Shift - College admissions in a changing world: Recent Episodes
shiftcollegeadmissions
The college admissions landscape is undergoing massive change. Our mission is to help you navigate these changes and get into your dream school. We give you tips and tactics for mastering the college admissions process, from application essays, to acing the ACT and SAT exams, to campus visits, mental health, and much more. Whether you’re just starting your college search or ready to submit your applications, we’ve got you covered.
Achievable is a modern prep program for the ACT exam. Visit https://achievable.me to learn more.
Wondering if you should use AI for your college application essay? Nat Crawford is a Stanford PhD, founder of Improve Your English, and college admissions counselor with years of experience helping students improve their writing. In this episode, Nat discusses how students can use AI responsibly, what admissions officers are really looking for, and the writing skills that matter most for crafting a standout college admissions essay.
https://www.improveyourenglish.com/about/
Achievable has ACT, SAT and CLT prep courses that use advanced adaptive learning to target weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/?utm_source=podcast to try any course for free.
Why do some students struggle with test-taking when they excel in school? Kathy Hart is an educational consultant at Score At The Top Learning Center and School who has been helping students navigate the college admissions process since 2013. In this episode, Kathy walks through the reasons why some students do well in school but then struggle with high-stakes exams, how to build confidence in test-taking, and how parents can best support their students as they prepare for college admissions exams.
Achievable has ACT, SAT and CLT prep courses that use advanced adaptive learning to target weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/?utm_source=podcast to try any course for free.
Is your student truly prepared for college-level math? David Blobaum is the Co-Founder of Summit Prep and a nationally recognized expert on standardized testing and college admissions. In this episode, David explores the growing college math readiness gap, the impact of grade inflation, and the lasting effects of pandemic learning loss.
Achievable has ACT, SAT and CLT prep courses that use advanced adaptive learning to target weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/?utm_source=podcast to try any course for free.
What if the most important factors in college success have nothing to do with where you get accepted? Louis Newman is a scholar, educator, and college success coach with more than 40 years of experience in teaching, advising, and faculty development. He is the author of several books, including Thinking Critically in College: The Essential Handbook for Student Success. In this episode, we discuss what high school students can do right now to build the skills, habits, and mindset that will help them thrive in college. From study strategies and time management to independence and critical thinking, learn how to prepare for life after high school.
https://www.louisnewman.net/books
https://thinkingcritically.us/newmancollegecoaching/
https://www.youtube.com/@LouisNewman-g7p
Achievable has ACT, SAT and CLT prep courses that use advanced adaptive learning to target weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/?utm_source=podcast to try any course for free.
What if the college admissions process didn't have to be so stressful? Jill Shulman is the author of College Admissions Cracked: Saving Your Kid (and Yourself) from the Madness, College Essay Confidence: Conquer Blocks, Free Your Voice, and Write a Knockout Application Essay, and she is the founder of In Other Words, a college essay coaching service. She has spent decades shepherding families through the college admissions process and has evaluated applications at elite colleges. In this episode, Jill talks about managing stress during the college application process and how parents can support their students to ease the load.
Achievable has ACT, SAT and CLT prep courses that use advanced adaptive learning to target weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/?utm_source=podcast to try any course for free.
Do you require testing accommodations for college entrance exams? Wendy Raynor is the founder of WRH College Prep, a SAT and ACT prep program specializing in neurodiverse teens. She also sits on the Board of Directors for the International Dyslexia Association of Georgia. In this episode, Wendy walks us through how to secure testing accommodations for the SAT/ACT, what qualifies for accommodations, and how to handle contestation.
https://www.wrhcollegeprep.com/accommodations-simplified
Achievable has ACT, SAT, and CLT prep courses that use advanced adaptive learning to target weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/?utm_source=podcast to try any course for free.
Understanding financial aid can be tricky, but we're here to help. Howard Freedman, founder of Financial Aid Consulting, has been helping applicants get financial aid for over 20 years. In this episode, Howard shares how to understand financial aid packages, common mistakes to avoid, and what to include in applications.
Connect with Howard Freedman:
https://www.facebook.com/makingcollegehappen
https://www.linkedin.com/in/howard-freedman-3b2581123/
Achievable has ACT, SAT and CLT prep courses that use advanced adaptive learning to target weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/?utm_source=podcast to try any course for free.
Writing your college essay requires a lot of strategy and confidence plays the biggest role. Jill Shulman is the author of College Admissions Cracked: Saving Your Kid (and Yourself) from the Madness, College Essay Confidence: Conquer Blocks, Free Your Voice, and Write a Knockout Application Essay, and she is the founder of In Other Words, a college essay coaching service. She has spent decades shepherding families through the college admissions process and has evaluated applications at elite colleges. In this episode, Jill talks about how confidence is the true key to success and how to wield it to enhance your college essay.
Achievable has ACT, SAT and CLT prep courses that use advanced adaptive learning to target weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/?utm_source=podcast to try any course for free.
Finding the best college for you will set you up for success in your life and career. Kevin Krebs founded HelloCollege and has spent the last 30 years helping students successfully navigate college admissions. In this episode, Kevin discusses how to vet colleges, test-optional policies, early decisions, and why deadlines are make-or-break.
Achievable has ACT, SAT and CLT prep courses that use advanced adaptive learning to target weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/?utm_source=podcast to try any course for free.
Applying to college as a classically educated student and unsure where to start? Becky Priest is the Director of Counseling at The Cambridge School. In this episode, Becky shares her insights on building college applications for homeschoolers, classically educated students, and Christian high schoolers.
Achievable has ACT, SAT and CLT prep courses that use advanced adaptive learning to target weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/?utm_source=podcast to try any course for free.
Do you struggle with the grammar questions on the SAT and ACT? Christina Chestnut is the owner of Chestnut Consulting and has been a tutor for the SAT, ACT, and AP topics for almost 20 years. In this episode, Christina guides you through the rules you need to know, how to diagnose questions, and strategies to help you succeed on these exams.
Achievable has ACT, SAT and CLT prep courses that use advanced adaptive learning to target weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/?utm_source=podcast to try any course for free.
Studying for a standardized test can be daunting for neurodiverse students. Wendy Raynor is the founder of WRH College Prep, a SAT and ACT prep program specializing in neurodiverse teens. She also sits on the Board of Directors for the International Dyslexia Association of Georgia. In this episode, Wendy helps you build a study plan for your neurodiverse student, including why traditional study plans fall short, how to diagnose the issue and apply the right strategies, tactics to try, and how to support your child.
Achievable has ACT and CLT prep courses that use advanced adaptive learning to target weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/?utm_source=podcast to try any course for free.
Executive function coaching is all the rage right now, but is it the right solution for your child? Ed Antoine is the founder of Antoine Education and has been tutoring the SAT and ACT exams for over 20 years. In this episode, Ed walks you through whether your child actually needs executive function coaching or just study skills, including the four crucial study skills every student should know, what the difference between executive function coaching and study skills is, and how to determine what is right for your child.
Achievable's ACT and CLT prep courses use AI-powered adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/exams/act/overview/?utm_source=podcast to try it for free.
Applying to college as a homeschool student has some unique challenges and considerations. Rebecca Stuart-Orlowski is the founder of Orlowski College Consulting, specializing in supporting homeschool families through the college admissions process. In this episode, Rebecca walks you through the process of applying to college as a homeschooler, including transcripts and curricula, earning college credits, what colleges look for, obtaining outside validation, and her own experience getting her three homeschooled children into top colleges.
Achievable has ACT and CLT prep courses that use advanced adaptive learning to target weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/?utm_source=podcast to try any course for free.
Getting ready to study for a standardized test like the SAT, ACT, or CLT? Christina Chestnut is the owner of Chestnut Consulting and has been a tutor for the SAT, ACT, and AP topics for almost 20 years. In this episode, Christina guides you through the standardized test prep process, covering what to expect, how your scores can impact your application, building a structured study plan, and how to effectively leverage practice tests.
Achievable has ACT and CLT prep courses that use advanced adaptive learning to target weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/?utm_source=podcast to try any course for free.
If you approach the process with a plan, you can save tens of thousands of dollars on your college education. Becky Priest is the Director of Counseling at The Cambridge School. In this episode, Becky shares her strategic advice for securing college scholarships and financial aid, including the types of financial aid available, eligibility, the student aid index, and more.
Achievable has ACT and CLT prep courses that use advanced adaptive learning to target weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/?utm_source=podcast to try any course for free.
Getting into Harvard is tough for anyone, but with a full ride scholarship too? How? Shellee Howard is the founder of College Ready, where she has helped over 15,000 students get into their dream school, and is the author of both The College Admissions PLAN Simplified: A Busy Parent's P.L.A.N. to a Debt-Free Degree and the Amazon best seller "How to Send Your Student to College Without Losing Your Mind or Your Money". In this episode, Shellee shares her personal story of how her son got admitted to Harvard with a full ride scholarship thanks to his "passion with purpose" project, and how you can apply the same approach to your own application.
