Podcasts about Early decision

In this episode you will hear: (08:49) Matt Carpenter interview, Part 3 of 3 ² Matt and I continue with our conversation about a need-based appeal ² I share a story about how some colleges are not transparent when it comes to home equity and that can be a game changer ² Matt gives a shout out to a college that does a great job if your income changes from the base year ² Matt and I talk about the easiest way to win a need-based appeal ² Matt discusses whether it is best to make a specific ask versus a general ask when appealing for more money ² Matt and I discuss the importance of tone when you appeal ² Matt tells our listeners, don't use the N word, but you have to listen to find out what the N word is ² Matt and I discuss the competitor appeal ² Matt gives some tips of how to know who is a good school for you to do a competitor appeal with ² Matt shares whether he recommends you send paperwork for one school or, or for no schools, or for many schools ² Matt gives more details about, what the appeal meeting with a financial aid officer looks like ² Matt and I talk about whether the student or parent should initiate the appeal process ² Matt and I discuss whether colleges lead with their best financial offer in the Early Decision round ² Matt closes with some great resources and a special financial offer for our listeners (35:09) Question - A mom from Arizona is a college counselor and she wants to know how she can invited to more college fly-ins. (01:08:32) Interview: Mark interviews Kev Sanders, Associate Director of Admissions, University of Utah Preview of Part 2 o Kev talks about the amazing location of the Utah campus, and he explains all of the opportunities that are available for students at the University of Utah o Kev tells us more about Salt Lake City, which is where Utah is located o Kev describes the athletic school spirit at Utah o Kev goes into more detail about approximately 10 of the strongest programs Utah offers o I ask Kev about some areas that one of the families I am working with that has a student at Utah wishes could be different, and Kev responds to these constructive criticisms Recommended Resource Guide to help first year students complete the Common Application- Application guide for first-year students Speakpipe.com/YCBK is our method if you want to ask a question and we will be prioritizing all questions sent in via Speakpipe. Unfortunately, we will NOT answer questions on the podcast anymore that are emailed in. If you want us to answer a question on the podcast, please use speakpipe.com/YCBK. We feel hearing from our listeners in their own voices adds to the community feel of our podcast. You can also use this for many other purposes: 1) Send us constructive criticism about how we can improve our podcast 2) Share an encouraging word about something you like about an episode or the podcast in general 3) Share a topic or an article you would like us to address 4) Share a speaker you want us to interview 5) Leave positive feedback for one of our interviewees. We will send your verbal feedback directly to them and I can almost assure you, your positive feedback will make their day. To sign up to receive Your College-Bound Kid PLUS, our new monthly admissions newsletter, delivered directly to your email once a month, just go to yourcollegeboundkid.com, and you will see the sign-up popup. We will include many of the hot topics being discussed on college campuses. Check out our new blog. We write timely and insightful articles on college admissions: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/blog/ Follow Mark Stucker on Twitter to get breaking college admission news, and updates about the podcast before they go live. You can ask questions on Twitter that he will answer on the podcast. Mark will also share additional hot topics in the news and breaking news on this Twitter feed. Twitter message is also the preferred way to ask questions for our podcast: 1. To access our transcripts, click: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/transcripts/ 2. Find the specific episode transcripts for the one you want to search for and click the link 3. Find the magnifying glass icon in blue (search feature) and click it 4. Enter whatever word you want to search. I.e. Loans 5. Every word in that episode when the words loans are used will be highlighted in yellow with a timestamps 6. Click the word highlighted in yellow and the player will play the episode from that starting point 7. You can also download the entire podcast as a transcript We would be honored if you will pass this podcast episode on to others who you feel will benefit from the content in YCBK. Please subscribe to our podcast. It really helps us move up in Apple's search feature so others can find our podcast. If you enjoy our podcast, would you please do us a favor and share our podcast both verbally and on social media? We would be most grateful! If you want to help more people find Your College-Bound Kid, please make sure you follow our podcast. You will also get instant notifications as soon as each episode goes live. Check out the college admissions books Mark recommends: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/recommended-books/ Check out the college websites Mark recommends: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/recommended-websites/ If you want to have some input about what you like and what you recommend, we change about our podcast, please complete our Podcast survey; here is the link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScCauBgityVXVHRQUjvlIRfYrMWWdHarB9DMQGYL0472bNxrw/viewform If you want a college consultation, text Mark at 404-664-4340, or email us at yourcollegeboundkid@yahoo.com All we ask is that you review their services and pricing on their website before the complimentary session; here is link to their services with transparent pricing: https://schoolmatch4u.com/services/compare-packages/

A former Education Department official wrote a piece in the New York Times entitled, "Early Decision is a Racket. Shut It Down." Ben and Nathan apply his takeaways to law school admissions.Read more on our website. Email daily@lsatdemon.com with questions or comments. Watch this episode on YouTube!

The internet is full of opinions, and not all of them are kind. This week, Ben and Nathan dig into a reddit thread, reacting to some of the tougher criticisms aimed at the Demon and our co-hosts.Also in this episode:- Ben and Nathan react to Washington's decision to retroactively lower its bar passage score- A listener asks whether applying Early Decision makes sense for top law schools- Whether a law school increasing its class size improves your odds of admissionStudy with our Free Plan⁠⁠Download our iOS app⁠Watch Episode 538 on YouTubeCheck out all of our “What's the Deal With” segmentsGet caught up with our ⁠Word of the Week⁠⁠ library0:00 Making a Last Push on Next LSAT7:18 Should I Take the LSAT Again?23:48 Washington Lowering Bar Passage Requirements42:03 We Read Our Mean Comments1:03:10 Law Schools Increasing Class Sizes1:11:22 Can Early Decision Be Beneficial?1:22:55 Personal Statement Gong Show1:39:40 Word of the Week — penumbra

