Shows
Your College Bound Kid | Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission InterviewsWhat Benefits Do You Get Besides Prestige If You Go To An Elite CollegeIn this episode you will hear: Mark brings back Anika and Dave to give updates and to celebrate the start of year 8 Mark interviews Dean Christoph Guttentag, Understanding How Duke Makes Admissions Decisions Part 3 of 3 o Christoph make such an important point about the angular student and the well-rounded student that we start by letting you hear the last few minutes from part 2 of our interview o Christoph answers the question, has he seen the rise of students doing their own research and how does the admissions office perceive this o Christoph walks us through what their 1-5 rubric is and he...2025-02-101h 45
Your College Bound Kid | Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission InterviewsEx-Dean may go to jail for changing rankingsIn this episode you will hear: (12:10) In this week’s news segment, an article from Scott Jaschik of Inside Higher Ed. The article looks at the ways in which former Temple business school dean, , manipulated the data in order to help Temple climb up in the rankings. Mark and Dave have a conversation about what students and parents can learn from this debacle. (29:20) This week’s question is from a dad in Georgia and he wants to know how easy will it be for his daughter to switch majors if she gets to college and realizes that English or Journalism is no lo...2021-05-131h 28
Your College Bound Kid | Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission InterviewsSupreme Court Seems Ready to Back Payments to Student-AthletesIn this episode you will hear: (09:08) In this week’s news segment, an article from New York Times “Supreme Court Seems Ready to Back Payments to Student-Athletes”, by Adam Liptak. Justices across the ideological spectrum teamed up during to voice skepticism about the ’s position that it could bar relatively modest payments to student-athletes in the name of amateurism despite the antitrust laws. But some of the same justices also seemed worried about opening the floodgates to further challenges. (27:15) We’re in final chapter of 171 Answers – how to develop character that withstands life’s storms. Mark and Anika discuss some key qualities that d...2021-05-061h 30
Your College Bound Kid | Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission InterviewsYes, It’s Harder to Get Into Highly Selective Colleges TodayIn this episode you will hear: (08:17) In this week’s news segment, an article from Education Next “Yes, It Really Is Harder to Get into Highly Selective Colleges Today” by Michael Petrilli. The conventional wisdom is that it’s now much harder to be accepted into highly selective colleges and universities than it was a generation ago. According to the median SAT scores of most of the 100 top national universities and 50 top liberal arts colleges (as determined by the 2020 US News and World Report college rankings) – by measure - scores for the most selective institutions have risen significantly over the past generat...2021-04-081h 44
Your College Bound Kid | Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission InterviewsWanted: Students for Admission to CollegeIn this episode you will hear: (06:42) In this week’s news segment, an article from Forbes “Wanted: Students for Admission to College” by Brennan Bernard. There is a subset of colleges and universities who have seen record increases in applications this year (thanks in part to pandemic-induced test-optional policies), but the reality is that this is predominantly among and others are seeing declining numbers. The more concerning trends are that fewer first-generation and low-income students submitted applications and that have fallen (by more than 9% as of late February). Students are more valuable than ever and the pandemic has changed how colleges r...2021-04-012h 01
Your College Bound Kid | Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission InterviewsThe Mess that is college admissions (Part 3 of 3)In this episode you will hear: (04:59) In this week’s news segment, an article from Vox “The Mess That is Elite College Admissions, Explained by a Former Dean” Jason England. The dean of an elite liberal arts university shares 8 things that he wishes people understood about his old job in admissions and its wide-ranging controversies. In our final segment Mark and Dave discuss points 5-8. (28:22) We’re in chapter 161 of 171 Answers – affirmative action for rich kids. Mark just makes a few points on this topic that we haven’t covered. Mark reveals an admissions strategy that is seldom discussed to target affluent...2021-02-251h 36