Achievable has ACT and CLT prep courses that use advanced adaptive learning to target weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/?utm_source=podcast to try any course for free.
Applying to an art program for college? Hyuk Chang is an Admissions Officer at the Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE). In this episode, Hyuk shares an admissions officer's perspective on what they look for in an art portfolio, including actionable advice that can improve your chances of admittance.
Achievable has ACT and CLT prep courses that use advanced adaptive learning to target weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/?utm_source=podcast to try any course for free.
The top college ranking sites dictate so much of how people evaluate colleges, but should they? Paul Glastris is the Editor-in-Chief of The Washington Monthly and previously worked for U.S. News and World Report on their college rankings. In this episode, Paul explains what the current top-ranking websites get wrong about college rankings and what 95% of students should be looking at instead.
Achievable has ACT and CLT prep courses that use advanced adaptive learning to target weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/?utm_source=podcast to try any course for free.
How can you make the most of university if you're remote? Casey Vaughan is the Assistant Director of Military Outreach for Northeastern and has served in the Air Force. In this episode, Casey talks through her best practices for university students to make the most of their education while studying remotely.
Achievable has ACT and CLT prep courses that use advanced adaptive learning to target weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/?utm_source=podcast to try any course for free.
What is the purpose of high school and college? Durga Suresh-Menon is the Head of School at New England Innovation Academy (NEIA), a forward-thinking independent school located near Boston that’s redefining how students prepare for the real world. In this episode, Durga talks about why you should consider rethinking high school and college, including where to start the process with your child in 9th grade, breaking their plan into achievable chunks, and how to align schoolwork or school selection with a career goal.
Achievable has ACT and CLT prep courses that use advanced adaptive learning to target weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/?utm_source=podcast to try any course for free.
Want to send your kid to a prestigious college but are terrified of how much it will cost? Shellee Howard is the founder of College Ready, where she has helped over 15,000 students get into their dream school and afford it, including getting her own son into Harvard on a full-ride scholarship. She is also the author of The College Admissions PLAN Simplified: A Busy Parent's P.L.A.N. to a Debt-Free Degree and the Amazon best seller "How to Send Your Student to College Without Losing Your Mind or Your Money". In this episode, Shellee shares advice for all families about saving money in the admissions process, including going abroad, building a college list that works for your family, and how to get the most financial aid possible in the admissions process.
Achievable has ACT and CLT prep courses that use advanced adaptive learning to target weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/?utm_source=podcast to try any course for free.
Thinking about transferring to a different college or spending 2 years in a community college before transferring to a 4-year college? Jamie Smith is a Certified Educational Planner and the author of the book The Complete Guide to College Transfers. In this episode, Jamie covers all things transfers, including intentional vs. spontaneous transfers, finding a perfect transfer-fit college, maximizing transfer credits, and adjusting to life at your new school.
Achievable has ACT and CLT prep courses that use advanced adaptive learning to target weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/?utm_source=podcast to try any course for free.
Hyuk Chang is an Admissions Officer at the Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE). In this episode, Hyuk shares an admissions officer's perspective on what they want to see in an application and interview. This episode is a unique perspective on the other side of the table, especially for creative schools like AIE.
Achievable has ACT and CLT prep courses that use advanced adaptive learning to target weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/?utm_source=podcast to try any course for free.
How can former military members make the most of going to college? Casey Vaughan is the Assistant Director of Military Outreach for Northeastern and has served in the Air Force. In this episode, Casey talks through veterans going to college, including how to get academic credit for your service work, how to juggle school with your other priorities, how to build a degree plan, and some success stories to show the way.
Achievable has ACT and CLT prep courses that use advanced adaptive learning to target weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/?utm_source=podcast to try any course for free.
Are you looking to go to college abroad from the US? Jim Pierson is the Senior Regional Manager for University College Dublin, a global university based in Dublin, Ireland. In this episode, Jim talks through going international for college as a US student, including why students want to go, what makes you a good fit, the advantages and disadvantages, and how it affects competitiveness and finances.
Achievable has ACT and CLT prep courses that use advanced adaptive learning to target weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/?utm_source=podcast to try any course for free.
How do you get the most out of college? Hamada Zahawi is the CEO and founder of Write Track Admissions, a global admissions consultancy with a 93% success rate. In this episode, Hamada shares his famous SLASH method to getting the most out of college: Social, Leadership, Academics, Study abroad, and Health.
Achievable has ACT and CLT prep courses that use advanced adaptive learning to target weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/?utm_source=podcast to try any course for free.
You can find Hamada's SLASH method primer here: http://www.collegeadmissionsmasterycourse.com/
Is there a trades revival going on with Gen Z? Joy McClure is the Director of Admissions for X, a beauty school. In this episode, Joy talks about the trend of Gen Z going to trade schools versus traditional colleges, including the cost of college, why Gen Z is picking hands-on careers, and what each path holds for a high school graduate.
Achievable has ACT and CLT prep courses that use advanced adaptive learning to target weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/?utm_source=podcast to try any course for free.
With all of the uncertainty about foreign-born students attending US universities, what do they need to know now? Hamada Zahawi is the CEO and founder of Write Track Admissions, a global admissions consultancy with a 93% success rate. In this episode, Hamada covers everything international students need to consider when applying to US colleges, including financial aid, visa concerns, and the current political environment.
Achievable has ACT and CLT prep courses that use advanced adaptive learning to target weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/?utm_source=podcast to try any course for free.
Admissions counselors are often serving hundreds of students per year - how can you get them to truly help you? Teege Mettille is the Director of Enrollment Success at EnrollML and the author of the book The Admissions Counsellor's Malaise. In this episode, Teege shares his strategies for getting the most out of admissions counselors, including setting your child up for success from day 1 and aligning with their goals to get better results and motivate them to help you.
Achievable has ACT and CLT prep courses that use advanced adaptive learning to target weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/?utm_source=podcast to try any course for free.
Looking to study abroad in Europe? Yasiara Ortiz, founder of MissStudy, has been helping students find their best fit university all over the world for years. In this episode, Yasiara shares her top tips for American students looking to apply to European colleges, including how to identify potential good fit universities for you, how to determine the best country for you, and tips for applying.
Visit https://www.misstudy.com/master-europe-resource for more helpful information about the European college admissions process.
Achievable has ACT and CLT prep courses that use advanced adaptive learning to target weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/?utm_source=podcast to try either course for free.
Did you know that getting financial aid for graduate school is more common than ever? Howard Freedman, founder of Financial Aid Consulting, has been helping applicants get financial aid for over 20 years. In this episode, Howard shares how getting financial aid is more common thank you think, what types of financial aid you should apply for, and other tips.
Achievable has ACT and CLT prep courses that use advanced adaptive learning to target weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/?utm_source=podcast to try it for free.
What are the biggest lies told to parents in college admissions today? Jayson Weingarten, Senior College Admissions Consultant at Ivy Coach and a former UPenn admissions officer, has helped hundreds of prospective graduate students get into the programs of their dreams. In this episode, Jayson shares some of the outrageous lies in college admissions, including what top schools care about, which essay is the most important, and more.
Achievable has ACT and CLT prep courses that use advanced adaptive learning to target weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/?utm_source=podcast to try it for free.
CLT questions are different from SAT or ACT Math questions, and we're going to teach you how to solve them. Clay Daniel, founder of Clayborne Test Prep and Tutoring, has spent significant time with the founders of the CLT and is one of the country's first and most prominent CLT tutors. In this podcast, Clay walks us through three challenging CLT Quantitative practice questions to teach you how to ace the CLT exam.
To follow along the questions, visit https://www.bit.ly/CLTQuantHardQuestions . Thank you Clayborne for providing this material.
Achievable's CLT prep course uses AI-powered adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/exams/clt/overview/?utm_source=podcast to try it for free.
Your child is already using ChatGPT - shouldn't you leverage it in the college admissions process? Teege Mettille is the Director of Enrollment Success at EnrollML and the author of the book The Admissions Counsellor's Malaise. In this episode, Teege shares his advice on how to leverage AI to make the college admissions process easier and more effective, including using it for research, essay writing, building your college list, and more.
Achievable has ACT and CLT prep courses that use advanced adaptive learning to target weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/?utm_source=podcast to try it for free.
Are you an international student looking to apply to US universities? Yasiara Ortiz, founder of MissStudy, has been helping students find their best fit university all over the world for years. In this episode, Yasiara shares her top tips for international students looking to study in the US, including why you should consider schools beyond the Ivy League, how to show your personality and mission in your application, and how to round out an incomplete application.
Visit https://www.misstudy.com/undergraduate-resource for more helpful information about the US college admissions process.
Achievable has ACT and CLT prep courses that use advanced adaptive learning to target weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/?utm_source=podcast to try it for free.
What can families do with their 11th-grade students to help get into their dream college? Tom Ehlers is the founder of Method Learning and has helped students, families, and schools with every aspect of the college admissions process for decades. In this episode, Tom shares his advice for high school juniors and their parents, including maximizing their GPA while still starting AP and IB courses, getting a head start on test prep, and more. He also shares additional advice for parents of students with learning differences.
