different readers §  David goes on the hotseat in our lightning round     Recommended Resource: returns after November 1st   College Spotlight-The University of Georgia       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 today's episode, I dive deep with Danny Tejada, who shares his journey from growing up in a tough NYC neighborhood to becoming a key figure in college access and admissions. Danny emphasizes the importance of understanding education's return on investment and how he helps students navigate college finance and career planning. Tune in to hear his impactful insights and experiences.BioDanny Tejada grew up in public housing in East New York, Brooklyn. He is a first-generation high school and college graduate. He attended Skidmore College. He also holds a certificate in College Advising from Teachers College, Columbia University. He co-authored a book with his mentee called Different Families, Still Brothers.  Danny has been in college counseling for over ten years, working in public, private, charter schools, non-profits, and his own consulting company, We Go To College, LLC. In his consulting, he works with non-profits and high schools on their college counseling programming, colleges on their recruitment of historically disadvantaged students, and individual families on the college application process. In addition to his consulting work, he works at an independent school in Manhattan and reads applications for the University of California, San Diego.  Danny sits on the boards of Stony Brook University's Counselor Advisory, Uprooted Academy, and Puerto Rican Family Institute, Inc. Previously, he was on Common App's Counselor Advisory Committee and College Access Consortium of New York's board. Throughout his college counseling career, he has presented at state and national conferences and been featured on NewsNation, in The New York Times, NPR, Forbes, The Chronicle of Higher Education, Education Week, and Money.com, discussing college access issues for historically disadvantaged students.  Danny's mission is to expand college access for low-income, Black, and Brown students so they can achieve upward mobility and break their generational curse. Follow Danny on LinkedIn.Access 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/.

This week, Tokyo Academics Lead Admissions Consultant Jennifer Liepin talks about the challenges students face during the college admissions process, with a particular focus on writing the Common App essay. Jennifer emphasizes the importance of avoiding redundancy in essays, how to showcase multiple facets of one's identity, and what admissions officers look for in personal statements. She provides practical tips for crafting a compelling narrative that stands out, while also advising on the types of topics to avoid and strategies to make the essay process smoother. Join free webinars at www.tokyoacademics.com/eventsNeed help applying to college? Contact us for a free consultation where we'll discuss your strengths, weaknesses, and provide an initial assessment to optimize your success. If you want to maximize your chances of getting into your dream schools, we can help! Visit www.tokyoacademics.com/free-trial.

In this episode, Lisa and Lee discuss:Why it's a myth your teen's college application needs 10 extracurriculars. Creative ways to demonstrate leadership beyond traditional titles.Ideas for furthering your teen's leadership experiences, whether they're just starting high school or beginning their college application process. How to think about your teen's activities list as newspaper headlines. The importance of doing an extracurricular audit for your teen. Key Takeaways: Your student does not need to have 10 separate activities. Admissions counselors understand certain activities, such as sports, take more time than others. They will want to show leadership, not just time-filling activities. Your teen does not need to have played a sport to be a compelling candidate on their application. Understanding the categories on the Common App for the activities. This will help your student see that they've done more than they often think they have.No activity is worthless if your teen learned something. But not every activity needs to be continued if it doesn't resonate, doesn't lead to your student's future career, or they don't enjoy it. Leadership is a lifelong pursuit, not just during your student's high school career.  “When we look at those activities, we want to show and not tell. We want to know that 10 doesn't mean 10, and we want to be able to just account for what we did in our free time.” – Lee NorwoodAbout Lee Norwood: Lee Norwood is a dedicated professional committed to helping students successfully navigate the college admissions process  As the owner of AnnapolisCollegeconsulting.com and the founder of collegesharks.com, Lee brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her award-winning consulting practice. Lee Norwood is a trusted partner for families seeking guidance on the college admissions journey, and she is committed to helping students find their authentic voices and identify growth opportunities that align with their passions. as they pursue their higher education goals.Episode References:Lee's Leadership Video: https://flourishcoachingco.com/leadershipLeveling the Playing Field: https://www.levelingtheplayingfield.org/ Common App: https://commonapp.org/ 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 corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret). flourishcoachingco.com/video Connect with Lee:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegesharks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/collegesharks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnnapolisCollegeConsulting/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annapoliscollegeconsulting/ Website: https://annapoliscollegeconsulting.com/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@collegesharks 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

Seniors, are you working on your Common Application? Host Ian Fisher will be interviewing colleague Kristine Sawicki, formerly of Stanford University, about how to make your Common Application shine. We have something for your sophomores and juniors too! You may be wondering how to make the most of high school. We'll be addressing purposeful goal setting instead of just wish making. And parents, are you looking for an out in repaying Parent PLUS or cosigned private loans? It's not easy…but we'll talk about the few ways it might be possible.

Day 2 of our workshop helping teens understand what colleges are looking for and how to complete the five different sections of the Common App so you stand out to the admissions officers who read your applications. 

This is day 1 of our workshop helping teens understand what colleges are looking for and how to complete the five different sections of the Common App so that admissions officers will be excited to admit you.Part two will follow next!

