Shiftcollegeadmissions - Podcast Details

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Shift - College admissions in a changing world How to maximize your time in college (the SLASH method)How do you get the most out of college? Hamada Zahawi is the CEO and founder of Write Track Admissions, a global admissions consultancy with a 93% success rate. In this episode, Hamada shares his famous SLASH method to getting the most out of college: Social, Leadership, Academics, Study abroad, and Health. Achievable has ACT and CLT prep courses that use advanced adaptive learning to target weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/?utm_source=podcast to try any course for free. You can find Hamada's SLASH method primer here: http://www...

2025-07-3033 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world The toolbelt generation: why is Gen Z is shifting to the trade schoolsIs there a trades revival going on with Gen Z? Joy McClure is the Director of Admissions for X, a beauty school. In this episode, Joy talks about the trend of Gen Z going to trade schools versus traditional colleges, including the cost of college, why Gen Z is picking hands-on careers, and what each path holds for a high school graduate. Achievable has ACT and CLT prep courses that use advanced adaptive learning to target weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/?utm_source=podcast to try any course for free.

2025-07-1630 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world What international students should know about applying to US colleges todayWith all of the uncertainty about foreign-born students attending US universities, what do they need to know now? Hamada Zahawi is the CEO and founder of Write Track Admissions, a global admissions consultancy with a 93% success rate. In this episode, Hamada covers everything international students need to consider when applying to US colleges, including financial aid, visa concerns, and the current political environment. Achievable has ACT and CLT prep courses that use advanced adaptive learning to target weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/?utm_source=podcast to try any course for free.

2025-07-0234 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world How to get the most out of your admissions counselor in today's environmentAdmissions counselors are often serving hundreds of students per year - how can you get them to truly help you? Teege Mettille is the Director of Enrollment Success at EnrollML and the author of the book The Admissions Counsellor's Malaise. In this episode, Teege shares his strategies for getting the most out of admissions counselors, including setting your child up for success from day 1 and aligning with their goals to get better results and motivate them to help you. Achievable has ACT and CLT prep courses that use advanced adaptive learning to target weak areas and boost...

2025-06-1821 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world Tips for Americans applying to European colleges and universitiesLooking to study abroad in Europe? Yasiara Ortiz, founder of MissStudy, has been helping students find their best fit university all over the world for years. In this episode, Yasiara shares her top tips for American students looking to apply to European colleges, including how to identify potential good fit universities for you, how to determine the best country for you, and tips for applying. Visit https://www.misstudy.com/master-europe-resource for more helpful information about the European college admissions process. Achievable has ACT and CLT prep courses that use advanced adaptive learning to target...

2025-06-1241 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world How to determine if you can really afford collegeDid you know that getting financial aid for graduate school is more common than ever? Howard Freedman, founder of Financial Aid Consulting, has been helping applicants get financial aid for over 20 years. In this episode, Howard shares how getting financial aid is more common thank you think, what types of financial aid you should apply for, and other tips. Achievable has ACT and CLT prep courses that use advanced adaptive learning to target weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/?utm_source=podcast to try it for free.

2025-05-2135 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world The biggest lies in college admissionsWhat are the biggest lies told to parents in college admissions today? Jayson Weingarten, Senior College Admissions Consultant at Ivy Coach and a former UPenn admissions officer, has helped hundreds of prospective graduate students get into the programs of their dreams. In this episode, Jayson shares some of the outrageous lies in college admissions, including what top schools care about, which essay is the most important, and more. Achievable has ACT and CLT prep courses that use advanced adaptive learning to target weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/?utm_source=podcast to...

2025-05-0732 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world Can you solve these three challenging CLT Quant questions?CLT questions are different from SAT or ACT Math questions, and we're going to teach you how to solve them. Clay Daniel, founder of Clayborne Test Prep and Tutoring, has spent significant time with the founders of the CLT and is one of the country's first and most prominent CLT tutors. In this podcast, Clay walks us through three challenging CLT Quantitative practice questions to teach you how to ace the CLT exam. To follow along the questions, visit https://www.bit.ly/CLTQuantHardQuestions . Thank you Clayborne for providing this material. Achievable's CLT prep course u...

2025-04-2342 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world How AI is transforming the college admissions processYour child is already using ChatGPT - shouldn't you leverage it in the college admissions process? Teege Mettille is the Director of Enrollment Success at EnrollML and the author of the book The Admissions Counsellor's Malaise. In this episode, Teege shares his advice on how to leverage AI to make the college admissions process easier and more effective, including using it for research, essay writing, building your college list, and more. Achievable has ACT and CLT prep courses that use advanced adaptive learning to target weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/?utm...

