Shows
College Admissions with Mark and AnnaHow College Admissions Officers Review Activities and ResumesThis week on The College Admissions Podcast, Anna and Mark sit down with Sam Joustra from Collegewise for an inside look at how college admissions officers actually review student activities and resumes. Sam shares firsthand insights from her time as an admissions officer at Vanderbilt and University of Michigan, on what stands out (and what falls flat) when admissions teams scan your extracurriculars, leadership roles, and project experiences. Together, Mark, Anna, and Sam break down the myths around “perfect” resumes, offer actionable tips for making your activities shine authentically, and discuss how students from all backgrounds can highlight their uniq...
2025-12-0249 min
Bittersweet PodcastAmari Gala Recap, Anna Ren Drama and Melbourne Men ft Simply NyapalThis week on Bittersweet, I sit down with Melbourne’s very own powerhouse — model, influencer, content creator, and 2025 Amari Gala nominee @simplynyapal.We dive into everything from her rise in the modelling industry and going global, to the realities of being a Black woman in the fashion world. We also break down the Amari Gala — the looks, the moments, the drama — and share our thoughts on the Anna Ren controversy and whether men from your own culture actually treat you better.Of course, we couldn’t let the episode end without a dilemma, this week...
2025-04-2956 minCollege Admissions with Mark and AnnaThe Future of Testing: Digital SAT with Compass PrepThe December 2023 SAT will be the last paper exam from the CollegeBoard as they shift to digital SATs in 2024. With such a big shift, Mark and Anna decide to sit down with Matty of Compass Education Group to help get the questions on parents and students' minds answered. From what to expect on the new digital format to whether or not super-scoring will be allowed between paper and digital tests, Mark, Anna, and Matty have you covered!Matty is a Senior Director at Compass Education Group, a provider of one-on-one test preparation and academic tutoring that works...
2023-11-1551 minCollege Admissions with Mark and AnnaCollege Application through the Lens of a High School Senior with KamilaWhat's the hardest part about the college application process? Most fun? Join Mark and Anna as we learn about the college application process through the eyes of a graduating high school teen - Kamila from College Reality Check. From essays to list building, Kamila breaks down what its really like to apply to college as a current teen in high school. Learn more about Kamila at College Reality Check - https://collegerealitycheck.com.
2023-05-091h 02College Admissions with Mark and AnnaFinancial Aid and Affording College in 2023 with Claire LawWith total cost of attendance edging towards $90,000 a year for private universities, Mark and Anna are excited to have financial aid expert and independent educational consultant, Claire Law from Educational Avenues talk about how families can prepare for the financial aid process. From discussing 529s to the difference in financial aid applications, learn how you can have the right conversations with your family around affording college. Claire Law is an independent educational consultant, professional member of IECA, Certified Educational Planner. She helps parents figure out the best educational avenues for their teen children. Claire Law worked in college admissions...
2023-04-061h 01College Admissions with Mark and AnnaDo's and Don't After Getting Accepted to CollegeYou've been accepted to college. Now what? Join Mark and Anna as they discuss next steps after you've gotten into college. From not getting grades below a B on your report card to playing pranks, we'll cover tips for how to manage the transition to college, including once you get to college. As per Mark's favorite topic of food, we'll cover how to ensure you stay healthy in addition to knowing where to get help when you get sick for the first time without mom and dad. This is for all the graduating seniors!
2023-03-2048 minCollege Admissions with Mark and AnnaApplying to College with Rick Clark of Georgia Tech AdmissionsEver wonder what college admissions officers really want from applicants and how students can better prepare for college applications? We went straight to the source - Rick Clark - Assistant Vice Provost and Executive Director of Undergraduate Admission at Georgia Tech. Join Mark and Anna as they answer some of your most common questions about applying for college and what Rick would change about the college admissions process in our newest episode. From how to prepare as a STEM applicant to how students can become better students and therefore better applicants, we've got you covered.
2023-01-2750 minCollege Admissions with Mark and AnnaTo Major or NotSelecting a major…or not? Okay, let’s just get it out there…NO…you do not have to select a major and know exactly what you will do for the rest of your life. However, there may be situations in which having an idea of what to major in and preparing for it will be beneficial in high school. Join Mark and Anna as they discuss the pros and cons of having a major in mind when you apply for college and how to explore potential majors.
2023-01-1248 minCollege Admissions with Mark and AnnaRise of Mental Health Issues in Teens with Dr. Sarah PosposWith an endless "To Do" list, and the pressure to keep up with their peers, its no surprise that an increasing amount of today's teens face anxiety and depression. Join Mark and Anna as they talk with Dr. Sarah Pospos of Lifestyle Telepsychiatry to talk about "comparaitis", Imposter Syndrome, testing anxiety and more importantly, how we as parents and educators can better support our teens and help them thrive. Dr. Sarah Pospos completed her psychiatry residency as a chief resident at UCLA-Kern and has published extensively on burnout and depression at UCLA, UCSD and UCSB. As a p...
2022-11-0948 minCollege Admissions with Mark and AnnaColleges that Change Lives with Ann MaranoAs tuitions rise faster than inflation, more and more students and their families may wonder what value college offers and which colleges offer the most opportunities to help set them up for success. Join Mark and Anna as they speak with Ann Marano, Executive Director for the Colleges That Change Lives organization, to discuss the value of liberal arts education and what truly sets colleges in that organization a part from the hundreds of other colleges and universities in the country, including a student-centered approach to education. Learn more about Colleges that Change Lives at https://ctcl.o...
2022-09-1251 minCollege Admissions with Mark and AnnaUnforgettable Value of International Internships with Fredrik van HuynhNo idea what to do this summer? Join Mark and Anna as they speak with Fredrik van Huynh from Absolute Internship about finding your passion and lining up an internship that helps you explore it. Internships aren't only for college students - high school students can do it too! In this episode, you'll learn the benefits of learning multiple languages, being immersed in different cultures, and the value in building relationships through international internships. From how to find internships and how to make a good impression to how internships can help set your college application apart, Fredrik has you c...
