College Admissions with Mark and Anna: Recent Episodes
Anna Ren, Mark Hofer
Applying for college is more complex and often times more confusing than it used to be. In addition, there are so many resources out there. How do you know which is the right one? The best one? Shouldn't everyone have access to the best information out there, regardless of price?
That's what we believe! We believe in giving everyone their best chance by providing them with real insight from the college admissions industry. On this podcast, we share real and relevant topics in college admissions to provide you with a fresh perspective and truly actionable takeaways that you can use as you prepare to apply for college.
We look forward to answering your questions and assisting you on your college admissions journey!
Navigating the high school years and preparing for college can feel totally overwhelming, so today we’re keeping things simple with a fun “Top 3” listicle.
In this episode, we break down the top three most important things students should focus on during each stage of their journey—from freshman year all the way through college move-in. We chat about everything from mastering time-management habits and self-advocating as a freshman, to balancing academic rigor and stepping into leadership roles as an upperclassman.
Plus, we share our absolute favorite hacks for making the most out of your college visits—like snapping a picture of the admissions sign to keep your notes organized—and the essential life skills you'll want to practice before heading off to your dorm.
Whether you're just starting out or getting ready to pack your bags, we've got you covered. Grab a notebook, and let's dive in together!
Join Mark and Anna as they talk with Cindy Palmer from Threshold Coaches about the misconceptions related to ADHD and how college can both be an ideal and challenging environment for students to thrive. We cover strengths of ADHD students and how families can prepare for college, including accommodations and practicing executive function skills. We also cover how students and parents can approach getting tested and tips for a smooth transition to college.
Cindy Palmer is the founder of Threshold Coaches which specializes in providing executive function coaching for college students, especially those with ADHD. Cindy has spent over 25 years supporting teens and young adults with ADHD through academic and life transitions. A former high school teacher and adolescent therapist, Cindy specializes in executive function coaching especially during the leap from high school to college. She's also a parent of two daughters immersed in the college journey, helping them navigate support systems to meet their own neurodivergent needs.
Worried about what major you should pick now when AI seems to be affecting every industry? Join Anna and Mark as they sit down with Dr. Jennifer Stephan—founder of Lantern College Counseling —to demystify AI as an academic path and career field. Dr. Stephan defines AI, distinguishes it from adjacent disciplines like computer science and machine learning, and discuss developing future-proof, transferable skills (critical thinking, communication, quantitative reasoning, ethics) over narrowly chasing majors, noting that only a few top programs offer undergraduate AI degrees while many CS programs can prepare students well through electives, tracks, and research.
Dr. Jennifer Stephan has held various roles across top colleges and universities, including professor, academic dean, and board of admissions member. She holds a BS degree in electrical engineering from Johns Hopkins University and an MS and a PhD in electrical and computer engineering from Carnegie Mellon University.
Jennifer is the founder and owner of Lantern College Counseling, an educational practice offering college admissions services, college success coaching services, and expert support for students facing serious disruptions to their education
Lantern's college admissions services are based on a proprietary Deep-Fit™ approach, an innovative paradigm for the college search and application process centered on thriving as a foundation for lifelong success, developed through Jennifer's decades of experience supporting college students.
To learn more and connect with Jennifer, please visit https://www.lanterncollegecounseling.com/
In this episode of the College Admissions Podcast with Mark and Anna, we’re joined by Brandon Mack, former Associate Director of Admission at Rice University and current independent educational consultant. Brandon pulls back the curtain on how applications are actually read today—debunking common myths about grades, test scores, and competitions, and explaining why essays, short answers, and authentic fit matter more than ever. We discuss how to build a balanced college list, what really makes a strong “Why School” response (including at Rice), how admissions officers evaluate summers, research, and activities, and why depth, humility, and self-awareness consistently stand out in competitive pools. A must-listen for students and families navigating today’s rapidly evolving admissions landscape.
Learn more and connect with Brandon Mack at https://bmackstrategies.com/
This week on The College Admissions Podcast, Anna and Mark sit down with Sam Joustra from Collegewise for an inside look at how college admissions officers actually review student activities and resumes. Sam shares firsthand insights from her time as an admissions officer at Vanderbilt and University of Michigan, on what stands out (and what falls flat) when admissions teams scan your extracurriculars, leadership roles, and project experiences. Together, Mark, Anna, and Sam break down the myths around “perfect” resumes, offer actionable tips for making your activities shine authentically, and discuss how students from all backgrounds can highlight their unique stories—even if they don’t have a long list of awards or leadership titles.
Whether you’re a student building your resume or a parent helping your teen navigate the process, you’ll walk away with practical advice on showcasing real impact, passion, and growth. Tune in for a candid, empowering conversation that demystifies the activities section and helps you tell your story with confidence.
Sam Joustra brings an extensive background in college admissions, serving as an admissions officer at both the University of Michigan and Vanderbilt, and as a school counseling intern at Bryn Mawr School for Girls before joining Collegewise. Learn more about Sam and connect with her by visiting: https://collegewise.com/counselors/sam-joustra.
Early Action deadlines are here, and if you haven't secured your teacher recommendations yet, it's crunch time. But here's the thing—how you ask matters just as much as when.
In this episode, Mark and Anna break down the real talk: when to make your move (ask in person, not email), why sophomore year is the time to start building those relationships, and which teachers actually belong on your list (spoiler: one STEM, one humanities, and maybe a backup).
They'll also cover what teachers actually need from you to write stellar letters—think Brag Sheets with concrete stories, not AI-generated lists—plus practical timing, materials to share, and when it makes sense to add that extra recommender (coach, employer, mentor). Learn how to respect their time (good letters take 60–90 minutes!) and align your recommendations with your overall application narrative so they actually help you stand out.
