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The easiest and least stressful way to manage the college application journey - for parents and students.
Alright. So let's dive into something that I know is probably on everyone's mind if you've got Yeah. A high schooler Yeah. College admissions.
Speaker 2:Mhmm.
Speaker 1:Right. It can feel like a total black box.
Speaker 2:Yeah. It is a mystery.
Speaker 1:It really is.
Speaker 2:And I know you've got a ton of questions and articles and things
Speaker 1:that might
Speaker 2:flag for me.
Speaker 1:It can be really daunting and overwhelming.
Speaker 2:So Yeah. Let's,
Speaker 1:we're here to unpack all of that.
Speaker 2:Okay. Let's do it.
Speaker 1:To kinda just demystify the process a little bit
Speaker 2:That's great.
Speaker 1:Give you the tools and the knowledge to approach it strategically Yeah. And hopefully reduce some of that stress
Speaker 2:Absolutely. That comes with it. Okay. So one of the things that you flagged here was this article about how
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:Colleges are looking beyond just GPA and test scores.
Speaker 1:Yes.
Speaker 2:And we all know that those are important. Of course. Yeah. But It's not the whole picture.
Speaker 1:It's not the whole picture.
Speaker 2:Yeah. Yeah.
Speaker 1:So what are they really looking for?
Speaker 2:Oh, yeah. So this article actually cites a really interesting study by the National Association For College Admission Counseling
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:ANSAC.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:And they found that 88% of the top 60 US colleges Wow. Consider extracurricular activities important or very important in admissions decisions.
Speaker 1:So it's not just about being a bookworm?
Speaker 2:No. Not at all.
Speaker 1:Right. You gotta have other things going on.
Speaker 2:Yeah. It's really about being a well rounded individual.
Speaker 1:Exactly.
Speaker 2:Colleges are looking for students who will thrive in their environment
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:Contribute to the campus community, and ultimately, you know, become successful members of society.
Speaker 1:So it's not just about filling a seat in a classroom?
Speaker 2:No. Not at all.
Speaker 1:It's really about building a community. Right?
Speaker 2:Exactly. Yeah. They wanna create a vibrant and diverse community on their campus.
Speaker 1:Okay. So extracurriculars. Yes. What kind of things?
Speaker 2:So many different things. Yeah.
Speaker 1:What are they looking for there?
Speaker 2:Well, anything that shows, you know, leadership initiative. Okay. A willingness to take risks.
Speaker 1:Mhmm.
Speaker 2:Step outside of your comfort zone. Things like, you know, captaining a sports team, volunteering at a local soup kitchen, starting a club Yeah. Pursuing a unique hobby. Like, there's so many different top guys' abilities.
Speaker 1:It's almost like they're looking for those character clues, those little hints about who you are as a person.
Speaker 2:Yeah. About going beyond the, you know, the grades and the test scores and really showing who you are as a person.
Speaker 1:Makes you think twice about just signing up for a bunch of random clubs. Right?
Speaker 2:Exactly. You wanna show genuine passion and commitment Yes. In a few select areas.
Speaker 1:Okay. So it's gotta be real. It's gotta be authentic.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. It's
Speaker 1:gotta be something you're truly passionate about.
Speaker 2:Right. Yeah. Because colleges can spot inauthenticity a mile away.
Speaker 1:I bet they can.
Speaker 2:They've seen it all.
Speaker 1:Yeah. Yeah. Okay. So we've talked about
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Academics Mhmm. Extracurriculars.
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 1:And then, of course, there's another piece of the puzzle that I know
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:Can feel really daunting, and that's that personal essay.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:It's almost like So they go like a written interview. Right?
Speaker 2:It is. Yeah. It's your chance to really tell your story in your own voice.
Speaker 1:Right. And let your personality shine through.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:Now I know a lot of students and parents get really intimidated by this. Yeah. What advice would you give to someone who's staring at that blank page feeling totally overwhelmed?
Speaker 2:Well, one of the most common mistakes I see is students trying to write what they think the admissions committee wants to hear
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:Rather than what they genuinely wanna say.
Speaker 1:So don't try to be someone you're not.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Be authentic.
Speaker 1:And yourself.
Speaker 2:Be yourself. Yeah. Tell your story.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:And don't be afraid to be vulnerable.