2022-05-0648 min
ModetipsetBest of: Ren beauty och hur du motionerar din hyI det senaste avsnittet av Mode & Livsstilspodden har vi samlat några av våra favoritpersoner inom ren beauty som ger tips som du kan lita på. Möt Rose-Marie Swift, makeupartist till stjärnorna och grundare av RMS Beauty, Gucci Westman, en av världens främsta makeupartister och grundare av Westman Atelier samt Hannah Sjöström bakom Sveriges största gröna skönhetsblogg! Perfekt inspiration för att få till en bättre makeup- och hudvårdsrutin inför våren och sommaren. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2022-04-2134 minCollege Admissions with Mark and AnnaHelping Teens Move Forward with Danit ErlichWe are entering our third year of COVID related social adjustments that have included education, social gatherings, family dynamics, job loss/gain, finances, Netflix addiction, and unknown health risks, just to name a few. Understandably, it is an especially difficult time for teens as they try to navigate a transitional period in their lives during a pandemic. Join Mark and Anna as they speak with Danit Erlich of Always Forward Coaching and Consulting, LLC as they talk about how parents and educators can better help support teens through stress and mental health challenges.Danit Erlich is a...
2022-03-1451 minCollege Admissions with Mark and AnnaHolistic College Admissions 2021While a student’s weighted GPA and SAT score are important, and thoughtful recommendations are significant, as are clear, concise, and cogent essays—school representatives often comment that a common attribute of the strongest and most successful applications is…consistency. Does the entire application sound like the same person? Are strong attributes and characteristics consistently highlighted, and do examples from essays, recommendations, and even extracurricular activities correlate with one another? These are all ways to make an application more powerful and effective.Join Mark and Anna as this discuss how essays, recommendations, and activities support an appl...
2022-01-0644 minCollege Admissions with Mark and AnnaCollege Letters of Recommendation During COVIDLetters of recommendation are one of the holistic components of the college application, but probably a component that is talked about the least, despite the weight they hold. Most college admissions officers would say that letters of recommendation do not help or hurt an application. However, strong letters of recommendation can really strengthen a college application. Join Mark and Anna as they discuss why letters of recommendation and how to prepare in obtaining a strong one. Mark and Anna will also talk about who to ask and why as they share how students can try to strengthen their recommendations...
2021-11-0850 minCollege Admissions with Mark and AnnaCollege Admissions through a Teen Lens with Kamila from "Who Cares About College"What's it like to be a teen actually going through the college admissions preparation process? Between classes, activities, college lists, and essays, our teens have A LOT on their plates. Join Mark and Anna as they speak with Kamila from the "Who Cares about College" Podcast as they talk about how they're preparing for college during a pandemic. Kamila also shares insights from her experiences interviewing students who have applied and are in college now. From testing to financial aid, join Mark and Anna for a very REAL conversation about applying to college and how we can do better...
2021-09-1656 minCollege Admissions with Mark and AnnaSurviving College Admissions Madness with Kevin MartinEver feel like the college admissions process has gotten overwhelming and overall insane? Join Mark and Anna as they speak with Kevin Martin, author of "Surviving the College Admissions Madness", about how families can better approach the admissions process to reduce stress as well as recommended improvements they would like to see in the college admissions process. Kevin also provides helpful advice for avoiding application mistakes, building a reasonable college list, minimizing debt, identifying cognitive errors and distortions, and helping you reframe your college applications. Martin equips readers with the vocabulary, frameworks, and tools to make sense o...
2021-08-3047 minCollege Admissions with Mark and AnnaSeizing Opportunities at Honors Programs and CollegesWhile many elite universities do not offer merit scholarships, honors colleges and programs at many public universities offer great options for high-achieving students. In addition to providing merit-based awards, they can offer specialized curriculums and unique opportunities to help students thrive in a larger school environment. Join Mark and Anna as they speak with Craig T. Cobane, Ph.D. from Western Kentucky University's Mahurin Honors College as they discuss the difference between honors program and honors colleges, why they are valuable, and who they are a great fit for in this new episode. Craig T. Cobane, Ph.D...
2021-07-3052 minCollege Admissions with Mark and AnnaPowerful Storytelling for the College Essay with Molly MoynahanIt's that time of year again - writing the college admissions essay! This year, Mark and Anna are excited to share approaches to college essay writing from published author and college admissions essay coach, Molly Moynahan. Molly shares the key elements to storytelling, tips for overcoming writer's block, and more. Molly Moynahan is an expert in adolescent literacy, a novelist and a writing coach, specializing in supporting students through the writing of the personal essay for college admission. She holds an MFA in Fiction writing and has decades of teaching English to high school and college students. L...
2021-06-081h 04College Admissions with Mark and AnnaCollege Options: Deeper look at HBCUsClass of 2021 faced record-low acceptance rates at many elite universities, but the truth is, there are hundreds of amazing colleges out there that will support students in their success. Join Mark and Anna as they discuss the numerous options available with special guest Lisa Fuller from College Primed as they take a deeper look at women's colleges and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and how they enable success for their students. Lisa will also share how HBCUs have transformed to not only serve the black community but other students, especially those with aspirations in medicine. Lisa F...
2021-05-3056 minCollege Admissions with Mark and AnnaApplying as a Transfer Student with Deborah ShamesWithout the ability to visit campuses, applying for college and selecting where you want to spend the next four years can be more difficult than years past. Students have had to sometimes pick colleges "blindly" which has resulted in the desire for some students to transfer to new colleges. Join Mark and Anna as they speak with Deborah Shames of Personal Best College Coaching to learn more about why students transfer, how to prepare, and more details in this newest episode.
2021-04-0651 minCollege Admissions with Mark and AnnaApplying to European Colleges and Universities from AmericaSo you think you want to go to college in Europe? Fantastic! Have you thought about the differences in the application process, the travel involved, passports, different languages, and different deadlines? There are many great reasons to study abroad, but there are also many things students and their families should know and consider before making that leap. Join Mark and Anna as they talk to Sandy Furth from World Student Support, who has successfully helped many students and families through those considerations and can help us all understand the process better.
2021-02-2552 minCollege Admissions with Mark and AnnaWhat Works and What Doesn't for STEM College AdmissionsWith return on investment at a forefront in the college admissions process, its no wonder that majors related to STEM have become increasingly popoular over the years...especially during a pandemic. Mark and Anna dive into what colleges are looking for when it comes to classes, activities, recommendations and more in this fun episode with our resident expert, Mark Hofer. Join Mark and Anna as they tackle the myths related to STEM in college admissions.