Whether you're a busy junior planning ahead or a senior in the thick of it, these actionable tips will help your recommenders write the vivid, specific letters that move the needle.
In this episode, we sit down with Molly Carroll to explore the shifting family dynamics that come with having a collegebound student. Molly shares valuable insights into the emotional and practical changes families experience during this transition. We focus on how parents can navigate this challenging shift with empathy, clear communication, and support. Through thoughtful discussion, Molly offers strategies for parents to maintain strong connections while encouraging independence, ultimately helping families adapt to this new phase with confidence and understanding.
Molly Carroll is the author of Cracking Open: A Creative Journal for Self-Transformation and Trust Within: Letting Intuition Lead. she has also delivered two powerful TedTalks on The Need for Human Connection and Why it Starts with Ourselves. She is also the host of the popular and heartwarming podcast Cracking Open with Molly Carroll. With over 30 years of experience in education and mental health, Molly is a seasoned therapist, coach, and public speaker dedicated to helping individuals lead empowered, connected lives.
Connect with Molly at https://molly-carroll.com/.
As more teens prepare to go to college this summer, the importance of what qualities students should develop in high school so that they can thrive in college is ever important. Join Mark and Anna as they speak with Carol Ben-Davies from College Bound Determination as she shares her decades of experience working with students at top universities on the recommendations she has to help students thrive. From self-advocacy to resilience, Carol shares the most important qualities a student can develop when preparing for college and resources that students should take advantage of.
Carol is the founder of College Bound Determination, where she helps parents prepare their kids not just for college admissions, but for real college success—academically, socially, emotionally and personally. With over 20 years of experience at top universities, Carol has worn many hats—from admissions to student leadership and advocacy—guiding countless students and parents through the highs and lows of college life while working to empower students of all backgrounds with the resources and support they need to thrive. She’s a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach. Oh, and she literally wrote the book on paying for college—she’s the co-author of You Can Go to College for Free! Carol holds degrees from UNC-Chapel Hill and Loyola University Chicago, and she’s here today to share her insights on setting students up for success in college and beyond. Learn more about Carol at https://carolbendavies.com/
In this episode, we sit down with Lynne Peeples, a distinguished science journalist and author of "THE INNER CLOCK," to delve into the fascinating world of circadian rhythms and sleep. Lynne shares her journey of writing the book, emphasizing the importance of understanding our internal clocks.
Lynne discusses optimal sleep and wake times, cultural differences in sleep practices, and common misconceptions about sleep, such as the fallacy of catch-up sleep. The episode also addresses the impact of modern lifestyles on sleep, particularly for students. Lynne provides insights into the effects of cramming, the benefits and drawbacks of naps, and the consequences of all-nighters. She offers practical advice for students and college freshmen on prioritizing sleep amidst hectic schedules.
Finally, Lynne shares actionable tips for optimizing sleep and maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm, making this episode a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their sleep health. Tune in to learn how to optimize your sleep for productivity and well-being. Learn more about Lynne and her book at lynnpeeples.com
It's college application season! Building of school lists is into the final push for November 1st - Early Action/Decision. As students/families look for schools to apply to, there are some general but very important guiding questions to consider:
What IS a GOOD school? What is a GOOD school….for YOU?
Join Mark and Anna as they discuss factors to consider and how to identify which schools should make the final cut on your college list.
While there are many consistent challenges and affirmations that teens have historically encountered during their first year of college, some major cultural/social/academic shifts have occurred in the last five years to disrupt those traditional challenges. Join Mark and Anna as they check in with current students transitioning to college after COVID about what it's like to navigate and experience a college campus as a freshman in 2024. Our freshman guests include students from Duke, Georgetown, Princeton, and University of Washington-Seattle as they share their biggest lessons from life as a freshman.
Join Mark and Anna as they talk with Daniel Curell as they get the inside school on how much college actually costs and tips for how families can try to better afford college. Dan Currell was Deputy Under Secretary of Education in the U.S. Department of Education from 2018 to 2021. He has published on various aspects of higher education public policy, including a recent article in the journal National Affairs titled The Truth About College Costs. Dan and his wife are happy empty-nesters with two children currently in college.
With more students interested in pursuing fields in STEM, Mark and Anna invited Sydney Trahan of Worcester Polytechnic Institute or more commonly known as WPI to join us in discussing what's unique about a technical school and more specifically, WPI. Known for their project-based curriculum and test-blind admissions process, Sydney shares what they really look for in applicants and what type of students thrive at WPI in this episode.
Learn more about WPI at www.wpi.edu or contact Sydney directly at strahan@wpi.edu.
Why is a liberal arts college education valuable, especially in an increasing AI dominated world? What's admissions like at a liberal arts college? Join Mark and Anna as they chat with Courtney Stricklin Burgan of Occidental College. Courtney is the Senior Associate Dean and Director of Admission at Occidental College, which happens to also be her undergraduate alma mater. Courtney has worked in higher education for 19 years and has been back at Oxy for more than half of that time, holding positions in both career services and admission.
The December 2023 SAT will be the last paper exam from the CollegeBoard as they shift to digital SATs in 2024. With such a big shift, Mark and Anna decide to sit down with Matty of Compass Education Group to help get the questions on parents and students' minds answered. From what to expect on the new digital format to whether or not super-scoring will be allowed between paper and digital tests, Mark, Anna, and Matty have you covered!