Your College Bound Kid | Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission InterviewsThe Mess That Is Elite College AdmissionsIn this episode you will hear: (16:07) In this week’s news segment, an article from Vox “The Mess That is Elite College Admissions, Explained by a Former Dean” by Jason England. The former dean of an elite liberal arts university shares 8 things that he wishes people understood about his old job in admissions and its wide-ranging controversies. These eight points are so relevant to today that Mark and Dave are breaking this up into a four-part series. They discuss the first and second point of the eight in this episode. (55:00) We’re in chapter 159 of 171 Answers and we’re talking through the a...2021-02-111h 45
Your College Bound Kid | Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission InterviewsTop College Should Grow, Not Crow About Rejecting Nearly EveryoneIn this episode you will hear: (07:10) In this week’s news segment, an article from The Washington Post “Top colleges should grow, rather than crow about rejecting nearly everyone” by Jay Matthews. Matthews shares what he considers the most compelling reasons Jeff Selingo gives for colleges to consider serious reform against rigid admissions criteria. Mark and Dave discuss whether they agree with Selingo and whether or not these ideas are realistic. (37:53) We’re in chapter 143 of 171 Answers and we’re talking through need-blind and need-aware admissions. Mark and Anika discuss the differences between need-blind and need-aware admissions and Mark shares the advantag...2020-10-221h 52
Your College Bound Kid | Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission InterviewsA Guide to Virtual College Admissions ToolsIn this episode you will hear: (09:13) In this week’s news segment, an article from US News and World Report, “A Guide to Virtual College Admissions Tools”, by Josh Moody. Virtual tours, chatbots and Zoom calls with admissions officers all offer ways for applicants to engage. The coronavirus caused colleges and universities to quickly ramp up their efforts to engage with prospective students. (28:02) We are in Chapter 137 of 171 Answers and Mark talks us through what we need to know about state-based aid. Mark and Anika discuss why does state-base aid fly under the radar so much. Mark shares an incredible resource...2020-09-101h 40
Your College Bound Kid | Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission InterviewsThe Return of the Campus TourIn this episode you will hear: (06:04) In this week’s news segment, an article from Inside Higher Ed, “The Return of the Campus Tour”, by Scott Jaschik. There are some in-person campus tours that are back in operation – though with several new rules to preserve the safety of visitors. Mark and Dave discuss how to navigate yourself through the new world of college tours. (18:45) We are in Chapter 136 of 171 Answers and Mark talks us through ways to lower costs for students who are already enrolled in college. Mark and Anika discuss six or seven cost saving tips for current college students...2020-09-031h 24
Your College Bound Kid | Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission InterviewsRethinking Effective Student Learning ExperiencesIn this episode you will hear: (13:24) In this week’s news segment, an article from Inside Higher Ed, “Rethinking Effective Student Learning Experiences”, by Patrick Terenzini. There are six characteristics of an environment that demonstrate an effective learning experience for students. Dave and Mark discuss each of these six teaching methods. Listeners are encouraged to evaluate their own high school and the colleges they are considering through the prism of these six proven effective teaching methods. (41:38) We are in Chapter 133 of 171 Answers and Mark outlines how the typical family pays for college. Mark shares the research about how much parents pay and...2020-08-132h 00
Your College Bound Kid | Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission InterviewsPanicked Universities Adding Thousands of New MajorsIn this episode you will hear: (08:12) In this week’s news segment, an article from Hechinger Report, “Panicked universities in search of students are adding thousands of new majors”, by Jon Marcus. Administrators at colleges and universities across the country have been investing scarce resources in large numbers of new programs they hope will boost declining enrollments. (29:27) We are in Chapter 132 of 171 Answers and Mark explains what department scholarships are and how students can get them. Mark and Anika take a look at Iowa State’s Department scholarships so listeners can see an example of some of the common characteristics of Depart...2020-08-061h 50
Your College Bound Kid | Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission InterviewsBrown University Cuts 11 of Its Varsity SportsIn this episode you will hear: (21:49) In this week’s news segment, an article from Providence Journal, “Brown University Will Cut 11 of Its Varsity Sports”, by Bill Koch. 150 student athletes and 7 coaches will be impacted by Brown’s decision to cut 11 of its varsity sports for the 2020-2021 academic year. The decision will result in roughly $500,000 to reallocate to the university’s budget. Mark and Dave discuss multiple reasons why Brown may have been prompted to make this decision. (39:02) We are in Chapter 124 of 171 Answers and Mark gives 15 reasons why the Federal Direct Loan is unquestionably the best loan that almost all st...2020-06-112h 11