Achievable has ACT and CLT prep courses that use advanced adaptive learning to target weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/?utm_source=podcast to try it for free.
What can families do with their 10th-grade students to help set them up for college application success? Tom Ehlers is the founder of Method Learning and has helped students, families, and schools with every aspect of the college admissions process for decades. In this episode, Tom shares his advice for how to approach sophomore year of high school, including curriculum, extracurriculars, and more.
Achievable has ACT and CLT prep courses that use advanced adaptive learning to target weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/?utm_source=podcast to try it for free.
The new adaptive SAT has had a few administrations now, so what advice can we give to 2025 SAT test takers? Sasha Chada is founder and CEO of Ivy Scholars, whose students have 7X the admission rate to Stanford, Columbia, MIT, and other top schools. In this episode, Sasha shares what the major changes are with the new adaptive SAT, whether or not they benefit students, and how it changes your strategy for getting a high score.
Achievable has ACT and CLT prep courses that use advanced adaptive learning to target weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/?utm_source=podcast to try it for free.
Is the SAT better than the ACT for college admissions? Jayson Weingarten, Senior College Admissions Consultant at Ivy Coach and a former UPenn admissions officer, has helped hundreds of prospective graduate students get into the programs of their dreams. In this episode, Jayson shares many of the common misconceptions he hears from his clients and debunks them.
Achievable has ACT and CLT prep courses that use advanced adaptive learning to target weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/?utm_source=podcast to try it for free.
Financial aid is for everyone, and you'd be surprised at how much you can get even if you consider yourselves middle or upper class. Sasha Chada is founder and CEO of Ivy Scholars, whose students have 7X the admission rate to Stanford, Columbia, MIT, and other top schools. In this episode, Sasha shares how more people are getting financial aid than ever before, especially those in higher income brackets, and how to create a strong financial aid application process that gets you aid.
Achievable has ACT and CLT prep courses that use advanced adaptive learning to target weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/?utm_source=podcast to try it for free.
Struggling to find an ACT or SAT tutor that fits your child's needs? Ravi Bhatia is the founder of Ashland Prep and has been tutoring ACT and SAT for over 5 years. In this episode, Ravi shares his advice on what to look for in a tutor, what questions to ask, and what really matters when picking the right fit tutor for your child.
Achievable has ACT and CLT prep courses that use adaptive learning to target weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/?utm_source=podcast to try it for free.
The digital SAT is officially here, so what's new? Lori Goldstein is the founder of Circle Test Prep and has been teaching ACT and SAT prep for 14 years. In this episode, Lori shares what she's heard from her clients who have taken the new digital SAT and advice for getting the highest possible score in the new format.
Achievable has ACT and CLT prep courses that use advanced adaptive learning to target weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/?utm_source=podcast to try it for free.
Looking for the best college for you or your child? David Parker is the founder of Parker Educational Consulting, a PhD, and a former English professor. In this episode, David talks you through how to find your best-fit college and why you should consider great colleges in your planned degree or specialty that may not be the highest on the US News rankings.
Achievable's ACT prep course uses adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/exams/act/overview/?utm_source=podcast to try it for free.
The Classic Learning Test (CLT) is a new standardized test for college and pre-college admissions in grades 8, 10, and 12. It is meant to be a classically focused alternative to the SAT and ACT. Jeremy Tate is the founder and CEO of the Classic Learning Test (CLT) organization. In this episode, Jeremy shares the origin story of the CLT, where he saw a need for a new undergraduate admissions test that differs from the ACT and SAT, and why the test has seen explosive growth in 2024.
Achievable's CLT prep course uses AI-powered adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/exams/act/overview/?utm_source=podcast to try it for free.
High school internships can give you a big leg up on your college admissions resume, but how can you get even more out of it and also maximize your chances of getting a great recommendation? Sasha Chada is founder and CEO of Ivy Scholars, whose students have 7X the admission rate to Stanford, Columbia, MIT, and other top schools. In this episode, Sasha shares how to get a great internship as a high school student that improves your college application, and how to be the best intern possible in order to both get the most out of the experience and hopefully get a great letter of recommendation.
Achievable's ACT prep course uses AI-powered adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/exams/act/overview/?utm_source=podcast to try it for free.
Getting stuck on the more difficult SAT Math questions? Ed Antoine is the founder of Antoine Education, and has been tutoring SAT and ACT tutoring for over 20 years. In this episode, Ed walks you through what makes the most difficult SAT Math questions so tough and shares strategies for how to conquer these tough problems.
Achievable's ACT prep course uses AI-powered adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/exams/act/overview/?utm_source=podcast to try it for free.
What is the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) and how can it help me pay for college? Phil Black is the founder of PrepWell Academy, a former Navy SEAL officer, Goldman Sachs banker and D1 athlete. In this episode, Phil walks you through the ROTC program, its benefits, requirements, common misconceptions, and how it can help you pay for college and set you up for your career.
Achievable's ACT prep course uses adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/exams/act/overview/?utm_source=podcast to try it for free.
Did you know that almost anyone can earn scholarships, including middle and upper-class families, and that they can take tens of thousands off of your tuition bills? Leia LeMaster Horton is the founder of Horton Test Prep, a former educator for 22 years, and an admissions counselor for 9 years. In this episode, Leia shares the strategy she gives her clients for kicking off the scholarship application process and securing serious money to help pay for tuition, room and board, and more.
Achievable's ACT prep course uses adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/exams/act/overview/?utm_source=podcast to try it for free.
In today's environment, with test-optional and the affirmative action ruling, testing might seem less relevant. But that is not the case. Ravi Bhatia is the founder of Ashland Prep and has been tutoring ACT and SAT for over 5 years. In this episode, Ravi explains why - contrary to popular belief - there has never been a better time to take the SAT or ACT as an undergrad applicant to top colleges.
Achievable's ACT prep course uses adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/exams/act/overview/?utm_source=podcast to try it for free.
Motivated students will study harder and do better on the SAT or ACT, but how can you get them to understand the gravity of what these tests mean? Travis Minor is the founder of Open Door Education, which has been helping students prepare for the SAT and ACT for over 10 years. In this episode, Travis shares his advice for parents about how to talk to their kids about the standardized testing process and its impact on college admissions.
Achievable's ACT prep course uses adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/exams/act/overview/?utm_source=podcast to try it for free.
What's new in college admissions as we get into late 2024? David Parker is the founder of Parker Educational Consulting, a PhD, and a former English professor. In this episode, David shares the key trends in college admissions and gives advice for parents and students to navigate them.
Achievable's ACT prep course uses adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/exams/act/overview/?utm_source=podcast to try it for free.
Everything's going digital, so naturally you should prepare for the new digital SAT.. on paper? Ed Antoine is the founder of Antoine Education, and has been tutoring SAT and ACT tutoring for over 20 years. In this episode, Ed shares why he instructs his clients to start their studying for the digital SAT on paper, and how paper-based prep can help your SAT score.
Achievable's ACT prep course uses AI-powered adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/exams/act/overview/?utm_source=podcast to try it for free.
Debating between the SAT and ACT based on their math sections? Then this episode is perfect for you. Lori Goldstein is the founder of Circle Test Prep and has been teaching ACT and SAT prep for 14 years. In this episode, Lori shares her expert opinion on the math sections of the SAT and ACT, how they differ, and which test is ideal for which type of test taker.
Achievable's ACT prep course uses AI-powered adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/exams/act/overview/?utm_source=podcast to try it for free.
Maddie and Trinity were two smart girls in their local school in Alabama. They never thought they could get into Harvard. They were both admitted through their ingenuity and hard work, along with the guidance of Olivia Jones at Impact Tutoring Services (who set up this interview). In this interview, we hear directly from Maddie and Trinity about what they did that set them apart from their classmates and helped them get into Harvard, with tons of great insights.
Achievable's ACT prep course uses AI-powered adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/exams/act/overview/?utm_source=podcast to try it for free.
How do CLT questions differ from ACT or SAT questions? Let's take a look. Clay Daniel, founder of Clayborne Test Prep and Tutoring, has spent significant time with the founders of the CLT and is one of the country's first and most prominent CLT tutors. In this podcast, Clay walks us through five CLT Quantitative Reasoning practice questions to show how the exam tests logical reasoning more than calculation skills.
To follow along the questions, visit https://bit.ly/CLTQuantPracticeSet1 . Thank you Clayborne for providing this material.
Achievable's ACT prep course uses AI-powered adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/exams/act/overview/?utm_source=podcast to try it for free.
What is the CLT? And why is it becoming an upstart alternative to the ACT and SAT? Clay Daniel, founder of Clayborne Test Prep and Tutoring, has spent significant time with the founders of the CLT and is one of the country's first and most prominent CLT tutors. In this podcast, Clay gives you an overview of what the CLT is, why it was created, who it is for, and how it differs from the ACT and SAT.
