Subscribe
Share
Share
Embed
The easiest and least stressful way to manage the college application journey - for parents and students.
Hey, everyone, and welcome back for another deep dive.
Speaker 2:Always fun to dive in.
Speaker 1:Today, we're gonna be tackling something that I know a lot of parents out there listening, are gonna relate to, and that is the college admissions process.
Speaker 2:Yeah. It can be a bit of a
Speaker 1:It could be a doozy.
Speaker 2:A minefield.
Speaker 1:Yeah. Just thinking about it myself, I Yeah. It it gives me a little bit of anxiety.
Speaker 2:Yeah. And, you know, the landscape is changing so much so quickly.
Speaker 1:Oh, absolutely.
Speaker 2:And it seems like every year, there's a new trend Yeah. New thing that parents need to be aware of, and it can feel overwhelming.
Speaker 1:It really can.
Speaker 2:So what we wanna do today is give you some insights and strategies to help you feel more confident and prepared for
Speaker 1:Yes.
Speaker 2:This journey.
Speaker 1:And hopefully make it a little less stressful.
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 1:Because I think one of the things that I struggled with as a parent, and I'm sure a lot of parents out there feel the same way Mhmm. Is where do you even begin?
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:You know, it's like this massive undertaking.
Speaker 2:It is.
Speaker 1:And it's hard to know where to even start.
Speaker 2:And one of the big changes in recent years is that it's not just about grades and test scores anymore
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:Which is what a lot of us grew up with. You know?
Speaker 1:Yes. Oh. I mean, that makes sense, I guess, in a way because it is.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:It's supposed to be about more than just your your academics.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Yeah. Colleges are really looking for well rounded individuals now Okay. With diverse experiences. Mhmm.
Speaker 2:You know?
Speaker 1:But then that begs the question of how do you even begin to showcase all that in an application?
Speaker 2:Right. It could feel like a lot of pressure to be It
Speaker 1:does. Just everything. In every way.
Speaker 2:Yeah. And I think that's where a lot of parents start to feel lost.
Speaker 1:Perfect. You
Speaker 2:know, they wanna support their children, but they're not sure how to navigate this increasingly complex
Speaker 1:Mhmm.
Speaker 2:Process.
Speaker 1:Yeah. It's tricky.
Speaker 2:And there's also this, I don't know, this fear, I think, among parents of, like, pushing their kids too hard Mhmm. You know, or not pushing them enough.
Speaker 1:Yeah. It's finding that balance.
Speaker 2:It's a delicate balance. It is. And, you know, it's so important to remember that every child is different.
Speaker 1:Absolutely.
Speaker 2:What works for one student might not work for another.
Speaker 1:Right. So it's not a one size fits all approach.
Speaker 2:Absolutely not. Yeah. The key is to find what motivates your child
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:And helps them thrive.
Speaker 1:So it's about figuring out what makes them tick and then sort of working with that.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Yeah. It's about individualizing the journey.
Speaker 1:I love that individualizing the journey, not following some
Speaker 2:Cookie cutter.
Speaker 1:Cookie cutter formula. Yeah. Yeah.
Speaker 2:And that's where understanding the admissions process becomes really important.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:And one example of that is the concept of weighted GPA.
Speaker 1:Okay. Weighted GPA. What is that?
Speaker 2:Yeah. A lot of parents don't fully grasp this.
Speaker 1:Mhmm.
Speaker 2:But it can have a significant impact on a student's application.
Speaker 1:Okay. So break it down for me. What Yeah. What is weighted GPA?
Speaker 2:So, basically, a weighted GPA takes into account the difficulty of the courses that a student takes.
Speaker 1:Oh.
Speaker 2:It recognizes that an a in an AP physics class Right.
Speaker 1:For
Speaker 2:instance, requires a much higher level of understanding and effort Right. Than an a in a standard level physics class.
Speaker 1:So it's sort of like leveling the playing field
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:In a way by saying this kid is challenging themselves.
Speaker 2:Yeah. Yeah. It shows colleges that a student is willing to go above and beyond Right. To really push themselves academically.
Speaker 1:And I would imagine that that makes a big difference when colleges are comparing students
Speaker 2:It does.
Speaker 1:Who have similar
Speaker 2:Huge difference.
Speaker 1:Unweighted GPAs. Yeah. Okay.
Speaker 2:A student with a higher weighted GPA
Speaker 1:Mhmm.
Speaker 2:Demonstrates that they've sought out more rigorous coursework.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:And that's a strong indicator that they're ready for
Speaker 1:Ready for college.
Speaker 2:College. Yeah.