Speaker 1:Okay. So be real. Be vulnerable. Let your personality shine through.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Yeah. And remember, it's not just about highlighting your accomplishments. It's also about showcasing your growth
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Your resilience, your ability to learn from your experiences.
Speaker 1:So show them that you're a thoughtful person
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 1:Who's ready to embrace the challenges of college.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. And to contribute to their community.
Speaker 1:Yeah. Okay. So we've talked a lot about academics, extracurriculars, that personal essay.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:But there's another big piece of the puzzle that I know is probably weighing on people's minds.
Speaker 2:Absolutely.
Speaker 1:That's the financial aspect.
Speaker 2:Yeah. It's a big one.
Speaker 1:Right. College is a huge investment.
Speaker 2:It is.
Speaker 1:And so I know that's something that you hear a lot about too.
Speaker 2:I do. Yeah. And it can be a major source of stress and anxiety for families. Mhmm. But it's important to remember that there are resources available to help make college more affordable.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:So one of the first steps is really just to understand the different types of financial aid.
Speaker 1:Okay. You
Speaker 2:know, grants, loans, scholarships.
Speaker 1:Mhmm. And a
Speaker 2:crucial resource that everyone should familiarize themselves with is the FFSA. Okay. The free application for federal student aid.
Speaker 1:The FA, FSA. Okay. Yeah. We've all heard about that.
Speaker 2:Right. That's the gateway to accessing federal aid as well as many state and institutional aid programs.
Speaker 1:So knowledge is power. Right?
Speaker 2:Absolutely. The more you understand about financial aid, the better equipped you'll be to navigate it effectively. Uh-huh. So it's all about being proactive, doing your research Mhmm. And exploring all of the options available.
Speaker 1:Don't be afraid to ask for help.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Yeah. There are people who can help you through this process.
Speaker 1:Okay. So let's shift gears for a minute and talk about
Speaker 2:Sure.
Speaker 1:What happens behind the scenes Yeah. When those applications are actually reviewed.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:How does that whole process work?
Speaker 2:Alright. Well, one of the articles you shared actually gives us a really fascinating peek behind the curtain
Speaker 1:Oh, okay.
Speaker 2:Of an admissions committee.
Speaker 1:Alright.
Speaker 2:And it breaks down the different stages of review Okay. Starting with the initial screening process where they're just looking at basic criteria, like GPA, test scores, coursework.
Speaker 1:So that's, like, the first hurdle.
Speaker 2:Yeah. Making sure you meet the basic academic standards of the institution. Applications that pass
Speaker 1:that initial screening move on to a committee review. Right. And that's where a team of admissions officers will
Speaker 2:really delve deep
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Into each candidate's qualifications.
Speaker 1:They're reading those essays.
Speaker 2:They are. They're looking at letters of recommendation Okay. Extracurricular activities.
Speaker 1:So they're trying to get a whole picture of you as a person.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Yeah. They're trying to build a multidimensional portrait of the applicant.
Speaker 1:But I'm curious. Who are these admissions officers?
Speaker 2:That's a great question.
Speaker 1:Are they all, you know, coming from the same background?
Speaker 2:Ideally, no. You want a diverse range of perspectives on the committee.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:So you might have, you know, someone with expertise in STEM fields
Speaker 1:Oh, yeah.
Speaker 2:Someone else who focuses on the humanities
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:Maybe someone with a background in athletics Yeah. Or the arts. This allows them to really appreciate the unique talents and potential of each applicant.
Speaker 1:So they're not comparing, like, apples to apples. They're really trying to see
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:The unique flavor that you bring.
Speaker 2:Yes. It's about the whole person, not just their academic profile.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:So that holistic perspective is really important.
Speaker 1:Especially when they're reading those personal essays and the letters of recommendation.
Speaker 2:Yeah. Because those are more subjective. Right. They really get a sense of who the person is.
Speaker 1:So it's really a delicate balancing act.
Speaker 2:It is. Right? Yeah.
Speaker 1:They're weighing all these different factors Yeah. To try to figure out
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:Who are the best students for their institution.
Speaker 2:Absolutely.
Speaker 1:And that is a tough job.
Speaker 2:It is a tough job, but it's also an incredibly rewarding one. Yeah. I mean, they get to, you know, shape the future of their institution
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:By selecting the next generation of leaders and innovators.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:So it's a big responsibility.
Speaker 1:Yeah. So understanding this process, does that make it feel a little less daunting?