Your College Bound Kid | Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission InterviewsUniversity of CA Suspends SAT/ACT RequirementIn this episode you will hear: (06:05) In this week’s news segment, an article from Los Angeles Times, “UC Makes Landmark Decision to Drop ACT/SAT Requirement for Admissions”, by Teresa Watanabe . A unanimous decision made by the UC regents voted to suspend SAT and ACT testing requirements through 2024. (39:51) We are in Chapter 122 of 171 Answers and we are explaining what the Parent PLUS loan is. Anika asks Mark her frequently asked questions about the Parent PLUS loan and Mark answers them. (01:01:51) This week’s question is from Patrice and she wants to know of any advice for juniors on activities they could...2020-05-282h 02
Your College Bound Kid | Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission Interviews“The Big If” Will colleges return to residential education in the fallIn this episode you will hear: (20:38) In this week’s news segment, an article from Lilah Burke of Inside Higher Ed, “The Big If’. The article looks at how colleges are beginning to telegraph what their plans are for the fall. Mark and Dave discuss the five main different approaches that colleges are planning on taking for the fall. Mark and Dave discuss each of these five approaches and they give their thoughts on each approach. (49:11) We are in Chapter 118 of 171 Answers and Mark explains the history and context of the Pell Grant. Mark shares how individuals qualify and disqualify for the...2020-04-302h 20
Your College Bound Kid | Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission InterviewsTest-optional Does Not Mean Test BlindIn this episode you will hear: (11:29) In this week’s news segment, an article from Applerouth.com, “Test-optional Does Not Mean Test Blind”, by Jed Applerouth. This article explains that admissions tests continue to play a key role at many colleges and universities, and families should know that a variety of factors are at play when a school chooses to go test-optional. Mark and Dave discuss why student should not misinterpret what test-optional really means. (43:36) We are in Chapter 117 of 171 Answers and Mark explains a few of the ways a family can increase their chances of getting need-based aid. As usual, A...2020-04-232h 02
Your College Bound Kid | Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission InterviewsHow COVID-19 has Changed Plans for Prospective StudentsIn this episode you will hear: (15:56) In this week’s news segment, an article from The Chronicle of Higher Education, “How is COVID-19 Changing Prospective Students’ Plans”, by Eric Hoover. With colleges being forced to cancel on-campus programs scheduled for March and April, surveys suggest that the result is that one in six high school seniors who expected to attend a 4-year institution are now considering different paths for the fall. (31:43) We are in Chapter 115 of 171 Answers and Mark walks us through the various ways to colleges use to evaluate who they will give a merit scholarship to. Once you know how...2020-04-092h 02
Your College Bound Kid | Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission InterviewsHow colleges are recruiting students without college toursIn this episode you will hear: (10:46) In this week’s news segment, an article from Inside Higher Ed by Scott Jaschik that discusses the variety of creative ways colleges are recruiting without students visiting their campuses. Mark and Dave have a robust discussion of this article (37:57) We are in Chapter 114 of 171 Answers and we are in the final part of how to find merit scholarships. Mark and Anika talk about specific websites students and parents can go to in order to find merit scholarships. Mark also recommends the following resource to help students identify which schools are the most generous with...2020-04-021h 46
Your College Bound Kid | Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission InterviewsForced into Marriage for Financial AidIn this episode you will hear: (08:53) In this week’s news segment, an article from Huffington Post, I Was Forced To Get Married To Finish College. Here’s Why And What Has To Change, by Samantha Huls. Estranged from her parents and as an only resort, Huls married her boyfriend to declare herself as an independent to secure federal financial aid. (21:00) We are in Chapter 111 of 171 Answers and Mark talks about the three different sources of money for college. He also discusses the various ways merit scholarships are meted out. (33:23) This week’s question is from Suzie in Brazile and she want...2020-03-121h 32
