Shows
Shift - College admissions in a changing worldHow the SCOTUS affirmative action decision will affect college admissionsThe SCOTUS decision to strike down affirmative action will change college admissions, but how? Shane Bybee has run Bybee College Prep for almost a decade and has helped thousands of students get into college. In this episode, Shane shares his thoughts on the SCOTUS affirmative action decision and how it's going to impact college admissions going forward.
Achievable's ACT prep course uses AI-powered adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/exams/act/overview/?utm_source=podcast to try it for free.
2024-04-1026 minShift - College admissions in a changing worldHow the SCOTUS affirmative action decision will affect college admissionsThe SCOTUS decision to strike down affirmative action will change college admissions, but how? Shane Bybee has run Bybee College Prep for almost a decade and has helped thousands of students get into college. In this episode, Shane shares his thoughts on the SCOTUS affirmative action decision and how it's going to impact college admissions going forward.
Achievable's ACT prep course uses AI-powered adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/exams/act/overview/?utm_source=podcast to try it for free.
2024-04-1026 minShift - College admissions in a changing worldHow AI will affect college admissions and essay writingAI is here, and college admissions will never be the same. But how do you use it while still building an authentic application? Shane Bybee has run Bybee College Prep for almost a decade and has helped thousands of students get into college. In this episode, Shane shares his thoughts on AI, where it does and does not fit into your college admissions process, and how to leverage it without breaking any rules or losing your authentic voice.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our...2024-02-2831 minShift - College admissions in a changing worldHow AI will affect college admissions and essay writingAI is here, and college admissions will never be the same. But how do you use it while still building an authentic application? Shane Bybee has run Bybee College Prep for almost a decade and has helped thousands of students get into college. In this episode, Shane shares his thoughts on AI, where it does and does not fit into your college admissions process, and how to leverage it without breaking any rules or losing your authentic voice.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our...2024-02-2831 min
Let's Talk College#68 - Shereem Herndon-Brown and Timothy FieldsJoin me, Shane Bybee, on this episode of "Let's Talk College" as I chat with Shereem Herndon-Brown and Timothy Fields, experts in college admissions. 🎙️📚 Shereem, CEO of Strategic Admissions Advice, and Timothy, Senior Associate Dean at Emory University, discuss their book "The Black Families Guide to College Admissions." We delve into their insights on college admissions, diversity, and redefining success in education. This episode is packed with valuable advice for families navigating the college application process. Tune in! 🎓🤓 #CollegeAdmissions #EducationInsights Click here for more information on The Black Family's Guide to College Admissions2024-01-1839 min
Let's Talk College#67 - Jim Etri🎙️ In this episode of "Let's Talk College with Shane Bybee," I chat with Jim Etri, a lawyer for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and a soccer coach. We delve into Jim's journey from defending companies against the SEC to joining the "other team" as an SEC lawyer. We explore the intricacies of law school, clerking, and how Jim balances a demanding career with family life. Plus, we discuss the hidden truths behind TV appearances and share essential advice for parents navigating the college admissions process. Tune in for an enlightening conversation filled with insights and surprises! 🎓⚖️⚽2024-01-1138 min
Let's Talk CollegeMonday Briefs #3 - The Teacher's Perspective📚🎙️ In this episode of "Let's Talk College with Shane Bybee," I delve into the often-overlooked subtleties of grade inflation from a teacher's perspective. I explore how English teachers, passionate about literature, balance their workload and the impact this has on student grades. We'll discuss the challenges of grading, the pressure from parents and administrators, and how these factors unintentionally contribute to inflating GPAs. Join me as we navigate the complexities of education and college admissions. Share and tune in for insights! 🏫✨ #Education #CollegePrep #TeachersLife2024-01-0811 min
Let's Talk College#66 - Ben Taylor🎙️ Join me, Shane Bybee, on this eye-opening episode of #LetsTalkCollege! 🎓 I chat with Ben Taylor, a.k.a. Pleasant Green, about his unique journey on YouTube exposing scams. 🕵️♂️📹 Ben dives into his process of scambaiting, sharing insights and tips to stay safe online. 🌐💻 Don’t miss this intriguing conversation that blends storytelling, education, and a pinch of humor!💡🎥 Click here to check out Pleasant Green on YouTube!2024-01-0432 min
Let's Talk College#65 - Mike RoseJoin Shane Bybee in this enlightening episode of Let's Talk College, where he converses with Mike Rose, a seasoned leader, author, and coach. Mike shares his journey from starting his first business in a dog shed to leading a successful digital marketing agency, Mojo Media Labs, and how the principles of art and science fuel marketing success. Discover the power of being "mentor-able," the art of learning, and insights from his book "Return on Energy." A must-listen for aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs! 🔑 #LearningToLead #DigitalMarketing #Entrepreneurship #Mentorship #CollegeSuccess #LetsTalkCollege2023-12-2832 min
Let's Talk College#64 - Jason ArmourIn this episode of "Let's Start College" host Shane Bybee explores the unconventional career path of Jason Armour from Armour Creative. With no college degree, Jason's journey in creative services is a testament to self-taught skills and seizing opportunities. From working at a call center to founding a successful creative agency, his story is a rich tapestry of resilience and ingenuity. Dive into this insightful conversation that challenges traditional views on education and career success. Contact Jason at jason@armourcreative.com2023-12-2141 minShift - College admissions in a changing worldUnhooked vs. hooked students: why your chance of college admissions may be lower than you thinkColleges don't just pick the best academic applicants for their schools - they have athletes, legacy, and other admissions needs to fill. Shane Bybee has run Bybee College Prep for almost a decade and has helped thousands of students get into college. In this episode, Shane explains how college admissions works behind the scenes, why your admissions chances are lower than you think, and what you can do about it.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
2023-12-2134 minShift - College admissions in a changing worldUnhooked vs. hooked students: why your chance of college admissions may be lower than you thinkColleges don't just pick the best academic applicants for their schools - they have athletes, legacy, and other admissions needs to fill. Shane Bybee has run Bybee College Prep for almost a decade and has helped thousands of students get into college. In this episode, Shane explains how college admissions works behind the scenes, why your admissions chances are lower than you think, and what you can do about it.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.