Achievable's ACT prep course uses AI-powered adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/exams/act/overview/?utm_source=podcast to try it for free.
Ever want a complete guide to the college admissions process from childhood through acceptance? We've got you covered. Nat Crawford is a Stanford PhD, founder of Improve Your English and college admissions counselor. In this episode, Nat shares the advice he gives high-powered Silicon Valley families about the college admissions process, starting from elementary school and walking you through every year until your child is accepted at their dream university.
Achievable's ACT prep course uses AI-powered adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/exams/act/overview/?utm_source=podcast to try it for free.
ChatGPT and other tools are all the rage right now, but should you use them to help with your college admissions essays? Elton Lin, founder of Ilumin Education in California, has helped students get into top programs nationwide for over a decade. In this episode, Elton shares how schools are handling AI and how to use AI to help you with your essays while still following the essay rules for all colleges.
Achievable's ACT prep course uses AI-powered adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/exams/act/overview/#s=podcast to try it for free.
The new digital SAT is just a year old, so there aren't as many resources out there yet for people looking to practice it. How do you find the good ones? Dave Lynch, founder of StudyLark, has tutored students on the SAT for almost 20 years. In this episode, Dave shares his advice for finding good practice questions for the new digital SAT.
Achievable's ACT prep course uses AI-powered adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/exams/act/overview/?utm_source=podcast to try it for free.
Looking for an edge on the SAT Math section? Jeffrey Dalton has been a teacher and SAT tutor for 14 years, and works with the Abu Dhabi Department of Education. In this episode, Jeffrey shares his top 5 tips for acing the SAT Math section on the digital SAT.
Achievable's ACT prep course uses AI-powered adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/exams/act/overview/?utm_source=podcast to try it for free.
Ready to conquer the SAT Reading and Writing section? Jeffrey Dalton has been a teacher and SAT tutor for 14 years, and works with the Abu Dhabi Department of Education. In this episode, Jeffrey shares his top 5 tips for acing the SAT Reading and Writing section on the digital SAT.
Achievable's ACT prep course uses AI-powered adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/exams/act/overview/?utm_source=podcast to try it for free.
In response to the SCOTUS ruling on affirmative action, Harvard added a new essay topic asking specifically about how your background influenced you. Nat Crawford is a Stanford PhD, founder of Improve Your English and college admissions counselor. In this episode, Nat shares why Harvard added this new optional essay to their application, why you should always answer it even if you are not from an underrepresented background, and tips for getting the biggest impact from your essay.
Achievable's ACT prep course uses AI-powered adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/exams/act/overview/?utm_source=podcast to try it for free.
Getting into the top schools is tough enough, but if you make one of these key mistakes it can severely hurt your chances of getting admitted. Sam Hassell is one of the owners at Westchester Prep, and directs their college advising team. In this episode, Sam shares the 9 key mistakes he sees when students apply to the top colleges in the country and how to avoid them.
Achievable's ACT prep course uses AI-powered adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/exams/act/overview/#s=podcast to try it for free.
The SCOTUS ruling on affirmative action was monumental, but how did it actually affect admissions? Elton Lin, founder of Ilumin Education in California, has helped students get into top programs nationwide for over a decade, and weaves life coaching and career advice into his practice. In this hour-long episode, Elton walks through the impact of the SCOTUS ruling on admissions chances for different students that he worked with and what he is hearing from other counsellors.
Achievable's ACT prep course uses AI-powered adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/exams/act/overview/#s=podcast to try it for free.
For many, college is the pinnacle of your academic career, so how do you make the most of it? Louis Newman is former Dean of Academic Advising at Stanford University and now the author of the new book "Thinking Critically in College: The Essential Handbook for Student Success." In this episode, Louis shares advice for making the most of the academic part of your college experience, both to learn and to set you up for a successful career.
Achievable's ACT prep course uses AI-powered adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/exams/act/overview/?utm_source=podcast to try it for free.
Looking to ace the SAT Evidence-based Reading section? Dave Lynch, founder of StudyLark, has tutored students on the SAT for almost 20 years. In this episode, Dave shares his best tips for simplifying and solving the various problem types you'll find on the SAT Evidence-based Reading section.
Achievable's ACT prep course uses AI-powered adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/exams/act/overview/?utm_source=podcast to try it for free.
The biggest challenge that students face when they go to college is being on top of everything on their own. Sasha Chada is founder and CEO of Ivy Scholars, whose students have 7X the admission rate to Stanford, Columbia, MIT, and other top schools. In this mega-episode, Sasha explains the fundamental importance of organizational skills and executive functioning - not just for college, but for the rest of someone's life - and how teens can develop these skills ahead of college.
Achievable's ACT prep course uses AI-powered adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/exams/act/overview/?utm_source=podcast to try it for free.
The SAT made a major shift this year to being digital and adaptive. How does that affect your college applications? Nat Crawford, Stanford PhD, founder of Improve Your English and college admissions counsellor, works with superstar high school students in the San Francisco Bay Area every year. In this episode, Nat shares how the new digital and adaptive SAT affect SAT scores and how that will impact college admissions.
Achievable's ACT prep course uses AI-powered adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/exams/act/overview/?utm_source=podcast to try it for free.
With test-optional policies in retreat, how does this change whether you should submit your standardized test scores? Stephen Friedfeld is the cofounder of AcceptU, an admissions consulting firm since 2010 that only employs former admissions officers. In this episode, Stephen shares his tips for navigating the test-optional landscape and how you should make the decision on whether to submit test scores.
Achievable's ACT prep course uses AI-powered adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/exams/act/overview/?utm_source=podcast to try it for free.
The SCOTUS decision to strike down affirmative action will change college admissions, but how? Shane Bybee has run Bybee College Prep for almost a decade and has helped thousands of students get into college. In this episode, Shane shares his thoughts on the SCOTUS affirmative action decision and how it's going to impact college admissions going forward.
Achievable's ACT prep course uses AI-powered adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/exams/act/overview/?utm_source=podcast to try it for free.
The ACT English is one of the easiest parts of the ACT to improve your score on, and we'll tell you why. Mary Johnson is the ACT English and Reading lead at Odyssey College Prep and the author of the English and Reading sections of Achievable's ACT course. In this episode, Mary shares the key tactics and strategies you can use to ace the ACT English section and raise your score.
Achievable's ACT prep course uses AI-powered adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/exams/act/overview/?utm_source=podcast to try it for free.
Dartmouth kicked off a wave of Ivy League and other colleges reinstating their SAT or ACT requirement for applicants - a massive shift away from test-optional policies. Sam Hassell is one of the owners at Westchester Prep, and directs their college advising team. In this episode, Sam and Tyler talk through the implications of these defections from the test-optional status quo, why test-optional didn't work for these schools, and what to expect in the future.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
ACT and SAT preparation are a key component of the college admissions process, so how to tackle it? Annie Tadros is the Director of My College Prep Online (formerly AM Tutoring) and has 25 years of professional tutoring experience. In this episode, Annie shares her advice on selecting an SAT or ACT test prep program, including key considerations related to your schedule and budget.
Achievable's ACT prep course uses AI-powered adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/exams/act/overview/?utm_source=podcast to try it for free.
Applying to colleges as a prospective athlete can be a big boost to your candidacy, but only if you do it in the right way. Joan Casey is the founder of Educational Advocates College Consulting and has been advising students on test prep and college admissions for almost 20 years. In this episode, she shares her tips applying to college as a prospective college athlete, including specific advice for athletes during the admissions process, building your resume, reaching out to coaches, and more.
Achievable's ACT prep course uses AI-powered adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/exams/act/overview/?utm_source=podcast to try our course for free.
AP History exams are tricky, and you need to take special care studying for them. Jason Morgan has been a college admissions counsellor for 20 years, the last 10 of which have been focused on international students. In this episode, Jason shares some key lessons from years of advising clients on their AP History exams, including tips for getting a 4 or 5 on the test.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
AI is here, and college admissions will never be the same. But how do you use it while still building an authentic application? Shane Bybee has run Bybee College Prep for almost a decade and has helped thousands of students get into college. In this episode, Shane shares his thoughts on AI, where it does and does not fit into your college admissions process, and how to leverage it without breaking any rules or losing your authentic voice.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
The ACT Writing section is not talked about as much, but if you're taking it, it's still important. Mary Johnson is the ACT English and Reading lead at Odyssey College Prep and the author of the English and Reading sections of Achievable's ACT course. In this episode, Mary shares the key tactics and strategies you need to ace the ACT Writing section.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
Colleges already have an ideal candidate in mind, so how do you become that candidate? Hamada Zahawi is the CEO and founder of Write Track Admissions, a global admissions consultancy with a 93% success rate. In this episode, Hamada shares what colleges want and how to adapt your application to give them what they want without sacrificing authenticity.