In this episode you will hear: (01:58) In The News, Part 2 of 3 We welcome a new member to our podcast, Carter Delloro, Co-Director of College Counseling at the Marymount School of New York. Carter will discuss a New Yor Times article, "The Early Decision Option Is a Racket. Shut It Down" and then a listener, Sean Elliott sends in a message in support of Early Decision and Carter shares his perspective on Sean's perspective. (25:18) Matt Carpenter interview, Part 2 of 3 ² Matt gives examples of colleges who almost never lead with their best offer ² Matt and I discuss now hard the job of a financial aid officer is ² Matt calls for greater transparency ² Matt and Mark discuss the kinds of colleges that are notorious for giving poor aid awards and gapping students ² Matt and I transition to discussing the different types of appeals and we will pretty much stay on the appeals topic until the end of part 3 of the interview ² We discuss why the high tuition, high tuition discount model is so popular ² Matt and I discuss the need-based appeal, and Matt tells us what the starting point is for him for the need-based appeal (50:28) Interview: Mark interviews Kev Sanders, Associate Director of Admissions, University of Utah Preview o Kev Sanders shares his interesting background, explaining he got into the field of admissions o Kev answers the question, If he was in an Uber Drive in Loudoin county Virgina, what would he say someone asked him, "Help me understand the University of Utah o Kev tells us what U Online is o Kev explains why the University of Utah is growing so fast and he shares the states where they are experiencing the largest increase of applications o Kev lets us know which programs at Utah attract the most students o Kev explains to use what WUE is? o Kev explains how there is a potential for students coming from a WUE state to get in state residence, and he tells listeners what they need to do to get in-state tuition . Recommended Resource Guide to help first year students complete the Common Application- Application guide for first-year students Speakpipe.com/YCBK is our method if you want to ask a question and we will be prioritizing all questions sent in via Speakpipe. Unfortunately, we will NOT answer questions on the podcast anymore that are emailed in. If you want us to answer a question on the podcast, please use speakpipe.com/YCBK. We feel hearing from our listeners in their own voices adds to the community feel of our podcast. You can also use this for many other purposes: 1) Send us constructive criticism about how we can improve our podcast 2) Share an encouraging word about something you like about an episode or the podcast in general 3) Share a topic or an article you would like us to address 4) Share a speaker you want us to interview 5) Leave positive feedback for one of our interviewees. We will send your verbal feedback directly to them and I can almost assure you, your positive feedback will make their day. To sign up to receive Your College-Bound Kid PLUS, our new monthly admissions newsletter, delivered directly to your email once a month, just go to yourcollegeboundkid.com, and you will see the sign-up popup. We will include many of the hot topics being discussed on college campuses. Check out our new blog. We write timely and insightful articles on college admissions: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/blog/ Follow Mark Stucker on Twitter to get breaking college admission news, and updates about the podcast before they go live. You can ask questions on Twitter that he will answer on the podcast. Mark will also share additional hot topics in the news and breaking news on this Twitter feed. Twitter message is also the preferred way to ask questions for our podcast: 1. To access our transcripts, click: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/transcripts/ 2. Find the specific episode transcripts for the one you want to search for and click the link 3. Find the magnifying glass icon in blue (search feature) and click it 4. Enter whatever word you want to search. I.e. Loans 5. Every word in that episode when the words loans are used will be highlighted in yellow with a timestamps 6. Click the word highlighted in yellow and the player will play the episode from that starting point 7. You can also download the entire podcast as a transcript We would be honored if you will pass this podcast episode on to others who you feel will benefit from the content in YCBK. Please subscribe to our podcast. It really helps us move up in Apple's search feature so others can find our podcast. If you enjoy our podcast, would you please do us a favor and share our podcast both verbally and on social media? We would be most grateful! If you want to help more people find Your College-Bound Kid, please make sure you follow our podcast. You will also get instant notifications as soon as each episode goes live. Check out the college admissions books Mark recommends: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/recommended-books/ Check out the college websites Mark recommends: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/recommended-websites/ If you want to have some input about what you like and what you recommend, we change about our podcast, please complete our Podcast survey; here is the link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScCauBgityVXVHRQUjvlIRfYrMWWdHarB9DMQGYL0472bNxrw/viewform If you want a college consultation, text Mark at 404-664-4340, or email us at yourcollegeboundkid@yahoo.com All we ask is that you review their services and pricing on their website before the complimentary session; here is link to their services with transparent pricing: https://schoolmatch4u.com/services/compare-packages/

Now that Early Decision (ED) results are back - and students are either thrilled or disappointed - we wanted to look back at our first interview with a student, Zoe, who shares her experience not getting into her first choice Early Decision school. She reveals her feelings when she first got denied, why it was actually a blessing in disguise, and her advice to rising seniors. Subscribe to College Bound Mentor on your favorite podcast platform and learn more at CollegeBoundMentor.com

In this episode you will hear: We welcome a new member to our podcast, Carter Delloro, Co-Director of College Counseling at the Marymount School of New York. Carter will discuss a New Yor Times article, "The Early Decision Option Is a Racket. Shut It Down" and then a listener, Sean Elliott sends in a message in support of Early Decision and Carter shares his perspective on Sean's perspective. New Interview-Evan Mandery-How America's Elite Colleges Breed High-Status Careers—and Misery Preview of Part 3 of 3 ² Evan and Mark spend almost the entire segment debating whether you need to go to an elite college to have limitless career opportunities, he says some things Mark totally agrees with, and others Mark pushes back on, but we think you will find it interesting; honestly, the truth is somewhere between his view and my view ² Evan shares what are the next writing projects he is working on ² Evan shares his concerns about where our country is at ² Evan closes by picking Mark's brain about his own kids and their educational journey and satisfaction with their college choices Recommended Resources Colleges that allow self reporting of test scores Colleges that Allow Self-Reporting of SAT and ACT Scores Great source for questions about finances and college Edvisors: Financial Aid, Student Loans, Scholarships and Money Management FAFSA Walkthroughs Mark recommends Complete FAFSA 2026‑2027 Walkthrough | From Start to Submit 2023-2024 FAFSA Walkthrough Video English CSS PROFILE Walkthroughs CSS Profile Walkthrough MEFA Institute: A Deep Dive into the CSS Profile Speakpipe.com/YCBK is our method if you want to ask a question and we will be prioritizing all questions sent in via Speakpipe. Unfortunately, we will NOT answer questions on the podcast anymore that are emailed in. If you want us to answer a question on the podcast, please use speakpipe.com/YCBK. We feel hearing from our listeners in their own voices adds to the community feel of our podcast. You can also use this for many other purposes: 1) Send us constructive criticism about how we can improve our podcast 2) Share an encouraging word about something you like about an episode or the podcast in general 3) Share a topic or an article you would like us to address 4) Share a speaker you want us to interview 5) Leave positive feedback for one of our interviewees. We will send your verbal feedback directly to them and I can almost assure you, your positive feedback will make their day. To sign up to receive Your College-Bound Kid PLUS, our new monthly admissions newsletter, delivered directly to your email once a month, just go to yourcollegeboundkid.com, and you will see the sign-up popup. We will include many of the hot topics being discussed on college campuses. Check out our new blog. We write timely and insightful articles on college admissions: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/blog/ On X for our podcast: https://twitter.com/YCBKpodcast 1. To access our transcripts, click: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/transcripts/ 2. Find the specific episode transcripts for the one you want to search and click the link 3. Find the magnifying glass icon in blue (search feature) and click it 4. Enter whatever word you want to search. I.e. Loans 5. Every word in that episode when the words loans are used, will be highlighted in yellow with a timestamps 6. Click the word highlighted in yellow and the player will play the episode from that starting point 7. You can also download the entire podcast as a transcript We would be honored if you will pass this podcast episode on to others who you feel will benefit from the content in YCBK. Please follow our podcast. It really helps us move up in Spotify and Apple's search feature so others can find our podcast. If you enjoy our podcast, would you please do us a favor and share our podcast both verbally and on social media? We would be most grateful! If you want to help more people find Your College-Bound Kid, please make sure you follow our podcast. You will also get instant notifications as soon as each episode goes live. Check out the college admissions books Mark recommends: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/recommended-books/ Check out the college websites Mark recommends: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/recommended-websites/ If you want to have some input about what you like and what you recommend, we change about our podcast, please complete our Podcast survey; here is the link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScCauBgityVXVHRQUjvlIRfYrMWWdHarB9DMQGYL0472bNxrw/viewform If you want a college consultation with Mark just text Mark at 404-664-4340 or email at mark@schoolmatch4u.com. All we ask is that you review their services and pricing on their website before the complimentary session; here is link to their services with transparent pricing: https://schoolmatch4u.com/services/compare-packages/

Early Decision secrets, admission strategy myths, and what colleges really gain when students commit early. In this episode of College Coffee Talk, Andy & Pearl Lockwood expose five closely-guarded truths about Early Decision that admissions offices rarely share. Learn why ED isn't just “apply early and get in easier”—and how it can cost families money, options, and leverage. Topics include: ✔ The financial and psychological strategy behind ED commitments ✔ Why “binding” isn't as clear as colleges claim ✔ How colleges use ED to manipulate yield and rankings ✔ When applying Early Decision actually hurts applicants ✔ Smarter alternatives to ED for merit aid and flexibility

As moms, we hit so many moments where our big kids put themselves out there. We find ourselves holding our breath, hoping it all works out...and also really worried about what will happen if it doesn't. In this episode, I share three powerful lessons I learned during the college process with my sons, and how those lessons apply far beyond college admissions—to job interviews, tryouts, auditions, internships, and every season where we're invited to practice letting go. You'll learn how to deal with the helplessness of not being able to influence the outcome, and how to support your big kid and even strengthen your connection in the moments that matter most. The lessons you'll takeaway will give you confidence to navigate all of the twists and turns of the road ahead.

For College Enrollment Chiefs, anyway. Crypto plunges, the Dells pledge $6.25 billion and more tariff info. Plus Burger King needs pennies, more stats on the 50-year mortgage and a creative home purchase.