Speaker 2:I think so. Yeah. It can. Yeah.
Speaker 1:Okay. Great.
Speaker 2:Because it helps you to see that there is a method to the madness.
Speaker 1:Okay. Good.
Speaker 2:You know, it's not just random.
Speaker 1:Yeah. It's not just random.
Speaker 2:There is a thought process behind it.
Speaker 1:Oh, yeah.
Speaker 2:And there are things that you can do Yeah. To really put your best foot forward.
Speaker 1:Okay. Good advice.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Yeah. It definitely does. I think for students too, it really highlights how important it is for them to understand themselves.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:Like, their strengths, their passions, what are their goals
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:And to be able to articulate those things clearly in their application.
Speaker 1:Yeah. And this process of self discovery
Speaker 2:Mhmm.
Speaker 1:That can be so valuable.
Speaker 2:It is.
Speaker 1:Not just for college admissions, but just for life in general.
Speaker 2:For life. Yeah.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Mhmm.
Speaker 1:So one of the things that I was struck by Yeah. In the materials you sent
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:Was this idea that colleges are really looking for students who are not just academically gifted Right. But also kinda passionate
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:About making a difference.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. They want students who will contribute to the campus community and to society as a whole.
Speaker 1:So they're looking for future leaders and change makers.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Yeah. They want people who are gonna go out and make a positive impact on the world.
Speaker 1:It's a tall order.
Speaker 2:It is a tall order.
Speaker 1:And it really makes you realize that Yeah. College admissions isn't just about grades. Yeah. It's about developing
Speaker 2:It's about the whole person.
Speaker 1:The whole person.
Speaker 2:Yeah. Exactly.
Speaker 1:So extracurriculars. Yeah. They're looking for things that involve Right.
Speaker 2:Things that show leadership
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:Teamwork, community engagement.
Speaker 1:So things that
Speaker 2:All those things that you can't really quantify.
Speaker 1:Right. You can't measure it. Exactly. But it's so important.
Speaker 2:But they're so important because they show who you are as a person.
Speaker 1:Okay. Yeah. It's like they're looking for students who are already living their personal statement.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Yeah. They wanna see that you're not just talking the talk. Right. You're walking the walk.
Speaker 1:You're actually out there doing things.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:Okay. So but I imagine for some students
Speaker 2:Mhmm.
Speaker 1:It can feel overwhelming. Right? Especially if they maybe haven't had the opportunity Right. Or the guidance to really get involved in all these different things.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. It can be intimidating.
Speaker 1:What advice would you give to those students?
Speaker 2:Well, first of all, I would say it's never too late to get involved.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Colleges are looking for genuine passion and commitment Okay. Not just a long list of activities.
Speaker 1:Right. So even if you're
Speaker 2:just starting to explore your interests now Mhmm. In your junior, senior year Okay.
Speaker 1:There's still
Speaker 2:time to make a meaningful impact.
Speaker 1:So quality over quantity?
Speaker 2:Exactly. It's about finding what you're truly passionate about
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:And pursuing it with all your heart.
Speaker 1:So start with your interests.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:What are you curious about?
Speaker 2:Yeah. What makes you excited to get out of bed in the morning?
Speaker 1:Oh, okay. And then look for opportunities to engage with those interests.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. Whether it's volunteering, joining a club, starting your own initiative.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:There are so many ways to get involved.
Speaker 1:Okay. So speaking of demonstrating skills and talents
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 1:Let's talk about letters of recommendation.
Speaker 2:Yes. Those can be either a powerful advocate or a missed opportunity.
Speaker 1:They can. For sure.
Speaker 2:Depending on how they're approached.
Speaker 1:So let's talk strategy. Okay. What advice would you give to students?
Speaker 2:Sure.
Speaker 1:Who are trying to secure Yeah. Those really strong recommendations?
Speaker 2:Well, the most important thing is to choose recommenders who really know you well Okay. And can speak to your strengths and accomplishments in a genuine and personalized way.
Speaker 1:So not just going for the teacher with the most impressive title.
Speaker 2:Exactly. It's not about the title. Yeah. It's about the relationship.
Speaker 1:It's about the relationship.
Speaker 2:You want someone who can really capture your essence.
Speaker 1:Yeah. Who can really speak to who you
Speaker 2:are. Exactly. Okay. You want someone who can talk about your character, your work ethic, your intellectual curiosity.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:All those things that make you unique.