2020-12-1041 minCollege Admissions with Mark and AnnaPermission to Feel and College Admissions with Dr. Marc BrackettJoin Mark and Anna as they talk about the importance of acknowledging, expressing, and regulating emotions with Dr. Marc Brackett, the author of Permission to Feel, and the Founder and Director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and a Professor in the Child Study Center of Yale University. As anxiety and depression are at all time highs for our teens, we are thankful to be able to have Dr. Brackett address how we can better support our teens in becoming happy and successful members of society through the concepts from his book, Permission to Feel. We also discuss h...
2020-10-0550 minCollege Admissions with Mark and AnnaCollege for the Musically Inclined with Dave BestDo you have a talented musician who wants to pursue their passion for it in college? Have questions on how to best prepare for the music college admissions process? Join Mark and Anna as they speak to Dave Best, Founder of Best College Consulting where they orchestrate the college search for talented students.
2020-09-1951 minCollege Admissions with Mark and AnnaCOVID 2020 vs. College EssayCollege essays have always been an important part of the college application process; however, this year—the year that COVID arrived and stayed for a while—provides a perfect storm for buoying up the importance of the college essays. Yes, that is essays, plural.While the personal statement essay has always been the focus for most students—and it remains to be an important part of the application—many schools weigh their supplemental and proprietary essays as even more important in the overall evaluation of students’ applications. For example, Stanford doesn’t have eleven supplemental essays just because they...
2020-07-3136 minCollege Admissions with Mark and AnnaStarting Early: The Long-View Set UpCollege consultants often get asked “How early do you start working with students in the college application process?” This question almost always comes from parents. Sometimes they are just curious, but increasingly, they are serious. Can, should, their 8th grader start preparing for college applications?If we are really honest, and take a step back, we must admit that we currently don’t know what colleges and universities will use as metrics for evaluation in the coming one to five years. Honestly, we don’t. The evaluation system is, thankfully, in a high state of flux with COVID-19...
2020-07-0149 minCollege Admissions with Mark and AnnaCollege Admissions in the Time of CovidWhat a strange and unprecedented time this is. Schools—ALL schools—are closed for what will be months. How many months this closure will last has yet to be determined. College and Universities…closed, and many considering a “virtual start” in September. K-12 schools also closed and not reopening before the next school year…and possibly longer. This is unprecedented. All of these things provide a lot of uncertainty about our education system for 2020 – 2021. This is really stressful if you are a junior, or senior. Although these are things we don’t know, and we can’t control…what can st...
2020-05-2153 minCollege Admissions with Mark and AnnaHow to Win Scholarships for CollegeEver hear that crazy story of how someone wins a ton of money for college? Even when they already have money and didn't qualify for financial aid? Or have you heard stories of how some families can't afford college because colleges didn't provide them enough money to attend? If so, you're in luck, because Anna and Mark will be chatting with Monica Matthews, the author of How to Win College Scholarships, to talk about how families can earn money for college through private scholarships. Monica Matthews is the author of How to Win College Scholarships. She helped h...
2020-03-0745 minCollege Admissions with Mark and AnnaYes, But What Have You Learned? (What to do on breaks?)It’s the holiday season…and there are always vacations and breaks. What to do, what to do? One of the most common questions consultants hear from students and parents is: “What should I do during vacation… you know, to look good on college applications?”Join Mark and Anna as they discuss how high school and college students can best utilize their breaks. While families often think they should attend a summer program or conduct research, etc, there are other options out there. Each of these experiences can be valuable—but so can painting a house, babysitting, publishing a...
2020-01-1549 min
College Admissions with Mark and AnnaYes, But What Have You Learned? (What to do on breaks?)It’s the holiday season…and there are always vacations and breaks. What to do, what to do? One of the most common questions consultants hear from students and parents is: “What should I do during vacation… you know, to look good on college applications?”
Join Mark and Anna as they discuss how high school and college students can best utilize their breaks. While families often think they should attend a summer program or conduct research, etc, there are other options out there. Each of these experiences can be valuable—but so can painting a house, babysitting, publishing a...
2020-01-1500 minCollege Admissions with Mark and AnnaGetting your Best Price on College with TuitionFit's Mark SalisburyJoin Mark and Anna as they speak with Mark Salisbury from TuitionFit to discuss something revolutionary - transparent college pricing. Learn about how TuitionFit helps students and their families feel empowered in college admissions and get the best value from college for free.Mark Salisbury started his career in higher education as a soccer coach in 1995. After a decade, he transitioned to admissions and then, after earning a PhD in higher education, became a researcher, director of institutional research and assessment, writer, and a consultant for colleges that wanted to get better at using data to improve...
2019-12-0455 minCollege Admissions with Mark and AnnaGetting your Best Price on College with TuitionFit's Mark SalisburyJoin Mark and Anna as they speak with Mark Salisbury from TuitionFit to discuss something revolutionary - transparent college pricing. Learn about how TuitionFit helps students and their families feel empowered in college admissions and get the best value from college for free.
Mark Salisbury started his career in higher education as a soccer coach in 1995. After a decade, he transitioned to admissions and then, after earning a PhD in higher education, became a researcher, director of institutional research and assessment, writer, and a consultant for colleges that wanted to get better at using data to improve...
2019-12-0400 minCollege Admissions with Mark and AnnaMotivations and Healthy Decisions in Choosing College with Michael B. HornJoin Mark and Anna as they speak with Michael B. Horn, one of the authors of Choosing College, as they discuss how to put students and families in the driver's seat of their future so that they understand why they want to go to school and make better decisions around the college admissions process.Michael Horn, the coauthor of the new book, Choosing College, is the chief strategy officer at the Entangled Group, an education venture studio, and the cofounder of the Clayton Christensen Institute, a nonprofit think tank. To learn more about Michael and check out...
2019-11-1855 minCollege Admissions with Mark and AnnaMotivations and Healthy Decisions in Choosing College with Michael B. HornJoin Mark and Anna as they speak with Michael B. Horn, one of the authors of Choosing College, as they discuss how to put students and families in the driver's seat of their future so that they understand why they want to go to school and make better decisions around the college admissions process.