Welcome back to the College Essay Guy Podcast. This is a very special session with a dear friend of mine and an honored guest in my world, Joan Liu. Joan is the founder of Second Chance, an organization that helps high achieving students from around the world secure full scholarships to universities after their original offers fall through. This conversation is adapted from a live webinar that we hosted where Joan shares some of the most practical, candid advice I've heard for international students who are looking for full financial aid and for the counselors who support them.  In our conversation, we talk about: What a competitive, full-need international applicant really looks like Some common mistakes that students make when applying to colleges and universities in the United States Why creating a global list and not just a US-centric list can open up new opportunities Joan's advice for counselors who are guiding students through this sometimes really complex process.  And more. Joan Liu has been a college counselor for the past 25 years, across top secondary schools in the US, UK, Turkey, and Singapore. She is a graduate of Cornell University and Columbia University. Joan is known in the admissions field for her financial aid expertise, and her ability to place students at universities with a full ride. In 2018, Joan mobilized a team of colleagues to support 60 Nepali students who had lost their scholarships from a university in Texas, USA. Joan did not stand by and watch this higher ed crisis. She assembled a team, and these teams stepped forward and re-seated all of the students at universities in the US, Canada, Middle East, and East Asia, with 10+ million in financial aid and scholarships - after the admissions cycle was OVER for that year. That experience led to Joan founding the non profit, Second Chance at Higher Ed, which supports talented students needing financial support, in accessing higher education at the last minute, after the US cycle is over. Folks, that's full rides after April 1 -  no other organization has ever done this  - and Second Chance is first in its category. Just a few months ago, SC went into its 7th cycle, helping 53 students from 23 countries earn a full ride in less than eight weeks. These students included refugees from Syria, Jordan, and Palestine.  Whether you're a student dreaming of studying abroad or a counselor helping students try to reach that dream, we're hoping that you'll find something useful in this episode.    Play-by-Play: 2:36 – What is Second Chance and how did it get started?  3:34 – What is the typical profile that colleges look for in an international student who is competitive for full financial aid in the United States? 8:00 – How do admissions officers evaluate international applicants compared to U.S. students? 11:59 – What are the most common mistakes that full-need international students make when applying to colleges and universities in the US? 21:53 – What does it mean when a college says they are need-blind for international students? 23:02 – How important is early action for international students? 23:53 – How should international students think about SAT/ACT? What if testing is difficult to access? 31:34 – How important is English proficiency? 32:51 – How should full-need international students think about developing their college list? 41:22 – How does the financial aid process differ for full-need international students? 46:03 – How can students learn more about Second Chance? 51:35 – If a student is rejected from Early Decision, can they still be considered for Regular Decision?  53:09 – If a student does not have a school counselor, how do they submit a school report or other documentation required for applications?  55:11 – How is the application process different this year than in the past?  56:35 – How can students compensate for an average or low GPA? 58:13 – How can counselors best advocate for their full-need international students? 1:02:17 – Closing advice    Financial Aid Resources: Second Chance EducationUSA RESOURCES — BigJ Educational Consulting International Applicants – CSS Profile | College Board International Student Application for Financial Assistance (ISAFA) International Association for College Admission Counseling (IACAC)   College Essay Guy Resources: College Application Hub for International Students How to Use Jennie Kent and Jeff Levy's  Financial Aid Information Excel Sheets 4 Major College Application Deadlines to Keep in Mind College Essay Guy's Personal Statement Resources College Essay Guy's College Application Hub   Podcasts:  CEG Podcast Episode 205: That One Time a University Revoked More Than 60 Full Scholarships (And What You Can Do About It) CEG Podcast Episode 211: Financial Aid Tips for International Students (and Their Counselors)—2019 Version CEG Podcast Episode 122: Which Schools Are the Most Generous With Financial Aid? (International Version)

In this episode you will hear: Mark expands on what he said about colleges waiving application fees and Mark reads multiple responses he received from people who heard the discussion about Tulane penalizing four high schools by not allowing their students to apply Early Decision to Tulane for a year. New Interview-Dr. Jay Hamilton, Stanford professor and author of the book, "You Got In! Now What? Preview of Part 2 of 2 m Jay shares some of the other books that really impacted him of the 300 he read from Stanford grads while preparing to write his book m Jay talks about how important friendships are m Jay talks about how important it is for students to be stretched outside of their comfort zone m Jay tells a great story about Carly Fiorini m Jay shares how the book has been used, and he also shares how it is being used. He answers the question, is primarily for students, or parents m Jay talks about the importance of reading Recommended Resources Colleges that allow self reporting of test scores Colleges that Allow Self-Reporting of SAT and ACT Scores Great source for questions about finances and college Edvisors: Financial Aid, Student Loans, Scholarships and Money Management FAFSA Walkthroughs Mark recommends Complete FAFSA 2026‑2027 Walkthrough | From Start to Submit 2023-2024 FAFSA Walkthrough Video English CSS PROFILE Walkthroughs CSS Profile Walkthrough MEFA Institute: A Deep Dive into the CSS Profile Speakpipe.com/YCBK is our method if you want to ask a question and we will be prioritizing all questions sent in via Speakpipe. Unfortunately, we will NOT answer questions on the podcast anymore that are emailed in. If you want us to answer a question on the podcast, please use speakpipe.com/YCBK. We feel hearing from our listeners in their own voices adds to the community feel of our podcast. You can also use this for many other purposes: 1) Send us constructive criticism about how we can improve our podcast 2) Share an encouraging word about something you like about an episode or the podcast in general 3) Share a topic or an article you would like us to address 4) Share a speaker you want us to interview 5) Leave positive feedback for one of our interviewees. We will send your verbal feedback directly to them and I can almost assure you, your positive feedback will make their day. To sign up to receive Your College-Bound Kid PLUS, our new monthly admissions newsletter, delivered directly to your email once a month, just go to yourcollegeboundkid.com, and you will see the sign-up popup. We will include many of the hot topics being discussed on college campuses. Check out our new blog. We write timely and insightful articles on college admissions: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/blog/ On X for our podcast: https://twitter.com/YCBKpodcast 1. To access our transcripts, click: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/transcripts/ 2. Find the specific episode transcripts for the one you want to search and click the link 3. Find the magnifying glass icon in blue (search feature) and click it 4. Enter whatever word you want to search. I.e. Loans 5. Every word in that episode when the words loans are used, will be highlighted in yellow with a timestamps 6. Click the word highlighted in yellow and the player will play the episode from that starting point 7. You can also download the entire podcast as a transcript We would be honored if you will pass this podcast episode on to others who you feel will benefit from the content in YCBK. Please follow our podcast. It really helps us move up in Spotify and Apple's search feature so others can find our podcast. If you enjoy our podcast, would you please do us a favor and share our podcast both verbally and on social media? We would be most grateful! If you want to help more people find Your College-Bound Kid, please make sure you follow our podcast. You will also get instant notifications as soon as each episode goes live. Check out the college admissions books Mark recommends: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/recommended-books/ Check out the college websites Mark recommends: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/recommended-websites/ If you want to have some input about what you like and what you recommend, we change about our podcast, please complete our Podcast survey; here is the link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScCauBgityVXVHRQUjvlIRfYrMWWdHarB9DMQGYL0472bNxrw/viewform If you want a college consultation with Mark just text Mark at 404-664-4340 or email Lisa at lisa@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/

Thinking about applying early decision to medical school? Before you commit, you'll want to understand how it really works. In this episode, our BeMo expert explains which med schools offer early decision programs, the pros and cons of applying this way, and how to decide if it's the right move for you. Like the podcast? Schedule a Free Initial Consultation with our team: https://bemo.ac/podbr-BeMoFreeConsult   Don't forget to subscribe to our channel and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more great tips and other useful information!   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BeMoAcademicConsultingInc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bemoacademicconsulting Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bemo_academic_consulting/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeMo_AC TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bemoacademicconsulting  