Speaker 1:So really nurture those relationships with your teachers and your counselors.
Speaker 2:Engage with them in class. Mhmm. Participate in extracurriculars. Right. And don't be afraid to talk to them about your goals and aspirations.
Speaker 1:Have those conversations.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:So when you do ask for that recommendation
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Make sure to give them all the information they need.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. Provide them with a copy of your resume Okay. List of your activities Mhmm. And maybe even a brief statement about why you're interested in that particular college.
Speaker 1:Give them the tools to paint that picture of you.
Speaker 2:Exactly. The more context you provide, the better equipped they'll be to advocate for you.
Speaker 1:I love it. Okay. Speaking of capturing brilliance
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 1:Let's talk about the interview.
Speaker 2:Yes. The interview.
Speaker 1:It can be so nerve wracking.
Speaker 2:It It can be very nerve wracking, but it's also a fantastic opportunity to really connect with the admissions committee
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:On a personal level.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:So I always encourage students to approach the interview
Speaker 1:Mhmm.
Speaker 2:With a sense of curiosity and engagement.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Remember, it's a two way street.
Speaker 1:Oh, that's a good point.
Speaker 2:It's not just about them evaluating you. Right. It's also about you evaluating them and deciding if that college is the right fit for you.
Speaker 1:Yeah. So go in prepared to ask questions.
Speaker 2:Absolutely.
Speaker 1:Be engaged. Show your enthusiasm.
Speaker 2:Yes. Show your enthusiasm for learning.
Speaker 1:But how do you prepare for that?
Speaker 2:Well, preparation is key.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Even though it's not like a test you can cram for
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:You still wanna be prepared.
Speaker 1:So what does that look like?
Speaker 2:Well, start by researching the college thoroughly.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Familiarize yourself with their programs, their faculty, their values, their campus culture.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:This will show that you've done your homework
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:And that you're genuinely interested in attending their school.
Speaker 1:Yeah. And it'll give you some good questions to ask.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. Yeah. Because you wanna be able to engage in a meaningful conversation
Speaker 1:No way.
Speaker 2:And ask thoughtful questions.
Speaker 1:No. We hit her.
Speaker 2:And it's also a good idea to answering common interview questions.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:And concisely.
Speaker 1:Maybe do some mock interviews?
Speaker 2:Exactly. Yeah. Maybe with a teacher or a counselor or a friend.
Speaker 1:But don't get too caught up Right. In rehearsing a script.
Speaker 2:No. Don't memorize answers Yeah. Because you wanna sound natural and authentic. You wouldn't be yourself
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:And let your personality shine through.
Speaker 1:Okay. So we've talked a lot about the academics Yes. The extracurriculars, all those pieces of the application.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:But let's not forget about the emotional side of this.
Speaker 2:Absolutely.
Speaker 1:This is a roller coaster.
Speaker 2:It is. It's a huge emotional roller coaster Right. For both students and their families.
Speaker 1:Yeah. It's a lot of pressure.
Speaker 2:It is. There's a lot of pressure, a lot of uncertainty
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Fear of rejection.
Speaker 1:So it's important to acknowledge those feelings.
Speaker 2:It is. Yeah. Don't bottle them up.
Speaker 1:Yeah. Talk about them. And prioritize mental health.
Speaker 2:Absolutely.
Speaker 1:And well-being throughout this whole process.
Speaker 2:Yes. Self care is so important during this time.
Speaker 1:So this isn't just about getting into college.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:It's about navigating this experience.
Speaker 2:About the journey.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Yeah. And making sure that you're taking care of yourself.
Speaker 1:Mentally and emotionally.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:Yeah. So that requires open communication Yes. With your family, with your friends.
Speaker 2:And with yourself.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Yeah. Be honest about how you're feeling.
Speaker 1:And take breaks.
Speaker 2:Take breaks. Yes.
Speaker 1:Do things that you enjoy.
Speaker 2:Absolutely pursue your hobbies.
Speaker 1:Right. And don't be afraid to ask for help.
Speaker 2:Exactly. There are people who care about you
Speaker 1:Mhmm.
Speaker 2:And wanna support you. Yeah. So don't be afraid to reach out for help if you need it.
Speaker 1:Whether that's a school counselor
Speaker 2:Yes. A
Speaker 1:therapist, a trusted friend?