Hamada shared a generous 25% off code with our listeners. Go to https://collegeadmissionsmasterycourse.com/ and use code WTAPODCAST for 25% off until March 17, 2024.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
Everyone seems to want to take AP classes and exams now, but many aren't taking the right approach. Jason Morgan has been a college admissions counsellor for 20 years, the last 10 of which have been focused on international students. In this episode, Jason shares some key things that those considering AP classes and exams should be thinking about, including why taking "off-major" AP classes can be a good thing, and what AP exams you can realistically get 4s and 5s on without taking the class.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
ACT released its annual score report recently, and the numbers are not good. Annie Tadros is the Director of My College Prep Online (formerly AM Tutoring) and has 25 years of professional tutoring experience. In this episode, Annie shares why she thinks ACT scores have declined nationwide for the second straight year and what you can do to buck the trend.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
Preparing for tests with dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning disabilities can make an already difficult task even more challenging. Linus Law, a high school student who has studied these disabilities, and Mollie Book, a special education teacher from New York, join forces to talk through the current experience for high school students with learning differences, and give practical advice for preparing for tests while managing these differences.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
Getting an interview request from a college can be nerve wracking for high school students. Hamada Zahawi is the CEO and founder of Write Track Admissions, a global admissions consultancy with a 93% success rate. In this episode, Hamada walks you through his strategies for preparing for the college admissions interview to ensure that you nail the interview and get admitted.
Hamada shared a generous 25% off code with our listeners. Go to https://collegeadmissionsmasterycourse.com/ and use code WTAPODCAST for 25% off until March 17, 2024.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
Preparing for the ACT or SAT is hard enough, but it's even more difficult if you have ADHD or other learning differences. Joan Casey is the founder of Educational Advocates College Consulting and has been advising students on test prep and college admissions for almost 20 years. In this episode, she shares her tips for preparing for the ACT and SAT as a person with ADHD or other learning challenges, including how to set up your study schedule, tips for focus during studying, and how to maximize your score on test day.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
If you're not taking your ACT practice tests correctly, you're not getting the most value for your time or improving your ACT score as much as you could be. In this episode, Mary Johnson, ACT English and Reading lead at Odyssey College Prep and the author of the English and Reading sections of Achievable's ACT course, shares her tips for taking an effective ACT practice test that gives you an accurate understanding of how well you'll do on the real exam.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
Now that the SCOTUS has struck down affirmative action in all forms -except in your essay - how are essays going to change? And how does this affect the essay approach for those from underrepresented backgrounds? Steph Shyu is the founder of Admitsee - a crowdsourced database of college applications, including college applications, essays, and reviews from thousands of students. In this episode, Steph tackles this important topic and offers advice for parents and students writing their college application essays in a post-affirmative action world.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
Colleges don't just pick the best academic applicants for their schools - they have athletes, legacy, and other admissions needs to fill. Shane Bybee has run Bybee College Prep for almost a decade and has helped thousands of students get into college. In this episode, Shane explains how college admissions works behind the scenes, why your admissions chances are lower than you think, and what you can do about it.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
Applying to US colleges is tough enough, and if you're from Latin America, you can face additional challenges. Jason Morgan has been a college admissions counsellor for 20 years, the last 10 of which have been focused on international students. In this episode, Jason uses his expertise in getting Latin American students into US universities to share actionable tips and strategies for parents and students.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
If you're applying to top 100 colleges, should you submit your ACT or SAT score? David Blobaum is one of the co-owners of Summit Prep and a nationally recognized expert on the SAT, ACT, and college admissions. In this episode, David shares the recent studies and data that are shifting admissions officers' preferences away from test optional at the top 100 colleges.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
Looking to stand out in your college application? Getting a peer reviewed academic research project published can be a huge leg up over other applicants. Sasha Chada is founder and CEO of Ivy Scholars, whose students have 7X the admission rate to Stanford, Columbia, MIT, and other top schools. In this mega-episode, Sasha shares his playbook for finding, setting up, completing, and publishing an academic research project in a peer reviewed publication.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
Steph Shyu is the founder of Admitsee - a crowdsourced database of college applications, including college applications, essays, and reviews from thousands of students. In this episode, Steph shares insights from Admitsee's platform data on the cultural differences between colleges, and then talks about how you can highlight any cultural alignment in your application to improve your chances for admission.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
There is a big different between a good letter of recommendation and a great one that will actually get you into your top target school. Hamada Zahawi is the CEO and founder of Write Track Admissions, a global admissions consultancy with a 93% success rate. In this episode, Hamada shares his step-by-step plan for getting impactful letters of recommendation.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
TikTok has a lot of college admissions essay advice lately, but how much of it is actually good advice? Robert Franklin is a writer and admissions consultant at Admissionado, a full service college admissions firm that guides students through the whole process. In this episode, Robert breaks down the different TikTok college essay trends that are going viral on the platform, including which ideas are good and which ideas are bad for your application.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
Your time spent preparing for the SAT and ACT can be a lot more effective if you follow good study practices. Travis Minor is the founder of Open Door Education, which has been helping students prepare for the SAT and ACT for over 10 years. In this episode, Travis shares his five core principles for SAT and ACT prep, with actionable implementation strategies for each one.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
Going to college is exciting, but there's no tip sheet - that's why we made this episode. Louis Newman is former Dean of Academic Advising at Stanford University and now the author of the new book "Thinking Critically in College: The Essential Handbook for Student Success." In this episode, Louis shares advice that all high school students should hear before going to college, with a focus on the skills and strategies they need to handle the toughest challenges of their academic career.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
Applying to CS or STEM undergraduate programs? Or just looking to maximize your application in general? Stephen Friedfeld is the cofounder of AcceptU, an admissions consulting firm since 2010 that only employs former admissions officers. In this episode, Stephen shares his tips on how to make the most of every part of your college application, with specific tips for computer science (CS) and STEM applicants.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
How will the SCOTUS ruling on affirmative action change college admissions? Robert Franklin is a writer and admissions consultant at Admissionado, a full service college admissions firm that guides students through the whole process. In this episode, Robert shares his thoughts on the recent US Supreme Court (SCOTUS) ruling that struck down most of affirmative action, including what affirmative action was, why the court made the ruling, how the ruling affects applicants from all backgrounds, and what students from underrepresented backgrounds can do now.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
Getting ready for the college admissions process? This is a great place to start! Hamada Zahawi is the CEO and founder of Write Track Admissions, a global admissions consultancy with a 93% success rate. In this episode, Hamada walks us through the process of creating your college list, including what and how to research, key culture fit things to look for, and how to structure your final list.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
The new digital SAT is coming soon. Now that we've gotten more information from the College Board, we can answer some of your frequently asked questions. Travis Minor is the founder of Open Door Education, which has been helping students prepare for the SAT and ACT for over 10 years. In this episode, Travis walks you through the new digital SAT's format, content, adaptive nature, and more.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
People think about and apply to colleges primarily based on name brand, location, and legacy - but there's a lot more data out there that can help you make the right choice. Louis Newman is former Dean of Academic Advising at Stanford University and now the author of the new book "Thinking Critically in College: The Essential Handbook for Student Success." In this episode, Louis shares his concerns with the common rankings and data sources, what other sources you should look for to determine culture fit and academic rigor, and how to use all this data make your best college decision.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
With grade inflation, everyone taking a million extracurriculars, and more, how can students stand out from the crowd when applying to top STEM programs? Wes Carroll is the founder of Wes Carroll Tutoring, a top AMC tutoring firm in the US, and the author of Achievable's AMC 8 and AMC 10/12 courses. In this episode, Wes explains the landscape of admissions to today's top 10 STEM colleges (Stanford, MIT, etc), what the AMC and AIME (short for American Math Olympiad) are, and how proficiency with the AMC demonstrates the skills that these top colleges are looking for.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT, AMC 8, and AMC 10/12 exams - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
The college admissions landscape has changed dramatically in the past few years. Stephen Friedfeld is the cofounder of AcceptU, an admissions consulting firm since 2010 that only employes former admissions officers. In this mega-episode, Stephen talks us through many of the major changes in the college admissions landscape, specifically the spread of the Common App and test-optional policies, and how those two things combine to make a massive change in the admissions landscape.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