Concerned about the ROTC scholarship process with this year's government shutdown? Here's the truth. ROTC programs are strained but operational. Cadre are backfilling furloughed civilian roles, Army slid its October board about two weeks, Navy is pushing candidates to later boards, and Air Force is largely on schedule with fewer boards. If you're applying, you need facts, not panic. What you'll learn • How the shutdown is actually impacting day-to-day ROTC units • Why Army's October board moved and what that means for January • How Navy handles monthly boards and why you might hear later • Why Air Force timelines look steadier and where the risks still are • Practical steps to protect your Early Action and Early Decision plans

Hey friends, and welcome back to the College Essay Guy podcast.  Today's episode is the third and final episode in our series called Inside the Personal Statement Process. If you're just tuning in, this series takes you behind the scenes as I work one-on-one with Alisha, a current high school senior applying for the Fall 2026 term. Find Part 1 here and Part 2 here.  This episode was recorded just a few days before Alisha submitted her early applications. The focus of this episode is on one of the most challenging—and perhaps, the least discussed—aspect of writing the personal statement: insight.  In the session, Alisha and I explore:  What is insight?  How do you find good insights?  What are the kinds of questions that can lead to insights? And more Whether you're a student working on your own essays right now, a parent supporting from the sidelines, or a counselor guiding students through this process, I hope you'll find something useful here. Alisha is a current high school senior going through the application process who loves science, movies, and discovering new places. When she's not studying the brain, she's mentoring younger students through her program Running Start or planning her next adventure. Hope you enjoy our session.   Play-by-Play: 1:16 – It's just days before her Early Decision deadline. How's Alisha feeling? 2:21 – What is "insight," and why does it matter in an essay? 3:30 – Alisha begins reading her latest draft, Wherever the Road Takes Us 4:08 – Ethan gives his thoughts on Alisha's intro 5:37 – Paragraph one: Curiosity 11:04 – Paragraph two: Creativity 11:52 – How does art make Alisha a better scientist? 14:20 – Paragraph three: Empathy 21:20 – Alisha uses the Values Exercise to identify potential new insights  28:19 – Paragraph four: Community 32:47 – Paragraph five: Conclusion and the "empty jar." 35:53 – Ethan recaps final notes and next steps 39:50 – Alisha and Ethan reflects on the writing process and Alisha's growth  41:34 – Closing thoughts    Resources: Inside the Personal Statement Process (Part 1): The Sand Essay with Alisha, HS Senior Inside the Personal Statement Process (Part 2): Discovering Values Through Revision with Alisha, HS Senior  The Values Exercise College Essay Guy's Personal Statement Resources College Essay Guy's College Application Hub  

Early Decision can feel like a promise, but what if you change your mind? Can you really back out? In this episode of College Coffee Talk, Andy & Pearl Lockwood unpack a real case study of what happened when a student withdrew from an Early Decision commitment, and how the college reacted. More importantly, they explain what “binding” actually means: legally, ethically, and financially - and what families need to know before they apply ED. Topics include: ✔ What “binding” really means in Early Decision contracts ✔ Why backing out can cause drama with admissions offices ✔ How colleges enforce (or don't enforce) ED commitments ✔ Financial aid exceptions that make backing out legitimate ✔ The difference between moral obligation and legal ris

In this episode you will hear:   (01:50) In the News   Lynda and Mark discuss why they are seeing so much interest in Early Decision to the University of Chicago this year   (30:52) Interview with Daniel Chambliss, author of the book, “How College Works” Part 4 of 4 §  Dan talks about the importance of motivation §  Dan explains what you can do to as a professor to bring out the best in students §  Dan talks about how his book has been used by those in student life, those in alumni life, Presidents and by architecture firms, but he explains why the book didn't resonate as much with professors §  Dan talks about how the concepts in the book were cost neutral, so they could be applied §  Dan talks about he applied the results of the book in his own teaching and how the book made him a much better professor §  Dan talks about the most important thing in college §  Dan goes on the hotseat in the lightning round and he gets really honest and open with us §  Dan talks about a great book from a former student of his, called, Creating a class §  Dan talks about what he would write on if he had another book in him     (58:02) College Spotlight-Lisa shares her recent visit to Bennington College and she shares her thoughts.      Recommended Resource-Guide to help first year students complete the Common Application-     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, just text Mark at 404-664-4340 or email Lisa at 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:   (02:00) Question from a Listener   Vince and Mark answer a question from a listener about the lawsuit against Early Decision. Vince and Mark answer this by discussing a recent article on this topic.   (30:34) Interview with Daniel Chambliss, author of the book, “How College Works” Part 2 of 4 §  Dan about the importance of your peer group §  Dan talks about ideas colleges can do to bring students together §  Dan talks about Living Learning Communities §  Dan talks about Honors Colleges §  Dan talks about what he learned from studying world class competitive swimmers §  Dan talks about the importance of focusing on having great experiences at the start of the college experience §  Dan talks about orientation programs §  Dan talks about the disconnect between how professors feel versus how students feel when it comes to fun, and the students social lives §  Dan talks about affinity groups §  Dan explains what he means by the importance of the arithmetic of engagement     (57:18) College Spotlight Interview, Grant Gosselin, Chief Enrollment officer at Boston College-Part 4 of 4     Recommended Resource-Guide to help first year students complete the Common Application-     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, just text Mark at 404-664-4340 or email Lisa at 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/

Hardware startup Nothing said Thursday that it plans to make its affordable device brand, CMF, into an independent subsidiary with India serving as its headquarters for manufacturing and R&D. The company first launched CMF in 2023 with a pair of earbuds and a smartwatch. Since then, it has introduced smartphones under the brand as well. Also, the accelerator has introduced a new application track called Early Decision, designed for students who want to start companies but don't want to drop out. The program allows them to apply while still in school, get accepted and funded immediately, and defer their participation in YC until after they graduate. For example, a student applying in fall 2025 could graduate next spring, then participate in YC's Summer 2026 batch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For decades, Silicon Valley has valorized the college dropout. Founders like Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, and Mark Zuckerberg left school early to build companies and they became billionaires.  That ethos was later institutionalized through initiatives like the Thiel Fellowship, which famously pays promising students $100,000 to leave college and start companies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hi friends, and welcome back to the podcast. In today's episode, I'm joined by two special guests: Dr. Steven Antonoff and Jay McCann, co-authors of the newly updated 5th edition of The College Finder: Your comprehensive guide to finding colleges that fit YOUR unique path. In this conversation, we dig into some of the biggest questions students and families face in the college search today, including: What—if anything—are rankings good for in 2025? Beyond starting salaries, which outcome metrics actually indicate value? What's a responsible way for students to use AI in the search phase—and what should they avoid? How do you plan a high-yield campus visit (or a virtual substitute) that actually informs fit? What's the most productive role for parents at each stage of the process? Jay McCann is co-author of The College Finder, now in its fifth edition since Steve's original publication in 1993. He earned his graduate degree at San Diego State University, where he was part of the Native American Scholars and Collaborators grant, focusing on education and community engagement. Jay began his counseling career in Denver Public Schools, where he served as department chair, before moving to Valor Christian High School and now The Westminster Schools in Atlanta. He is also the founder of Future to Find College Consulting, and he lives in Atlanta with his wife, Erin, and their three young children. Dr. Steven Antonoff has more than 30 years of experience in higher education. He is the author of College Match and The College Finder, both highly regarded resources for students and counselors. Steve holds a PhD in Human Communication Studies, an MA in Education from the University of Denver, and a BS in Psychology from Colorado State University. He is the former Dean of Admission & Financial Aid, Executive Director of Admissions & Student Affairs, and Dean of Students at the University of Denver. A founding chair of the American Institute for Certified Educational Planners, he helped launch the first certification program, training initiatives, and textbook for IECs. His work supports low-income and first-generation students through IB programs, Denver's Latino Association, and College Summit. He is the recipient of IECA's Professional Achievement Award, now named in his honor.  We hope you enjoy!   Play-by-Play:  4:37 – What do students need to understand about themselves before they start their college search?  5:45 – What are some common gaps between what students say they want and the schools they choose? 7:37 – How much time should students spend reflecting on what they want in a college? 11:23 – What, if anything, are rankings good for in 2025? 15:42 – Beyond starting salaries, which outcome metrics actually indicate value? 19:15 – How can students evaluate the strength of a specific program at a college? 22:49 – How can students get a real sense of campus culture? 27:12 – How should students (and counselors) categorize colleges when building a list? 32:44 – How many colleges should students apply to? 33:53 – What's a responsible way for students to use AI in the search phase—and what should they avoid? 38:14 – How should students and families think about Early Action and Early Decision? 42:34 – What's the most productive role for parents in this process? 45:46 – What's one action step seniors should take before applying? 48:12 – What are a few must-have resources for the college search and application process?     Resources:   Books, Guides, and Tools The College Finder 3 Step Guide to Choosing a College That's Right for You Fiske Guide to Colleges SchoolBuff (Dr. Antonoff's website) Future to Find (Jay's website)   College Research Platforms College Navigator  CampusReel  CampusTours  College Scorecard Net Price Calculator Center   Reflection + College Planning Roles and Identities Exercise (with Counselor Notes) How to Decide Whether to Apply Early Action (EA) or Early Decision (ED) Challenge Success (Stanford) Making Caring Common (Harvard)  CEG Podcast Episode 503 with Trisha Ross Anderson (Making Caring Common)  College Essay Guy's Personal Statement Resources College Essay Guy's College Application Hub