2025-04-1931 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world Answers to the most common questions international students have when applying to US universitiesAre you an international student looking to apply to US universities? Yasiara Ortiz, founder of MissStudy, has been helping students find their best fit university all over the world for years. In this episode, Yasiara shares her top tips for international students looking to study in the US, including why you should consider schools beyond the Ivy League, how to show your personality and mission in your application, and how to round out an incomplete application. Visit https://www.misstudy.com/undergraduate-resource for more helpful information about the US college admissions process. Achievable has ACT...

2025-03-2638 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world College admissions and test prep advice for parents of 11th graders, including those with learning differencesWhat can families do with their 11th-grade students to help get into their dream college? Tom Ehlers is the founder of Method Learning and has helped students, families, and schools with every aspect of the college admissions process for decades. In this episode, Tom shares his advice for high school juniors and their parents, including maximizing their GPA while still starting AP and IB courses, getting a head start on test prep, and more. He also shares additional advice for parents of students with learning differences. Achievable has ACT and CLT prep courses that use advanced adaptive...

2025-03-1222 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world College admissions and test prep advice for parents of 10th gradersWhat can families do with their 10th-grade students to help set them up for college application success? Tom Ehlers is the founder of Method Learning and has helped students, families, and schools with every aspect of the college admissions process for decades. In this episode, Tom shares his advice for how to approach sophomore year of high school, including curriculum, extracurriculars, and more. Achievable has ACT and CLT prep courses that use advanced adaptive learning to target weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/?utm_source=podcast to try it for free.

2025-02-2625 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world What changed with the new adaptive SATThe new adaptive SAT has had a few administrations now, so what advice can we give to 2025 SAT test takers? Sasha Chada is founder and CEO of Ivy Scholars, whose students have 7X the admission rate to Stanford, Columbia, MIT, and other top schools. In this episode, Sasha shares what the major changes are with the new adaptive SAT, whether or not they benefit students, and how it changes your strategy for getting a high score. Achievable has ACT and CLT prep courses that use advanced adaptive learning to target weak areas and boost your score...

2025-02-1329 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world The biggest lies in standardized testingIs the SAT better than the ACT for college admissions? Jayson Weingarten, Senior College Admissions Consultant at Ivy Coach and a former UPenn admissions officer, has helped hundreds of prospective graduate students get into the programs of their dreams. In this episode, Jayson shares many of the common misconceptions he hears from his clients and debunks them. Achievable has ACT and CLT prep courses that use advanced adaptive learning to target weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/?utm_source=podcast to try it for free.

2025-01-2223 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world You can get more financial aid than you thinkFinancial aid is for everyone, and you'd be surprised at how much you can get even if you consider yourselves middle or upper class. Sasha Chada is founder and CEO of Ivy Scholars, whose students have 7X the admission rate to Stanford, Columbia, MIT, and other top schools. In this episode, Sasha shares how more people are getting financial aid than ever before, especially those in higher income brackets, and how to create a strong financial aid application process that gets you aid. Achievable has ACT and CLT prep courses that use advanced adaptive learning to target...

2025-01-0834 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world How to find the right SAT or ACT tutorStruggling to find an ACT or SAT tutor that fits your child's needs? Ravi Bhatia is the founder of Ashland Prep and has been tutoring ACT and SAT for over 5 years. In this episode, Ravi shares his advice on what to look for in a tutor, what questions to ask, and what really matters when picking the right fit tutor for your child. Achievable has ACT and CLT prep courses that use adaptive learning to target weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/?utm_source=podcast to try it for free.

2024-12-2534 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world What we have learned about the digital SAT after its US rolloutThe digital SAT is officially here, so what's new? Lori Goldstein is the founder of Circle Test Prep and has been teaching ACT and SAT prep for 14 years. In this episode, Lori shares what she's heard from her clients who have taken the new digital SAT and advice for getting the highest possible score in the new format. Achievable has ACT and CLT prep courses that use advanced adaptive learning to target weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/?utm_source=podcast to try it for free.

2024-12-1121 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world Your best-fit college is not always the top ranked oneLooking for the best college for you or your child? David Parker is the founder of Parker Educational Consulting, a PhD, and a former English professor. In this episode, David talks you through how to find your best-fit college and why you should consider great colleges in your planned degree or specialty that may not be the highest on the US News rankings. Achievable's ACT prep course uses 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.

2024-11-2730 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world Interview with Jeremy Tate, founder & CEO of the Classic Learning Test (CLT)The Classic Learning Test (CLT) is a new standardized test for college and pre-college admissions in grades 8, 10, and 12. It is meant to be a classically focused alternative to the SAT and ACT. Jeremy Tate is the founder and CEO of the Classic Learning Test (CLT) organization. In this episode, Jeremy shares the origin story of the CLT, where he saw a need for a new undergraduate admissions test that differs from the ACT and SAT, and why the test has seen explosive growth in 2024. Achievable's CLT prep course uses AI-powered adaptive learning to target your weak areas...