Speaker 1:Wow. I bet a lot of parents out there listening right now aren't even aware of this
Speaker 2:You're probably aware.
Speaker 1:Distinction. A
Speaker 2:lot of people don't know.
Speaker 1:Yeah. And they might be encouraging their kids to take all these AP classes without realizing what the impact could be
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:On their GPA.
Speaker 2:And that's why it's so crucial for parents to really be informed Right. And involved in this process.
Speaker 1:So it's about being a partner Mhmm.
Speaker 2:In
Speaker 1:your child's education, not just a bystander.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Yeah. And it's not just about pushing them to take the hardest classes. It's about understanding their interests
Speaker 1:Mhmm.
Speaker 2:Their strengths Cool. And what truly motivates them to learn and grow.
Speaker 1:Yeah. So it's that balance of Mhmm. Of challenging them but also respecting their individual path.
Speaker 2:You got it.
Speaker 1:Yeah. Okay.
Speaker 2:And that's where open communication is so important.
Speaker 1:See, now that's another thing I wanted to touch upon because Yeah. I think it can be tough
Speaker 2:It is.
Speaker 1:For parents to broach these topics Mhmm. With their kids. Yeah. You know?
Speaker 2:Especially when emotions are running high.
Speaker 1:Exactly. This whole process can be pretty stressful.
Speaker 2:Oh, absolutely. For everyone.
Speaker 1:And so how how do you even begin to navigate these conversations?
Speaker 2:Yeah. Well, one of the best things you can do as a parent is to simply listen. Really share what your child is saying about their hopes and their fears.
Speaker 1:Understand their perspective.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And from there, you can start to have those open and honest conversations
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:About what this process entails and how you can work together.
Speaker 1:Yeah. So it's about being a team, navigating this together.
Speaker 2:Yeah. And you know what's interesting?
Speaker 1:What's that?
Speaker 2:There are actually resources available now Oh, really?
Speaker 1:That can help families do just that. Interesting.
Speaker 2:Okay. Tell me more. Well, imagine a platform that combines cutting edge technology Right.
Speaker 1:With expert guidance
Speaker 2:Mhmm. To create a truly personalized college admissions experience.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:It's like having a dedicated support system right at your fingertips.
Speaker 1:Wow. That sounds incredible. What kind of platform are we talking about?
Speaker 2:It's called College Journey.
Speaker 1:College Journey. Interesting. And you mentioned technology. So Yeah. What role does that play?
Speaker 2:Well, College Journey actually has an AI guide named Alice. Hold on
Speaker 1:an AI guide. This is fascinating. Okay. We're gonna have to dive into that more after a quick break. We'll be right back to explore how AI is transforming the college admissions landscape.
Speaker 2:So we were talking about college journey and their AI, Alice.
Speaker 1:Yeah. An AI guide. It sounds a little sci fi.
Speaker 2:It is pretty cutting edge.
Speaker 1:But how does an AI actually help with college applications?
Speaker 2:Well, Alice learns about the student, their strengths, their goals, and even their anxieties about the process.
Speaker 1:Okay. So she gets to know them individually.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Yeah. And then she uses that information to help create a personalized road map for them.
Speaker 1:Interesting. So it's not just a generic list of colleges. It's really tailored.
Speaker 2:Right. It's about finding the best fit for that specific student.
Speaker 1:That makes a lot of sense.
Speaker 2:And, you know, for parents, one of the biggest benefits is that Alice can break down those overwhelming tasks Oh, yeah. Into manageable steps.
Speaker 1:So it helps with that feeling of being overwhelmed.
Speaker 2:Exactly. It can make the whole process feel much less daunting.
Speaker 1:That's gotta be a huge relief for both students and parents. We were talking before about how stressful this whole thing can be.
Speaker 2:Oh, yeah.
Speaker 1:Does Alice help with the emotional side of things too?
Speaker 2:She does. She's actually built on principles of behavioral science.
Speaker 1:Wow.
Speaker 2:So she can detect patterns in a student's behavior
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:And offer support and encouragement in a way that's nonjudgmental.
Speaker 1:So almost like a virtual coach.
Speaker 2:Yeah. Exactly. Like, having someone in their corner cheering them on.
Speaker 1:I love that.
Speaker 2:And for parents, it can be a huge help
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Because it frees up their time and energy to focus on other ways of supporting their child.
Speaker 1:That makes a lot of sense.
Speaker 2:And instead of getting bogged down in all the details Right.
Speaker 1:I mean, we were talking about how parents have to wear so many hats.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:And it's just one more thing to add to their plate.
Speaker 2:Right. And let's face it. College is expensive.
Speaker 1:Oh, yeah. Big concern for families.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. A huge one.