In this episode you will hear:   (02:00) In the News   Vince joins Mark to discuss a NYT Article entitled, “Columbia and Brown Share Race and Admissions Data in Trump Deal”   Mark continues to share insights from an article that the Chronicle of Higher Education Ran Entitled, “The Money Problem No College Can Escape”   (38:18) Peg Keogh Interview-Missed Opportunities for the FAFSA and CSS PROFILE Part 5 of 5   §  More conversation about the CSS PROFILE     (58:26) College Spotlight Interview Part 3 of 4-Preview Dr. Ramon Blakley is the Asst Vice Provost of Enrollment at UT-Austin and Ramon and Mark have a robust discussion about Apply Texas, about whether Texas is considering Early Decision and about how Senate Bill 175 which is the bill that created UT's auto admission plan, how does it actually work, and how can out of state students stand out in a competitive applicant pool, and we talk about the type of student that excels at UT-   Recommended Resource-Guide to help first year students complete the Common Application-     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, just text Mark at 404-664-4340 or email Lisa at 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:   Susan Tree joins Mark to interview Bob Massa; Bob has 50 years' experience in admissions and enrollment management, and he shares his insights with us 5 Students ask two partners questions about being an attorney-Part 4 of 5   Here is a link for our new YCBK listener survey so you can take the survey:   Speakpipe.com/YCBK is our method if you want to ask a question and we will be prioritizing all questions sent in via Speakpipe. Unfortunately, we will NOT answer questions on the podcast anymore that are emailed in. If you want us to answer a question on the podcast, please use speakpipe.com/YCBK. We feel hearing from our listeners in their own voices adds to the community feel of our podcast.   You can also use this for many other purposes: 1) Send us constructive criticism about how we can improve our podcast 2) Share an encouraging word about something you like about an episode or the podcast in general 3) Share a topic or an article you would like us to address 4) Share a speaker you want us to interview 5) Leave positive feedback for one of our interviewees. We will send your verbal feedback directly to them and I can almost assure you, your positive feedback will make their day.   To sign up to receive Your College-Bound Kid PLUS, our new monthly admissions newsletter, delivered directly to your email once a month, just go to yourcollegeboundkid.com, and you will see the sign-up popup. We will include many of the hot topics being discussed on college campuses.   Check out our new blog. We write timely and insightful articles on college admissions:   On X for our podcast:   https://twitter.com/YCBKpodcast   1. To access our transcripts, click: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/transcripts/ 2. Find the specific episode transcripts for the one you want to search and click the link 3. Find the magnifying glass icon in blue (search feature) and click it 4. Enter whatever word you want to search. I.e. Loans 5. Every word in that episode when the words loans are used, will be highlighted in yellow with a timestamps 6. Click the word highlighted in yellow and the player will play the episode from that starting point 7. You can also download the entire podcast as a transcript   We would be honored if you will pass this podcast episode on to others who you feel will benefit from the content in YCBK.   Please follow our podcast. It really helps us move up in Spotify and Apple's search feature so others can find our podcast.   If you enjoy our podcast, would you please do us a favor and share our podcast both verbally and on social media? We would be most grateful!   If you want to help more people find Your College-Bound Kid, please make sure you follow our podcast. You will also get instant notifications as soon as each episode goes live.   Check out the college admissions books Mark recommends:   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 just text Mark at 404-664-4340 or email Lisa at . 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/  

Josie is concerned about her letters of recommendation, but Ben and Nate suggest she should be more worried about her plan to apply early decision.Read more on our website. Email daily@lsatdemon.com with questions or comments. Watch this episode on YouTube!

Alphabetical List of All Episodes with Links

In this episode you will hear:   Mark discusses three aspects of the new tax bill and how it will impact students and colleges and universities-Part 1 of 2;  Chris Teare is interviewed on a range of topics related to college admissions.   Preview of part 3 of 4 v Chris talks about how he counsels students when it comes to deciding whether to applying Early Decision v Chris answers the question, how do you advise a family when they ask if you can trust a college's finances v Chris talks about the International nature of the school he worked on when he left Drew v Chris talks about the lessons he learned from doing admissions at Drew that he now applies to helping and counseling students v Chris gives a great tip for students working on their personal statements v Chris talks about some essays that he read too many times while at Drew v Chris gives advice how parents can find the right balance between supporting their student but not crippling their independence     Speakpipe.com/YCBK is our method if you want to ask a question and we will be prioritizing all questions sent in via Speakpipe. Unfortunately, we will NOT answer questions on the podcast anymore that are emailed in. If you want us to answer a question on the podcast, please use speakpipe.com/YCBK. We feel hearing from our listeners in their own voices adds to the community feel of our podcast.   You can also use this for many other purposes: 1) Send us constructive criticism about how we can improve our podcast 2) Share an encouraging word about something you like about an episode or the podcast in general 3) Share a topic or an article you would like us to address 4) Share a speaker you want us to interview 5) Leave positive feedback for one of our interviewees. We will send your verbal feedback directly to them and I can almost assure you, your positive feedback will make their day.   To sign up to receive Your College-Bound Kid PLUS, our new monthly admissions newsletter, delivered directly to your email once a month, just go to yourcollegeboundkid.com, and you will see the sign-up popup. We will include many of the hot topics being discussed on college campuses.   Check out our new blog. We write timely and insightful articles on college admissions:   On X for our podcast:   https://twitter.com/YCBKpodcast   1. To access our transcripts, click: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/transcripts/ 2. Find the specific episode transcripts for the one you want to search and click the link 3. Find the magnifying glass icon in blue (search feature) and click it 4. Enter whatever word you want to search. I.e. Loans 5. Every word in that episode when the words loans are used, will be highlighted in yellow with a timestamps 6. Click the word highlighted in yellow and the player will play the episode from that starting point 7. You can also download the entire podcast as a transcript   We would be honored if you will pass this podcast episode on to others who you feel will benefit from the content in YCBK.   Please subscribe to our podcast. It really helps us move up in Apple's search feature so others can find our podcast.   If you enjoy our podcast, would you please do us a favor and share our podcast both verbally and on social media? We would be most grateful!   If you want to help more people find Your College-Bound Kid, please make sure you follow our podcast. You will also get instant notifications as soon as each episode goes live.   Check out the college admissions books Mark recommends:   Check out the college websites Mark recommends:   If you want to have some input about what you like and what you recommend, we change about our podcast, please complete our Podcast survey; here is the link:     If you want a college consultation with Mark or Lisa or Lynda, just text Mark at 404-664-4340 or email Lisa at or Lynda at Lynda@schoolmatch4u.com. All we ask is that you review their services and pricing on their website before the complimentary session; here is link to their services with transparent pricing: https://schoolmatch4u.com/services/compare-packages/  

In this episode you will hear:   (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/

Alphabetical List of All Episodes with LinksDuke University - Undergraduate AdmissionsAlphabetical List of All Episodes with LinksClick Here To Join The Podcast Email ListThe College Application Process Podcast - Social Media LinksIn this follow-up episode I had the great pleasure of speaking with Christoph Guttentag, Dean of Undergraduate Admissions at Duke University. We delved into Duke's admissions process, academic programs, campus life, and essential tips for prospective students and their families. Whether you're a student applying to Duke or another institution, this conversation offers valuable insights to help you navigate the college admissions journey.