Michael Horn, the coauthor of the new book, Choosing College, is the chief strategy officer at the Entangled Group, an education venture studio, and the cofounder of the Clayton Christensen Institute, a nonprofit think tank. To learn more about Michael and check out...
2019-11-1800 minCollege Admissions with Mark and AnnaROTC: What to Expect, How to Apply and more with Rob KirklandJoin Mark and Anna as they speak with Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Rob Kirkland of Gain Service Academy Admission as they cover the benefits of joining ROTC in college (both monetary and not), how to apply for scholarships that help you afford college, the military expectations upon graduating, how you can earn 'free ride' including room and board, and more! Lieutenant Colonel Kirkland was one of the few officers ever to lead two separate Army ROTC programs–Claremont McKenna College from 2006 to 2009 and the University of Southern California from 2010 to 2013. He is a graduate of the United States Mil...
2019-10-1152 minCollege Admissions with Mark and AnnaROTC: What to Expect, How to Apply and more with Rob KirklandJoin Mark and Anna as they speak with Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Rob Kirkland of ROTC Consulting as they cover the benefits of joining ROTC in college (both monetary and not), how to apply for scholarships that help you afford college, the military expectations upon graduating, how you can earn 'free ride' including room and board, and more!
2019-10-1100 minCollege Admissions with Mark and AnnaThe Unexpected. The Un-talked about.The Blindsiders...of Starting CollegeJoin Mark and Anna as they talk about what new college students should actually be thinking about and preparing for that are often glossed over or just missed in the conversation. This goes for parents too. Now that you've gotten off the roller coaster cycle of Find School, Apply to School, Get Accepted to School, Select School, Finish High School, Pack Up for College, Travel to College, Unpack and Prepare for Life in College cycle, here are some things you may have missed.
Mark and Anna break down their top list of what to expect when starting...
2019-09-0747 minCollege Admissions with Mark and AnnaThe Unexpected. The Un-talked about.The Blindsiders...of Starting CollegeJoin Mark and Anna as they talk about what new college students should actually be thinking about and preparing for that are often glossed over or just missed in the conversation. This goes for parents too. Now that you've gotten off the roller coaster cycle of Find School, Apply to School, Get Accepted to School, Select School, Finish High School, Pack Up for College, Travel to College, Unpack and Prepare for Life in College cycle, here are some things you may have missed.
Mark and Anna break down their top list of what to expect when starting...
2019-09-0700 minCollege Admissions with Mark and AnnaPaying for College with Debbie Schwartz of Road2College and Paying for College 101Join Mark and Anna as they speak with guest, Debbie Schwartz. Debbie Schwartz is a former financial services marketing executive with expertise in personal finance. She’s also a parent, with 3 children and has had the personal experience of navigating college admission and paying for it for her own children. From her experience with her oldest child, she knew families needed better information and tools to make smarter college decisions.
To learn more about Road2College or join the Paying for College 101 Facebook group.
2019-09-0246 minCollege Admissions with Mark and AnnaPaying for College with Debbie Schwartz of Road2College and Paying for College 101Join Mark and Anna as they speak with guest, Debbie Schwartz. Debbie Schwartz is a former financial services marketing executive with expertise in personal finance. She’s also a parent, with 3 children and has had the personal experience of navigating college admission and paying for it for her own children. From her experience with her oldest child, she knew families needed better information and tools to make smarter college decisions.
To learn more about Road2College or join the Paying for College 101 Facebook group.
2019-09-0200 minCollege Admissions with Mark and AnnaAthletics in College Admissions with Chris SiedemEver wonder if playing sports makes a difference in college admissions? Or what type of sport? Or how good you have to be? Join Mark and Anna as they talk with Dr. Chris Siedem from Perfect College Match as they discuss what's important to focus on as it related to playing athletics in college, what the recruiting process is like and how to best present yourself as an athlete in college admissions.
Learn more about Chris at http://perfectcollegematch.com/
2019-07-1700 minCollege Admissions with Mark and AnnaAthletics in College Admissions with Chris SiedemEver wonder if playing sports makes a difference in college admissions? Or what type of sport? Or how good you have to be? Join Mark and Anna as they talk with Dr. Chris Siedem from Perfect College Match as they discuss what's important to focus on as it related to playing athletics in college, what the recruiting process is like and how to best present yourself as an athlete in college admissions.
Learn more about Chris at http://perfectcollegematch.com/
2019-07-171h 17College Admissions with Mark and AnnaDream College Summit 2019 with Jessica YeagerMark and Anna are excited to welcome Jessica Yeager from Dream College Summit back again to learn about what new insights are available for Dream College Summit 2019, including top trends, art schools, athletics, applying to STEM schools and more! Mark and Anna also grill Jessica on why she chose Harvard over MIT for her undergraduate degree. Make sure you get your free ticket to Dream College Summit happening in May 2019.
2019-05-1645 minCollege Admissions with Mark and AnnaDream College Summit 2019 with Jessica YeagerMark and Anna are excited to welcome Jessica Yeager from Dream College Summit back again to learn about what new insights are available for Dream College Summit 2019, including top trends, art schools, athletics, applying to STEM schools and more! Mark and Anna also grill Jessica on why she chose Harvard over MIT for her undergraduate degree. Make sure you get your free ticket to Dream College Summit happening in May 2019.
2019-05-1600 minCollege Admissions with Mark and AnnaMaking the Most of Learning Differences in High School and CollegeEducational consulting addresses many common issues of the application process; however, applications for students with learning disabilities and the schools that support them is an incredibly important – but often underrepresented and often misunderstood – area of educational consulting. Working with high school students applying to colleges requires an increasing number of steps and areas for consideration. However, schools that understand and support learning disabilities provide additional considerations, knowledge, experience and support for students are adds another dynamic to the application and admissions process. While college admission becomes even more complex some opportunities – like applying to specific departments – have become even more com...