2024-11-1326 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world How to be the best high school internHigh school internships can give you a big leg up on your college admissions resume, but how can you get even more out of it and also maximize your chances of getting a great recommendation? Sasha Chada is founder and CEO of Ivy Scholars, whose students have 7X the admission rate to Stanford, Columbia, MIT, and other top schools. In this episode, Sasha shares how to get a great internship as a high school student that improves your college application, and how to be the best intern possible in order to both get the most out of the experience...

2024-10-3045 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world What makes a hard SAT Math question hard, and how to solve themGetting stuck on the more difficult SAT Math questions? Ed Antoine is the founder of Antoine Education, and has been tutoring SAT and ACT tutoring for over 20 years. In this episode, Ed walks you through what makes the most difficult SAT Math questions so tough and shares strategies for how to conquer these tough problems. 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.

2024-10-1622 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world What is ROTC and how it can provide financial support and career opportunities for college studentsWhat is the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) and how can it help me pay for college? Phil Black is the founder of PrepWell Academy, a former Navy SEAL officer, Goldman Sachs banker and D1 athlete. In this episode, Phil walks you through the ROTC program, its benefits, requirements, common misconceptions, and how it can help you pay for college and set you up for your career. Achievable's ACT prep course uses adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/exams/act/overview/?utm_source=podcast to try...

2024-10-0354 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world How to start the process of earning scholarshipsDid you know that almost anyone can earn scholarships, including middle and upper-class families, and that they can take tens of thousands off of your tuition bills? Leia LeMaster Horton is the founder of Horton Test Prep, a former educator for 22 years, and an admissions counselor for 9 years. In this episode, Leia shares the strategy she gives her clients for kicking off the scholarship application process and securing serious money to help pay for tuition, room and board, and more. Achievable's ACT prep course uses adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost your score...

2024-09-2543 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world There's almost never been a better time to take the SAT or ACTIn today's environment, with test-optional and the affirmative action ruling, testing might seem less relevant. But that is not the case. Ravi Bhatia is the founder of Ashland Prep and has been tutoring ACT and SAT for over 5 years. In this episode, Ravi explains why - contrary to popular belief - there has never been a better time to take the SAT or ACT as an undergrad applicant to top colleges. Achievable's ACT prep course uses adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/exams/act/overview/?utm_source...

2024-09-1825 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world How to talk to your kid about testingMotivated students will study harder and do better on the SAT or ACT, but how can you get them to understand the gravity of what these tests mean? Travis Minor is the founder of Open Door Education, which has been helping students prepare for the SAT and ACT for over 10 years. In this episode, Travis shares his advice for parents about how to talk to their kids about the standardized testing process and its impact on college admissions. Achievable's ACT prep course uses adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost your score - visit https...

2024-09-1135 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world 5 college admissions trends for the second half of 2024What's new in college admissions as we get into late 2024? David Parker is the founder of Parker Educational Consulting, a PhD, and a former English professor. In this episode, David shares the key trends in college admissions and gives advice for parents and students to navigate them. Achievable's ACT prep course uses 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.

2024-09-0536 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world Why you should start with paper when preparing for the digital SATEverything's going digital, so naturally you should prepare for the new digital SAT.. on paper? Ed Antoine is the founder of Antoine Education, and has been tutoring SAT and ACT tutoring for over 20 years. In this episode, Ed shares why he instructs his clients to start their studying for the digital SAT on paper, and how paper-based prep can help your SAT score. 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.

2024-08-2822 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world How do the math sections on the SAT and ACT differDebating between the SAT and ACT based on their math sections? Then this episode is perfect for you. Lori Goldstein is the founder of Circle Test Prep and has been teaching ACT and SAT prep for 14 years. In this episode, Lori shares her expert opinion on the math sections of the SAT and ACT, how they differ, and which test is ideal for which type of test taker. 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...

2024-08-2121 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world Two girls in Alabama got into Harvard. Here's how they got in.Maddie and Trinity were two smart girls in their local school in Alabama. They never thought they could get into Harvard. They were both admitted through their ingenuity and hard work, along with the guidance of Olivia Jones at Impact Tutoring Services (who set up this interview). In this interview, we hear directly from Maddie and Trinity about what they did that set them apart from their classmates and helped them get into Harvard, with tons of great insights. Achievable's ACT prep course uses AI-powered adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost your score...