Your College Bound Kid | Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission InterviewsThe Rise of the Mega UniversityIn this episode you will hear: (09:18) In this week’s news segment, an article from the Chronicle of Higher Ed, The Rise of the Mega-University, by Lee Gardiner. Mega-Universities Are On the Rise. They Could Reshape Higher Ed as We Know It. (32:21) We are in Chapter 110 of 171 Answers and Mark and Anika discuss the five or six most-asked questions about the requirement to submit the non-custodial parent PROFILE application. We also talk about the cardinal rule that colleges that require the PROFILE use to determine when they are going to require the non-custodial parent to submit their financial information and whe...2020-03-051h 40
Your College Bound Kid | Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission InterviewsMany colleges plan on poaching studentsIn this episode you will hear: (05:03) In this week’s news segment, an article from Inside Higher Ed, by Lilah Burke entitled, “Preparing to Poach”. Mark and Dave discuss a new study by EAB that looked at over 150 colleges and asked them if they plan to recruit students from other schools after the student has enrolled in the school. The results of the study may surprise you. (24:37) We are in Chapter 109 of 171 Answers and Mark and Anika discuss the reasons why financial aid awards can be completely different between colleges, for the same student. (50:18) This week’s question is from Kirby in Col...2020-02-272h 01
Your College Bound Kid | Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission InterviewsThe top 10 Educational Stories in 2019-Part 2In this episode you will hear: Anika has a special announcement about a new format we will be implementing beginning in episode 109. (13:20) In this week’s news segment, an article from Forbes, “The Year’s Top Ten Educational Stories” (Part 2) by Michael Nietzel. Mark’s lifelong friend, Dr. Williams serves as the co-host for this episode. Mark and Dave discuss news stories 6-10 of the 10 biggest higher education news stories in 2019 according to Forbes (35:57) We are in Chapter 108 of 171 Answers and Mark and Dave discuss, What is the CSS PROFILE and how does it differ from the FAFSA. (49:39) Our question is from a dad...2020-02-201h 45
Your College Bound Kid | Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission InterviewsHow to Fix College Admissions, Part 2In this episode you will hear: (10:45) In this week’s news segment, an article from Wall Street Journal, “How to Fix College Admissions”, by Melissa Korn. Korn interviews several groups in the world of college admissions – admissions officers, counselors, parents, students - to identify ways in which the admissions system could be fixed. We continue by discussing points 4-7 the author makes. Next week we will finish the article by discussing points 8-10. (50:09) We are in Chapter 105 of 171 Answers and Mark shares financial aid questions that single, divorced, and remarried parents might have. Mark and Anika also discuss, how financial aid works...2020-01-301h 53
Your College Bound Kid | Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission InterviewsWhat Admissions Officers Really Want Part 2In this episode you will hear: (05:21) In this week’s news segment, an article from New York Times, “What Admissions Officers Really Want”, by Paul Tough. In Part 2 of our discussion of this excellent article we talk about a study of 150,000 SAT scores that looks at how accurate is the SAT, and when it is inaccurate, who does it hurt. We also look at what “financial-aid optimization counselors” do for the first time in our 103 episodes. These counselors are seldom revealed to the public but our podcast pulls back the curtain and let’s you know how the sausage is made. Mark s...2020-01-161h 28
Your College Bound Kid | Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission InterviewsWhat You Need to Know About the FAFSAIn this episode you will hear: (07:51) In this week’s news segment, an article from New York Times, “As Students Struggle With Stress and Depression, Colleges Act as Counselors”, by Brad Wolverton. This article dives into the efforts made by schools to address the increasing need for mental health services for college students. Wolverton shares several examples of how colleges are investing in their counseling staff and resources, forcing many schools to rethink their treatment strategies. (19:31) We are in Chapter 99 of 171 Answers and we’re talking through what you need to know about the very-important FAFSA. Anika and Mark each share five...2019-12-191h 24
Your College Bound Kid | Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission InterviewsWhy Your EFC Says You have to pay so much for collegeIn this episode you will hear: (08:17) In this week’s news segment, an article from The Atlantic, “College Admissions Hysteria Is Not the Norm”, by Alia Wong. A focus on highly selective schools obscures the experience of the vast majority of American undergraduates. Ms. Wong wrote this piece as a great reminder to us all that the majority of students are not facing the ultra-stressful admissions process in trying to get into highly selective schools – which tends to dominate media headlines. (27:39) We are in Chapter 98 of 171 Answers we we’ll be talking about why the EFC can sometimes say that families nee...2019-12-121h 39