Matty is a Senior Director at Compass Education Group, a provider of one-on-one test preparation and academic tutoring that works with thousands of students nationwide. Prior to joining Compass, Matty obtained their MA from the University of Chicago and a BA from UC Santa Cruz. They have over fifteen years of experience in the testing industry and are regularly invited by counselors and admission professionals to explain the latest updates to the testing landscape. Each year, Matty and their colleagues speak at over 300 high schools and professional organizations.
When students are asked where they want to college, many of them will list a college based on rank or brand - because that's what they are exposed to. While rankings can be a good way to start the college search, a top-ranked school doesn't necessarily equate to a successful college experience or future. After all, US News and World Report rankings were created to sell magazines. Join Mark and Anna as they chat about rank, brands and society's obsession with elite schools and how families can craft a better list for college.
With ChatGPT being used across different corners of the internet, its not surprising to hear that it is also shaking up the college admissions landscape. Whether its new essay prompts, no essay prompts, or a switch from written prompts, college admissions teams across the country are exploring new ways to get to know applicants authentically. Join Mark and Anna as they speak to Mark Cruver of Capstone Educational Consultants as they discuss the implications of AI in college admissions, including the challenges and potential benefits for all.
More about Mark Cruver:
Referred to by many as The AI Navigator at AIfortheIEC.com, Mark’s journey has been anything but artificial. When Mark isn’t working with students and supporting parents as the founder of Capstone Educational Consultants, he’s teaching others how to unleash the power of AI on their business branding messaging, social media content, marketing campaigns, and more. Along with his distinguished credentials as an Independent Educational Consultant, Mark has written articles on AI in Education for the GenAI Newsletter, become Jasper Certified, earned a certificate in AI in Business mirrored from UC Berkley’s AI in Business course, and author of HELP! My Teen Isn’t On Track To College: 10 Tips for Parents on the College Admissions Process
What's the hardest part about the college application process? Most fun? Join Mark and Anna as we learn about the college application process through the eyes of a graduating high school teen - Kamila from College Reality Check. From essays to list building, Kamila breaks down what its really like to apply to college as a current teen in high school. Learn more about Kamila at College Reality Check - https://collegerealitycheck.com.
With total cost of attendance edging towards $90,000 a year for private universities, Mark and Anna are excited to have financial aid expert and independent educational consultant, Claire Law from Educational Avenues talk about how families can prepare for the financial aid process. From discussing 529s to the difference in financial aid applications, learn how you can have the right conversations with your family around affording college. Claire Law is an independent educational consultant, professional member of IECA, Certified Educational Planner. She helps parents figure out the best educational avenues for their teen children. Claire Law worked in college admissions for ten years and for a SallieMae lender for a short while.
You've been accepted to college. Now what? Join Mark and Anna as they discuss next steps after you've gotten into college. From not getting grades below a B on your report card to playing pranks, we'll cover tips for how to manage the transition to college, including once you get to college. As per Mark's favorite topic of food, we'll cover how to ensure you stay healthy in addition to knowing where to get help when you get sick for the first time without mom and dad. This is for all the graduating seniors!
Ever wonder what college admissions officers really want from applicants and how students can better prepare for college applications? We went straight to the source - Rick Clark - Assistant Vice Provost and Executive Director of Undergraduate Admission at Georgia Tech. Join Mark and Anna as they answer some of your most common questions about applying for college and what Rick would change about the college admissions process in our newest episode. From how to prepare as a STEM applicant to how students can become better students and therefore better applicants, we've got you covered.
Selecting a major…or not? Okay, let’s just get it out there…NO…you do not have to select a major and know exactly what you will do for the rest of your life. However, there may be situations in which having an idea of what to major in and preparing for it will be beneficial in high school. Join Mark and Anna as they discuss the pros and cons of having a major in mind when you apply for college and how to explore potential majors.
With an endless "To Do" list, and the pressure to keep up with their peers, its no surprise that an increasing amount of today's teens face anxiety and depression. Join Mark and Anna as they talk with Dr. Sarah Pospos of Lifestyle Telepsychiatry to talk about "comparaitis", Imposter Syndrome, testing anxiety and more importantly, how we as parents and educators can better support our teens and help them thrive.
Dr. Sarah Pospos completed her psychiatry residency as a chief resident at UCLA-Kern and has published extensively on burnout and depression at UCLA, UCSD and UCSB. As a psychiatrist and lifelong learner, Dr. Pospos is devoted to helping high performers with test anxiety, burnout, imposter syndrome, depression and other challenges by incorporating exercise, nutrition, sleep, stress management, efficient time management (especially as a mom of 2 under 2 during medical training) and other lifestyle changes in her telepsychiatry practice.
As tuitions rise faster than inflation, more and more students and their families may wonder what value college offers and which colleges offer the most opportunities to help set them up for success. Join Mark and Anna as they speak with Ann Marano, Executive Director for the Colleges That Change Lives organization, to discuss the value of liberal arts education and what truly sets colleges in that organization a part from the hundreds of other colleges and universities in the country, including a student-centered approach to education.
Learn more about Colleges that Change Lives at https://ctcl.org.
No idea what to do this summer? Join Mark and Anna as they speak with Fredrik van Huynh from Absolute Internship about finding your passion and lining up an internship that helps you explore it. Internships aren't only for college students - high school students can do it too! In this episode, you'll learn the benefits of learning multiple languages, being immersed in different cultures, and the value in building relationships through international internships. From how to find internships and how to make a good impression to how internships can help set your college application apart, Fredrik has you covered.
Fredrik is the Co-Founder of Absolute Internship and has been ranked among the Top 25 young entrepreneurs in Sweden, he’s also the podcast of Fika with Rice and is a jiu jitsu geek! To learn more about Fredrik and Absolute Intership, visit https://absoluteinternship.com.