2024-08-1437 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world Walkthrough of five CLT Quantitative (Math) practice questionsHow do CLT questions differ from ACT or SAT questions? Let's take a look. Clay Daniel, founder of Clayborne Test Prep and Tutoring, has spent significant time with the founders of the CLT and is one of the country's first and most prominent CLT tutors. In this podcast, Clay walks us through five CLT Quantitative Reasoning practice questions to show how the exam tests logical reasoning more than calculation skills. To follow along the questions, visit https://bit.ly/CLTQuantPracticeSet1 . Thank you Clayborne for providing this material. Achievable's ACT prep course uses AI-powered adaptive learning t...

2024-08-0734 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world An introduction to the Classic Learning Test (CLT)What is the CLT? And why is it becoming an upstart alternative to the ACT and SAT? Clay Daniel, founder of Clayborne Test Prep and Tutoring, has spent significant time with the founders of the CLT and is one of the country's first and most prominent CLT tutors. In this podcast, Clay gives you an overview of what the CLT is, why it was created, who it is for, and how it differs from the ACT and SAT. Achievable's ACT prep course uses AI-powered adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost your score - visit...

2024-07-3135 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world How to ace college admissions: a walkthrough from elementary school to college acceptanceEver want a complete guide to the college admissions process from childhood through acceptance? We've got you covered. Nat Crawford is a Stanford PhD, founder of Improve Your English and college admissions counselor. In this episode, Nat shares the advice he gives high-powered Silicon Valley families about the college admissions process, starting from elementary school and walking you through every year until your child is accepted at their dream university. 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...

2024-07-2444 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world Why you should (or shouldn't) use AI to help with your college admissions essays, and how to do soChatGPT and other tools are all the rage right now, but should you use them to help with your college admissions essays? Elton Lin, founder of Ilumin Education in California, has helped students get into top programs nationwide for over a decade. In this episode, Elton shares how schools are handling AI and how to use AI to help you with your essays while still following the essay rules for all colleges. 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...

2024-07-1228 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world How to find good practice questions for the new digital SATThe new digital SAT is just a year old, so there aren't as many resources out there yet for people looking to practice it. How do you find the good ones? Dave Lynch, founder of StudyLark, has tutored students on the SAT for almost 20 years. In this episode, Dave shares his advice for finding good practice questions for the new digital SAT. 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.

2024-06-2722 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world Top 5 tips for the SAT Math sectionLooking for an edge on the SAT Math section? Jeffrey Dalton has been a teacher and SAT tutor for 14 years, and works with the Abu Dhabi Department of Education. In this episode, Jeffrey shares his top 5 tips for acing the SAT Math section on the digital SAT. 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.

2024-06-2021 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world Top 5 tips for the SAT Reading and Writing sectionReady to conquer the SAT Reading and Writing section? Jeffrey Dalton has been a teacher and SAT tutor for 14 years, and works with the Abu Dhabi Department of Education. In this episode, Jeffrey shares his top 5 tips for acing the SAT Reading and Writing section on the digital SAT. 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.

2024-06-1326 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world Harvard's response to SCOTUS: how to write the new application essayIn response to the SCOTUS ruling on affirmative action, Harvard added a new essay topic asking specifically about how your background influenced you. Nat Crawford is a Stanford PhD, founder of Improve Your English and college admissions counselor. In this episode, Nat shares why Harvard added this new optional essay to their application, why you should always answer it even if you are not from an underrepresented background, and tips for getting the biggest impact from your essay. Achievable's ACT prep course uses AI-powered adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost your score - visit...

2024-06-0719 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world Mega Episode: 9 mistakes to avoid when applying to highly selective schoolsGetting into the top schools is tough enough, but if you make one of these key mistakes it can severely hurt your chances of getting admitted. Sam Hassell is one of the owners at Westchester Prep, and directs their college advising team. In this episode, Sam shares the 9 key mistakes he sees when students apply to the top colleges in the country and how to avoid them. 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/#s=podcast to try it...

2024-05-291h 05

Shift - College admissions in a changing world What impact has the SCOTUS ruling on affirmative action had on this year's college admissions cycleThe SCOTUS ruling on affirmative action was monumental, but how did it actually affect admissions? Elton Lin, founder of Ilumin Education in California, has helped students get into top programs nationwide for over a decade, and weaves life coaching and career advice into his practice. In this hour-long episode, Elton walks through the impact of the SCOTUS ruling on admissions chances for different students that he worked with and what he is hearing from other counsellors. Achievable's ACT prep course uses AI-powered adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable...

2024-05-2221 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world Mega Episode: How to make the most of your college experience academicallyFor many, college is the pinnacle of your academic career, so how do you make the most of it? Louis Newman is former Dean of Academic Advising at Stanford University and now the author of the new book "Thinking Critically in College: The Essential Handbook for Student Success." In this episode, Louis shares advice for making the most of the academic part of your college experience, both to learn and to set you up for a successful career. Achievable's ACT prep course uses AI-powered adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost your score - visit...