2019-04-2700 min
College Admissions with Mark and AnnaScandal, Designing Activities, and More with College Admissions Toolbox's Steve SchwartzJoin Mark and Anna as they co-host a special episode with Steve Schwartz from College Admissions Toolbox as they discuss the college admissions scandal, designing activities, and letting passion guide your way to the perfect resume! Learn more about College Admissions Toolbox at http://www.collegeadmissionstoolbox.com.
2019-04-0900 min
College Admissions with Mark and AnnaScandal, Designing Activities, and More with College Admissions Toolbox's Steve SchwartzJoin Mark and Anna as they co-host a special episode with Steve Schwartz from College Admissions Toolbox as they discuss the college admissions scandal, designing activities, and letting passion guide your way to the perfect resume! Learn more about College Admissions Toolbox at http://www.collegeadmissionstoolbox.com.
2019-04-0947 min
College Admissions with Mark and AnnaCollege Admissions Scandal vs. College Admissions Reality ShowThe college admissions scandal has stormed the media! While everyone enjoys a good scandal, join Mark and Anna as they offer perspective on the scandal but also true practices (for better or worse) in college admissions.
While Mark and Anna chat about some of the issues associated with the college application and admissions process that have fallen from grace, more importantly, they are going to refocus on those components of the college application process that are most important in the evaluation of college applicants as well as the most important things to focus on when developing your application-and...
2019-03-151h 03
College Admissions with Mark and AnnaCollege Admissions Scandal vs. College Admissions Reality ShowThe college admissions scandal has stormed the media! While everyone enjoys a good scandal, join Mark and Anna as they offer perspective on the scandal but also true practices (for better or worse) in college admissions.
While Mark and Anna chat about some of the issues associated with the college application and admissions process that have fallen from grace, more importantly, they are going to refocus on those components of the college application process that are most important in the evaluation of college applicants as well as the most important things to focus on when developing your application-and...
2019-03-1500 min
College Admissions with Mark and AnnaROI vs. Elite in College Admissions - A New TargetWith college loan debts increasing far beyond any healthy, logical, or sustainable level—approaching 1.6 Trillion dollars, and the average student accruing $37,000 of debt by graduation—the illogical and unsupported quest to pursue and attend only a handful of elite schools with less than 15% acceptance rates and COAs over $70,000 a year… may finally be in recession. Many students and parents are paying attention to the mounting research and overwhelming evidence that shows going into debt for undergraduate education is a bad long-term investment. Enter in the era of “ROI”! Join Mark and Anna as they explore the significance of return on investm...
2019-02-0700 min
College Admissions with Mark and AnnaROI vs. Elite in College Admissions - A New TargetWith college loan debts increasing far beyond any healthy, logical, or sustainable level—approaching 1.6 Trillion dollars, and the average student accruing $37,000 of debt by graduation—the illogical and unsupported quest to pursue and attend only a handful of elite schools with less than 15% acceptance rates and COAs over $70,000 a year… may finally be in recession. Many students and parents are paying attention to the mounting research and overwhelming evidence that shows going into debt for undergraduate education is a bad long-term investment. Enter in the era of “ROI”! Join Mark and Anna as they explore the significance of return on investm...
2019-02-0750 min
College Admissions with Mark and AnnaTop Takeaways on Admissions, Testing, Tours and more from the LA IECA ConferenceAnna and Mark recently attended the IECA National Conference in sunny Los Angeles, California—and took over the house! Okay, maybe not so much as took over as rolled through. Join Mark and Anna as they give you the dirt that they received straight from admissions themselves and cut down on the stress as they discuss tours of LA schools, admissions thoughts on test scores and the factors that actually get you in vs. qualifying you.
2019-01-0400 min
College Admissions with Mark and AnnaTop Takeaways on Admissions, Testing, Tours and more from the LA IECA ConferenceAnna and Mark recently attended the IECA National Conference in sunny Los Angeles, California—and took over the house! Okay, maybe not so much as took over as rolled through. Join Mark and Anna as they give you the dirt that they received straight from admissions themselves and cut down on the stress as they discuss tours of LA schools, admissions thoughts on test scores and the factors that actually get you in vs. qualifying you.
2019-01-0448 min
College Admissions with Mark and AnnaMaking the Most Out of Campus VisitsHeading out for some school tours? From figuring out fit, culture, and where to find comfort food to demonstrating interest, learn how to make the most of campus visits as Anna and Mark cover questions to ask, what to look out for, what to do, and who to talk to.
2018-11-0500 min
College Admissions with Mark and AnnaMaking the Most Out of Campus VisitsHeading out for some school tours? From figuring out fit, culture, and where to find comfort food to demonstrating interest, learn how to make the most of campus visits as Anna and Mark cover questions to ask, what to look out for, what to do, and who to talk to.
2018-11-0545 min
College Admissions with Mark and AnnaToo Young to Prepare for an Alma Mater?As college applications and admissions becomes more competitive each year and the financial ramifications of choosing the right school is even more important and daunting… parents desperately recognize that preparing earlier is better than later. But how early is too early? Join Mark and Anna as they discuss when and how to start preparing for college admissions so that you are on track to deliver "what schools want."
2018-10-0200 min
College Admissions with Mark and AnnaToo Young to Prepare for an Alma Mater?As college applications and admissions becomes more competitive each year and the financial ramifications of choosing the right school is even more important and daunting… parents desperately recognize that preparing earlier is better than later. But how early is too early? Join Mark and Anna as they discuss when and how to start preparing for college admissions so that you are on track to deliver "what schools want."
2018-10-0247 min
College Admissions with Mark and AnnaCourse Selection vs. Finding Your Path?Whether you are a sophomore thinking about college, a junior/senior stepping into the application/admissions arena or a recent graduate who is headed to college for further academic enrichment and excitement… selecting courses and classes seems to be almost an afterthought for many students. This seems backwards, doesn’t it?
It's back to school and you're wondering what classes you should pick? Should you try taking that harder class? Should you stick to classes related to your major or classes that will deem you "more competitive" based on the university's preferences. Join Mark and Anna as they...
2018-08-3049 min
College Admissions with Mark and AnnaCourse Selection vs. Finding Your Path?Whether you are a sophomore thinking about college, a junior/senior stepping into the application/admissions arena or a recent graduate who is headed to college for further academic enrichment and excitement… selecting courses and classes seems to be almost an afterthought for many students. This seems backwards, doesn’t it?