Your College Bound Kid | Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission Interviews5 Reasons Why College Costs Are SkyrocketingIn this episode you will hear: (07:40) In this week’s news segment, an article from Wall Street Journal, “Welcome to College Now Take a Year Off”, by Melissa Korn. Some colleges are offering financial aid to encourage admitted students to stay away for a year, so they can travel, volunteer, or pursue other passions before starting their college enrollment. This is best known as taking a gap year. We discuss some of the reasons why Gap years are more popular than before. We talk about some of the recent trends when it comes to Gap years. As usual, Anika, asks great q...2019-11-211h 29
Your College Bound Kid | Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission InterviewsHow to Not Go Crazy from the Admissions ProcessIn this episode you will hear: (11:45) In this week’s news segment, an article from Wall Street Journal, “Colleges Rethink Athletic Special Admissions in Wake of Indictments”, by Melissa Korn and Brian Costa. The infamous William Rick Singer was exposed for targeting low profile sports to find coaches who would accept his bribes. The writers of this article suggest that these coaches were most vulnerable because of being the lesser paid among other coaches – such as football and basketball; and students in these sports are less likely to be tracked by school officials. Following the indictments of Mr. Singer, along with doz...2019-11-071h 25
Your College Bound Kid | Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission InterviewsHow Do Admissions Committees Make Decisions?In this episode you will hear: (06:12) In this week’s news, an article from savingforcollege.com, “Surge in Number of Colleges Cutting Tuition”, by Mark Kantrowitz. Between 2012 through 2018 small non-selective, private 4-year colleges began enacting tuition re-sets. These re-sets are a one-time reduction in a college’s tuition rate, usually accompanied by a cut in financial aid. (23:50) We are in chapter 87 of 171 Answers and we’re talking through how college admissions committees make their acceptance decisions. You may be surprised by how many evaluation systems are used by colleges. Mark introduces us to the Committee Based Evaluation method developed at the Universi...2019-09-261h 34
Your College Bound Kid | Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission InterviewsWhen Should You Start the Admissions Process?In this episode you will hear: (04:16) In this week’s news, an article from the University Gazette, “Study Finds that More AP Classes May Not Be Better”. University of NC Chapel Hill’s undergraduate office found that taking more than 5 AP courses, probably doesn’t prepare students any better for college. Taking AP courses up to that certain amount does help students in college. The article cites the original purpose of AP was to prepare students for college level work but that has now evolved into a mindset that the more AP’s the better. Many kids have been responding by taking on...2019-09-191h 22
Your College Bound Kid | Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission InterviewsWhat Parents Can Do Now for Kids 12 & UnderIn this episode you will hear: (04:45) In this week’s news, an article from The Atlantic, “Parents Gone Wild: High Drama Inside D.C.’s Most Elite Private School” by Adam Harris. Sidwell Friends, a highly selective Quaker school in Washington DC, has been dealing with abhorrent parent behavior that has resulted in the resignation of some of their college counseling staff. The conduct of these parents led to a list of policies that were released by the school’s leadership reminding parents of such things as: recording of conversations with counselors being prohibited; anonymous and/or unsubstantiated claims made about stude...2019-09-121h 30
Your College Bound Kid | Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission InterviewsHow Students Can Benefit from Honors CollegesIn this episode you will hear: (04:53) In this week’s news, an article from Wall Street Journal, “Survive College Application Season with the Family in One Piece” by Sue Shellenbarger. Many parents take total control of their kid’s application process believing that it’s too important for it to be a learning experience for their kids. Shellenbarger argues that though there is a role for the parent to play, students are usually most satisfied when they own the outcome. She goes on to share 14 recommendations for parents when their kids are applying to college. (17:54) We are in Chapter 84 of 171 Answers and...2019-09-051h 23