We are entering our third year of COVID related social adjustments that have included education, social gatherings, family dynamics, job loss/gain, finances, Netflix addiction, and unknown health risks, just to name a few. Understandably, it is an especially difficult time for teens as they try to navigate a transitional period in their lives during a pandemic. Join Mark and Anna as they speak with Danit Erlich of Always Forward Coaching and Consulting, LLC as they talk about how parents and educators can better help support teens through stress and mental health challenges.
Danit Erlich is a community educator and consultant on topics related to communication, wellness, youth & adult mental health, and suicide prevention. Danit taught Mental Health First Aid classes to hundreds of people, including school staff from different districts, faith communities, the general public, employees in various companies, and in nonprofit organizations. As a coach, Danit is working with families of teens on improving communication and reducing confrontation using a unique model she created. Danit also is doing self-care workshops for teens, to allow them to share about their challenges, to learn important principles of self-care and to create their own self-care plan. Learn more at https://www.alwaysforward.coach.
While a student’s weighted GPA and SAT score are important, and thoughtful recommendations are significant, as are clear, concise, and cogent essays—school representatives often comment that a common attribute of the strongest and most successful applications is…consistency. Does the entire application sound like the same person? Are strong attributes and characteristics consistently highlighted, and do examples from essays, recommendations, and even extracurricular activities correlate with one another?
These are all ways to make an application more powerful and effective.
Join Mark and Anna as this discuss how essays, recommendations, and activities support an applicant beyond their transcript and test scores to help them stand out in the college admissions process.
Letters of recommendation are one of the holistic components of the college application, but probably a component that is talked about the least, despite the weight they hold. Most college admissions officers would say that letters of recommendation do not help or hurt an application. However, strong letters of recommendation can really strengthen a college application. Join Mark and Anna as they discuss why letters of recommendation and how to prepare in obtaining a strong one. Mark and Anna will also talk about who to ask and why as they share how students can try to strengthen their recommendations, even if they didn't get to physically meet their teachers in this new episode on making the most of letters of recommendation during a pandemic.
What's it like to be a teen actually going through the college admissions preparation process? Between classes, activities, college lists, and essays, our teens have A LOT on their plates. Join Mark and Anna as they speak with Kamila from the "Who Cares about College" Podcast as they talk about how they're preparing for college during a pandemic. Kamila also shares insights from her experiences interviewing students who have applied and are in college now. From testing to financial aid, join Mark and Anna for a very REAL conversation about applying to college and how we can do better in managing the process and stress for our teens.
Ever feel like the college admissions process has gotten overwhelming and overall insane? Join Mark and Anna as they speak with Kevin Martin, author of "Surviving the College Admissions Madness", about how families can better approach the admissions process to reduce stress as well as recommended improvements they would like to see in the college admissions process.
Kevin also provides helpful advice for avoiding application mistakes, building a reasonable college list, minimizing debt, identifying cognitive errors and distortions, and helping you reframe your college applications. Martin equips readers with the vocabulary, frameworks, and tools to make sense of America’s broken higher education system, starting with the admissions gatekeepers.
After serving in UT-Austin’s Office of Admissions, where Kevin reviewed and scored thousands of applications, he completed a Fulbright Fellowship in Malaysia and currently travels the world while helping students gain admission to top-50 universities through his business Tex Admissions. More about Kevin here: texadmissions.com/about
While many elite universities do not offer merit scholarships, honors colleges and programs at many public universities offer great options for high-achieving students. In addition to providing merit-based awards, they can offer specialized curriculums and unique opportunities to help students thrive in a larger school environment. Join Mark and Anna as they speak with Craig T. Cobane, Ph.D. from Western Kentucky University's Mahurin Honors College as they discuss the difference between honors program and honors colleges, why they are valuable, and who they are a great fit for in this new episode.
Craig T. Cobane, Ph.D. is the Executive Director of the Mahurin Honors College (MHC) at Western Kentucky University (WKU). He built and has led the MHC for 15 years. While building the MHC, he created the Office of Scholar Development (OSD), which helped over 550 students earn over $10 million in national scholarships (e.g., Truman, NSF, Fulbright, Goldwater, etc.). From 2012-17, he served concurrently as Chief International Officer (CIO) growing education abroad participation by 40 percent. For his work diversifying education abroad participation he was selected as the “Diversity and Inclusion Champion” by Diversity Abroad in 2018. Finally, he is the recipient of multiple teaching awards and national fellowships including American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Science and Technology Fellowship, where he spent a year at the Pentagon working on the Global War on Terrorism, and the American Council on Education (ACE) Fellowship, where he spent a year shadowing a university president.
It's that time of year again - writing the college admissions essay! This year, Mark and Anna are excited to share approaches to college essay writing from published author and college admissions essay coach, Molly Moynahan. Molly shares the key elements to storytelling, tips for overcoming writer's block, and more.
Molly Moynahan is an expert in adolescent literacy, a novelist and a writing coach, specializing in supporting students through the writing of the personal essay for college admission. She holds an MFA in Fiction writing and has decades of teaching English to high school and college students. Learn more about Molly at https://theteachersway.com
Class of 2021 faced record-low acceptance rates at many elite universities, but the truth is, there are hundreds of amazing colleges out there that will support students in their success. Join Mark and Anna as they discuss the numerous options available with special guest Lisa Fuller from College Primed as they take a deeper look at women's colleges and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and how they enable success for their students. Lisa will also share how HBCUs have transformed to not only serve the black community but other students, especially those with aspirations in medicine.