2024-05-1552 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world How to solve different Evidence-based Reading question types on the digital SATLooking to ace the SAT Evidence-based Reading section? Dave Lynch, founder of StudyLark, has tutored students on the SAT for almost 20 years. In this episode, Dave shares his best tips for simplifying and solving the various problem types you'll find on the SAT Evidence-based Reading section. 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.

2024-05-0835 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world Mega Episode: How students can develop the organizational skills and executive functioning they need for college and beyondThe biggest challenge that students face when they go to college is being on top of everything on their own. Sasha Chada is founder and CEO of Ivy Scholars, whose students have 7X the admission rate to Stanford, Columbia, MIT, and other top schools. In this mega-episode, Sasha explains the fundamental importance of organizational skills and executive functioning - not just for college, but for the rest of someone's life - and how teens can develop these skills ahead of college. Achievable's ACT prep course uses AI-powered adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost your...

2024-05-0152 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world The new Digital SAT: how it changes your admissions strategyThe SAT made a major shift this year to being digital and adaptive. How does that affect your college applications? Nat Crawford, Stanford PhD, founder of Improve Your English and college admissions counsellor, works with superstar high school students in the San Francisco Bay Area every year. In this episode, Nat shares how the new digital and adaptive SAT affect SAT scores and how that will impact college admissions. 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...

2024-04-2424 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world Should I submit my standardized test scores?With test-optional policies in retreat, how does this change whether you should submit your standardized test scores? Stephen Friedfeld is the cofounder of AcceptU, an admissions consulting firm since 2010 that only employs former admissions officers. In this episode, Stephen shares his tips for navigating the test-optional landscape and how you should make the decision on whether to submit test scores. 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.

2024-04-1724 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world How 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 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world Ways to raise your ACT English scoreThe ACT English is one of the easiest parts of the ACT to improve your score on, and we'll tell you why. Mary Johnson is the ACT English and Reading lead at Odyssey College Prep and the author of the English and Reading sections of Achievable's ACT course. In this episode, Mary shares the key tactics and strategies you can use to ace the ACT English section and raise your score. 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...

2024-04-0316 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world 6 takeaways from new Ivy League testing requirements (Dartmouth, Yale, Brown)Dartmouth kicked off a wave of Ivy League and other colleges reinstating their SAT or ACT requirement for applicants - a massive shift away from test-optional policies. Sam Hassell is one of the owners at Westchester Prep, and directs their college advising team. In this episode, Sam and Tyler talk through the implications of these defections from the test-optional status quo, why test-optional didn't work for these schools, and what to expect in the future. Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.

2024-03-2843 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world Mega Episode: How to select an ACT or SAT test prep program based on your commitments, schedule, and budgetACT and SAT preparation are a key component of the college admissions process, so how to tackle it? Annie Tadros is the Director of My College Prep Online (formerly AM Tutoring) and has 25 years of professional tutoring experience. In this episode, Annie shares her advice on selecting an SAT or ACT test prep program, including key considerations related to your schedule and budget. 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.

2024-03-2055 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world Tips for applying to college as a prospective college athleteApplying to colleges as a prospective athlete can be a big boost to your candidacy, but only if you do it in the right way. Joan Casey is the founder of Educational Advocates College Consulting and has been advising students on test prep and college admissions for almost 20 years. In this episode, she shares her tips applying to college as a prospective college athlete, including specific advice for athletes during the admissions process, building your resume, reaching out to coaches, and more. Achievable's ACT prep course uses AI-powered adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost...

2024-03-1430 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world How to study for AP History examsAP History exams are tricky, and you need to take special care studying for them. Jason Morgan has been a college admissions counsellor for 20 years, the last 10 of which have been focused on international students. In this episode, Jason shares some key lessons from years of advising clients on their AP History exams, including tips for getting a 4 or 5 on the test. Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.

2024-03-0724 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world How 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

Shift - College admissions in a changing world How to get a good ACT writing scoreThe ACT Writing section is not talked about as much, but if you're taking it, it's still important. Mary Johnson is the ACT English and Reading lead at Odyssey College Prep and the author of the English and Reading sections of Achievable's ACT course. In this episode, Mary shares the key tactics and strategies you need to ace the ACT Writing section. Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.

2024-02-2122 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world Who is the ideal college candidate and how to become oneColleges already have an ideal candidate in mind, so how do you become that candidate? Hamada Zahawi is the CEO and founder of Write Track Admissions, a global admissions consultancy with a 93% success rate. In this episode, Hamada shares what colleges want and how to adapt your application to give them what they want without sacrificing authenticity. Hamada shared a generous 25% off code with our listeners. Go to https://collegeadmissionsmasterycourse.com/ and use code WTAPODCAST for 25% off until March 17, 2024. Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me...