In this episode you will hear:   Mark describes why he thinks the decision for the University of Michigan toad a binding Early Decision option for the class of 2026 is such a significant decision that will inevitably impact other universities.  Chris Teare is interviewed on a range of topics related to college admissions.   Preview of part 2 of 4 o        International Baccalaureate program o        His admission experience at Drew and what he learned o        Demonstrated Interest o        Merit Money o        Net Price Calculators and having the money talk     Speakpipe.com/YCBK is our method if you want to ask a question and we will be prioritizing all questions sent in via Speakpipe. Unfortunately, we will NOT answer questions on the podcast anymore that are emailed in. If you want us to answer a question on the podcast, please use speakpipe.com/YCBK. We feel hearing from our listeners in their own voices adds to the community feel of our podcast.   You can also use this for many other purposes: 1) Send us constructive criticism about how we can improve our podcast 2) Share an encouraging word about something you like about an episode or the podcast in general 3) Share a topic or an article you would like us to address 4) Share a speaker you want us to interview 5) Leave positive feedback for one of our interviewees. We will send your verbal feedback directly to them and I can almost assure you, your positive feedback will make their day.   To sign up to receive Your College-Bound Kid PLUS, our new monthly admissions newsletter, delivered directly to your email once a month, just go to yourcollegeboundkid.com, and you will see the sign-up popup. We will include many of the hot topics being discussed on college campuses.   Check out our new blog. We write timely and insightful articles on college admissions:   On X for our podcast:   https://twitter.com/YCBKpodcast   1. To access our transcripts, click: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/transcripts/ 2. Find the specific episode transcripts for the one you want to search and click the link 3. Find the magnifying glass icon in blue (search feature) and click it 4. Enter whatever word you want to search. I.e. Loans 5. Every word in that episode when the words loans are used, will be highlighted in yellow with a timestamps 6. Click the word highlighted in yellow and the player will play the episode from that starting point 7. You can also download the entire podcast as a transcript   We would be honored if you will pass this podcast episode on to others who you feel will benefit from the content in YCBK.   Please subscribe to our podcast. It really helps us move up in Apple's search feature so others can find our podcast.   If you enjoy our podcast, would you please do us a favor and share our podcast both verbally and on social media? We would be most grateful!   If you want to help more people find Your College-Bound Kid, please make sure you follow our podcast. You will also get instant notifications as soon as each episode goes live.   Check out the college admissions books Mark recommends:   Check out the college websites Mark recommends:   If you want to have some input about what you like and what you recommend, we change about our podcast, please complete our Podcast survey; here is the link:     If you want a college consultation with Mark or Lisa or Lynda, just text Mark at 404-664-4340 or email Lisa at or Lynda at Lynda@schoolmatch4u.com. All we ask is that you review their services and pricing on their website before the complimentary session; here is link to their services with transparent pricing: https://schoolmatch4u.com/services/compare-packages/

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

An anonymous listener considers applying early decision to Harvard, Yale, and Stanford. One problem: those schools don't offer early decision. Nathan and Ben explain why. Read more on our website!Email daily@lsatdemon.com with questions or comments.Watch this episode on YouTube.

In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel dives deeper into deferrals. He breaks down what deferrals are, why schools do it, and what it means for YOU! Key Takeaways: Deferrals Are NOT Rejections: Understanding what it means to be deferred is critically important to your application process if you're applying Early Action or Early Decision. Yield Management is a Big Factor: Schools act in their best interest, and have ideal yield margins to hit each year. Yield is the number of students who accepted an offer over the number of offers given out and can be a big indicator of how selective schools are. You Can Make a Difference: Letters of continued interest and other supplementary information may be requested from you. This can have a large impact on your chances of being accepted during regular decision. Deferrals Went Up This Year (And Thomas Has Thoughts): Listen in for Thomas' personal theory as on why this year we experienced a spike in deferrals. Being deferred is not ideal, but it does not mean you lost your chance at being accepted. If you have thoughts, want to share your experience, or have questions about this episode, drop a comment on Instagram or TikTok at @admittedlyco. For more expert insight on college admissions, follow Thomas on Instagram and TikTok at @admittedlyco! Visit www.admittedly.co to find out more about what we at Admittedly can do to help you aim for top colleges.

Straight From The Admissions Office: Insider Strategies For College ApplicationsIf you're looking for helpful tips and insights for the college admissions process, check out my book by clicking the links below:

Join Tokyo Academics' Lead Admissions Consultant Jennifer Liepin for Part 2 of her analysis of college admissions trends in 2024. In this second episode, Jennifer delves deeper into the strategic implications of early decision programs, providing essential guidance for students navigating early admissions outcomes. She covers critical topics including how universities have grown increasingly dependent on early decision and early action programs, comprehensive strategies for students facing rejection or deferral from their ED schools, and detailed instructions for crafting effective Continued Letters of Interest. Whether you're a current applicant or planning ahead, Jennifer offers valuable insights for successfully navigating these crucial decision points in the college 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.

Nathan and Erik explain why most applicants shouldn't apply to law school early decision. Read more on our website!Email daily@lsatdemon.com with questions or comments.Watch this episode on YouTube.

The Early Action (EA) & Early Decision (ED) results are in. In this episode, Lisa, Abby, and Stefanie reveal the latest trends based on the results. Hear why you need a testing strategy, whether safety schools exist anymore, the most competitive majors, how campus culture is driving college decisions, and how ChatGPT is impacting college essays. Subscribe to College Bound Mentor on your favorite podcast platform and learn more at CollegeBoundMentor.com

Join Tokyo Academics' Lead Admissions Consultant Jennifer Liepin as she breaks down the major changes that shaped college admissions in 2024. In this first episode of a two-part series, Jennifer analyzes three critical trends: the growing influence of early decision programs, the return to mandatory standardized testing, and the looming demographic cliff's impact on acceptance rates. Get expert insights into how these changes are reshaping the competitive landscape at highly selective universities and what it means for future applicants.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.