Your College Bound Kid | Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission Interviews5 Ways to use a resume in the admission processIn this episode you will hear: (06:50) In this week’s news, an article from Forbes, “Admission Deans Share Tips for College Applications” by Brennan Barnard. Recognizing the many students will procrastinate until days or even hours before their application deadlines, Barnard sought sound advice from admission leaders on how to avoid submitting low quality applications. (27:22) We are in Chapter 83 of 171 Answers and Mark and Anika discuss five different ways a college resume can be used in the college admissions process. We also discuss why come colleges do not like resumes and others love resumes. We also discuss some of the things...2019-08-291h 30
Your College Bound Kid | Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission InterviewsWhat is a Gap Year and Should I Take One?In this episode you will hear: (06:20) In this week’s news, an article from Pro-Publica.org, “Parents Are Giving Up Custody of Their Kids to Get Need-Based College Financial Aid” by Jodi Cohen and Melissa Sanchez. Dozens of rich families in Chicago have been discovered scamming the admissions system, this time as it relates to financial aid. These families are turning over guardianship of their teens to a friend or relative so the student can declare financial independence, which allows them to qualify for tuition and scholarships they would not be otherwise eligible for. This is a newly discovered scam and so...2019-08-221h 18
Your College Bound Kid | Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission InterviewsAdvice for Non-Traditional StudentsIn this episode you will hear: (5:28) In this week’s news, an article from Inside Higher Ed, “When Colleges Seek Diversity through Photoshop” by Scott Jaschik. Schools have been busted using Photoshop to add students of color into their marketing materials in places where the original photo was taken with a white student. Though the practice is deemed unethical, research has proven that over 75 percent of colleges appeared to over represent black students in their admissions publications. Most schools also over-represent Asian students. This is a major concern because many students rely on a university’s image to make their enrollment deci...2019-08-081h 44
Your College Bound Kid | Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission InterviewsThe Role of the High School CounselorIn this episode you will hear: (6:24) In this week’s news, an article from the Wall Street Journal, “Over 60 and Crushed by Student Loan Debt” by Anna Maria Andriotis. The last count for the amount of student loan debt owned by people over the age of 60 was $86 billion. These individuals either paid for their family to attend school or went back to enhance their own job prospects. One devastating way these amounts are being paid back is by garnishment of social security checks. Mark and Anika have a robust conversation about why student debt is escalating for people over 60. (28:24) We are in Cha...2019-08-011h 28
Your College Bound Kid | Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission InterviewsShould You Hire an Independent College Counselor?In this episode you will hear: (4:37) In this week’s news, an article from Business Insider, “7 Admissions Officers Share the Things They Never Tell Applicants” by Joel Butterly. Butterly shares the results from asking admission representatives from Yale, Brown, Stanford, University of Chicago, MIT, and Princeton & University of Pennsylvania – what they would share with their applicants if they could guide them through the process. They highlight the importance of being kind, respectful of the admissions staff time and the importance of not having a mediocre application, among the 7 key things for students to consider. Mark and Anika discuss all seven of the things they...2019-07-251h 35
Your College Bound Kid | Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission InterviewsHow are Transfer Students Evaluated?In this episode you will hear: (3:36) In this week’s news, an article from the Wall Street Journal, “Colleges Mine Data on their Applicants” by Douglas Belkin. Some colleges are tracking the online activity of prospective students to evaluate their demonstrated interest in the schools. From how fast they open their emails, if they click any links, to how long they spend reading the content. Belkin shares how schools, such as Seton Hall University in NJ, have a scoring system based on a student’s online activity. Mark and Anika have a robust discussion about whether this is appropriate. They also dis...2019-07-181h 02
Your College Bound Kid | Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission InterviewsMistakes Parents Make in the Application ProcessIn this episode you will hear: (5:03) In this week’s news, an article from The Atlantic, “College Sports Are Affirmative Action for Rich White Students” by Saahil, Desai. African American males are known to dominate college football and basketball, but according to Desai, this is not a true reflection of who has access to college sports. It was found that 61 percent of student athletes in 2017 were white, and that percentage was even higher for elite institutions. Lower profile sports favored by white student athletes like the following 13 sports: sailing, golf, water polo, fencing, and lacrosse (let me add squash and equestr...2019-07-111h 26