2023-12-2134 min
Let's Talk College#63 - Aaron DenneyJoin Shane Bybee as he explores Aaron Denney's journey from a Berklee College of Music graduate to a New York actor. Aaron shares the challenges and triumphs of his artistic path, offering insights into the entertainment industry and advice for aspiring artists. A must-listen for anyone interested in the realities of pursuing a creative career. Click here to go to the Instagram page for "Autumn Leaves". Click here to donate to Aaron's short film "Autumn Leaves."2023-12-1448 min
Let's Talk CollegeMonday Briefs #2 - Grade ManipulationIn this insightful episode of Monday Briefs, Shane Bybee delves into the complex world of grade manipulation in education. He explores how pressures on educators lead to grade inflation, impacting students' GPA and their college admissions journey. Drawing on decades of experience, Shane analyzes the discrepancies between grades and standardized test scores, and the ramifications of policies like 'no fail' and grade rounding on academic assessment. Join us for a critical look at how grades may not always reflect true mastery. Click here to see David Blobaum's blogpost.2023-12-1111 min
Let's Talk College#62 - Keith WilkersonKeith Wilkerson is the founder of College Thoughts, a college prep company that provides help with all of the elements that go into college and private school applications. He shares his insights into what is going on with the changes to the SAT and FAFSA as well as the impact of the Supreme Court decision last June affecting the use of race in college admissions. Click here to find out more about College Thoughts.2023-12-0747 min
Let's Talk CollegeMonday Briefs #1: The Problem with AveragesIn the first part of a multi-part series, I tackle the misconceptions surrounding academic grades. Why a student's GPA might not be telling you what you think it is. 2023-12-0411 min
Let's Talk College#61 - Andi ThackerThis week's guest is Andi Thacker, a licensed professional counselor who specializes in working with kids and adolescents. Note - We had some technical difficulties during the recording. I worked to patch through the especially rough places. I apologize in advance but promise that Andi's insights are well worth it! You can contact Andi at andithacker@thackercounseling.com. Here are the links to the books and documentaries Andi suggested. Brainstorm by Dr. Dan Siegel Mindful Parenting by Kristen Race The Social Dilemma Childhood 2.02023-11-3051 min
Let's Talk College#60 - Brian EufingerBrian Eufinger's college prep company Edison Prep works with a couple of thousand students a year. I don't know anyone in the test prep industry who is more dedicated to figuring out how the sausage is being made in college admissions. Based in Atlanta, Brian is our resident expert on all things UGA. In fact, he just released his annual look at UGA's Early Application information. Click here for more information on Edison Prep. Click here for Edison's Prep deep dive into UGA admissions information.2023-11-2350 min
Let's Talk College#59 - Manu ShahiManu Shahi, owner of Homework in a Cafe, is an expert on helping students with executive function and helping parents "connect before you correct." In this episode we talk about a number of the "meta" requirements that go into helping a student be academically successful. Click here for more information on Homework in a Cafe.2023-11-1649 min
Let's Talk College#58 - Mike BerginI joke that Mike Bergin is the godfather of test prep, but he's been involved in the industry for longer than just about anyone and at all levels having worked with Kaplan and Huntington before starting his own tutoring company Chariot Learning. He's seen multiple changes in the tests themselves as well as the way colleges are usuing the tests for admissions. Click here for information about Chariot Learning. Click here for information on Mike's curriculum at TestBright. Click here for Mike's Roots2Words vocabulary builder Substack. Click here for information...2023-11-0944 min
Let's Talk College#57 - Jason RobinovitzThis week's guest is Jason Robinovitz. As the COO of Score at the Top Learning Centers and Schools in Florida, Jason has a unique insight into trends in college admissions for the range of universities from highly selective on. 2023-11-0257 min
Let's Talk College#56 - Freddie deBoerFreddie deBoer was kind enough to find an hour to sit down and catch up with what he's been up to over the last 2 years. He also shares his perspective on what's going on in higher education as well as K-12. You can click here to subscribe to his work at substack or click here to visit his website.2023-10-2655 min
Let's Talk College#55 - The RelaunchIt's been close to two years since I shelved the podcast to focus on the growth of the business. Things were moving quickly for us, and something had to give. But now we've gotten organized and I can put my attention back on this passion project. In this relaunch episode, I focus on something that isn't getting shared with most parents when they hear about college admissions. Some critical numbers that affect most of the students who apply to college. If you'd like to see the numbers I share in the podcast to take a closer look...2023-10-1937 minShift - College admissions in a changing worldThe current information asymmetry around test-optional is hurting studentsShane Bybee has run Bybee College Prep for almost a decade and has helped thousands of students get into colleges all around the country. And nowadays, he sees students and parents come to him woefully misinformed about what test optional actually means. The current paradigm is hurting students' chances by leading many to think they shouldn't prepare to submit test scores when they actually should. Shane and Tyler dig in and discuss further in this episode.