If you are stressed about how to best fill out the Common App, I have good news for you. I'll be hosting a free workshop to help you understand how to fit all five pieces of the Common App together. You might recognize this from a few months ago-- we are repeating this training due to the high number of requests we received. Also, we will be adding case studies to make the information even more clear and useful.To register, go to TILC.to/commonapp and give us your name and email address, so we can send you the worksheet, the zoom links, and then the recording when we finish.See you August 23 & 24th at 8pm eastern time.

Paying for college has been tough for a while now, but high interest rates are making it even tougher. Host Ian Fisher is joined by College Coach finance expert Alex Bickford to discuss what your options are. In addition, he will be digging into the details of rolling over your Common Application account if you opened it before the official August 1 start date for the 2024-2025 year with colleague Mary Sue Youn, and discussing the various college application process trackers used by high schools, such as Naviance, Scoir, and Maia. They all offer different functionalities that can help with the college application process, so listen in.

In this episode you will hear:   (02:36) In the News Mark and Julia answer several question from Assaf from Rochester. He has several questions about Honors College's (23:45) Question from a listener:  Our roundtable is back (Hillary, Susan, Julia, Vince and Mark) and we discuss a few questions from an anonymous mom about the Honors section of the Common App.   (39:50) Interview  Mark interviews Stephen Burd, Editor of the book, Lifting the Veil on Enrollment Management, and Don Hossler, one of the major contributors to the book   Preview of Part 3 §  Stephan and Don talk about some firms leverage financial aid for every single student and Don uses the word, “repulsive” when referring to this practice §  Don tells a story about a dastardly thing he heard one of the bigger firms says at an admissions conference §  Mark asks Don another tough question about financial aid leveraging and he lets us know if he finds the practice ethical or unethical §  Mark asks Don if he feel colleges tracking your web activity and factoring that into decisions, does he see this as ethical or unethical? §  Don tells us whether more public universities are using demonstrated interest than they often let families know §  Stephen talks about another practice he finds to be unethical in recruitment §  Don talks about a director of admission that got fired because the President intentionally wanted him to recruit to reject and he refused to recruit with the purpose of rejecting more students, so he got fired §  Stephen talks about how all of this financial leveraging is hurting colleges financially §  Stephen tells us who he feels is really being hurt by all of this financial aid leveraging §  Stephen and Don go on the hotseat     (57:43) Recommended Resource: How to Raise Successful Kids -- Without Over-Parenting | Julie Lythcott-Haims | TED   (01:13:32) College Spotlight-University of South Carolina Part 2 of 3 with Mark and Lisa       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:   (03:45) In the News Mark and Julia discuss waitlists and then they discuss an article by Jeff Selingo entitled, “The New Trick Families are using to Lower Tuition” Part 2 of 2 (26:57) Question from a listener:  Our roundtable is back (Hillary, Susan, Julia, Vince and Mark) and we discuss a question from a listener in Narobi, Kenya about the Common App. The roundtable then discusses the Additional Information Section of the Common App.   (38:20) Interview  Mark interviews Matt Carpenter on the topic of, “Understanding College Aid Pro” Part 2 of 2 Preview of Part 2   v  Matt goes over the three different levels of service that they provide v  Matt talks about how to effectively use College Aid Pro v  Matt talks about their “Wake me up when its over” service v  Matt goes on the hotseat v  Matt shares a special offer for our clients to take advantage of their services at reduced pricing       (01:01:33) College Spotlight-Mark interviews Martha Stolze, the Director of Admissions at Beloit College-2 of 3   (47:34) Recommended Resource: AXS Companion – Open Resource - Oregon State University         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:   (25:20) In the News Mark and Julia discuss waitlists and then they discuss an article by Jeff Selingo entitled, “The New Trick Families are using to Lower Tuition” Part 1 of 2 (49:28) Question from a listener:  Our roundtable is back (Hillary, Susan, Julia, Vince and Mark) and we discuss a question from a listener in Narobi, Kenya about the Common App. The roundtable then discusses the Additional Information Section of the Common App.   (01:04:43) Interview  Mark interviews Matt Carpenter on the topic of, “Understanding College Aid Pro” Part 1 of 2 Preview of Part 1   v  Matt shares his two pieces of advice that he hopes families take away from v  Matt shares what a Bubble family is, and he shares what a Bubble family needs to do to get a great aid package v  Matt shares why he is so confident that College Aid Pro's software is more accurate than the college's own “net price calculator” v  Matt shares how their software can be more accurate than the college's net price calculators v  Matt talks about how they use actual aid awards in their projections v  You get two admission vernaculars from us in this interview as Matt and I have a great conversation about preferential packaging and schools that admit/deny       (01:25:46) College Spotlight-Mark interviews Martha Stolze, the Director of Admissions at Beloit College-1 of 3       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:   (02:08) We have a five-way conversation for the first time at YCBK. Our four regular (Julia, Susan, Vince and Mark) are joined by Hillary Dickman, (Assistant Director of Admissions, Colorado College) for a conservation about how to complete the Activities Section of the Common Application. We discuss the Do's and the Don'ts over the next three weeks. Part 3 of 3     (31:32) Question from a listener Kathie from California wants to know if not having internships could impact her daughter's chances of getting a full-time job after she graduates from college (46:42) Interview  Two college counselors who specialize in working with homeschooled applicants (Dr. Michele Evard and Holly Ramsey) and a Senior Associate Director of Admissions (Liam Dailey) who works at Beloit College but serves as Beloit College's admission liaison have an in-depth 90 minute conversation about, How Admission Offices evaluate homeschooled applicants (Part 2 of 4) Preview   (01:10:00) College Spotlight-Understanding Ursinus, an interview with Michael Keaton-Part 1 of 2   Preview of Part 2            Liam talks about how homeschooled students demonstrate college readiness, and Holly chimes in and adds some insights          Liam, Michele, and Holly discuss how test scores affect how homeschooled applicants are evaluated.          Michele and Holly discuss the challenge of APs for homeschooled applicants          Liam talks about what he does in his role of homeschool admissions liaison, and he talks about how common or rare it is for a college to have a homeschool specialist in their admission office     (57:42) Recommended Resource: NACAC let's you know which colleges are still admitting students for the class of 2024         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:   (03:12) We have a five-way conversation for the first time at YCBK. Our four regular (Julia, Susan, Vince and Mark) are joined by Hillary Dickman, (Assistant Director of Admissions, Colorado College) for a conservation about how to complete the Activities Section of the Common Application. We discuss the Do's and the Don'ts over the next three weeks. Part 2 of 3     (31:51) Question from a listener A mom from Western Massachusetts wants to know how activities are evaluated by middle income students, who don't have the money to do expensive activities, but they also aren't classified as under-resourced students (47:18) Interview  Two college counselors who specialize in working with homeschooled applicants (Dr. Michele Evard and Holly Ramsey) and a Senior Associate Director of Admissions (Liam Dailey) who works at Beloit College but serves as Beloit College's admission liaison have an in-depth 90 minute conversation about, How Admission Offices evaluate homeschooled applicants (Part 1 of 4) Preview            Holly, Michelle, and Liam all introduce themselves.          Liam, Michelle, and Holly share the reasons why students choose homeschooling          Holly shares some of the fascinating statistics on homeschooling          We return to the subject of why students consider homeschooling          Holly explains why she feels homeschooling is a humane way to educate          Holly explains how the racial unrest with George Floyd has impacted homeschooling          Liam shares some creative examples of students who homeschooled          Michele answers the question, when is a student that learns at home homeschooled, and when are they not homeschooled          Holly speaks to the efficiency of homeschooling   (01:12:35) College Spotlight-Understanding Ursinus, an interview with Michael Keaton-Part 1 of 2   Preview of Part 1   v  Michael gives an overview of Part 1 v  Michael talks about the Presidents vision for Ursinus and he says that is one reason he chose to come to Ursinus v  Michael talks about the departments and programs that students are the most enthusiastic about v  Michael talks about the Summer Fellows Program       Recommended Resource: No recommended resource during the Homeschooled interview because Holly, Michele and Liam share about five recommended resources during their four part interview.         Speakpipe.com/YCBK is our method if you want to ask a question and we will be prioritizing all questions sent in via Speakpipe.   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. If you have a question for one of our upcoming interviews with admissions professionals, here is a list of admissions professionals who we will interview in 2023 or 2024.   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.   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/