2024-02-1437 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world What to consider regarding AP classes and examsEveryone seems to want to take AP classes and exams now, but many aren't taking the right approach. Jason Morgan has been a college admissions counsellor for 20 years, the last 10 of which have been focused on international students. In this episode, Jason shares some key things that those considering AP classes and exams should be thinking about, including why taking "off-major" AP classes can be a good thing, and what AP exams you can realistically get 4s and 5s on without taking the class. Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit h...

2024-02-0719 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world ACT national score numbers are way down - what is the cause and why?ACT released its annual score report recently, and the numbers are not good. Annie Tadros is the Director of My College Prep Online (formerly AM Tutoring) and has 25 years of professional tutoring experience. In this episode, Annie shares why she thinks ACT scores have declined nationwide for the second straight year and what you can do to buck the trend. Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.

2024-01-3129 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world Preparing for tests with dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning disabilitiesPreparing for tests with dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning disabilities can make an already difficult task even more challenging. Linus Law, a high school student who has studied these disabilities, and Mollie Book, a special education teacher from New York, join forces to talk through the current experience for high school students with learning differences, and give practical advice for preparing for tests while managing these differences. Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.

2024-01-2433 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world How to prepare for and ace your college admissions interviewGetting an interview request from a college can be nerve wracking for high school students. Hamada Zahawi is the CEO and founder of Write Track Admissions, a global admissions consultancy with a 93% success rate. In this episode, Hamada walks you through his strategies for preparing for the college admissions interview to ensure that you nail the interview and get admitted. Hamada shared a generous 25% off code with our listeners. Go to https://collegeadmissionsmasterycourse.com/ and use code WTAPODCAST for 25% off until March 17, 2024. Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit...

2024-01-1737 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world How to prepare for the ACT and SAT with ADHD or other learning differencesPreparing for the ACT or SAT is hard enough, but it's even more difficult if you have ADHD or other learning differences. Joan Casey is the founder of Educational Advocates College Consulting and has been advising students on test prep and college admissions for almost 20 years. In this episode, she shares her tips for preparing for the ACT and SAT as a person with ADHD or other learning challenges, including how to set up your study schedule, tips for focus during studying, and how to maximize your score on test day. Achievable is a modern test prep...

2024-01-1020 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world How to take an ACT practice testIf you're not taking your ACT practice tests correctly, you're not getting the most value for your time or improving your ACT score as much as you could be. In this episode, Mary Johnson, ACT English and Reading lead at Odyssey College Prep and the author of the English and Reading sections of Achievable's ACT course, shares her tips for taking an effective ACT practice test that gives you an accurate understanding of how well you'll do on the real exam. Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me...

2024-01-0613 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world Impact of SCOTUS ruling on college essays, especially for those from underrepresented groupsNow that the SCOTUS has struck down affirmative action in all forms -except in your essay - how are essays going to change? And how does this affect the essay approach for those from underrepresented backgrounds? Steph Shyu is the founder of Admitsee - a crowdsourced database of college applications, including college applications, essays, and reviews from thousands of students. In this episode, Steph tackles this important topic and offers advice for parents and students writing their college application essays in a post-affirmative action world. Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam...

2023-12-2718 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world Unhooked 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

Shift - College admissions in a changing world US college admissions tips for Latin American applicantsApplying to US colleges is tough enough, and if you're from Latin America, you can face additional challenges. Jason Morgan has been a college admissions counsellor for 20 years, the last 10 of which have been focused on international students. In this episode, Jason uses his expertise in getting Latin American students into US universities to share actionable tips and strategies for parents and students. Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.

2023-12-1322 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world Test preferred is the new test optional: a deep dive into admissions trends in the top 100 collegesIf you're applying to top 100 colleges, should you submit your ACT or SAT score? David Blobaum is one of the co-owners of Summit Prep and a nationally recognized expert on the SAT, ACT, and college admissions. In this episode, David shares the recent studies and data that are shifting admissions officers' preferences away from test optional at the top 100 colleges. Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.

2023-12-0947 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world DEEP dive on how to get an academic research project published as a high school studentLooking to stand out in your college application? Getting a peer reviewed academic research project published can be a huge leg up over other applicants. Sasha Chada is founder and CEO of Ivy Scholars, whose students have 7X the admission rate to Stanford, Columbia, MIT, and other top schools. In this mega-episode, Sasha shares his playbook for finding, setting up, completing, and publishing an academic research project in a peer reviewed publication. Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.