Lisa Fuller is an Independent Educational Consultant, Owner & Founder of College Primed, LLC, a company located in Richmond, Virginia, that focuses on advising 7-12th grade students on educational planning and the college admission process.
Lisa served as an alumna recruiter for Spelman College, volunteered as a Questbridge mentor, and a ScholarMatch counselor. She earned a certificate in College Counseling from The University of California, San Diego, and a certificate in College Advising, Teachers College, Columbia University.
Without the ability to visit campuses, applying for college and selecting where you want to spend the next four years can be more difficult than years past. Students have had to sometimes pick colleges "blindly" which has resulted in the desire for some students to transfer to new colleges. Join Mark and Anna as they speak with Deborah Shames of Personal Best College Coaching to learn more about why students transfer, how to prepare, and more details in this newest episode.
So you think you want to go to college in Europe? Fantastic! Have you thought about the differences in the application process, the travel involved, passports, different languages, and different deadlines? There are many great reasons to study abroad, but there are also many things students and their families should know and consider before making that leap. Join Mark and Anna as they talk to Sandy Furth from World Student Support, who has successfully helped many students and families through those considerations and can help us all understand the process better.
With return on investment at a forefront in the college admissions process, its no wonder that majors related to STEM have become increasingly popoular over the years...especially during a pandemic. Mark and Anna dive into what colleges are looking for when it comes to classes, activities, recommendations and more in this fun episode with our resident expert, Mark Hofer. Join Mark and Anna as they tackle the myths related to STEM in college admissions.
Join Mark and Anna as they talk about the importance of acknowledging, expressing, and regulating emotions with Dr. Marc Brackett, the author of Permission to Feel, and the Founder and Director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and a Professor in the Child Study Center of Yale University. As anxiety and depression are at all time highs for our teens, we are thankful to be able to have Dr. Brackett address how we can better support our teens in becoming happy and successful members of society through the concepts from his book, Permission to Feel. We also discuss how these manifest themselves in picking college fit and writing compelling essays. To learn more about Dr. Marc Brackett and get his book, you can visit his website https://marcbrackett.com.
Do you have a talented musician who wants to pursue their passion for it in college? Have questions on how to best prepare for the music college admissions process? Join Mark and Anna as they speak to Dave Best, Founder of Best College Consulting where they orchestrate the college search for talented students.
College essays have always been an important part of the college application process; however, this year—the year that COVID arrived and stayed for a while—provides a perfect storm for buoying up the importance of the college essays. Yes, that is essays, plural.
While the personal statement essay has always been the focus for most students—and it remains to be an important part of the application—many schools weigh their supplemental and proprietary essays as even more important in the overall evaluation of students’ applications. For example, Stanford doesn’t have eleven supplemental essays just because they like to read.
This year provides an unprecedented level of unknowns regarding how—and even when—schools evaluate students and their applications. Join Mark and Anna as they discuss tips on what to cover in your essays this admission season, if and when you should utilize the Covid essay prompt and more!
College consultants often get asked “How early do you start working with students in the college application process?” This question almost always comes from parents. Sometimes they are just curious, but increasingly, they are serious. Can, should, their 8th grader start preparing for college applications?
If we are really honest, and take a step back, we must admit that we currently don’t know what colleges and universities will use as metrics for evaluation in the coming one to five years. Honestly, we don’t. The evaluation system is, thankfully, in a high state of flux with COVID-19 and the changes it has inspired colleges and universities to make in the application process are being developed, tested, and analyzed right now…and will continue to be over the next two – five years. But high school will continue. Academics will continue. Building relationships will continue. And a transition from high school to higher education…will continue. So a good question to entertain might be how—and when—can we help students prepare for that yet to be determined future?
Join Mark and Anna as they tackle when a good time to start preparing for college, why starting too early can be bad, but also what pieces you can start focusing on so you aren't in the 'missed the boat' scenario for certain rare situations. From testing to courses and intellectual exploration, Mark and Anna tackle how some students can start preparing for college like a marathon in a healthy manner.
What a strange and unprecedented time this is. Schools—ALL schools—are closed for what will be months. How many months this closure will last has yet to be determined. College and Universities…closed, and many considering a “virtual start” in September. K-12 schools also closed and not reopening before the next school year…and possibly longer. This is unprecedented.
All of these things provide a lot of uncertainty about our education system for 2020 – 2021. This is really stressful if you are a junior, or senior. Although these are things we don’t know, and we can’t control…what can students control? Join Mark and Anna as they cover what students can focus on during this time, especially as colleges and universities go test-optional. They cover essays, brag sheets, and more in their take on how to get a start on the college admissions process during Covid.
Ever hear that crazy story of how someone wins a ton of money for college? Even when they already have money and didn't qualify for financial aid? Or have you heard stories of how some families can't afford college because colleges didn't provide them enough money to attend? If so, you're in luck, because Anna and Mark will be chatting with Monica Matthews, the author of How to Win College Scholarships, to talk about how families can earn money for college through private scholarships.
Monica Matthews is the author of How to Win College Scholarships. She helped her own sons win over $100,000 in college scholarships and now shares her expertise with other parents and their students. She truly has “been there, done that" in regards to helping families navigate the scholarship process. Her methods of helping students find college scholarships, write compelling essays, and create unique application packets have taught desperate parents to help their own students win thousands of scholarship dollars. Her scholarship tips have been featured in several publications such as U.S. News & World Report, The Huffington Post, and The Penny Hoarder. Monica has been dubbed The Scholarship Mom and "Go-To" expert on college scholarships. You can find her winning tips and scholarship blog at how2winscholarships.com.
It’s the holiday season…and there are always vacations and breaks. What to do, what to do? One of the most common questions consultants hear from students and parents is: “What should I do during vacation… you know, to look good on college applications?”