Your College Bound Kid | Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission InterviewsReasons Why Colleges Rescind AcceptancesIn this episode you will hear: (5:36) In this week’s news, a NY Times article “4 Years of College, $0 in Debt: How Some Countries Make Higher Education Affordable” by Lara Takenaga of the New York Times. Student debt in the US has reached $1.5 trillion while many recent graduates in other countries have graduated debt free. Takenaga’s article shares from a selection of over 800 college students from around the world who shared how they were able to achieve $0 to minimal debt from their college degrees. Some of respondents are from countries like Taiwan, New Zealand, Turkey, Ireland, Brazil, Philippines, Scotland, and Denmark...2019-07-041h 33
Your College Bound Kid | Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission InterviewsWhat is An Admission Hook?In this episode you will hear: (8:09) In this week’s news, a Philadelphia Magazine article “Teenagers are More Stressed Than Ever. Who’s to Blame?” by Tom McGrath. McGrath suggests that affluent parents play a large roll in teens who report that they are stressed all the time. As good hearted as their intentions may be, McGrath is saying that these families have loaded up their kids with over structured activities such as high end camps and lessons that are contributing to a “go-hard” mentality. This is translating over to teens that whatever their interests, they must strive to be the best at i...2019-06-271h 23
Your College Bound Kid | Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission Interviews13 Things to Consider Doing if WaitlistedIn this episode you will hear: (6:28) In this week’s news, a Wall Street Journal article “Colleges have been under pressure to admit needier kids. It’s backfiring”, by Catherine Rampell. A pair of university professors from Stanford and the University of Virginia have studied the disadvantages of schools who user certain “economic opportunity” measures to admit students. The results have been neglecting those families who don’t show up as poor, but have a significant need for aid. Mark and Anika discuss whether we agree with the research conclusions. Mark and Anika discuss the history of the recent interest in attracting l...2019-06-061h 16
Your College Bound Kid | Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission InterviewsHow to Handle a Weakness in Your Admissions ApplicationIn this episode you will hear: (6:22) In this week’s news, a Wall Street Journal article “Temple University Settles Suit Over Fudged Data on MBA Ranking”, by Kelsey Gee. Temple agrees to pay nearly $5.5 million to current and former business school students after the university acknowledged that their online MBA program’s top spot in a nationwide ranking was based on false data. The school admitted to no liability or wrongdoing as part of the settlement. We discuss how common it is to see colleges fabricate data for the rankings. We talk about the interest that students and parents have in ranking...2019-05-301h 19
Your College Bound Kid | Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission InterviewsWhat You Need to Know about College InterviewsIn this episode you will hear: (4:20) In this week’s news, a Hechinger Report article “Non-degree badges are booming, are they useful?”, by Matt Krupnick. While there is a general consensus on what a college degree represents, there is confusion over new online credentials and if they are useful to employers and job seekers. Thousands of credential classes have been born to improve specific skill sets, and colleges have responded by adding non-degree programs of their own. We discuss the differences between badges and certifications. Mark and Anika discuss microcredentials and macrocredentials; what is the difference and are they worth pursuin...2019-05-231h 03
Your College Bound Kid | Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission InterviewsThe Biggest Mistakes with Extracurricular ActivitiesIn this episode you will hear: (4:43) In this week’s news, a Wall Street Journal article “Oberlin, University of Chicago and Other Elite Colleges Extend Application Deadlines”, by Melissa Korn. Schools are claiming to extend their application deadlines to ensure that all students have an opportunity to apply, however Korn suggests that this is a clear sign of the pressure that schools are feeling to fill their incoming classes. Mark and Anika discuss why colleges are extending their deadlines. They discuss whether this is being done for students or for the colleges themselves. (15:47) We are in Chapter 68 of 171 Answers and it’s all a...2019-05-161h 12