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for...2023-05-2229 minShift - College admissions in a changing worldThe current information asymmetry around test-optional is hurting studentsShane Bybee has run Bybee College Prep for almost a decade and has helped thousands of students get into colleges all around the country. And nowadays, he sees students and parents come to him woefully misinformed about what test optional actually means. The current paradigm is hurting students' chances by leading many to think they shouldn't prepare to submit test scores when they actually should. Shane and Tyler dig in and discuss further in this episode.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for...2023-05-2229 minShift - College admissions in a changing worldHow to minimize your student loan debtCollege is becoming more expensive ever year like clockwork, making the debt burden for students larger and larger. How can you minimize your student loan debt? Shane Bybee has run Bybee College Prep for almost a decade and has helped thousands of students get into college and deal with the cost. In this episode, Shane shares why he has students think about cost from the get-go and how to reduce your student loan debt burden as much as possible.
Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try...2023-04-0724 min
Let's Talk CollegeFreddie deBoerFreddie deBoer is a freelance writer. He has a Ph.D. in writing assessment and has worked in administration in higher education. After Harvard announced they would stay "test-optional" through the class of 2026, his article "Why the Fuck Do You Trust Harvard?" had some interesting insights. Follow him on Substack: https://freddiedeboer.substack.com/ Find out about Cult of Smart: https://read.macmillan.com/lp/cult-of-smart/2022-01-201h 04
Let's Talk CollegeBen SextonWe're starting off our 2nd year with a conversation with someone who has been doing test prep long enough to see the dramatic changes that have happened. Ben Sexton, owner of Sexton Test Prep, specializes in helping students trying to get into the top 5 percent of test scores. Check out his company at https://www.sextontestprep.com/.2022-01-131h 06
Let's Talk CollegeWhat they don't tell you about test scoresWant to save $50,000 on college? It's been 1 year! (It's been 1 year?) In this anniversary episode, I look at 2 case studies of students we've worked with recently and the value of their test scores in their college admissions process. This podcast is in connection with my recent blogpost. https://bybeecollegeprep.com/college-applications/what-they-dont-say-about-test-scores/2022-01-0640 min
Let's Talk CollegeJackie Polina & Josh KariyevTikTok stars, SAT prep experts, and now published authors. Josh and Jackie, owners of J&J Test Prep, sat down to talk with me about their new book, No B.S. SAT Math, their approach to helping students improve their scores, and other things going on in the world of college admissions. You can find the book here: https://www.amazon.com/B-S-SAT-Math-Joshua-Kariyev/dp/B09M5L78YB/ Find out more about J&J Test Prep here: https://www.jjtestprep.com/2021-12-301h 04
Let's Talk CollegeRusty OglesbyMany parents and students have the dream of playing their sport in college. I sat down with Rusty Oglesby, one of the top soccer coaches in Texas, to talk about the process of becoming a college athlete and his experiences helping students achieve that goal.2021-12-231h 30
Let's Talk CollegePranoy MohapatraPranoy Mohapatra, owner of PM Tutoring, is an expert in online tutoring. We sat down to talk about how to make online sessions as effective as in-person tutoring and what parents should watch for in a quality online tutoring session. Find out more about PM Tutoring at https://pmtutoring.com/ Check out his demo video at https://youtu.be/mzCQH3CMYO42021-12-1657 min
Let's Talk CollegeDave LynchLet's Talk LSAT! Dave Lynch is THE expert LSAT tutor! Check out his services at https://studylark.com/ We also talked about a fantastic web designer, Jason Armour. Shout out to Jason at https://jasonarmour.com/2021-12-0959 min
Let's Talk CollegeVinny MaderaWhether he is a college professor and part time tutor or a tutor whose side hustle is math professor, Vinny Madera is definitely one of a kind. It was great to sit down with him for an hour to talk about his unique perspective on this crazy college thing. Click here to visit Test Prep Wizards2021-12-021h 00
Let's Talk CollegeWendy RaynorWendy Raynor is the expert I turn to any time I have a question about accommodations for the SAT or ACT. She sat down to talk with me about the way tutoring and testing is different for neurodivergent students. Find out more about Wendy's programs at http://www.wrhcollegeprep.com/2021-11-181h 06
Let's Talk CollegeTony MiglioIn the world of test prep tutors, Tony Miglio is something of a unicorn. He was tutoring virtually well before a pandemic forced tutors to figure out how to make it work. He's built a thriving business focused primarily on helping students with just one section of one of the tests. If you're looking for an expert on ACT Math, Tony is your guy. Check out NKY Tutoring at https://nkytutoring.com/2021-11-1159 min