Join Mark and Anna as they discuss how high school and college students can best utilize their breaks. While families often think they should attend a summer program or conduct research, etc, there are other options out there. Each of these experiences can be valuable—but so can painting a house, babysitting, publishing a blog, getting a j.o.b., learning an instrument, taking a bike apart, learning to sew, taking a daily walk, volunteering, speak (and think!) only in Spanish for a week, or becoming a street mime… can be just as valuable, when approached with the right mindset and two questions. Learn more in our newest episode.
Join Mark and Anna as they speak with Mark Salisbury from TuitionFit to discuss something revolutionary - transparent college pricing. Learn about how TuitionFit helps students and their families feel empowered in college admissions and get the best value from college for free.
Mark Salisbury started his career in higher education as a soccer coach in 1995. After a decade, he transitioned to admissions and then, after earning a PhD in higher education, became a researcher, director of institutional research and assessment, writer, and a consultant for colleges that wanted to get better at using data to improve student learning.
Join Mark and Anna as they speak with Michael B. Horn, one of the authors of Choosing College, as they discuss how to put students and families in the driver's seat of their future so that they understand why they want to go to school and make better decisions around the college admissions process.
Michael Horn, the coauthor of the new book, Choosing College, is the chief strategy officer at the Entangled Group, an education venture studio, and the cofounder of the Clayton Christensen Institute, a nonprofit think tank. To learn more about Michael and check out his book, please visit https://michaelbhorn.com.
You can purchase his book, Choosing College, on Amazon.
Join Mark and Anna as they speak with Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Rob Kirkland of Gain Service Academy Admission as they cover the benefits of joining ROTC in college (both monetary and not), how to apply for scholarships that help you afford college, the military expectations upon graduating, how you can earn 'free ride' including room and board, and more!
Lieutenant Colonel Kirkland was one of the few officers ever to lead two separate Army ROTC programs–Claremont McKenna College from 2006 to 2009 and the University of Southern California from 2010 to 2013. He is a graduate of the United States Military Academy, West Point, was an instructor in its Department of History, and he also earned a MA and PhD from the University of Pittsburgh. He appeared as an expert on the History Channel’s show Americas Book of Secrets: West Point in 2012. He served over 25 years on active duty as a Field Artillery Officer. Learn more at https://www.gainserviceacademyadmission.com/
Join Mark and Anna as they talk about what new college students should actually be thinking about and preparing for that are often glossed over or just missed in the conversation. This goes for parents too. Now that you've gotten off the roller coaster cycle of Find School, Apply to School, Get Accepted to School, Select School, Finish High School, Pack Up for College, Travel to College, Unpack and Prepare for Life in College cycle, here are some things you may have missed.
Mark and Anna break down their top list of what to expect when starting college for the first time. Resources in this episode include:
Shipbike.com
Join Mark and Anna as they speak with guest, Debbie Schwartz. Debbie Schwartz is a former financial services marketing executive with expertise in personal finance. She’s also a parent, with 3 children and has had the personal experience of navigating college admission and paying for it for her own children. From her experience with her oldest child, she knew families needed better information and tools to make smarter college decisions.
To learn more about Road2College or join the Paying for College 101 Facebook group.
Ever wonder if playing sports makes a difference in college admissions? Or what type of sport? Or how good you have to be? Join Mark and Anna as they talk with Dr. Chris Siedem from Perfect College Match as they discuss what's important to focus on as it related to playing athletics in college, what the recruiting process is like and how to best present yourself as an athlete in college admissions.
Learn more about Chris at http://perfectcollegematch.com/
Mark and Anna are excited to welcome Jessica Yeager from Dream College Summit back again to learn about what new insights are available for Dream College Summit 2019, including top trends, art schools, athletics, applying to STEM schools and more! Mark and Anna also grill Jessica on why she chose Harvard over MIT for her undergraduate degree. Make sure you get your free ticket to Dream College Summit happening in May 2019.
Educational consulting addresses many common issues of the application process; however, applications for students with learning disabilities and the schools that support them is an incredibly important – but often underrepresented and often misunderstood – area of educational consulting. Working with high school students applying to colleges requires an increasing number of steps and areas for consideration. However, schools that understand and support learning disabilities provide additional considerations, knowledge, experience and support for students are adds another dynamic to the application and admissions process. While college admission becomes even more complex some opportunities – like applying to specific departments – have become even more competitive, and students must consider learning environment and support with even greater intention. This includes finding the most supportive and understanding environment for each student’s academic needs.
Join our guest, Lauren Gaylord, co-founder of G2 College in Seattle and is an advocate and educational consultant for students with learning differences as we talk about how students can make the most of learning differences in the college admissions process.
Join Mark and Anna as they co-host a special episode with Steve Schwartz from College Admissions Toolbox as they discuss the college admissions scandal, designing activities, and letting passion guide your way to the perfect resume! Learn more about College Admissions Toolbox at http://www.collegeadmissionstoolbox.com.
The college admissions scandal has stormed the media! While everyone enjoys a good scandal, join Mark and Anna as they offer perspective on the scandal but also true practices (for better or worse) in college admissions.
While Mark and Anna chat about some of the issues associated with the college application and admissions process that have fallen from grace, more importantly, they are going to refocus on those components of the college application process that are most important in the evaluation of college applicants as well as the most important things to focus on when developing your application-and it doesn't require $500,000 or unethical actions.