2023-11-2949 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world Data insights: cultural differences between colleges and how understanding them can improve your applicationSteph Shyu is the founder of Admitsee - a crowdsourced database of college applications, including college applications, essays, and reviews from thousands of students. In this episode, Steph shares insights from Admitsee's platform data on the cultural differences between colleges, and then talks about how you can highlight any cultural alignment in your application to improve your chances for admission. Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.

2023-11-2220 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world Mega episode: How to get impactful letters of recommendation - a complete walkthroughThere is a big different between a good letter of recommendation and a great one that will actually get you into your top target school. Hamada Zahawi is the CEO and founder of Write Track Admissions, a global admissions consultancy with a 93% success rate. In this episode, Hamada shares his step-by-step plan for getting impactful letters of recommendation. Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.

2023-11-1548 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world TikTok college admissions essay trends: what you should and shouldn’t take away from themTikTok has a lot of college admissions essay advice lately, but how much of it is actually good advice? Robert Franklin is a writer and admissions consultant at Admissionado, a full service college admissions firm that guides students through the whole process. In this episode, Robert breaks down the different TikTok college essay trends that are going viral on the platform, including which ideas are good and which ideas are bad for your application. Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.

2023-11-0824 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world Five core principles for effective preparation for the ACT or SATYour time spent preparing for the SAT and ACT can be a lot more effective if you follow good study practices. Travis Minor is the founder of Open Door Education, which has been helping students prepare for the SAT and ACT for over 10 years. In this episode, Travis shares his five core principles for SAT and ACT prep, with actionable implementation strategies for each one. Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.

2023-11-0121 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world What students don’t know going into college that they need to know to succeed academicallyGoing to college is exciting, but there's no tip sheet - that's why we made this episode. Louis Newman is former Dean of Academic Advising at Stanford University and now the author of the new book "Thinking Critically in College: The Essential Handbook for Student Success." In this episode, Louis shares advice that all high school students should hear before going to college, with a focus on the skills and strategies they need to handle the toughest challenges of their academic career. Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable...

2023-10-2524 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world How to maximize your college application for CS, STEM, and other majorsApplying to CS or STEM undergraduate programs? Or just looking to maximize your application in general? Stephen Friedfeld is the cofounder of AcceptU, an admissions consulting firm since 2010 that only employs former admissions officers. In this episode, Stephen shares his tips on how to make the most of every part of your college application, with specific tips for computer science (CS) and STEM applicants. Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.

2023-10-1834 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world The SCOTUS affirmative action ruling and its impact on college admissionsHow will the SCOTUS ruling on affirmative action change college admissions? Robert Franklin is a writer and admissions consultant at Admissionado, a full service college admissions firm that guides students through the whole process. In this episode, Robert shares his thoughts on the recent US Supreme Court (SCOTUS) ruling that struck down most of affirmative action, including what affirmative action was, why the court made the ruling, how the ruling affects applicants from all backgrounds, and what students from underrepresented backgrounds can do now. Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit...

2023-10-1135 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world Mega episode - How to research and evaluate colleges, and then build your college listGetting ready for the college admissions process? This is a great place to start! Hamada Zahawi is the CEO and founder of Write Track Admissions, a global admissions consultancy with a 93% success rate. In this episode, Hamada walks us through the process of creating your college list, including what and how to research, key culture fit things to look for, and how to structure your final list. Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.

2023-10-0449 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world What’s actually changing in the new digital SAT? Answering your FAQsThe new digital SAT is coming soon. Now that we've gotten more information from the College Board, we can answer some of your frequently asked questions. Travis Minor is the founder of Open Door Education, which has been helping students prepare for the SAT and ACT for over 10 years. In this episode, Travis walks you through the new digital SAT's format, content, adaptive nature, and more. Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.

2023-09-2819 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world Former Stanford Dean: How to choose a college intelligently by using the right dataPeople think about and apply to colleges primarily based on name brand, location, and legacy - but there's a lot more data out there that can help you make the right choice. Louis Newman is former Dean of Academic Advising at Stanford University and now the author of the new book "Thinking Critically in College: The Essential Handbook for Student Success." In this episode, Louis shares his concerns with the common rankings and data sources, what other sources you should look for to determine culture fit and academic rigor, and how to use all this data make your best...

2023-09-2134 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world Mega Episode: How the AMC and AIME can help you stand out when applying to top STEM collegesWith grade inflation, everyone taking a million extracurriculars, and more, how can students stand out from the crowd when applying to top STEM programs? Wes Carroll is the founder of Wes Carroll Tutoring, a top AMC tutoring firm in the US, and the author of Achievable's AMC 8 and AMC 10/12 courses. In this episode, Wes explains the landscape of admissions to today's top 10 STEM colleges (Stanford, MIT, etc), what the AMC and AIME (short for American Math Olympiad) are, and how proficiency with the AMC demonstrates the skills that these top colleges are looking for. Achievable is a...