It's easy to get caught up in the 'game' of college admissions and doing things for admission's sake, but the best thing you can do for admissions and yourself is find genuine passions that you want to pursue in college. Gabriel Kadian is one of the owners at Westchester Prep, and directs their college advising team. In this mega-episode, Gabriel shares his thoughtful advice for developing genuine passions that last a lifetime, and make finding activities to pursue for college admissions easy and fun.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
You've heard about great admissions essays - now let's go over some real ones together. Claudine Vainrub is the founder of EduPlan, and she has been helping students apply to colleges for over 20 years. In this episode, Claudine walks you through multiple top college admissions essays and pulls out the key lessons that you can leverage to craft your own essays.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
International students might worry they have a tougher time applying to US colleges, but they have a unique advantage: their international background. Erik Kolb is an independent college advisor that has worked with hundreds of international US college applications around the world. In this episode, Erik explains how international students can leverage their background and unique experiences to craft compelling essays, including tips for brainstorming and writing them.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
It's easy to say 'get an internship' or 'start a club', but what's actually going to help you get into college? Valerie Erde is the founder of Veridian Prep, and loves to use data to inform the test prep process. In this episode, Valerie walks you through how to secure an internship or create a club that will actually help your application, including what colleges want to see, how to position what you're doing to match, and actually doing it.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
The 12 hours before your ACT or SAT can make or break your 'game day' performance. Alexis Avila is the founder and CEO of Prepped and Polished, a tutoring and test prep company with a focus on executive function coaching. In this episode, Alexis walks you through how to properly prepare for your ACT or SAT, including routine suggestions for the week of and morning of, and helpful tips for getting your mind right the day of the test.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
Using an error log is a crucial tactic for improving your standardized test scores, yet so few people actually do it. Claudia Chesler has been part of the Potomac Education Center for the last 17 years. In this episode, she walks you through what an error log is, how to create one for yourself, and how to use it to reduce mistakes and improve your ACT and SAT scores.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
Almost everyone gets rejected from a college, misses the mark on their SAT, or bombs a key exam. The key is what you do next. Mark Cruver, founder of Capstone Educational Consultants, has been helping students get into college for over a decade. In this episode, Mark shares his philosophy for handling failure and how to both take care of yourself during failure and then set yourself up for future success.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
When you study for the ACT and SAT, you don't just get into college - you get skills that can help you for the rest of your life. John Baylor, founder of OnToCollege, works with over 700 high schools around the nation to help their students get into college. In this episode, John shares his philosophy for why the ACT and SAT can be helpful to you now and also prepare you for college and beyond.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
Did you know that colleges can ask you to interview with an alumni as part of your college application process? Kristie Beck is the founder of Savvy Strategies, a college admissions and test prep firm, and was a high school teacher for 15 years. In this episode, Kristie walks you through the process of interviewing with an alumni for college admissions, what to do, what NOT to do, and how to make sure the interview is a positive in your application.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
How do you write a college essay that connects the dots for admissions officers? Sarah Cook is the founder of College Bound Career Ready, and has 18 years of experience in education and college admissions. In this episode, Sarah shares her framework for building a cohesive college essay, including how to brainstorm properly, how to organize your many essays to cover the appropriate ground, and how to tie everything together into a cohesive story.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
How do you stand out when applying to top schools? How do you show your passion for a field or area of study? Business internships and summer programs can do both, as well as get you valuable learning experience in the field you're considering. In this episode, Barbara Levanthal of ScoreAtTheTop and Annaline Dinkelmann of TeachMeWallStreet share their advice for how to secure a business summer program or internship and why it will help you on your college application.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
Students now are asked to juggle more than ever: extracurriculars, sports, AP classes, clubs, passion projects, and summer internships. Oh, right, and school and their SAT or ACT prep! How can you make sure to stick with your study schedule for the ACT and SAT, even when life is busier than ever? Randee Schneeberg, founder of JettPrep, has been advising students on standardized test prep for 24 years, and has never seen test anxiety as prominent as it is now. In this episode, Randee shares her advice on how to make a study schedule you can keep, and then how to keep it.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
Test-optional took the country by storm when COVID made it impossible to sit for the SAT or ACT in 2020. But now it's hard to know whether you should submit your scores or not. David Blobaum is one of the co-owners of Summit Prep and a nationally recognized expert on the SAT, ACT, and college admissions. In this episode, David explains how test-optional policies can benefit schools even when they prefer to receive test scores, and how that should influence your decision on whether or not to submit your scores to a particular school.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
Online colleges have come a long way and are a more viable option than ever before. Jamie Smith, founder of Jamie Smith IEC and an educator since 1997, has helped hundreds of students apply to colleges of all kinds. In this episode, she walks you through online college landscape, the advantages and disadvantages of an online college, and how to pick the right college for you.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
Last episode, we talked about how important resumes are in the college application process. Now, let's do a deep dive on how to build a great one that will help you get into a top school. Sam Hassell is one of the owners at Westchester Prep, and directs their college advising team. In this mega-episode, Sam shares his thoughtful advice for building a resume from as early as 7th grade all the way through the admissions process.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
Resumes aren't just for work any more. Many don't think of a resume as a key piece of your college application, but it is - and it can be a valuable tool for understanding your application's strengths and weaknesses. Claudine Vainrub is the founder of EduPlan, and she has been helping students apply to colleges for over 20 years. In this episode, Claudine shares her resume building tips for high school students, how your resume can help inform your application, and how your resume can provide a roadmap for what you want to do in life.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
It's not easy being an international student applying to US colleges - the competition is fierce and you have to learn a lot about the process on your own. Erik Kolb is an independent college advisor that has worked with hundreds of international US college applications around the world. In this episode, Erik shares his top tips for international students applying to US colleges, including how to structure your application, how to expand your resume beyond great grades and test scores, and more.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
Most students approach the SAT and ACT the wrong way. If they want to improve their chances of success, they need to treat these exams like a skill, not a single point in time. Valerie Erde is the founder of Veridian Prep, and loves to use data to inform the test prep process. In this episode, Valerie shares her philosophy, including how to think about the prep process and how to maximize your performance on 'game day'.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
So much of college applications these days is clubs, extracurriculars, and your essay. But rather than forcing a love of robotics because you think it's what colleges want, you'll actually be happier and have a better application if you focus on what you're truly passionate about. Of course, finding this passion can be hard. That's where this episode's guest Marina Lee can help. Marina is the founder of Cogita Education and has been in the admissions world for more than 25 years. In this episode, she shares her tips for supporting students in not just building a great college application, but in finding their passion and recognizing their own strengths.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
Preparing for the ACT or SAT is hard enough on its own - and it can be even more difficult for students with learning challenges. Alexis Avila is the founder and CEO of Prepped and Polished, a tutoring and test prep company with a focus on executive function coaching. In this episode, Alexis shares his tips for neurodivergent students when doing ACT or SAT prep, including how to get testing accommodations, how to overcome test anxiety, and how to improve your concentration and focus while preparing for the exam.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
Mastering practice tests is crucial to getting a top ACT or SAT score. Dave Lynch, founder of StudyLark, has tutored students on the SAT for almost 20 years. In this episode, Dave shares his tips for making the most of your practice tests, including mental preparation, environment preparation, and how to use the test results to inform your future prep focus.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
Campus visits aren't necessarily a way to suck up to to your top choice school. Instead, think of them as an opportunity to learn if that school is right for you. Mark Cruver, founder of Capstone Educational Consultants, has been helping students get into college for over a decade. In this episode, Mark shares his tips for preparing for your campus visit, including the best questions to ask both to determine if the school is the right fit for you, and, yes, to impress the admissions staff.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
Student loans can be a huge boat anchor on the ship of your future finances, and getting ahead of the problem now can make a big impact on your young adult life. John Baylor, founder of OnToCollege, works with over 700 high schools around the nation to help their students get into college. In this episode, John shares his tips for minimizing your student loans, including taking advantage of scholarships and more.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
How do you maximize your score on each ACT section? Scott Webster of Clayborne Education has tutored hundreds of students on the SAT and ACT. In this episode, he shares his specific strategies for each section of the ACT: Reading, English, Math, and Science.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
How do you maximize your score on each SAT section? Scott Webster of Clayborne Education has tutored hundreds of students on the SAT and ACT. In this episode, he shares his specific strategies for each section of the SAT: Reading, Writing & Language, Math (calculator), and Math (no calculator).