College counselor Pearl Lockwood challenges the advice of a school counselor from a tony, elite NYC private high school about applying Early Decision. Is Early Decision the right move for every student? Pearl offers a fresh perspective and unconventional strategies to help families make smarter choices in college admissions. For more unconventional college advice, download our free 'Wow Report' at LockwoodCollegePrep.com/wow. It's packed with killer extracurricular ideas guaranteed to impress admissions committees! #CollegePlanning, #CollegePrep, #CollegeAdmissions, #CollegeBound, #Scholarships, #CollegeApplications, #FinancialAid, #CollegeEssays, #ACTPrep, #SATPrep, #CollegeLife, #CollegeBound2025,#Parenting #Education #College #StudentLoans #FinancialPlanning #Family #HigherEducation #Scholarships #CollegePlanning #StudentDebt #Collegeadvice #studentloans #LoanForgiveness #DebtRelief #ParentLoans

Now that Early Decision (ED) results are back - and students are either thrilled or disappointed - we wanted to look back at our first interview with a student, Zoe, who shares her experience not getting into her first choice Early Decision school. She reveals her feelings when she first got denied, why it was actually a blessing in disguise, and her advice to rising seniors. Subscribe to College Bound Mentor on your favorite podcast platform and learn more at CollegeBoundMentor.com

 This week, Tokyo Academics Lead Admissions Consultant Jennifer Liepin navigates the complex landscape of summer programs for high school students. Drawing from her extensive 20-year experience in college admissions, Jennifer demystifies the selection process, evaluating everything from pre-college programs and research opportunities to internships and passion projects. She offers expert insight into what both families and Admissions Officers truly value in summer experiences, helping students make informed decisions that align with their academic and personal goals. Plus, with Early Decision results now rolling in, Jennifer provides timely guidance on handling deferment notifications and next steps for affected students. Whether you're planning ahead or adapting your college strategy, this episode delivers practical wisdom for making the most of your summer opportunities. 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.

Did you apply Early Decision to a college? Were you deferred or denied? If so, you may be wondering what to do next. Host Ian Fisher will be talking with College Coach admissions counselor Brian Swann, formerly of Carleton College, about next steps. Seniors, are you considering a post-graduate or gap year? Either can be a wonderful option, but it's important to plan carefully. Listen in when Ian talks with Jay Bonham, college admissions coach from Hamilton College. In addition, finance colleague Dina Birmingham will be answering the top finance questions from high school underclassmen and parents right now.

Straight From The Admissions Office: Insider Strategies For College ApplicationsIf you're looking for helpful tips and insights for the college admissions process, check out my book by clicking the links below:

In this episode you will hear:   Mark interviews Andy Strickler-Everything you need to know about Early Decision 1 and Early Decision 4  of 4 Preview of Part 4 of 4 §  Andy talks about converting your regular decision application to an ED2 app, is this okay and if so, what is the deadline when a student needs to do this? §  Andy talks about whether he expects a family to complete the net price calculator before they apply Early Decision §  Andy answers questions our listeners have about why colleges don't share their ED 2 admit rates §  Andy talks about the kids that 5% of kids who apply ED, are admitted and don't come every year and he tells us about how many of these kids fall into the 3 reasons why ED admits do not end up coming (15) §  Andy answers the question, does a student lose their financial leverage for merit scholarships if they apply         Mark interviews Jin Chow   Part 2-Preview §  Jin explains how Polygence benefits the students that participate and complete a project §  Jin explains the meaning of the word Polygence §  Jin talks about when students do their Polygence projects §  Jin answers the question, “Isn't, Polygence just furthering the gap between well-resourced and under-resourced families §  Jin makes some excellent points about invisible privilege, and she challenges the conventional notion of “pay to play” §  Jin talks about the partial and full scholarships that they give out §  Jin talks about the objection, what would you say to the person who says most of the mentors are not industry experts but actually grad students? §  Jin talks about the challenge that most places where students get published that is meaningful takes longer than a few months, so isn't the promise of possibly getting published an overpromise §  Jin talks about when they reject families who apply for Polygence §  Jin talks about the sign-up process and the Polygence application       Speakpipe.com/YCBK is our method if you want to ask a question and we will be prioritizing all questions sent in via Speakpipe. Unfortunately, we will NOT answer questions on the podcast anymore that are emailed in. If you want us to answer a question on the podcast, please use speakpipe.com/YCBK. We feel hearing from our listeners in their own voices adds to the community feel of our podcast.   You can also use this for many other purposes: 1) Send us constructive criticism about how we can improve our podcast 2) Share an encouraging word about something you like about an episode or the podcast in general 3) Share a topic or an article you would like us to address 4) Share a speaker you want us to interview 5) Leave positive feedback for one of our interviewees. We will send your verbal feedback directly to them and I can almost assure you, your positive feedback will make their day.   To sign up to receive Your College-Bound Kid PLUS, our new monthly admissions newsletter, delivered directly to your email once a month, just go to yourcollegeboundkid.com, and you will see the sign-up popup. We will include many of the hot topics being discussed on college campuses.   Check out our new blog. We write timely and insightful articles on college admissions:   Follow Mark Stucker on Twitter to get breaking college admission news, and updates about the podcast before they go live. You can ask questions on Twitter that he will answer on the podcast. Mark will also share additional hot topics in the news and breaking news on this Twitter feed. Twitter message is also the preferred way to ask questions for our podcast:   https://twitter.com/YCBKpodcast   1. To access our transcripts, click: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/transcripts/ 2. Find the specific episode transcripts for the one you want to search and click the link 3. Find the magnifying glass icon in blue (search feature) and click it 4. Enter whatever word you want to search. I.e. Loans 5. Every word in that episode when the words loans are used, will be highlighted in yellow with a timestamps 6. Click the word highlighted in yellow and the player will play the episode from that starting point 7. You can also download the entire podcast as a transcript   We would be honored if you will pass this podcast episode on to others who you feel will benefit from the content in YCBK.   Please subscribe to our podcast. It really helps us move up in Apple's search feature so others can find our podcast.   If you enjoy our podcast, would you please do us a favor and share our podcast both verbally and on social media? We would be most grateful!   If you want to help more people find Your College-Bound Kid, please make sure you follow our podcast. You will also get instant notifications as soon as each episode goes live.   Check out the college admissions books Mark recommends:   Check out the college websites Mark recommends:   If you want to have some input about what you like and what you recommend, we change about our podcast, please complete our Podcast survey; here is the link:     If you want a college consultation with Mark or Lisa or Lynda, just text Mark at 404-664-4340 or email Lisa at or Lynda at Lynda@schoolmatch4u.com. All we ask is that you review their services and pricing on their website before the complimentary session; here is link to their services with transparent pricing: https://schoolmatch4u.com/services/compare-packages/