Let's Talk CollegeClaudia MurgaClaudia Murga is on a mission to help 1st generation college students with the complicated college admissions process. It was exciting to find out more about how she created a program that has already helped hundreds of students realize their college goals. Click here to visit her Facebook page and find out more about her program.2021-11-041h 14
Let's Talk CollegeKevin NewtonWith the rising costs and increased competition at universities in the US., some students are thinking about attending schools overseas. Kevin Newton, founder of An Education Abroad, sat down to share his insights into how the process of applying to a school in another country is similar to and different from applying to a school here, as well as what the advantages and disadvantages can be. You can find out more about An Education Abroad at http://aneducationabroad.com/.2021-10-281h 02
Tests and the Rest: College Admissions PodcastUsing The Common Data SetIn a system where selective colleges benefit from as many applicants as possible even as acceptance becomes rarer than ever, smart applicants need to do more than take public statements at face value. Prepare to delve into the data! Amy and Mike invited educator Shane Bybee to explain how to use the Common Data Set. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What is the Common Data Set? How and by whom can the Common Data Set be accessed? What kind of information does the CDS hold? Why should college applicants seek this i...2021-10-2230 min
Let's Talk College5 Questions for building a college listNo guest this week. Instead, I share 5 questions we ask to help build college lists and some key resources to help you find the answers. 1. What do you want to study? https://www.youscience.com/ 2. What are you looking for in a college? https://www.amazon.com/College-Match-Blueprint-Choosing-School/dp/1733578412/ 3. What colleges offer what you're looking for? https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ 4. What colleges fit your academic profile? (no link - College Name Common Data Set) 5. What is college going to cost?2021-10-2143 min
Let's Talk CollegeJohn IrishJohn Irish is verifiably one of the top 5 educators in the country. That's not just me saying it. College Board selected him as one of 3 teachers to help rewrite the AP US History exam, and he was selected as the co-chair of that committee. He reads for the AP exam every year and spends his summers traveling around the southern US teaching other APUSH teacher how to teach the subject. I was lucky enough to get him to sit down with me, mostly because he was avoiding grading papers.2021-10-141h 36
Let's Talk CollegeAaron GolumbfskieI had the chance to sit down with Aaron Golumbfskie, Education Director at Prep Matters based near Washington, D.C. Sometimes referred to as "the godfather of test prep", Aaron shares his unique perspective about helping students navigate the college admissions process.2021-10-0751 min
Let's Talk CollegeUniversity of Texas at ArlingtonI got the chance to sit down with Anam Iqbal and Karla Hernandez from the University of Texas at Arlington to talk about how the admissions process is unique to them and their mission. They shared the programs that make UTA special and insights into how they can help students and celebrated the university's recent designation as a Tier 1 research university in Texas. Find out more about UT-Arlington: https://www.uta.edu/ Contact Anam: anam.iqbal@uta.edu Contact Karla: karla.hernandez@uta.edu 2021-09-3049 min
Let's Talk CollegeMike BerginMike Bergin, founder and President of Chariot Learning, is a recognized leader in the field of test preparation. Among his many endeavors, Mike is one of the founding members of the National Test Prep Association, an organization dedicated to establishing best practices and credibility for test prep professionals. He is also the co-host of a fantastic podcast called "Tests and the Rest". Chariot Learning National Test Prep Association Tests and the Rest2021-09-231h 10
Let's Talk CollegeGary StockerGary Stocker is the founder and CEO of College Viability, an app parents can use to evaluate the financial viability of a university they are considering. It's not something most parents think about, and we discuss why it can be such an important consideration when selecting a school to attend. Find out more at their website: https://collegeviability.com/ Contact Gary at gary@collegeviability.com2021-09-161h 04
Let's Talk CollegeHow to solve the Good Student/Bad Tester problemWe often talk to parents of students with good grades but low test scores - the "Good Student/Bad Tester" problem. What causes this? More importantly, what can you do to solve it? Here are some links referenced in the podcast: Khan Academy SAT Subreddit ACT Subreddit SATACTPrep Subreddit (Probably the most helpful)2021-09-0913 min
Let's Talk College2 things to watch for with your student's gradesWe're taking a break from interviews for the next couple of weeks, and I wanted to share some tips on things parents can watch for here at the start of the school year to help keep their students on track. I discuss 2 specific things that seem to come up in the Fall semester each year and how you can help your student they make these mistakes.2021-09-0214 min
Let's Talk CollegeTrinity University AdmissionsJustin Doty, Dean of Admissions at Trinity University, sat down with me to talk about what is without a doubt one the top universities in the state of Texas. We discussed Trinity's admission process as well as how it has adapted to expand beyond its reputation as a liberal arts university.2021-08-2655 min