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
Shane Bybee has run Bybee College Prep for almost a decade and has helped thousands of students get into colleges all around the country. And nowadays, he sees students and parents come to him woefully misinformed about what test optional actually means. The current paradigm is hurting students' chances by leading many to think they shouldn't prepare to submit test scores when they actually should. Shane and Tyler dig in and discuss further in this episode.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
You're waitlisted. Shoot. What can you do? It turns out, there's a lot. Lindsay Tanne, founder and CEO of Logic Prep, has helped thousands of students apply to college for the last decade. In this episode, Lindsay walks you through the scenario you always dread - being waitlisted or deferred. BUT - being waitlisted or deferred is not rejected, and you can improve your chances of being admitted by doing a few key things.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
The Common App personal statement is the cornerstone of your application, so how do you make sure you get it right? Kathy Hart from ScoreAtTheTop has worked with students all over the country to maximize their chances of getting into a great school. In this episode, Kathy shares her strategies for creating the best personal statement possible, and then how to apply the same approach to the rest of your Common App essays.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
Did you know that the ACT English is the easiest section to make big improvements to your score in? Kristie Beck is the founder of Savvy Strategies, a college admissions and test prep firm, and was a high school teacher for 15 years. In this episode, Kristie shares her system that sees a typical student gain 10 points on the ACT English, including the rules you need to memorize and how to apply them on the test.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
Sarah Cook is the founder of College Bound Career Ready, and has 18 years of experience in education and college admissions. In this episode, Sarah shares her framework for college application resume building, the benefits of starting early, and how it can inform your entire college application process.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
The digital SAT is currently scheduled to roll out in early 2024. What will change, and what should parents and students do to prepare? Phil McCaffrey has been teaching the SAT and ACT for almost 30 years. In this episode, Phil walks you through what's changing with the digital SAT and how you can best prepare for the new format.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
Now that some universities are going test-optional, some students are questioning why they should prepare for the SAT or ACT exams. But this is short sighted, according to Kailey Ossanna, owner of KO Tutoring. In this episode, Kailey shares her argument for why preparing for and taking the ACT and SAT is still worth your time as a busy high school junior, and what life skills they will teach you. She also shares her tips for preparing for these exams.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
Test anxiety is more common than ever, but that doesn't mean you have to let it take over. Randee Schneeberg, founder of JettPrep, has been advising students on standardized test prep for 24 years, and has never seen test anxiety as prominent as it is now. In this episode, Randee gives you the same advice she gives her clients on how to handle test anxiety, including mindset, prep work, and tactics for test day.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
With everyone having great GPAs, sports, APs, and extracurriculars nowadays, what can you do to stand out? In this episode, Marc Gray, founder of Odyssey College Prep and the author of Achievable's ACT course, shares his advice on how to differentiate yourself in your college application.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
Universities went test-optional en masse during the COVID-19 pandemic, because students literally couldn't take the SAT or ACT tests. Now that the pandemic is no longer preventing people from taking exams, do test-optional policies still truly mean that submitting SAT or ACT scores is optional? Scott Clyburn, founder and director of North Avenue Education, has been a professional educator since 2005 and has advised thousands of students on their college applications. In this episode, Scott shares what the data from the last three years shows about test-optional admissions, their impact, and whether you should really submit to your top choice school without a test score.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
Brian Stewart, founder of BWS Education Consulting, has been a tutor for 18 years and has worked with thousands of students on both the SAT and ACT exams. In this episode, Brian shares what he tells his clients about taking the SAT versus the ACT, and how to determine which test you will score the best on for yourself.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
If Harvard accepted every 4.0 GPA superstar STEM student into their class, it'd be full twice over. So how do they decide who gets admitted and who doesn't? Nat Crawford, Stanford PhD, founder of Improve Your English and college admissions counsellor, works with superstar STEM students in the San Francisco Bay Area every year. In this episode, Nat shares why he sees these students fail to get into Ivy League schools, what he advises them to do to improve their applications, and the lessons you can take away for your own application.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
Now that the digital SAT is almost here, how is the test going to be different? Rachel Elmer and Emily Lubejko are testing and college admissions experts from Private Prep, a national test preparation and college admissions firm. In this episode, they share their learnings from the College Board's releases and their own research about how the digital SAT content will change compared to the old paper SAT, and give advice on how students should change their preparation to achieve the best possible score.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
FAFSA formulas are changing and if you're looking to receive federal financial aid for your college tuition, you need to know what's what. Tom Leahy, founder of Optimum Education, has advised students and families on receiving federal financial aid for decades. In this episode, Tom gets you up to date on how FAFSA formulas are changing, who will be affected, and how to navigate the changes to ensure you can still receive as much aid as possible.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
Sure, we know that grades, test scores, et cetera all matter for college admissions, but how much do they matter and what priority is each given in the applicant review process? David Blobaum is one of the co-owners of Summit Prep and a nationally recognized expert on the SAT, ACT, and college admissions. In this episode, David walks you through all of the things that a college admissions office looks at, including grades, test scores, essays, extracurriculars, and how they stack up in terms of importance and emphasis.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
Rejection letters don't have to suck. Chris Sanderson founded Sanderson Test Prep in 2011 and has seen a lot of students receive rejection letters from colleges. In this episode, Chris shares why he believes students should reframe rejection letters from a negative to a positive, and how to change your mindset to feel good about what you've accomplished.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
College transfers are more common than you think, and if you're not enjoying your time at school, it's okay to consider it! Jamie Smith, founder of Jamie Smith IEC and an educator since 1997, has helped hundreds of students transfer colleges for all kinds of reasons. In this episode, she walks you through the transfer process and shares specific tips for people looking to transfer from a community college to a four year university.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
Anxiety disorders affect anywhere from 15-30% of teens, according to recent studies, and many more are anxious in high stress exercises like their SAT or ACT exams. Brian Stewart, founder of BWS Education Consulting, has been a tutor for 18 years and has worked with thousands of students, including hundreds with test anxiety. Brian shares his preparation tips to get you in the right mindset for test day, and test day tips that will help you manage your anxiety.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
College is becoming more expensive ever year like clockwork, making the debt burden for students larger and larger. How can you minimize your student loan debt? Shane Bybee has run Bybee College Prep for almost a decade and has helped thousands of students get into college and deal with the cost. In this episode, Shane shares why he has students think about cost from the get-go and how to reduce your student loan debt burden as much as possible.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
The new all-digital SAT exam comes out next year. What should this year's sophomores and juniors do about that? Brian Eufinger, cofounder at Edison Prep, has tutored SAT full time for over 15 years and takes the SAT himself annually. In this episode, Brian shares the 'need to know' info about the upcoming transition to the digital SAT, and how you can avoid it or plan to make the most of it.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
Not everyone has a good GPA. If you're one of these people, you shouldn't lose hope - you can still get into some great schools. In this episode, Marc Gray, founder of Odyssey College Prep and the author of Achievable's ACT course, shares his tips and strategies for students with a lower GPA that helps them still get into great colleges or even their first choice school.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
Steph Shyu has seen a LOT of college essays. Steph is the founder of Admitsee - a crowdsourced database of college applications, including essays from thousands of students. In this episode, she draws from her wide range of experience reviewing student essays to share her tips for writing an essay that will give you the best chance of getting into your dream college.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
How do you prepare for the SAT or ACT in a way that will get you to your goal score? Scott Webster of Clayborne Education has tutored hundreds of students on the SAT and ACT. In this episode, he lays out how to prepare for either the SAT or ACT, including taking a preliminary test to gauge your score range, building a study schedule to get you from your preliminary score to your goal, and more.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
When preparing for the ACT or SAT, is studying vocabulary words actually a good use of your time? Claudia Chesler, a part of the Potomac Education Center for the last 17 years, says yes. In this episode, she explains why vocab is important for the SAT or ACT verbal sections, how to best study vocab to improve your score, and why having a strong vocabulary will help you in college and beyond.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
Want to ace the SAT Math sections? Both the calculator and no calculator sections? Well then we have a special episode for you. Dave Lynch, founder of StudyLark, has tutored students on the SAT for almost 20 years. In this episode, Dave shares his 10 best hacks for simplifying and solving the various problem types you'll find on the SAT Math calculator and no-calculator sections. If you want actionable tips on how to beat the test, check out this episode.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
Want to ace the SAT Reading and Writing & Languages section? Then look no further. Dave Lynch, founder of StudyLark, has tutored students on the SAT for almost 20 years. In this episode, Dave shares 16 hacks that will help you solve all kinds of different tricky problems on the SAT Reading and SAT Writing & Language sections. These hacks will help you solve questions more quickly and make the right answer "fall right into your lap." If you love getting into the weeds on the tests themselves, this episode is for you!