Speaker 1:How does AI factor into that?
Speaker 2:Well, College Journey has actually integrated financial planning tools right into the platform.
Speaker 1:Oh, that's smart. Yeah.
Speaker 2:Yeah. So Alice can help families figure out how to afford college.
Speaker 1:So it's not just about getting in. It's about actually being able to pay for it.
Speaker 2:Exactly. It's about making informed decisions.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Alice can break down the cost of attendance at different schools. Mhmm. She can help families explore scholarship opportunities
Speaker 1:Wow.
Speaker 2:And even create a long term financial plan.
Speaker 1:So it's like having a financial adviser.
Speaker 2:Yeah. Built right into the platform.
Speaker 1:That could be a game changer for a lot of families.
Speaker 2:I think so.
Speaker 1:You know, just taking some of the mystery out of it all.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. And it, you know, it all ties back to reducing stress.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:When you have a solid plan in place for how you're gonna manage the financial side of things
Speaker 1:Mhmm.
Speaker 2:It takes a huge weight off everyone's shoulders.
Speaker 1:Absolutely.
Speaker 2:Really does.
Speaker 1:So we've talked a lot about Alice. Mhmm. But do students and parents interact only with the AI, or are there human advisers as well?
Speaker 2:It's actually a blend of both.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:So Alice is there 247 to provide personalized guidance. Mhmm. But families also have access to human experts when they need it.
Speaker 1:Okay. So you're not totally on your own.
Speaker 2:No. You've got that human connection when you need it.
Speaker 1:That's good to know.
Speaker 2:It's about creating a comprehensive support system
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:That meets the unique needs of each family.
Speaker 1:So it's not a one size fits all Right.
Speaker 2:Approach. And I think that's what really sets College Journey apart.
Speaker 1:Yeah. I can see that.
Speaker 2:They're not just focused on getting students into college. Mhmm. They're invested in the entire
Speaker 1:journey. It's about setting them up for success in life. Exactly. And that brings us back to something we touched on earlier
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Weighted GPAs.
Speaker 2:Mhmm.
Speaker 1:You know, while AI can be a huge help
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:Academic performance is still key.
Speaker 2:It is.
Speaker 1:And I think it's worth diving a little deeper into how colleges evaluate GPAs.
Speaker 2:Definitely, a lot of parents don't realize how important this is.
Speaker 1:Okay. So let's break it down.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:What's the difference between a weighted GPA and an unweighted one?
Speaker 2:So an unweighted GPA is pretty straightforward.
Speaker 1:K.
Speaker 2:It just averages a student's grades across all their courses
Speaker 1:Mhmm.
Speaker 2:Usually on a 4 point o scale. But a weighted GPA gives extra weight to honors or AP courses
Speaker 1:I see.
Speaker 2:To account for the increased rigor and and academic demands.
Speaker 1:So it's basically saying, hey. This student wasn't just taking easy classes.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:They were really challenging themselves.
Speaker 2:Yeah. And that can make a big difference in the eyes of college admissions officers.
Speaker 1:So it's a way for students to stand out
Speaker 2:It is.
Speaker 1:From the crowd. But wouldn't that mean a student could graduate with a GPA higher than a 4 point o?
Speaker 2:That's right. A weighted GPA can actually go above 4 point o.
Speaker 1:Wow.
Speaker 2:It all depends on how the school weights those advanced courses.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:It's not uncommon to see students with weighted GPAs of 4.24.5 or even higher.
Speaker 1:That's a big difference.
Speaker 2:It is. I think
Speaker 1:a lot of parents probably don't realize Yeah. That those AP classes can have that much of an impact.
Speaker 2:It's really important to understand how it all works.
Speaker 1:Absolutely.
Speaker 2:And that's why these conversations need to happen early on.
Speaker 1:Right. So students can make informed decisions about their courses.
Speaker 2:Exactly. You know, they need to understand how their choices today can affect their future opportunities.
Speaker 1:It's about being strategic.
Speaker 2:It is.
Speaker 1:Not just taking a bunch of AP classes just to take them.
Speaker 2:Right. It has to be a balance of challenge and genuine interest.
Speaker 1:Yeah. I mean, I know there are a lot of resources out there for parents.
Speaker 2:Mhmm.
Speaker 1:But it can still be a really confusing process.
Speaker 2:It can.
Speaker 1:What advice would you give to parents who are just feeling lost?
Speaker 2:Well, first of all, you're not alone.
Speaker 1:Okay. Good to know.
Speaker 2:A lot of parents feel this way, and there are people who can help. There are experts and resources available to guide you.