Let's Talk CollegeGriffin ReaGriffin graduated from THE Ohio State University in May of 2021 and started his first job with 49Financial this Fall. He shares how he chose his major and his university as well as his strategy for finding his first job.2021-08-1953 min
Let's Talk College4 things to know about test optional applicationsIn response to cancellations of the SAT and ACT administrations in the spring of 2020, many colleges and universities announced new "test optional" application processes. Now that the class of 2025 is moving into their dorms, what can we tell about the results of these policies?2021-08-1623 min
Let's Talk College#34 - Julia Neunreiter ByrdJulie Neunreiter (nine-rider) Byrd is an expert on helping students write their college essays. We sat down to talk about the writing process, what makes college essays different, and how to help students get discover their own voice in the writing. If you want to contact Julia for more information, here's her information. Email: julia@essay-coach.com Website: https://essay-coach.com/ Phone: (571) 606-53252021-08-1244 min
Let's Talk CollegeTexas Tech University AdmissionsThis is the first episode in what I hope will be a series where I get to talk with admissions officers from colleges and universities. Of course, I had to start with my alma mater Texas Tech. Rex Oliver, the Director of Recruitment at TTU, and Jennifer Mauppin, Regional Manager for the Dallas-Fort Worth area sat down to talk about their unique approach to recruiting students to the Ivy on the Plains that is Texas Tech.2021-08-0556 min
Let's Talk CollegeKatherine ReynalHeaded into her Senior year at Texas A&M, Katherine has a unique major, Industrial Distribution, that is a combination of engineering and business. It's not the sort of major that most students know about when they think about majoring in engineering.2021-07-2959 min
Let's Talk CollegeSrishti EllsonHaving graduated from from Columbia just 6 years ago, Srishti makes me wonder what I've been doing with my life. Currently working at her 3rd start up, she's been involved in 2 others, both of which have had successful exits. Along the way she worked for Dell, but she found the atmosphere of a start up suits her better. She shares what that means for her and how she discovered that interest.2021-07-2252 min
Let's Talk CollegeSameer MalhotraSameer is a 2nd lieutenant in the U.S. Army currently serving in South Korea. He attended Baylor University and earned his commission through an Army ROTC scholarship. In a era of continually rising college costs, and ROTC scholarship remains one of the best ways to pay for college. Sameer shares what it meant for him and how students can qualify.2021-07-1539 min
Let's Talk CollegeMike McGibbonMike McGibbon is the founder and CEO of Mathchops, an online program that helps students improve their math skills. Mathchops approach to the process is to gamify the tasks in a way that is engaging and meets the student where they are. It helps math concepts on the SAT, ACT, ISEE, and others. Click here to visit the Mathchops website. Click here for a video walkthrough of the program.2021-07-081h 05
Let's Talk CollegeMichael ConeMichael Cone has done a lot of things. Business owner, classroom teacher, youth minister. For 28 years now, he's been involved with Young Life, currently as an area director for the organization. Now as a parent of 4 girls, the oldest of whom is starting to think about college, he's looking at the entire process from a range of perspectives.2021-07-011h 06
Let's Talk College5 common mistakes students make preparing for the SAT & ACTI often talk to students who are preparing on their own for the SAT or ACT. They are often making simple mistakes that, if fixed, could help them get higher scores faster. In this episode, I also reference an earlier College Insights where I talked about using QAS and TIR dates. Click here for that episode.2021-06-2815 min
Let's Talk CollegeKendall PryorIt's not every week you get to sit down with a Hall of Famer. Kendall Pryor was inducted into the University of North Texas Hall of Fame in 2017. She now coaches at Denton Ryan High School. She shares her experiences as a player at the Division 1 NCAA level, how she got to that level, and what it means in her approach to coaching today. We talked about overcoming adversity at all of those levels as well. https://meangreensports.com/honors/north-texas-athletics-hall-of-fame/kendall-juett/2072021-06-241h 04
Let's Talk CollegeKylie MasonKylie graduated from UT-Austin with a degree in Communications in May of 2020. The last year convinced her she wanted to do something different with that degree. When we got to talk for this podcast, she'd just finished her first week in her Educator Preparation Program (EPP) at SMU. In this wide ranging conversation, we also talked her unique college application, how she got into UT but was not in the top 6%, and the semester she spent at sea while getting her degree.2021-06-171h 17
Let's Talk CollegeKadeem LeslieAs a recent college graduate now pursuing his Master's degree, Kadeem makes me wonder what I've done with my life. Growing up in Jamaica, Kadeem was a featured cellist who often performed for visiting heads of state. At Seton Hall, he was the principal cellist in the university orchestra. He also has a real estate business. Oh, and he just published his first book, The Full Student. In this episode, Kadeem share his process for deciding to attend Seton Hall as well as how he is trying to help other students be successful themselves. You...2021-06-1039 min
