Megan and Erin discussed five key actions families can take throughout high school to make college admissions easier, emphasizing actions families can take from freshman year through junior year. Megan highlighted the importance of consistent planning and outlined key tasks for each year, while Erin shared insights and actionable items. They agreed on the value of starting early and maintaining a steady approach throughout high school to streamline the college application process.

Megan advised on high school grade tracking, emphasizing the importance of calculating and recording unweighted GPAs annually. She suggested keeping a running document of semester averages and cumulative totals, using either digital tools or traditional methods, to help students and families better understand and manage academic performance. Unweighted GPAs are more relevant to colleges and can prevent surprises during the application process, as demonstrated by Erin’s recent experience with a student who misunderstood their GPA.

Megan and Erin discussed the importance of maintaining an updated resume for college applications and other opportunities. They suggested creating a “dump list” of all activities and experiences, which can then be curated for specific purposes. They emphasized the value of including unique skills, honors, awards, and service activities, even if they seem minor.

Megan and Erin discussed college planning, emphasizing the importance of starting early, particularly in 9th grade, by visiting 2-3 local colleges annually. Megan advised taking notes on likes and dislikes during visits to build a college list later. They highlighted the need to avoid last-minute planning, especially for juniors, and suggested exploring schools online if in-person visits are not feasible. Megan also recommended planning noteworthy activities each year, such as summer programs, to enhance college applications.

Megan discussed the importance of engaging in meaningful activities during the summer, emphasizing personal enrichment over resume-building. She suggested that these experiences could serve as inspiration for college admissions essays, encouraging students to pursue activities that are personally noteworthy. Megan also proposed organizing a family meeting to discuss this further.

Erin and Megan discussed the importance of holding a family meeting to align on college-related expectations, including affordability, potential out-of-state attendance, and academic preferences. They emphasized the need to address these topics early to avoid future complications, such as limiting college choices due to financial constraints or academic preferences.

The post 626: Five Things you can do RIGHT NOW to Make College Admissions Easier appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

Today Megan and Erin answer a listener question about online classes and brainstorm ideas for students, parents, and educators to help avoid a schedule full of unwanted online college classes.

Laurie wrote:

I have noticed a trend the past two years that is frustrating the students I work with and I would love to hear your and Erin’s perspectives and thoughts. Out of about dozen college freshman that I worked with last year, 8 of them have come home on their holiday break from college disappointed because they had so many online classes their first semester. They are very discouraged and it’s all I could do to talk them into not transferring but trying to advocate for themselves and talk to their advisors about not accepting online classes semester 2. Thoughts/ questions:

• Why are colleges and universities doing this? Budget cuts? Lack of professors? They have to know that sitting in your dorm, alone and doing an online class is not an optimal experience for new freshman.
• Should we encourage parents to help advise their students when they register for classes their first semester? Just to peek over their shoulder and make sure they are not stuck in a bunch of online classes? They right amount of parent involvement is a fine line…
• How can we help students learn to advocate for themselves? They do not have to accept the first schedule they are offered- and one that is likely generated by an algorithm. What can they say and do when they need to change it? My students say they felt trapped, like they shouldn’t be “difficult” or that it wouldn’t be possible to find all their classes in person, or they didn’t know how exactly to make changes.

The post 625: Can Students Avoid Online College Classes? appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

Megan and Erin discuss common surprising college rejections and how to avoid them. College rejections are often based on numerical limitations rather than personal judgment, but they still hurt. While some rejection is expected with competitive admissions, there are some steps parents and students can take to minimize disappointment.

Megan and Erin discussed preventable mistakes. They highlighted the importance of completing all parts of the application and submitting it by the deadline, as well as following up on required information from others. Megan emphasized that parents should oversee their child’s application process, given the significant investment in college. They also addressed how standards have changed over time, urging applicants to research current competitiveness of schools rather than relying on outdated information.

Megan and Erin discussed the challenges families face when their children are rejected from their first-choice colleges, emphasizing the importance of thorough research and planning. Megan highlighted the need for families to consider backup options early and avoid last-minute scrambles, while also suggesting alternative paths like gap years or community college if necessary. They agreed that overqualified students who show little interest in a school may be rejected, and parents often struggle to understand these decisions.

Megan explained to Erin that some smaller private schools prioritize yield over raw qualifications, and students who show little interest in a school may be overlooked in favor of more engaged candidates. She noted that participating in college rankings can have unintended consequences, including affecting a school’s willingness to accept a student. Megan also discussed how some parents struggle to understand what “highly competitive” means, particularly when their child is not accepted by their preferred school.