Your College Bound Kid | Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission InterviewsWays to show colleges your Academic PassionIn this episode you will hear: (3:52) In this week’s news, a Hechinger Report article “America’s colleges struggle to envision the future of diversity on campus”, by Laura Pappano. What’s really on the table is the dicey matter of how diversity gets measured – and even now, what exactly it is. Should someone’s race, socio economic status, gender, or political views be treated as forms of merit in the admissions process? We start out by talking about why diversity is so valuable on a college campus but also we talk about why it is so frustrating to so many colleges...2019-05-091h 12
Your College Bound Kid | Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission InterviewsWhat artistic majors need to do to stand out in admissions?In this episode you will hear: (6:33) In this week’s news, a Forbes article “6 Terms to Stop Using in College Admissions”, by Brennan Barnard. Barnard surveys admissions professionals about terms they feel should stop being used either because of their overusage or misconstrued understanding. Mark and Anika have a spirited and at times, “humorous” discussion about their thoughts about the six terms that Brennan selected. Mark and Anika share whether they agree or disagree that these terms should be abandoned in the college admission conversation. After discussing these terms. Mark shares a few other terms that could have easily been on this lis...2019-05-021h 12
Your College Bound Kid | Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission InterviewsAdvice about Letters of RecommendationIn this episode you will hear: (3:47) In this week’s news, a Wall Street Journal article “Hackers Breach College-Applicant Databases and Seek Ransom”, by Douglas Belkin and Melissa Korn. Hackers were recently able to reset college staff member passwords to get data on prospective students and attempt to sell it back to them for the sticker price of $3,800. The schools affected were Oberlin College in Ohio, Grinnell College in Iowa and Hamilton College in NY. (11:30) We are in Chapter 65 of 171 Answers and Mark is sharing his sound advice for your child’s letters of recommendation. Mark and Anika discuss who you should...2019-04-251h 21
Your College Bound Kid | Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission InterviewsThe Importance of College Specific EssaysIn this episode you will hear: (6:04) In this week’s news, a Hechinger Report article "Embattled colleges focus on an obvious fix-helping students graduate on time”, by Jon Marcus. While most students expect to earn degrees in 4 years, fewer than half actually do. Marcus outlines the reasons why students are not graduating within 4 years – beyond financial reasons; what institutions are doing to address the issue, and why. (22:36) We are in Chapter 64 of 171 Answers and we’re talking about what admissions counselors look for in college specific essays. Mark and Anika have a discussion about why these college-specific essays and short answer qu...2019-04-181h 32
Your College Bound Kid | Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission InterviewsDemonstrated Interest and Why It’s ImportantIn this episode you will hear: (3:35) In this week’s news, a NY Times article “They’re not fact checking. How lies in college admissions can slip through the net”, by Anemona Hartocollis. The pressure on prospective students to lie or embellish in their college applications has intensified, admissions officers say, and colleges are doing little in the way of fact-checking. Mark and Anika discuss what colleges are doing and what they are not doing. We also debate whether college’s are partially at fault for making students feel as if they need to embellish their applications. (20:15) We are in chapter 58...2019-03-071h 18
Your College Bound Kid | Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission InterviewsDifferent types of test optional collegesIn this episode you will hear: (4:14) In this week’s news, we discuss an article that appeared in the Washington Post on April 7 th , 2018 by Jeffrey Selingo entitled, “The higher education divide: The ‘haves’ keep getting richer. Other schools? Not so much”. Mark and Anika discuss the disparity of wealth and demand between most colleges and a select few. We then grapple with what if anything can be done about this. (16:47) We are in chapter 54 of 171 Answers and we are discussing the different types of test-optional and test-flexible colleges. We discuss the different wrinkles you will see amongst test optional and test fl...2019-02-071h 02
Your College Bound Kid | Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission InterviewsHow High School Courses are Evaluated by Selective CollegesIn this episode you will hear: 2:28 In this week’s news Mark and Anika discuss an by Doug Lederman of Inside Higher Ed that describes the financial dangers that many small private colleges are facing. 15:17 We are in Chapter 36 of 171 Answers and Mark and Anika are discussing how colleges evaluate high school grades. 26:20 This week’s question is from a mom who wants to know if her daughter would be able to pay “in-state tuition” if she moves in with relatives that live in the same state as of the colleges she is interested in applying to. 37:32 Mark interviews Jake Neuberg...2018-10-041h 05