It's back to school and you're wondering what classes you should pick? Should you try taking that harder class? Should you stick to classes related to your major or classes that will deem you "more competitive" based on the university's preferences. Join Mark and Anna as they...
2018-08-3000 min
College Admissions with Mark and AnnaStaying Healthy (Mentally, Emotionally, Physically) in College AdmissionsA majority of students can make it through high school and college, and some will do so with incredibly high grades while achieving amazing things. However, increasingly more high school and college students are finding the stresses of academics to be overwhelming. High School and college counselors are reporting the number of students seeking help for depression and anxiety is increasing at an alarming rate, higher than most have seen in their careers. Join Mark and Anna as they tackle how you can help your teens stay healthy - mind, body, and soul - when it comes to academics...
2018-07-1146 min
College Admissions with Mark and AnnaStaying Healthy (Mentally, Emotionally, Physically) in College AdmissionsA majority of students can make it through high school and college, and some will do so with incredibly high grades while achieving amazing things. However, increasingly more high school and college students are finding the stresses of academics to be overwhelming. High School and college counselors are reporting the number of students seeking help for depression and anxiety is increasing at an alarming rate, higher than most have seen in their careers. Join Mark and Anna as they tackle how you can help your teens stay healthy - mind, body, and soul - when it comes to academics...
2018-07-1100 min
College Admissions with Mark and AnnaWhat’cha Doing This Summer?School is almost out and its time to figure out what to do this summer, besides soaking in the sun with your friends. While we've talked about activities in general, summer offers a unique opportunity to focus on development. Join Mark and Anna as they discuss the different types of activities you can dive into, how to use summer for "two-fers" and what are some not so great ideas for how to spend your summer.
2018-06-0600 min
College Admissions with Mark and AnnaWhat’cha Doing This Summer?School is almost out and its time to figure out what to do this summer, besides soaking in the sun with your friends. While we've talked about activities in general, summer offers a unique opportunity to focus on development. Join Mark and Anna as they discuss the different types of activities you can dive into, how to use summer for "two-fers" and what are some not so great ideas for how to spend your summer.
2018-06-0657 min
College Admissions with Mark and AnnaBig Fish in Little Pond: What’s the Lure?Inspired by Malcolm Gladwell's book, David and Goliath, Mark and Anna discuss how to assess "big fish in a little pond" opportunities. As you look at schools, narrow your list, and make decisions, this is another factor to keep in mind. Join Mark and Anna as they revisit "best fit" and encourage students to consider the long-term impacts of being pushed to the edge academically, intellectually vs. learning comfortably, and reflecting on life and its many paths to fulfillment in this latest episode. If you're narrowing down your list and it is between an academically rigorous option and another...
2018-04-2253 min
College Admissions with Mark and AnnaBig Fish in Little Pond: What’s the Lure?Inspired by Malcolm Gladwell's book, David and Goliath, Mark and Anna discuss how to assess "big fish in a little pond" opportunities. As you look at schools, narrow your list, and make decisions, this is another factor to keep in mind. Join Mark and Anna as they revisit "best fit" and encourage students to consider the long-term impacts of being pushed to the edge academically, intellectually vs. learning comfortably, and reflecting on life and its many paths to fulfillment in this latest episode. If you're narrowing down your list and it is between an academically rigorous option and another...
2018-04-2200 min
College Admissions with Mark and AnnaOffer Letters: Rainbow of Emotions and What to Look Out ForAll the work and sacrifice – applications completed, essays written, weekends lost, and joy-filled NetFlix binges missed… has finally paid off. THEY want you! Colleges want you! The golden ticket with notice of admission has been issued to you and now all you need to do is select which fabulous school you and your pet goldfish will head to in September. Join Mark and Anna as they walk you through this final step of the college admissions process - from where to check your results to what you need to look out for- Mark and Anna have you covered!
2018-04-0646 min
College Admissions with Mark and AnnaOffer Letters: Rainbow of Emotions and What to Look Out ForAll the work and sacrifice – applications completed, essays written, weekends lost, and joy-filled NetFlix binges missed… has finally paid off. THEY want you! Colleges want you! The golden ticket with notice of admission has been issued to you and now all you need to do is select which fabulous school you and your pet goldfish will head to in September. Join Mark and Anna as they walk you through this final step of the college admissions process - from where to check your results to what you need to look out for- Mark and Anna have you covered!
2018-04-0600 min
College Admissions with Mark and AnnaArt School Admissions with Tali NesherJoin us as we talk to Tali Nesher, a former literary agent, NYU Tisch graduate and independent educational consultant specializing in the arts. Tali will be offering expertise on applying to different types of art programs and the value of an art education. If you're worried about your child becoming a starving artist, listen to Tali as she talks about how versatile an art degree can be, in addition to information about the process of applying for art programs. Tali Nesher graduated from New York University with a BFA in Film and Television Production. She started her career as...
2018-02-2800 min
College Admissions with Mark and AnnaCollege: Beyond AdmissionsYou've gotten into college. Now what? After spending most of high school preparing for this next step, what do you need to be successful in college and even in life? Join Mark and Anna as the cover the top skills you need for life in college and beyond. From accepting criticism and making healthy choices to tying a tie, Mark and Anna tackle life beyond the application.
2018-01-2242 min
College Admissions with Mark and AnnaCollege: Beyond AdmissionsYou've gotten into college. Now what? After spending most of high school preparing for this next step, what do you need to be successful in college and even in life? Join Mark and Anna as the cover the top skills you need for life in college and beyond. From accepting criticism and making healthy choices to tying a tie, Mark and Anna tackle life beyond the application.
2018-01-2200 min
College Admissions with Mark and AnnaExtracurricular Activities: What do they want from us?!With so many people around you juggling 20 activities, you wonder..do I really need 20 activities? What is the point of these extracurricular activities? What kind of activities should I have? Is there ever too much or too few? What are the "must have" activities? Join Mark and Anna as they answer these questions and more, including whether or not family obligations count as an activity.