Navigating the college admissions process can be daunting, but Gail Reams, an expert independent counselor, is here to guide you. In this insightful episode, Gail draws from over a decade of experience helping students gain acceptance to top universities like Columbia, UCLA, and Duke. She shares invaluable tips on crafting outstanding personal essays, building a strong college list, maximizing extracurriculars, and standing out from the crowd. Whether you're an aspiring international student or a parent seeking clarity on financial aid and scholarships, Gail's expertise will equip you with the tools to unlock your dream school.

In this episode you will hear:   (02:00) We have a five-way conversation for the first time at YCBK. Our four regular (Julia, Susan, Vince and Mark) are joined by Hillary Dickman, (Assistant Director of Admissions, Colorado College) for a conservation about how to complete the Activities Section of the Common Application. We discuss the Do's and the Don'ts over the next three weeks.      (31:25) Question from a listener Jessica, an international listener has a question about the change from test-optional to test mandatory that is happening at a number of colleges. (46:30) Interview  Chris Cage, the VP of enrollment at Belmont University discusses Belmont University with Mark Stucker-Part 3 of 3 Preview of Part 3 of 3 v  Chris talks about the admissions process at Belmont v  Chris talks about athletics at Belmont v  Chris talks about Greek life at Belmont v  Chris goes on the hotseat in the lightning round v  Andy gives his best advice for parents and students       (53:30) Recommended Resource: AP Daily Videos, a great free source to prepare for AP exams         Speakpipe.com/YCBK is our method if you want to ask a question and we will be prioritizing all questions sent in via Speakpipe.   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. If you have a question for one of our upcoming interviews with admissions professionals, here is a list of admissions professionals who we will interview in 2023 or 2024.   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.   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/