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
The Common App essay is the cornerstone of your application. So how do you make the best impression? Mark Cruver, founder of Capstone Educational Consultants, has been helping students get into college for over a decade. In this episode, Mark describes his recommended approach for picking a Common App essay topic from brainstorm to submission, how to talk about themselves, and how to find great stories in your life that will be great for college admissions officers to read.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
So much gets swept up into the journey of applying to and getting into a college, but do you actually want to go there? John Baylor, founder of OnToCollege, works with over 700 high schools around the nation to help their students get into college. In this episode, John shares his tips for getting the most out of your campus visit and interviews, from making sure the school is right for you to presenting a strong case for your admission with thoughtful questions.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
The Common App is a great tool for simplifying your college application process, but how do you use it properly and make sure it's all put together correctly? Shane Bybee has run Bybee College Prep for almost a decade and has helped thousands of students get into colleges all around the country. In this episode, Shane shares how to get those coveted 'green checkmarks' on the Common App and how to make the most of each Common App section.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
College admissions can feel like a black box. How can someone ensure that their high school transcript is an impressive one? Lindsay Tanne, founder and CEO of Logic Prep, has helped thousands of students apply to college for the last decade. In this episode, Lindsay shares how to set up your high school studies to create the most impressive transcript possible, and how college admissions officers view different aspects of your GPA and transcript.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
More students have been deferred or waitlisted this year than ever before, so what do you do? Sarah Cook is the founder of College Bound Career Ready, and has 18 years of experience in education and college admissions. In this episode, Sarah goes through the different trends in college admissions related to early decision and early action, how to strategize your ED/EA process, what to do if you're deferred or waitlisted to maximize your chances of being accepted, and more.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
How do you stand out when applying to Stanford when grade inflation, great test scores, and tons of extracurriculars are common for the typical applicant? For this student, the answer was an impact project. In this episode, Barbara Levanthal of ScoreAtTheTop and Annaline Dinkelmann of TeachMeWallStreet share the story of one Stanford student whose incredible impact project became the centerpiece of his successful application. They also share two additional examples of impact projects and give actionable tips for how to create your own impact project for your community and your college resume.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
If you're applying to colleges nowadays, you may have heard of the Common App. But what is it, who makes it, and how does it help me? Kathy Hart from ScoreAtTheTop has worked with students all over the country to maximize their chances of getting into a great school. In this episode, Kathy walks you through the basics of the Common App before sharing her strategies for leveraging it to create the best applications possible and save time doing so.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
A key question every high school student faces is: should they take the ACT or SAT? Phil McCaffrey has been teaching the SAT and ACT for almost 30 years. In this episode, Phil explains the key differences between the two tests, and gives recommendations for which one you should take depending on your skills and preferences.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
Plenty of people offer generalized college application advice, but what about for the specific major you're applying for? We're here to help. Elton Lin, founder of Ilumin Education in California, has helped students get into top programs nationwide for over a decade, and weaves life coaching and career advice into his practice. In this hour-long episode, Elton walks through the specific things you should have on your college application and what colleges are looking for all of the main majors: Computer Science, STEM, business and finance, humanities, and art, drama, and music.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
College costs have risen to insane levels, even for formerly 'affordable' schools. Yet did you know that many students don't pay full price? Kailey Ossanna, owner of KO Tutoring, is passionate about helping students receive their maximum financial aid from her own experience with college. In this episode, Kailey tackles common misconceptions about financial aid, shares all of the options that students have for receiving financial aid, and explains how to go about obtaining the most financial aid possible.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
In the test optional world we now live in, colleges are looking for new measures of a student's ability. For this, taking AP and IB courses isn't enough - you need to take the AP and IB tests to prove your mastery of the material. Scott Clyburn, founder and director of North Avenue Education, has been a professional educator since 2005 and advises tons of students on academics and the college admission process. In this episode, Scott shares why AP and IB exam scores are so important for differentiating yourself in the college admissions process, and how to strategize which AP or IB exams you should take.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
Randee Schneeberg, founder of JettPrep, has been advising students on standardized test prep for 24 years. Their student average on the SAT is a 1465, and a 32 on the ACT. How do they do it? In this episode, Randee shares some of her key strategies for improving SAT and ACT scores over time, specifically how to leverage practice exams effectively and using an error log to minimize your mistakes.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
You would think that the smartest people will always be the best learners, but this is not the case. Often times, the confines of a classroom can lead to a student being unmotivated and uninspired. Ian Siegel, founder of Streamline Learning and author of School Sucks, Your Child Doesn't: The Secret To Unlocking Your Child's Potential, clearly has strong opinions on this topic. In this episode, Ian shares "how smart kids learn", how to support smart kids that are struggling in school, and how to get these smart kids to reach their full potential.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
How do you get into MIT? Nat Crawford, Stanford PhD, founder of Improve Your English and college admissions counsellor, knows something you don't - he got 3 out of 3 applicants he was advising into MIT in 2020. In this episode, Nat shares why doing well on the ACT/SAT isn't enough to get into the top schools, how to research what your first choice school wants to see, and how to shape your application to fit what your target school is looking for.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
Should this year's juniors and seniors apply with ACT/SAT test scores or take the option to omit scores? Rachel Elmer and Emily Lubejko are testing and college admissions experts from Private Prep, a national test preparation and college admissions firm. In this episode, they share their insight into the test optional landscape and what factors should determine whether you submit scores to your target schools.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
Students looking to get into top schools already do the grades, sports, extra curriculars, and more, so how do you stand out? A killer internship is one of the best ways. Most internships don't help your college application, and this is a big missed opportunity. Sasha Chada is founder and CEO of Ivy Scholars, whose students have 7X the admission rate to Stanford, Columbia, MIT, and other top schools. In this mega-episode, Sasha shares his playbook for getting an internship that will actually make you a more competitive candidate for your dream school.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
College costs more than ever. One of the best ways to take the sting out of the price of your favorite school is scholarships, especially merit aid scholarships which you can earn for getting good grades, having good ACT/SAT scores, and more. Jamie Smith, founder of Jamie Smith IEC and an educator since 1997, has helped countless families get as much financial aid as possible. In this episode, she discusses how to research merit aid scholarships at the college you're applying to, how to apply for them, and how to manage for cost while making your college admissions decision.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
Test optional is the hot topic in college admissions today. Over a thousand colleges went test optional during the COVID-19 pandemic, but now that the pandemic restrictions have largely been lifted in the US, what does that mean for this trend? Joan Casey founded Educational Advocates College Consulting in 2004, and has been advising students of all backgrounds on college admissions for almost 20 years. In this episode, she covers the impact of the large shift to test optional admissions in 2020 and subsequent years, and what she thinks will change in the coming years.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
College is where you find yourself, right? Well nowadays, that's an expensive way to experiment. Tom Leahy's Optimum Education advises high school students not just on college admissions, but on how young people can prepare to launch into their adult life and do so successfully. In this episode with loads of tips for students and parents, Tom shares how to start thinking about college as early as eighth grade and how to think about your pre-college 'career' to maximize your outcome for both college admissions and your post-college success.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
Junior year is a crazy time for students: they have AP classes, varsity sports, extracurriculars, and oh right, the ACT or SAT exam to study for. Chris Sanderson founded Sanderson Test Prep in 2011 and has seen a lot of students succeed and fail at studying over his decades of test prep experience. In this episode, Chris shares his tips for planning your SAT/ACT studying and how to stick to that plan as the school year gets busier and busier.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
ChatGPT3 was released to the public in December 2022 and immediately became the talk of the education world. It is by far the most advanced and comprehensive tool for AI-assisted writing, and can write you an entire college admissions essay in a few clicks. David Blobaum is one of the co-owners of Summit Prep and a nationally recognized expert on the SAT, ACT, and college admissions. In this episode, David and I talk about the impact of ChatGPT on academia and how it'll change college admissions forever.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
With the pandemic, many more universities went test-optional or test-blind than ever before. Alan Sheptin, founder of Sheptin Tutoring Group, has been advising college applicants on admissions and the SAT and ACT exams for over 30 years. He's seen a lot. In this episode, Alan explains the impact of this shift to test-optional admissions on both admissions and school rankings, how students and parents should navigate it, and what the SAT or ACT exams places are in the new paradigm.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
Shane Bybee has run Bybee College Prep for almost a decade and has helped thousands of students get into colleges all around the country. He's seen a range of students from all walks of life, and at all GPA, SAT/ACT, and financial levels. In this episode, Shane breaks down what you need to think about as you're building your college list: what schools can you afford, what state scholarships and admittance programs can you take advantage of, how can you build a list of competitive schools for your GPA and SAT/ACT bracket, what's the best fit for your career, and more.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
Students can choose from a wide array of AP classes and extracurriculars when trying to build our their college resume - but which ones will actually move the needle? Steph Shyu, founder of Admitsee - a crowdsourced database of college applications, has seen thousands of college apps, including extracurriculars. In this episode, she shares which AP classes are worthwhile and which extracurriculars stand out to admissions officers.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
The test-optional debate is raging in the college admissions world, and students are often getting conflicting advice on whether or not they should submit scores. In this episode, Marc Gray, founder of Odyssey College Prep and the author of Achievable's ACT course, shares how he thinks about the context for test-optional admissions, how he advises families on whether or not to submit test scores, and advice for people facing a similar decision.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
Brian Eufinger, cofounder at Edison Prep, has tutored ACT and SAT full time for over 15 years and has a wealth of experience with both exams, including taking each test annually himself. In this episode, Brian outlines how to evaluate which of the two tests you should take, including where you are on the score spectrum, whether you have test anxiety, and how the subject matter differs.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
Sure, you should be pursuing extracurriculars that you are actually passionate about. But which ones are going to help boost your college application? How can you take your passion and apply it in a way that gives you the best positioning for success? Marc Gray, founder of Odyssey College Prep and the author of Achievable's ACT course, shares how he thinks about building a resume for the college admissions process, his approach to targeting extracurriculars, and how to build for impact that will impress a college admissions officer.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
Steph Shyu, founder of Admitsee - a crowdsourced database of college applications, has seen a LOT of recommendation letters. In this episode, Steph outlines why colleges look for in letters of recommendation, what makes a recommendation letter stand out, and the best way to set up your letter writer to produce something great.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
Welcome to Shift: a college admissions podcast for a changing world. With test-optional, changes to affirmative action, and more, college admissions is changing more than ever. Our goal is to make that easier for you and give you the tips and tactics you need to successfully get into your dream school. In our first episode, guest Steph Shyu, founder of Admitsee - a crowdsourced database of college applications, shares the framework she uses with her clients to help them build their college list.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.