2018-01-0800 min
College Admissions with Mark and AnnaExtracurricular Activities: What do they want from us?!With so many people around you juggling 20 activities, you wonder..do I really need 20 activities? What is the point of these extracurricular activities? What kind of activities should I have? Is there ever too much or too few? What are the "must have" activities? Join Mark and Anna as they answer these questions and more, including whether or not family obligations count as an activity.
2018-01-0840 min
College Admissions with Mark and AnnaThe Dish on Applying for Med School with Todd FaubionWith medical school acceptance rates being so low, join Mark and Anna as they talk with expert Todd Faubion on his advice on maximizing your chances for getting into medical school. He'll also cover advice on how you can prepare as a high school student and college student and discuss what you can do if you aren't accepted the first time. If you or your child is thinking about joining the health profession, this is one episode you must check out.
2017-11-1000 min
College Admissions with Mark and AnnaThe Dish on Applying for Med School with Todd FaubionWith medical school acceptance rates being so low, join Mark and Anna as they talk with expert Todd Faubion on his advice on maximizing your chances for getting into medical school. He'll also cover advice on how you can prepare as a high school student and college student and discuss what you can do if you aren't accepted the first time. If you or your child is thinking about joining the health profession, this is one episode you must check out.
2017-11-1058 min
College Admissions with Mark and AnnaCollege Food - And Why It's ImportantFood - its necessary for survival and is often an overlooked attribute. If your stomach is not satisfied, your brain will not work optimally and your academic - and social potential may take a nosedive. Join Mark and Anna as they talk about what you should be looking for when you think about college and food. From common food mistakes to where to find food and survive on a student budget, they've got you covered in this fun episode.
Todd Faubion supports individuals pursuing advanced degrees in the health sciences. He is based in Seattle but supports clients...
2017-10-0700 min
College Admissions with Mark and AnnaCollege Food - And Why It's ImportantFood - its necessary for survival and is often an overlooked attribute. If your stomach is not satisfied, your brain will not work optimally and your academic - and social potential may take a nosedive. Join Mark and Anna as they talk about what you should be looking for when you think about college and food. From common food mistakes to where to find food and survive on a student budget, they've got you covered in this fun episode.
2017-10-0758 min
College Admissions with Mark and AnnaStanding Out Positively with Learning Disabilities featuring Dr. Shirag Shemmassian from Shemmassian Academic ConsultingJoin us as we talk to Dr. Shirag Shemmassian, Founder of Shemmassian Academic Consulting. As a graduate of both Cornell University and UCLA, Shirag will be offering expertise on applying as a student who has faced learning challenges, in addition to sharing his own personal admissions journey as someone who has a disability. Join us for real wisdom as we tackle the biggest questions when it comes to helping families apply when the applicant has faced unique challenges and how to use it to share a compelling story with admissions. Get Shirag's FREE guide–The 10 College Admissions Secrets No On...
2017-09-0500 min
College Admissions with Mark and AnnaGetting into your Dream School with Jessica Yeager from Dream College SummitJoin us as we talk to Jessica Yeager, Founder of Dream College Summit and Impress the Ivies. Jessica will be dishing on her own college journey as an alumnus of both Harvard for undergrad and MIT for graduate school. She will also be covering new trends in college admissions and her best tips for getting into your dream school, especially the Ivies and other elite schools. You will get insider insight on everything from testing to interviews to financial aid and scholarships! Get your FREE ticket to Dream College Summit here.
2017-08-1800 min
College Admissions with Mark and AnnaDesigning the College ListCongratulations… you are ready to apply to college. But which colleges do you apply to and how many? And even more importantly, how do you pick your list and narrow it down? What factors should you consider and what are some resources you can use? Join Mark and Anna as they tackle these important topics and more, including great resources to get your party/list started!
2017-07-3100 min
College Admissions with Mark and AnnaDesigning the College ListCongratulations… you are ready to apply to college. But which colleges do you apply to and how many? And even more importantly, how do you pick your list and narrow it down? What factors should you consider and what are some resources you can use? Join Mark and Anna as they tackle these important topics and more, including great resources to get your party/list started!
2017-07-3155 min
College Admissions with Mark and AnnaEssays: The Good, Bad, and UglyCollege essay topics are out! Join Anna and Mark as they discuss the do's, don'ts, and their favorite essays on this episode in which they cover how to brainstorm and create a college application essay that stands out. They'll cover what colleges are looking for in the essay, what mistakes to avoid, and their favorite tips on how to come up with some memorable essays!
2017-07-1052 min
College Admissions with Mark and AnnaEssays: The Good, Bad, and UglyCollege essay topics are out! Join Anna and Mark as they discuss the do's, don'ts, and their favorite essays on this episode in which they cover how to brainstorm and create a college application essay that stands out. They'll cover what colleges are looking for in the essay, what mistakes to avoid, and their favorite tips on how to come up with some memorable essays!
2017-07-1000 min
College Admissions with Mark and AnnaReal College Journeys with Aleks StefanovskaJoin us as we talk to Aleksandra (Aleks) Stefanovska, Founder of Pain Free to College and first generation college student on her college journey, where she dishes on her advice to students applying to college for the first time. She covers everything from having the right support to how to select schools and where to spend your time.
Aleksandra (Aleks) Stefanovska is a proud graduate of Georgetown University, which is located in our nation’s beautiful capitol, Washington, DC. She has two degrees from Georgetown, thus a double-hoya. She started with a a Bachelors of Arts degree in...
2017-04-1500 min
College Admissions with Mark and AnnaDecisions Are In - What Do I Do Now?College decisions are in! It can be a very exciting and confusing time for many students and their families. In this episode, Anna and Mark are here to advise on what happens when regular decision results are in. They'll cover acceptances, waitlists, and rejections and different ways to try to figure out which school you should move forward with - from March Madness brackets to campus visits to how to write a letter to admissions. Mark and Anna have got you covered in this episode.
2017-04-0132 min
College Admissions with Mark and AnnaDecisions Are In - What Do I Do Now?College decisions are in! It can be a very exciting and confusing time for many students and their families. In this episode, Anna and Mark are here to advise on what happens when regular decision results are in. They'll cover acceptances, waitlists, and rejections and different ways to try to figure out which school you should move forward with - from March Madness brackets to campus visits to how to write a letter to admissions. Mark and Anna have got you covered in this episode.