Let's Talk CollegeHow to Save Thousands of Dollars on SAT and ACT PrepIt doesn't take thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours to prepare for the SAT or ACT. In this episode I outline 4 key things you need to do to be ready for the tests. 1. Decide on Fall or Spring testing 2. Determine which test to focus on 3. Select the dates that work for you 4. Plan for focused prep Link to a free ACT practice test: https://cloud.e.act.org/free-practice-act-test Link to more information on QAS and TIR dates: https://bybeecollegeprep.libsyn.com/some-sat-and-act-dates-are-better-than-others-college-insight-72021-06-0714 min
Let's Talk CollegeAl ZitoAl's son is headed to the Colorado School of Mines next year. As a parent, he has just guided his student through this process and shares the insights he gained along the way. He shares how his son ended up choosing this particular school from the list of 21 schools he applied to as well as the things he found most important as a part of the process. 2021-06-031h 02
Let's Talk CollegeLisa Marker RobbinsA parent recently asked me for help. Her 8th grader was having to fill out her high school plan and had a limited idea of what careers were out there. She knew what mom and dad did and what she'd seen on TV. Where should she start? I didn't know, so I invited Lisa Marker Robbins, founder of Flourish Coaching, to sit down and share her insights into how parents can help their students with those decisions. Click here to visit Flourish Coaching's website Click here to join Lisa's Facebook group2021-05-2742 min
Let's Talk CollegeChris KnollChris is one of the first students I ever helped with the college admissions process. He had many tough decisions to make when applying to college, not the least of which was the best way to share how he overcame a significant obstacle. When he was done, he had offers from Georgia Tech and Duke. Instead he chose the University of Texas at Dallas. For some great reasons. He now works at Microsoft working on AR and VR headsets for underwater exploration. It's a fascinating story of how he got there.2021-05-2057 min
Let's Talk CollegeSome SAT and ACT dates are better than others (College Insight #7)If you've ever heard that some test dates are easier than others, the person saying it doesn't know what they're talking about. On the other hand, you can get more out of some test dates than others because of a special service both College Board and the ACT offer. Find out how to incorporate those opportunities into your college admissions plan.2021-05-1708 min
Let's Talk CollegeRonell SmithRonell Smith is about to start the college admissions process with his older daughter. We talked about what they've focused to this point in the process and what his and his daughter's conversations have been about their goals.2021-05-131h 03
Let's Talk CollegeJordan SchirleJordan was determined to graduate from UT-Austin, so when the offer via the CAP program came, he took it. He graduated from UT-Austin in 2019 with a degree in Economics. The road had its bumps, and he shares insights into how he got to the job he's working at now.2021-05-061h 00
Let's Talk CollegeHow can parents help students with the SAT or ACT?Parents and students find the ACT and SAT frustrating. Unlike many things in the student's college prep process, parents can actually get an understanding of what a student is up against when it comes to these tests: take a free one for themselves. You'll get a better idea of how your student is being asked about rectangles and commas. Click here for a free ACT Click here for a free SAT2021-05-0310 minTests and the Rest: College Admissions PodcastTest Prep Profile: Shane BybeeReady to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced professional in the test prep industry? MEET OUR GUEST Shane Bybee of Bybee College Prep has spent over half his life teaching. Along the way, he has worked with thousands of different students teaching everything from remedial 7th grade English/Language Arts to Dual Credit English IV and AP Language and Composition and even remedial Algebra I. Every year, no matter the subject he taught, his students outperformed the campus average on standardized tests. He has written curriculum, presented topics at the state convention fo...2021-04-3018 min
Let's Talk CollegeNatalie ReaganIt was great talking to Natalie about what she's doing at Raising Cane's. She's even had the chance to be in one of their commercials. It's fair to say that working as an "internal support specialist" wasn't what she thought she'd be doing when she started college, but she's found a career she loves. Find out how she got there. 2021-04-291h 18
Let's Talk CollegeWhat Makes a Compelling College Application?We see the headlines about students who "got into all the Ivies". We read stories about how college acceptance rates are going down. Are those stories the template or the outlier? In this College Insight episode, I focus on 5 things that create a compelling college application.2021-04-2617 min
Let's Talk CollegeMaddy HeymannMaddy has always been passionate. While studying at Northeastern, she has focused that passion towards social equality, particularly with a couple of causes in her home town of Southlake, TX. The two of us represent very different perspectives on the world we're living in, and we had a great conversation about how disparate perspectives can coexist.2021-04-221h 36