With college loan debts increasing far beyond any healthy, logical, or sustainable level—approaching 1.6 Trillion dollars, and the average student accruing $37,000 of debt by graduation—the illogical and unsupported quest to pursue and attend only a handful of elite schools with less than 15% acceptance rates and COAs over $70,000 a year… may finally be in recession. Many students and parents are paying attention to the mounting research and overwhelming evidence that shows going into debt for undergraduate education is a bad long-term investment. Enter in the era of “ROI”! Join Mark and Anna as they explore the significance of return on investment in college selection.
Anna and Mark recently attended the IECA National Conference in sunny Los Angeles, California—and took over the house! Okay, maybe not so much as took over as rolled through. Join Mark and Anna as they give you the dirt that they received straight from admissions themselves and cut down on the stress as they discuss tours of LA schools, admissions thoughts on test scores and the factors that actually get you in vs. qualifying you.
Heading out for some school tours? From figuring out fit, culture, and where to find comfort food to demonstrating interest, learn how to make the most of campus visits as Anna and Mark cover questions to ask, what to look out for, what to do, and who to talk to.
As college applications and admissions becomes more competitive each year and the financial ramifications of choosing the right school is even more important and daunting… parents desperately recognize that preparing earlier is better than later. But how early is too early? Join Mark and Anna as they discuss when and how to start preparing for college admissions so that you are on track to deliver "what schools want."
Whether you are a sophomore thinking about college, a junior/senior stepping into the application/admissions arena or a recent graduate who is headed to college for further academic enrichment and excitement… selecting courses and classes seems to be almost an afterthought for many students. This seems backwards, doesn’t it?
It's back to school and you're wondering what classes you should pick? Should you try taking that harder class? Should you stick to classes related to your major or classes that will deem you "more competitive" based on the university's preferences. Join Mark and Anna as they discuss how to pick classes in high school and college. From understanding whether or not different classes are weighed differently like AP Calc and AP Stats to is there such a thing as taking too many challenging courses and how to pick classes that demonstrate growth and maturity, Mark and Anna have got you covered in this new episode on course selection.
A majority of students can make it through high school and college, and some will do so with incredibly high grades while achieving amazing things. However, increasingly more high school and college students are finding the stresses of academics to be overwhelming. High School and college counselors are reporting the number of students seeking help for depression and anxiety is increasing at an alarming rate, higher than most have seen in their careers. Join Mark and Anna as they tackle how you can help your teens stay healthy - mind, body, and soul - when it comes to academics. From how to build your "framily" to whether or not to disclose any mental health challenges you may have faced, Mark and Anna have you covered on stress, anxiety, and suicide in the world of high school and college on a topic that is dear to their hearts.
School is almost out and its time to figure out what to do this summer, besides soaking in the sun with your friends. While we've talked about activities in general, summer offers a unique opportunity to focus on development. Join Mark and Anna as they discuss the different types of activities you can dive into, how to use summer for "two-fers" and what are some not so great ideas for how to spend your summer.
Inspired by Malcolm Gladwell's book, David and Goliath, Mark and Anna discuss how to assess "big fish in a little pond" opportunities. As you look at schools, narrow your list, and make decisions, this is another factor to keep in mind. Join Mark and Anna as they revisit "best fit" and encourage students to consider the long-term impacts of being pushed to the edge academically, intellectually vs. learning comfortably, and reflecting on life and its many paths to fulfillment in this latest episode. If you're narrowing down your list and it is between an academically rigorous option and another that is less so, you cannot afford to miss this episode.
All the work and sacrifice – applications completed, essays written, weekends lost, and joy-filled NetFlix binges missed… has finally paid off. THEY want you! Colleges want you! The golden ticket with notice of admission has been issued to you and now all you need to do is select which fabulous school you and your pet goldfish will head to in September. Join Mark and Anna as they walk you through this final step of the college admissions process - from where to check your results to what you need to look out for- Mark and Anna have you covered!
Join us as we talk to Tali Nesher, a former literary agent, NYU Tisch graduate and independent educational consultant specializing in the arts. Tali will be offering expertise on applying to different types of art programs and the value of an art education. If you're worried about your child becoming a starving artist, listen to Tali as she talks about how versatile an art degree can be, in addition to information about the process of applying for art programs. Tali Nesher graduated from New York University with a BFA in Film and Television Production. She started her career as a literary agent, representing television writers. Tali's work with writers involved reading scripts, hearing new stories, editing work, and championing her clients to studios and networks. After several years in the agency business, Tali transitioned into television production, where she worked as a camera coordinator on sitcoms and joined the Directors Guild of America (DGA). As a parent who has been through the process herself multiple times, Tali addresses both the concerns of the students and parents during this stressful and daunting experience. She's a strong believer that there is a right fit school or path for every student, and she works diligently with students and families to inform their academic, social and financial options for a personalized, optimal experience. To learn more about Tali, visit www.u-college.com.
You've gotten into college. Now what? After spending most of high school preparing for this next step, what do you need to be successful in college and even in life? Join Mark and Anna as the cover the top skills you need for life in college and beyond. From accepting criticism and making healthy choices to tying a tie, Mark and Anna tackle life beyond the application.
With so many people around you juggling 20 activities, you wonder..do I really need 20 activities? What is the point of these extracurricular activities? What kind of activities should I have? Is there ever too much or too few? What are the "must have" activities? Join Mark and Anna as they answer these questions and more, including whether or not family obligations count as an activity.
With medical school acceptance rates being so low, join Mark and Anna as they talk with expert Todd Faubion on his advice on maximizing your chances for getting into medical school. He'll also cover advice on how you can prepare as a high school student and college student and discuss what you can do if you aren't accepted the first time. If you or your child is thinking about joining the health profession, this is one episode you must check out.