In this episode you will hear:   Mark interviews Andy Strickler-Everything you need to know about Early Decision 1 and Early Decision 2-Part 3 of 4 Preview of Part 3 of 4 §  Andy responds to a few reasons Mark has heard that the ED2 admit rate is lower than the ED1 admit rate §  Andy answers the question, why do some colleges choose to have one round of Early Decision instead of two rounds, do they see having a second round of ED2 as a stigma §  Andy shares his thoughts on the practice of taking a student who applied Early Action and trying to flip them to Early Decision 2 §  Andy talks about a student who applies ED2 before they hear from their ED1 school; he shares what they should do if this happens         Mark interviews Jin Chow   Part 1-Preview §  Jin Chow is not only the founder of Polygence but she is a recipient of the Forbes award for 30 under 30 movers and shakers in education. I explained in part 3 of this interview how I was once a skeptic of Polygence but how their company in particular and Jin's values and core beliefs won me over, but I asked her some tough questions in this interview, especially in part 2 and a little in part 3 and Jin answered my tough questions exceptionally well §  Jin gives her backstory, and she shares why she started Polygence §  Jin explains what Polygence does §  Jin explains the growth of Polygence §  Jin explains what launch pad is §  Jin shares where most of their students come from §  Jin explains to us what pods are §  Jin explains what their cost structure is for all three levels that they offer §  Jin talks about the industry experts and academics that work with the students §  Jin walks us through what happens in a session with a mentee and a mentor §  Jin shares the range of areas where they have academics and industry experts to work with students §  Jin tells us how long the research papers that students write?       Speakpipe.com/YCBK is our method if you want to ask a question and we will be prioritizing all questions sent in via Speakpipe. Unfortunately, we will NOT answer questions on the podcast anymore that are emailed in. If you want us to answer a question on the podcast, please use speakpipe.com/YCBK. We feel hearing from our listeners in their own voices adds to the community feel of our podcast.   You can also use this for many other purposes: 1) Send us constructive criticism about how we can improve our podcast 2) Share an encouraging word about something you like about an episode or the podcast in general 3) Share a topic or an article you would like us to address 4) Share a speaker you want us to interview 5) Leave positive feedback for one of our interviewees. We will send your verbal feedback directly to them and I can almost assure you, your positive feedback will make their day.   To sign up to receive Your College-Bound Kid PLUS, our new monthly admissions newsletter, delivered directly to your email once a month, just go to yourcollegeboundkid.com, and you will see the sign-up popup. We will include many of the hot topics being discussed on college campuses.   Check out our new blog. We write timely and insightful articles on college admissions:   Follow Mark Stucker on Twitter to get breaking college admission news, and updates about the podcast before they go live. You can ask questions on Twitter that he will answer on the podcast. Mark will also share additional hot topics in the news and breaking news on this Twitter feed. Twitter message is also the preferred way to ask questions for our podcast:   https://twitter.com/YCBKpodcast   1. To access our transcripts, click: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/transcripts/ 2. Find the specific episode transcripts for the one you want to search and click the link 3. Find the magnifying glass icon in blue (search feature) and click it 4. Enter whatever word you want to search. I.e. Loans 5. Every word in that episode when the words loans are used, will be highlighted in yellow with a timestamps 6. Click the word highlighted in yellow and the player will play the episode from that starting point 7. You can also download the entire podcast as a transcript   We would be honored if you will pass this podcast episode on to others who you feel will benefit from the content in YCBK.   Please subscribe to our podcast. It really helps us move up in Apple's search feature so others can find our podcast.   If you enjoy our podcast, would you please do us a favor and share our podcast both verbally and on social media? We would be most grateful!   If you want to help more people find Your College-Bound Kid, please make sure you follow our podcast. You will also get instant notifications as soon as each episode goes live.   Check out the college admissions books Mark recommends:   Check out the college websites Mark recommends:   If you want to have some input about what you like and what you recommend, we change about our podcast, please complete our Podcast survey; here is the link:     If you want a college consultation with Mark or Lisa or Lynda, just text Mark at 404-664-4340 or email Lisa at or Lynda at Lynda@schoolmatch4u.com. All we ask is that you review their services and pricing on their website before the complimentary session; here is link to their services with transparent pricing: https://schoolmatch4u.com/services/compare-packages/

In this episode you will hear:   Mark interviews Andy Strickler-Everything you need to know about Early Decision 1 and Early Decision 2-Part 1 of 4 Preview of Part 2 of 4 §  Andy answers 20 frequently asked questions about Early Decision in this interview §  Andy explains what the basic difference is between ED1 and ED2 §  Andy explains the behavioral characteristics difference between ED 1 and ED 2. §  Andy shares what the ED1 admit rate is at Conn College and the ED2 admit rate is at Conn College §  Andy shares why the admit rate for ED2 is so much lower than ED 1 and ED 2 §  Andy shares how the ED2 admit rate would change if they took out high-need International students §  Andy responds to a few reasons I have heard that the ED2 admit rate is lower than the ED1 admit rate         Mark interviews David Hawkins Link to the articles Dave and discuss Factors impacting admission decisions High School Students perceptions of the College Process     Part 5-Preview ·         David continues talking about the anxiety students are experiencing ·         David talks about what the students thought about the communication from the college and Mark and Dave have a robust conversation speculating why the students feel the way they feel ·         David talks about what the students shared about pressures they are feeling ·         Dave talks about the selectivity fallacy ·         Dave talks about conspicuous consumption ·         David goes on the hotseat       Speakpipe.com/YCBK is our method if you want to ask a question and we will be prioritizing all questions sent in via Speakpipe. Unfortunately, we will NOT answer questions on the podcast anymore that are emailed in. If you want us to answer a question on the podcast, please use speakpipe.com/YCBK. We feel hearing from our listeners in their own voices adds to the community feel of our podcast.   You can also use this for many other purposes: 1) Send us constructive criticism about how we can improve our podcast 2) Share an encouraging word about something you like about an episode or the podcast in general 3) Share a topic or an article you would like us to address 4) Share a speaker you want us to interview 5) Leave positive feedback for one of our interviewees. We will send your verbal feedback directly to them and I can almost assure you, your positive feedback will make their day.   To sign up to receive Your College-Bound Kid PLUS, our new monthly admissions newsletter, delivered directly to your email once a month, just go to yourcollegeboundkid.com, and you will see the sign-up popup. We will include many of the hot topics being discussed on college campuses.   Check out our new blog. We write timely and insightful articles on college admissions:   Follow Mark Stucker on Twitter to get breaking college admission news, and updates about the podcast before they go live. You can ask questions on Twitter that he will answer on the podcast. Mark will also share additional hot topics in the news and breaking news on this Twitter feed. Twitter message is also the preferred way to ask questions for our podcast:   https://twitter.com/YCBKpodcast   1. To access our transcripts, click: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/transcripts/ 2. Find the specific episode transcripts for the one you want to search and click the link 3. Find the magnifying glass icon in blue (search feature) and click it 4. Enter whatever word you want to search. I.e. Loans 5. Every word in that episode when the words loans are used, will be highlighted in yellow with a timestamps 6. Click the word highlighted in yellow and the player will play the episode from that starting point 7. You can also download the entire podcast as a transcript   We would be honored if you will pass this podcast episode on to others who you feel will benefit from the content in YCBK.   Please subscribe to our podcast. It really helps us move up in Apple's search feature so others can find our podcast.   If you enjoy our podcast, would you please do us a favor and share our podcast both verbally and on social media? We would be most grateful!   If you want to help more people find Your College-Bound Kid, please make sure you follow our podcast. You will also get instant notifications as soon as each episode goes live.   Check out the college admissions books Mark recommends:   Check out the college websites Mark recommends:   If you want to have some input about what you like and what you recommend, we change about our podcast, please complete our Podcast survey; here is the link:     If you want a college consultation with Mark or Lisa or Lynda, just text Mark at 404-664-4340 or email Lisa at or Lynda at Lynda@schoolmatch4u.com. All we ask is that you review their services and pricing on their website before the complimentary session; here is link to their services with transparent pricing: https://schoolmatch4u.com/services/compare-packages/

In this episode you will hear:   Mark interviews Andy Strickler-Everything you need to know about Early Decision 1 and Early Decision 2-Part 1 of 4 Preview of Part 1 of 4 §  Andy answers 20 frequently asked questions about Early Decision in this interview §  Andy shares how Early Decision helps colleges §  Andy tells us whether having 45-48% of the class coming in ED is intentional or does it just work out this way (2) §  Andy shares why he doesn't want the incoming class to be more than 50% of the incoming class §  Andy shares the three main reasons why the yield for ED is 95% and not 100% §  Andy explains why he feels, and I quote him here, ‘without a doubt” ED is going to become more popular with public universities. §  Andy gives an example of how applying ED is not as hard to get admitted as regular decision, but he also explains how applying ED is sometimes in the financial best interest of under-resourced families. §  Andy answers the question, does he expect affinity scores and engagement tracking to start to be done in greater frequency than it is now         Mark interviews David Hawkins Link to the articles Dave and discuss Factors impacting admission decisions High School Students perceptions of the College Process     Part 4-Preview ·         David shares more results from students about what the students overvalued and undervalued ·         Dave and Mark just editorialize some of the reasons why the perception of the admission factors that students think matters is so different from what the survey research reveals colleges really value ·         Dave and Mark talk about confusing holistic admissions is they postulate that this is one reason why college admissions is confusing ·         Dave talks about how students are experiencing high anxiety       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. 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Wondering whether you should apply Early Decision or Early Action and trying to understand the financial implications of both? Host Beth Heaton will be interviewing College Coach finance expert Chrissy Foran to help you answer those questions. In addition, College Coach admissions counselor and Texas resident Zaragoza Guerra will be discussing the University of Texas at Austin application. And last but not least, Megan Stubbendeck of the test prep organization Arborbridge will be joining Beth to go over all things standardized testing!