2023-09-1447 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world Mega-episode: How the admissions landscape is shifting with the Common App and test-optional policiesThe college admissions landscape has changed dramatically in the past few years. Stephen Friedfeld is the cofounder of AcceptU, an admissions consulting firm since 2010 that only employes former admissions officers. In this mega-episode, Stephen talks us through many of the major changes in the college admissions landscape, specifically the spread of the Common App and test-optional policies, and how those two things combine to make a massive change in the admissions landscape. Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.

2023-09-0856 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world Developing your passion and the skills you need for life, not just your college applicationIt's easy to get caught up in the 'game' of college admissions and doing things for admission's sake, but the best thing you can do for admissions and yourself is find genuine passions that you want to pursue in college. Gabriel Kadian is one of the owners at Westchester Prep, and directs their college advising team. In this mega-episode, Gabriel shares his thoughtful advice for developing genuine passions that last a lifetime, and make finding activities to pursue for college admissions easy and fun. Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit...

2023-08-2333 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world How to craft an excellent essay, with excerpts from top college admissions essaysYou've heard about great admissions essays - now let's go over some real ones together. Claudine Vainrub is the founder of EduPlan, and she has been helping students apply to colleges for over 20 years. In this episode, Claudine walks you through multiple top college admissions essays and pulls out the key lessons that you can leverage to craft your own essays. Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.

2023-08-1630 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world How international students can leverage their unique background to write great US college application essaysInternational students might worry they have a tougher time applying to US colleges, but they have a unique advantage: their international background. Erik Kolb is an independent college advisor that has worked with hundreds of international US college applications around the world. In this episode, Erik explains how international students can leverage their background and unique experiences to craft compelling essays, including tips for brainstorming and writing them. Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.

2023-08-0932 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world How to get an internship or start a club at school that will actually help you get into collegeIt's easy to say 'get an internship' or 'start a club', but what's actually going to help you get into college? Valerie Erde is the founder of Veridian Prep, and loves to use data to inform the test prep process. In this episode, Valerie walks you through how to secure an internship or create a club that will actually help your application, including what colleges want to see, how to position what you're doing to match, and actually doing it. Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to...

2023-08-0230 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world What to do the night before and morning of your ACT or SAT testThe 12 hours before your ACT or SAT can make or break your 'game day' performance. Alexis Avila is the founder and CEO of Prepped and Polished, a tutoring and test prep company with a focus on executive function coaching. In this episode, Alexis walks you through how to properly prepare for your ACT or SAT, including routine suggestions for the week of and morning of, and helpful tips for getting your mind right the day of the test. Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our...

2023-07-2715 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world Why using an error log can help you build confidence on the ACT and SATUsing an error log is a crucial tactic for improving your standardized test scores, yet so few people actually do it. Claudia Chesler has been part of the Potomac Education Center for the last 17 years. In this episode, she walks you through what an error log is, how to create one for yourself, and how to use it to reduce mistakes and improve your ACT and SAT scores. Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.

2023-07-2529 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world How to handle failure and bounce backAlmost everyone gets rejected from a college, misses the mark on their SAT, or bombs a key exam. The key is what you do next. Mark Cruver, founder of Capstone Educational Consultants, has been helping students get into college for over a decade. In this episode, Mark shares his philosophy for handling failure and how to both take care of yourself during failure and then set yourself up for future success. Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.

2023-07-2025 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world What you get when you study for the ACT and SATWhen you study for the ACT and SAT, you don't just get into college - you get skills that can help you for the rest of your life. John Baylor, founder of OnToCollege, works with over 700 high schools around the nation to help their students get into college. In this episode, John shares his philosophy for why the ACT and SAT can be helpful to you now and also prepare you for college and beyond. Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.

2023-07-1818 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world Your top college asked you to interview with an alumni - here’s what to expect and how to prepareDid you know that colleges can ask you to interview with an alumni as part of your college application process? Kristie Beck is the founder of Savvy Strategies, a college admissions and test prep firm, and was a high school teacher for 15 years. In this episode, Kristie walks you through the process of interviewing with an alumni for college admissions, what to do, what NOT to do, and how to make sure the interview is a positive in your application. Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to...

2023-07-1319 min

Shift - College admissions in a changing world Building a cohesive college essayHow do you write a college essay that connects the dots for admissions officers? Sarah Cook is the founder of College Bound Career Ready, and has 18 years of experience in education and college admissions. In this episode, Sarah shares her framework for building a cohesive college essay, including how to brainstorm properly, how to organize your many essays to cover the appropriate ground, and how to tie everything together into a cohesive story. Achievable is a modern test prep platform for the ACT exam - visit https://achievable.me to try our course for free.

2023-07-1124 min