Speaker 1:And speaking of resources, we keep coming back to College Journey. Yeah. They seem to be doing things a little differently.
Speaker 2:They are.
Speaker 1:You mentioned their commitment to accessibility. Yeah. Can you tell us more about that?
Speaker 2:Absolutely. Let's talk about how College Journey is making a difference for families across the country. So we were talking about College Journey's commitment to accessibility.
Speaker 1:Yeah. I think that's something a lot of parents are concerned about. You know, traditional college counseling can be so expensive.
Speaker 2:It really can. It's just not feasible for a lot of families.
Speaker 1:Exactly. And that's where I think college journey is really making a difference.
Speaker 2:They are. They're trying to make this process more inclusive and affordable for everyone.
Speaker 1:So how do they do that?
Speaker 2:Well, they offer a variety of plans to fit different budgets.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:And they even have scholarship opportunities available.
Speaker 1:Yeah. That's fantastic.
Speaker 2:It's about removing those financial barriers.
Speaker 1:Right. Because every student deserves access to good guidance.
Speaker 2:Exactly. It shouldn't just be for the wealthy.
Speaker 1:Absolutely. And it sounds like that really aligns with their mission of empowering families.
Speaker 2:It does. They want to give families the tools and knowledge they need to navigate this process with confidence.
Speaker 1:Okay. So they're not just handing over a list colleges and saying good luck?
Speaker 2:No. It's much more than that. It's about walking alongside families and supporting them every step of the way.
Speaker 1:So it's a very hands on approach.
Speaker 2:It is. And it's not just about the AI either. There's they have a whole team of human experts as well.
Speaker 1:Oh, so there are real people involved too?
Speaker 2:Absolutely experienced college counselors who can provide personalized support.
Speaker 1:So you get the best of both worlds?
Speaker 2:Exactly. The technology and the human touch.
Speaker 1:That's great. And I imagine those counselors can help with a wide range of
Speaker 2:They can pretty much anything you can think of from course selection to essay writing to financial aid.
Speaker 1:So it's a very comprehensive approach.
Speaker 2:It is. They've really thought of everything to make this process as smooth as possible.
Speaker 1:Well, that brings us back to the students themselves. We've talked a lot about weighted GPAs Right. And how important they are for college admissions.
Speaker 2:Huge factor.
Speaker 1:What advice would you give to students who are trying to boost their GPA?
Speaker 2:Well, I think the most important thing is to focus on taking challenging courses that you're genuinely interested in.
Speaker 1:Okay. So not just loading up on AP classes for the sake of it.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Colleges can tell when a student is just trying to game the system.
Speaker 1:Right. They wanna see genuine passion.
Speaker 2:Yeah. Exactly. They wanna see that you're pushing yourself in areas that you care about.
Speaker 1:Makes sense. And, of course, good study habits are essential.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. Time management organization, all of that is crucial for success.
Speaker 1:So it's about building those foundational skills that will serve you well beyond college.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. It's about setting yourself up for success in life.
Speaker 1:Great advice. And I I think it's important to remember that it's okay to ask for help.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. Don't be afraid to reach out to your teachers or tutors or classmates.
Speaker 1:Yeah. There's no shame in admitting you need a little extra support.
Speaker 2:It can make a huge difference in your academic performance.
Speaker 1:And College Journey actually encourages that as well. Right?
Speaker 2:They do. They have a whole network of peers and mentors who can provide guidance and encouragement.
Speaker 1:That's wonderful. So it's really about creating that sense of community.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And that's what I think makes them so special.
Speaker 1:Yeah. They're not just focused on getting you into college. They're focused on your overall well-being.
Speaker 2:Exactly. It's a very holistic approach.
Speaker 1:I love that. And I think that's what parents are ultimately looking for.
Speaker 2:They want their kids to be happy and successful.
Speaker 1:Absolutely. Well, we've covered a lot of ground today.
Speaker 2:We have a lot to think about.
Speaker 1:What's the one key takeaway you hope listeners will walk away with?
Speaker 2:I think the most important thing is that this whole process doesn't have be so overwhelming. Right. There are resources available. There are strategies that can help.
Speaker 1:And you don't have to go through it alone.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And platforms like College Journey are making a real difference in the lives of students and families.
Speaker 1:That's great to hear.
Speaker 2:They're changing the game making support and guidance more accessible than ever.
Speaker 1:That's a wonderful note to end on. So thanks for joining us on this deep dive into the college admissions process. And remember, knowledge is power.
Speaker 2:Absolutely.
Speaker 1:And don't be afraid to seek out the resources and support that are available to you.
Speaker 2:You got this.
Speaker 1:Until next time. Keep those minds curious and those conversations flowing.