Food - its necessary for survival and is often an overlooked attribute. If your stomach is not satisfied, your brain will not work optimally and your academic - and social potential may take a nosedive. Join Mark and Anna as they talk about what you should be looking for when you think about college and food. From common food mistakes to where to find food and survive on a student budget, they've got you covered in this fun episode.
Join us as we talk to Dr. Shirag Shemmassian, Founder of Shemmassian Academic Consulting. As a graduate of both Cornell University and UCLA, Shirag will be offering expertise on applying as a student who has faced learning challenges, in addition to sharing his own personal admissions journey as someone who has a disability. Join us for real wisdom as we tackle the biggest questions when it comes to helping families apply when the applicant has faced unique challenges and how to use it to share a compelling story with admissions. Get Shirag's FREE guide–The 10 College Admissions Secrets No One Talks About here.
Join us as we talk to Jessica Yeager, Founder of Dream College Summit and Impress the Ivies. Jessica will be dishing on her own college journey as an alumnus of both Harvard for undergrad and MIT for graduate school. She will also be covering new trends in college admissions and her best tips for getting into your dream school, especially the Ivies and other elite schools. You will get insider insight on everything from testing to interviews to financial aid and scholarships! Get your FREE ticket to Dream College Summit here.
Congratulations… you are ready to apply to college. But which colleges do you apply to and how many? And even more importantly, how do you pick your list and narrow it down? What factors should you consider and what are some resources you can use? Join Mark and Anna as they tackle these important topics and more, including great resources to get your party/list started!
College essay topics are out! Join Anna and Mark as they discuss the do's, don'ts, and their favorite essays on this episode in which they cover how to brainstorm and create a college application essay that stands out. They'll cover what colleges are looking for in the essay, what mistakes to avoid, and their favorite tips on how to come up with some memorable essays!
Join us as we talk to Aleksandra (Aleks) Stefanovska, Founder of Pain Free to College and first generation college student on her college journey, where she dishes on her advice to students applying to college for the first time. She covers everything from having the right support to how to select schools and where to spend your time.
Aleksandra (Aleks) Stefanovska is a proud graduate of Georgetown University, which is located in our nation’s beautiful capitol, Washington, DC. She has two degrees from Georgetown, thus a double-hoya. She started with a a Bachelors of Arts degree in Government (International Affairs) and a minor in Economics, and followed up with a Master’s degree in Business Administration.
Aleks has more than 17 years of work experience, 15 years of which include informal mentoring high school and college students. Last year, she launched her website www.PainFreeToCollege.com to share tips to make the college admission less stressful.
When she is not working, Aleks is singing, dancing, or making silly faces with her 2 young children: Petar and Anabella.
College decisions are in! It can be a very exciting and confusing time for many students and their families. In this episode, Anna and Mark are here to advise on what happens when regular decision results are in. They'll cover acceptances, waitlists, and rejections and different ways to try to figure out which school you should move forward with - from March Madness brackets to campus visits to how to write a letter to admissions. Mark and Anna have got you covered in this episode.
Join us as we talk to Liz Tenety, Co-Founder of Motherly and former Washington Post writer, on her college journey, where she discusses how she decided to transfer to her dream school, despite loving the school where she went to and how it has made all the difference. If the thought of not getting into your dream school or the idea of transferring scares you, this episode and Liz's uplifting journey is for you!
You've finished writing essays and sent your application in. Now, you get an email about a college admissions interview. They want to meet you! In this episode, Mark and Anna cover your most common questions regarding the interview, such as how important are they really, what questions should you be prepared to answer and what should you ask at the end. We'll cover etiquette on both in-person and online interview, how long an interview should last, and more!
The average public school's cost of attendance can range from $25 to $45k a year. For private schools, the average university cost can be $60k to $70k! In this episode, Mark and Anna talk about ways you can go to college on OPM (other people's money) through financial and merit aid. Learn more about the process as well and how scholarships can help you cut back on loans. Additional topics covered include what goes into determining a family's expected family contribution and how to apply for aid and scholarships.
Now that most of the results from early action and early decision are in, its time to make sense of it all. Learn about the different deadlines, possible results, and what to do next. Also learn what types of deadlines might work best for you and your family, especially as it comes to financial and merit aid.
Ever consider using a consultant to help you with the college admissions process? Their more common name is IEC. Learn the benefits and values of using an IEC and who they are most beneficial for. We'll also talk about the different type of ways you can work with an IEC, how to pick one, and what the REAL costs are. Not the ones inflated by the media. Join Mark and Anna as they give you the real dirt about using someone to help with the college admissions process.
There are so many lists on rankings out there. What is worth considering when looking at these lists? Do they even matter? We'll also review different types of lists out there.
For additional resources, please check out:
How to Make Sense of College Rankings
Best and Worst College Food
US News College Rankings
Forbes College Ranking Methodology
Forbes Top Colleges
Ever since Malia Obama decided to take a gap year, it has been a widely discussed topic in college admissions. So what is a gap year? Why take one? Learn the answers to these questions and more as we delve into what types of gap year opportunities exist, what the benefits are of taking one, how it fits with the college admissions process and how to "pitch" one to your parents in this week's podcast.
While the internet has certainly made it easier to research and learn more about a school, meeting face to face and visiting a campus in person can make a big difference. Learn the benefits and what to look for when visiting campuses, when the best time to visit is, and more in this week's episode.
Thanks to Harvard's Turning the Tide Report, more schools are being asked to evaluate how "nice" a student is in the college admissions process. Learn more about how you can genuinely demonstrate your "niceness" in today's podcast.
Join Mark Hofer and Anna Ren as they talk about the new factor in college admissions and different ways schools may be evaluating how nice a student is.