2017-04-0100 min
College Admissions with Mark and AnnaReal College Journeys with Liz TenetyJoin us as we talk to Liz Tenety, Co-Founder of Motherly and former Washington Post writer, on her college journey, where she discusses how she decided to transfer to her dream school, despite loving the school where she went to and how it has made all the difference. If the thought of not getting into your dream school or the idea of transferring scares you, this episode and Liz's uplifting journey is for you!
2017-03-1000 min
College Admissions with Mark and AnnaCollege Interviews: The Myths, They Magic, The MirthYou've finished writing essays and sent your application in. Now, you get an email about a college admissions interview. They want to meet you! In this episode, Mark and Anna cover your most common questions regarding the interview, such as how important are they really, what questions should you be prepared to answer and what should you ask at the end. We'll cover etiquette on both in-person and online interview, how long an interview should last, and more!
2017-03-0300 min
College Admissions with Mark and AnnaCollege Interviews: The Myths, They Magic, The MirthYou've finished writing essays and sent your application in. Now, you get an email about a college admissions interview. They want to meet you! In this episode, Mark and Anna cover your most common questions regarding the interview, such as how important are they really, what questions should you be prepared to answer and what should you ask at the end. We'll cover etiquette on both in-person and online interview, how long an interview should last, and more!
2017-03-0354 min
College Admissions with Mark and AnnaGoing to College on OPM (Other People's Money) - Financial Aid, Merit Aid, Loans, and MoreThe average public school's cost of attendance can range from $25 to $45k a year. For private schools, the average university cost can be $60k to $70k! In this episode, Mark and Anna talk about ways you can go to college on OPM (other people's money) through financial and merit aid. Learn more about the process as well and how scholarships can help you cut back on loans. Additional topics covered include what goes into determining a family's expected family contribution and how to apply for aid and scholarships.
2017-02-0900 min
College Admissions with Mark and AnnaGoing to College on OPM (Other People's Money) - Financial Aid, Merit Aid, Loans, and MoreThe average public school's cost of attendance can range from $25 to $45k a year. For private schools, the average university cost can be $60k to $70k! In this episode, Mark and Anna talk about ways you can go to college on OPM (other people's money) through financial and merit aid. Learn more about the process as well and how scholarships can help you cut back on loans. Additional topics covered include what goes into determining a family's expected family contribution and how to apply for aid and scholarships.
2017-02-0941 min
College Admissions with Mark and AnnaDeadlines, Results, DecisionsNow that most of the results from early action and early decision are in, its time to make sense of it all. Learn about the different deadlines, possible results, and what to do next. Also learn what types of deadlines might work best for you and your family, especially as it comes to financial and merit aid.
2017-01-1400 min
College Admissions with Mark and AnnaROI of Using an Independent Educational ConsultantEver consider using a consultant to help you with the college admissions process? Their more common name is IEC. Learn the benefits and values of using an IEC and who they are most beneficial for. We'll also talk about the different type of ways you can work with an IEC, how to pick one, and what the REAL costs are. Not the ones inflated by the media. Join Mark and Anna as they give you the real dirt about using someone to help with the college admissions process.
2016-12-2900 min
College Admissions with Mark and AnnaROI of Using an Independent Educational ConsultantEver consider using a consultant to help you with the college admissions process? Their more common name is IEC. Learn the benefits and values of using an IEC and who they are most beneficial for. We'll also talk about the different type of ways you can work with an IEC, how to pick one, and what the REAL costs are. Not the ones inflated by the media. Join Mark and Anna as they give you the real dirt about using someone to help with the college admissions process.
2016-12-2954 min
College Admissions with Mark and AnnaRankings - What's the big deal and does it really matter?There are so many lists on rankings out there. What is worth considering when looking at these lists? Do they even matter? We'll also review different types of lists out there.
For additional resources, please check out:
How to Make Sense of College Rankings
Best and Worst College Food
US News College Rankings
Forbes College Ranking Methodology
Forbes Top Colleges
2016-11-1200 min
College Admissions with Mark and AnnaGap Year - What Are They? Why Take One?Ever since Malia Obama decided to take a gap year, it has been a widely discussed topic in college admissions. So what is a gap year? Why take one? Learn the answers to these questions and more as we delve into what types of gap year opportunities exist, what the benefits are of taking one, how it fits with the college admissions process and how to "pitch" one to your parents in this week's podcast.
2016-11-0500 min
College Admissions with Mark and AnnaThe Importance of Meeting Face to FaceWhile the internet has certainly made it easier to research and learn more about a school, meeting face to face and visiting a campus in person can make a big difference. Learn the benefits and what to look for when visiting campuses, when the best time to visit is, and more in this week's episode.
2016-10-2900 min
College Admissions with Mark and AnnaNiceness - The New Factor in College AdmissionsThanks to Harvard's Turning the Tide Report, more schools are being asked to evaluate how "nice" a student is in the college admissions process. Learn more about how you can genuinely demonstrate your "niceness" in today's podcast.
Join Mark Hofer and Anna Ren as they talk about the new factor in college admissions and different ways schools may be evaluating how nice a student is.
2016-10-2225 min
College Admissions with Mark and AnnaNiceness - The New Factor in College AdmissionsThanks to Harvard's Turning the Tide Report, more schools are being asked to evaluate how "nice" a student is in the college admissions process. Learn more about how you can genuinely demonstrate your "niceness" in today's podcast.
Join Mark Hofer and Anna Ren as they talk about the new factor in college admissions and different ways schools may be evaluating how nice a student is.
2016-10-2200 min
The Weekly Yes, And PodcastEntrepreneur Series: It's Okay to Fail with Anna Ren!In this entrepreneur BONUS series Travis interviews people from all over the world who left their ordinary life behind in order to listen to and follow their calling. In this week's YAP, Travis talks with Anna Ren who founded Elite Advantage Prep. Anna is on a mission to make applying for college as transparent and stress-free as possible for families everywhere. Anna is the Founder of Elite Advantage Prep and the affordable online college planning course, Prep for Success.
Sign up to receive instant access to her free college planning mini-course “Prep for Success: College Planning for Teens.
In this...
2016-10-1939 min