Speaker 2:Absolutely. Or even an online support group.
Speaker 1:Yeah. And families, you need to create that supportive environment.
Speaker 2:Yes. Create a safe space.
Speaker 1:Where students feel comfortable sharing how they're feeling.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Because this is a journey you're on together.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:And the destination is just one part of the story.
Speaker 1:It's really about reframing this whole experience. Right? Right. It's not just this hurdle to overcome. Right.
Speaker 1:It's a chance to learn and grow.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. It's an opportunity for self discovery Yeah. And to really figure out who you are and what you want.
Speaker 1:Yeah. And remember Mhmm. There's no one size fits all approach.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:Every student's journey is unique.
Speaker 2:It is. Yeah. And what works for one person may not work for another.
Speaker 1:So it's about finding what works for you.
Speaker 2:Exactly. It's about authenticity. Yeah. Showcasing your individual strengths and passions.
Speaker 1:And telling your story.
Speaker 2:Yeah. Tell your fire.
Speaker 1:In a way that feels real and genuine. Absolutely. Okay. So one of the things that I noted here Yeah. Was this idea that colleges are increasingly looking for students who are Yeah.
Speaker 1:Not just academically successful
Speaker 2:Mhmm. Mhmm.
Speaker 1:But also demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility
Speaker 2:Yes. Absolutely.
Speaker 1:And ethical leadership.
Speaker 2:Yeah. They want students who are gonna make a difference.
Speaker 1:It's like they're trying to cultivate this community.
Speaker 2:They are. They wanna build a community of future leaders Right. Who are gonna go out and change the world.
Speaker 1:Yeah. So it's not just about what you've achieved. Yeah. It's about who you are.
Speaker 2:It's about your character.
Speaker 1:And what you stand for.
Speaker 2:Yeah. Your values, your beliefs.
Speaker 1:So how does students demonstrate that?
Speaker 2:Well, it's really about thinking critically about those things.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:What are your values? What are your goals?
Speaker 1:Mhmm.
Speaker 2:What impact do you wanna have on the world? Okay. And then find ways to express those things through your actions,
Speaker 1:through
Speaker 2:your essays, through your interactions with others.
Speaker 1:It's about aligning your actions with your aspirations.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Yeah. Walk the walk.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:Don't just talk the talk.
Speaker 1:Okay. So this isn't just about impressing admissions committees.
Speaker 2:Yeah. It's about becoming the kind of person who will thrive in college and beyond.
Speaker 1:So it's really a process of self discovery
Speaker 2:It is. Yeah.
Speaker 1:And growth Absolutely. Okay. So we've covered a lot of ground here.
Speaker 2:We have.
Speaker 1:And I know it can feel overwhelming.
Speaker 2:It can.
Speaker 1:But there's so much opportunity
Speaker 2:There is.
Speaker 1:For students to shine Absolutely. And to showcase their talents.
Speaker 2:Yeah. And to find the right fit for them.
Speaker 1:Yes. And remember, you don't have to go through this alone.
Speaker 2:No. You don't.
Speaker 1:There are resources out there to help you.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. There are school counselors, mentors Mhmm. Online platforms.
Speaker 1:And on that note Mhmm. I think we've reached the end of our deep dive
Speaker 2:We have.
Speaker 1:Into the world of college admissions.
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 1:It's a complex process, but I hope we've made it a little less mysterious
Speaker 2:Hopefully.
Speaker 1:And giving you some tools to Mhmm. Approach it.
Speaker 2:Some insights and strategies.
Speaker 1:Strategically. Yeah. And remember, this journey is about so much more than just getting into college.
Speaker 2:It is.
Speaker 1:It's about figuring out who you are and that you're passionate about. What you wanna do with your life.
Speaker 2:Yeah. And the impact you wanna make on the world. Exactly. So to our listeners Yeah. Thank you for joining us on this deep dive.
Speaker 1:Yes. Thank you.
Speaker 2:We hope you found it helpful
Speaker 1:I hope so. And insightful
Speaker 2:Mhmm. Insightful Mhmm. And maybe even a little bit inspiring.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:So until next time.
Speaker 1:Yes.
Speaker 2:Keep learning. Keep exploring.
Speaker 1:Keep dreaming big.
Speaker 2:And keep dreaming big.
Speaker 1:Yes.