Let's Talk CollegeParent UniversityFind out about our new program called Parent University. Stef Mauler, founder of The Mauler Institute, and I discuss the community we're building that we call Parent University. We talk about the successful launch of our live event and the Facebook group we've built as a result of it. Click here to find out more about an upcoming Parent University live event Click here to join the Parent University Facebook group Click here to find out more about The Mauler Institute2021-04-1929 min
The Prosperous DocPracticing Self-Care as a Physician Isn’t Selfish, It Is Self-Preservation With Dr. Jillian BybeeEveryone has their breaking point, but doctors — especially in the era of COVID-19 — often feel like they have no choice but to push past their burnout. Dr. Jillian Bybee, however, decided to do something about it.“I was born and raised in a really hard-working family with a lot of perfectionism tendencies and some mental health issues like anxiety that probably were undiagnosed,” she says. “And I just achieved my way through school, through med school, through training. Kept going and didn't really pay attention to self-care. … It finally came to a head my second year [in residency] w...2021-04-1633 min
Let's Talk CollegeAriel SzekelyAriel is a Computer Science Ph.D. candidate at MIT. He dreamed of going to MIT while he was in high school. He shares how the path he took to get there and the decisions he made along the way that helped him realize that dream.2021-04-151h 06
Let's Talk CollegeThe Most Important Conversation to HaveThis time of year parents of high school seniors are experiencing sticker shock. Their students worked hard to earn an admission to their dream college, and then the financial award letters start coming in. Researching the cost of attending a particular school needs to be a critical part of that process. It can be a difficult conversation to have with your student, but if cost will be a factor, the earlier you can have that conversation the better. Links mentioned in the episode. College Navigator TuitionFit.org College App Spreadsheet 2021-04-1211 min
Let's Talk CollegeTest Prep ProsWhat are your options for to prepare for the SAT and ACT? What are the different approaches companies take to creating their programs? What should you look for in finding a test prep partner? I sat down with two of the best test prep professionals in the country to get their perspective on the SAT, ACT, and college admissions as they are today. Brian Eufinger owns Edison Prep, based in Atlanta, GA, with his wife Silvia. Pranoy Mohaptra owns PM Tutoring, based in central New Jersey. Both also offer online tutoring. We talked about our...2021-04-081h 02
Let's Talk CollegePlanning Courses for Selective SchoolsSelective colleges are now expecting students to have completed courses in high school that require planning to take that course several years in advance. In this bonus episode, I share what those expectations are and when that planning needs to take place.2021-04-0508 min
Let's Talk CollegeEric NietubiczWhen Eric started in the theater program at USC, one of only 12 students selected for that program, he was confident his path was clear. Then life happened. He shares the amazing story of how he went from 2005 Best One-Act actor in the state of Texas to working behind the scenes as he builds his own dream in a different way. This episode is a fabulous look at working through the plans when the plans don't work as planned.2021-04-011h 14
Let's Talk CollegeThings to know about "Test Optional" AdmissionsLast Spring the majority of colleges and universities created an admissions process where students did not have to submit test scores. The shorthand for this process is "Test Optional". A year later, we're seeing 2 very interesting developments from that process.2021-03-2910 min
Let's Talk CollegeRichard SmithFor many of us helping students apply to college today, the process is vastly different from what it was when we applied to college. It's even worse if you weren't educated in the U.S. Richard Smith has 2 daughters who went to the University of Oklahoma. One graduated last year (Ciara Smith in episode 7) and the other graduates this year. In addition to talking about how to manage the differences in the system, we got into a great conversation about what employers are looking for in college graduates.2021-03-251h 07
Let's Talk CollegeCreating a College ListIn these bonus episodes, I'm going to focus on items that are typically difficult for students. The tough part about creating a college list is knowing where to start. In this short segment, I share the resources we use to help students create a list of 7-10 schools that are right for them.2021-03-2212 min
Let's Talk CollegeChelsea McCallA great conversation about an experience so many students have. In high school, Chelsea knew she wanted to get away from home, so she decided to go to UNLV. After a semester, she realized it wasn't for her. She shares how she came to that realization and how she STILL managed to graduate from the University of Texas at Arlington in just 3 years after a transfer and some bad advice from her college advisor. We also talked about getting that first job, leaving that first job, and what she's up to now.2021-03-181h 02
