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- This episode's focus: Navigating the decision-making process for students and parents in choosing the right school.
Job 1: Get into Your Best School:
- Desire for a classic, prestigious experience.
- Students focused on getting into a specific school.
- Caution against tying self-worth to school rankings.
- Story of a student's struggle with dropping in class rank and its impact.
- Emphasis on balance between academic excellence and well-being.
Know Yourself:
- Importance of self-awareness.
- Introducing the "YouMap" tool to understand strengths, values, skills, and interests.
- Benefits of using the YouMap assessment during high school for exploration.
- Continued usefulness of self-assessment in college and beyond.
Considerations for School Selection:
- Questions to ponder about school location, community size, campus size, class sizes, sports, clubs, internships, majors, Greek life, dining, diversity, research opportunities, spirituality, etc.
- Encouragement to experiment and try different ideas during high school.
- Use of College Finder and College Match tools to find suitable schools.
- The importance of personal fit in school selection.
Planning for Success at Chosen School:
- Transition from focusing solely on getting into a school to planning for success within it.
- Reminder that school involves academics and personal development.
- Balancing academic excellence with social experiences.
Making Honest Choices:
- The importance of choosing schools and majors that resonate with personal interests and strengths.
- Acknowledgment of uncertainty in the future but seeking clarity in present choices.
Consideration of Gap Year:
- A gap year as an intentional exploration period before committing to college.
- The value of aligning gap year jobs with personal strengths and interests.
- Gaining experience, networking, and skill-building during the gap year.
The Role of a School Readiness Audit:
- Introduction of school readiness audits.
- Offer of guidance for students and parents to make informed post-high school decisions.
- Addressing confusion and fears surrounding decision-making.
- The role of a neutral person, like the speaker, in guiding students.
Conclusion:
- Reiteration that confusion is normal in the decision-making process.
- Assurance that there's nothing wrong with seeking guidance.
Sign up for the School Readiness Audit
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Email me: ccoufal@cynthiacoufalcoaching.com
Text me: 785-380-2064
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