Let's Talk CollegeGabriella SmithGabriella Smith, professionally known as Gabriella Mykal, graduated from SMU with a BFA in Visual Art and a B.S. in Economics in May of 2020 and is pursuing an MFA in Film/Video Production at the California Institute of the Arts. We track how she discovered her passion for film and the work she is doing today as well as what the future plan are. We also take a look at how her unique grad school is structured. www.gabriellamykal.com2021-03-1155 min
Let's Talk CollegeTom BeasleyTom is currently a flight instructor working with corporate pilots. He went from being a flight mechanic to a corporate pilot to his current role. We talk about the state of the industry for both commercial and corporate pilots and the many different ways people can have careers in either of those areas. 2021-03-041h 12
Let's Talk CollegeKelley JuettIn high school, Kelley was an exceptional athlete. When he headed off to Sam Houston State, he planned to study Criminal Justice and Forensic Science. Three years into that plan he discovered a passion for music that has led him to become one of the best rock and roll guitarists in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. His band Mothership has produced 4 albums and he is now working on a collaboration with other artists around the country. We talk about his journey to becoming a professional musician, how the pandemic has affected it, and how he has adapted. 2021-02-251h 15
Let's Talk CollegeSydney RoseSydney was originally accepted into the University of Texas CAP program. The CAP program offers students who want to study liberal arts the option of spending their first year at a feeder school before transferring to UT-Austin. After her first semester at UTA, Sydney realized she would have more opportunity to achieve her goals if she stayed at UTA than if she transferred. And was she ever right. We talk about those amazing opportunities as well as how she is preparing for the future. To find out more about The Archer Fellowship: https://www.archercenter...2021-02-1852 min
Let's Talk CollegeMark SalisburyMark Salisbury is the founder of TuitionFit, an organization dedicated to providing transparency to the cost of college. His website tuitionfit.org lets families research colleges that fit their academic and financial profiles and gives them insight into how their costs compare to others. TuitionFit.org is the CarFax of college costs. We discuss what those financial letters mean and how families can be certain their getting the best value for their college costs. Find out more about TuitionFit.org: https://www.tuitionfit.org/2021-02-111h 02
Let's Talk CollegeCiara SmithCiara Smith graduated from the University of Oklahoma in May of 2020 with a Bachelor's of Fine Arts in Theater specializing in costume design. We discuss how she chose such a unique major and what her career plans are as well as how COVID19 has affected those plans. Check out Ciara's portfolio at https://ciaraniamhsmith.com/2021-02-041h 06
Let's Talk CollegeMackenzie MalloyMackenzie is in her 2nd year of law school at the Dedman School of Law at SMU. She graduated from the University of Alabama in 2019.2021-01-281h 04
Let's Talk CollegeDevlin LilesDevlin is the president of the Houston enterprise of Improving. He started at a community college is the early 2000s, worked his way into software design and up the career ladder to his current position. It's a fascinating story about working your way up through old fashioned hard work. Find out more about Improving at www.improving.com!2021-01-211h 37
Let's Talk CollegeLindsay CarpenterLindsay is a Senior at Texas A&M University who has been accepted into the physical therapist program at UT Southwestern. She's also an elite Crossfit competitor.2021-01-1459 min
Let's Talk CollegeTrailer2021-01-0701 min
Let's Talk CollegeJulie NorsJulie Nors is the parent of a student currently at Texas A&M and a high school freshman. We get the parent perspective on the application process for her first child and the lessons she's learned to help her second.2021-01-0759 min
Let's Talk CollegeJamie KirbyJamie is a Senior at New York University (NYU) working on a degree in Science and Technology. Her path to college and through college has been winding to say the least. She applied for one major, changed before she enrolled, then changed again after her first year. She also took a 2 year break in the middle. It's a fascinating story.2021-01-071h 04
Let's Talk CollegeYazan Abu-HijlehYazan Abu-Hijleh graduated from CU-Boulder in May of 2020 with a degree in Finance and Accounting, finishing his degree largely online. 2021-01-0751 minTests and the Rest: College Admissions PodcastWhen Gifted and Talented Students StruggleTo many, the gifted and talented designation seems to promise a future of effortless academic success. How, then, can the adults in their lives help when these students face the inevitable educational challenges? Amy and Mike invited test prep professional Shane Bybee to offer guidance on what to do when gifted and talented students struggle. What are five things you will learn in this episode? How is gifted and talented defined and identified? What is the remedy when gifted and talented students show imbalances in ability? What strategies help when a subject suddenly doesn’t come eas...2019-09-1326 min
Church of Christ at Bybee BranchReversing Babel (Shane Fisher)PM sermon for January 21, 20182018-01-3026 minChurch of Christ at Bybee BranchDeception (Shane Fisher)PM sermon for January 1, 20172017-01-0429 min