Megan and Erin discussed the misconceptions students have about college admissions, particularly regarding highly selective schools. Megan explained that applying to multiple highly selective schools does not increase a student’s chances of admission, as each school’s acceptance rate remains the same regardless of the number of applications. She emphasized that students and parents need to understand that even top candidates can be rejected from these schools, and encouraged them to consider schools that are a better fit for the student’s profile.

Megan and Erin discussed the importance of preparing for both good and bad news in college admissions, emphasizing the value of a diverse college list and careful application processes. They highlighted the emotional impact of not getting into a preferred school, but stressed the importance of considering alternative options and finding a better fit. Megan shared her daughter’s experience of being rejected by an early decision school and ultimately being happier at her current institution, illustrating that sometimes not getting into a desired school can lead to a more suitable outcome. They encouraged listeners to research their options, ask questions, and reach out via email for further support.

The post 624: Some Surprising College Rejections appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

Megan and Erin discuss the importance of not rushing to decide a college major, especially for high school students who may not have been exposed to all possible fields of study. Many students change their majors during college and that the degree itself is less important than the skills and experiences gained. Some key issues:

• Choosing a college major as a high school senior can cause unnecessary stress, as many students haven’t been exposed to subjects like anthropology or sociology that they might discover and love in college
• Some large state universities require students to declare majors upfront and have limited flexibility to switch into competitive programs like business due to capacity constraints
• The name of the degree or prestige of the school does not automatically guarantee job placement; internships, research experiences, and networking connections are more influential in securing employment
• Most people end up working in fields unrelated to their undergraduate major, making the initial major choice less critical than previously believed
• Students should explore interests through summer programs and online courses before committing to a major
• For highly structured programs like engineering, nursing, and architecture, students do need to commit early, though some flexibility exists within engineering specializations

• Students
  • Use summer time to explore interests through programs and free online courses
  • Research major flexibility policies at prospective schools before applying
  • Consider applying to competitive majors initially, as it’s easier to transfer out than transfer in
  • Build connections through internships and research experiences while in college
  • Focus on developing transferable skills like communication, writing, analytical reading, and problem-solving
• Students considering specific schools
  • Ask about major switching policies if you have a specific field in mind
  • Balance college list with schools that allow undecided majors and those requiring direct admission to programs
  • Consider starting at a 2-year institution and transferring if targeting a competitive program at a 4-year university

The post 623: Your Major Doesn’t Determine Your Future appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

Join us as Megan and Erin discussed how parents can determine if their children are working hard enough, particularly in the context of academic performance and test preparation. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as it depends on the individual student and their goals, but there are some things parents can consider. We want to see our kids succeed and teach habits that will serve them well in the long run, rather than just focusing on immediate results.

Erin suggested having an open conversation with the student about their activities and concerns, while Megan advised checking grades as a way to gauge their progress in schoolwork. They also highlighted the importance of ensuring that students are completing all their assignments and not just spending time on screens.

Megan and Erin discussed the importance of distinguishing between students who genuinely lack effort and those who may be struggling due to factors like anxiety or perfectionism. Megan emphasized the need to assess whether students are putting honest effort into their work rather than focusing solely on grades or hours spent. They also highlighted the importance of having open conversations with students about their effort and understanding the reasons behind their performance, while being mindful not to inadvertently trigger anxiety in perfectionist students.

Megan and Erin discussed the inefficiency of spending long hours on tasks without actually accomplishing much, comparing it to people who waste time at the gym or during work hours. They agreed that focusing on consistent, small efforts over time is more effective than trying to complete tasks in large blocks. Megan suggested asking students if spending just 10-15 minutes daily on a subject could improve their grades, emphasizing the importance of making the most of small amounts of time.

Megan and Erin discussed strategies for setting and achieving educational goals, emphasizing the importance of clear, agreed-upon objectives and student buy-in. Erin also suggested that students review and redo past work to better understand concepts and reduce future workload, while Megan criticized teachers for not providing adequate access to missed questions on assessments.

Megan and Erin discussed the importance of focusing on habits and behaviors rather than outcomes like grades or test scores. Megan emphasized that students have control over their habits but not their scores, advocating for setting goals based on behaviors rather than numbers. They agreed that building good habits, such as consistent study practices, is crucial for achieving desired outcomes.

Erin and Megan discussed the importance of focusing on quality over quantity in academic and personal development. Megan emphasized the need to identify and address gaps in learning rather than simply repeating information. They also touched on the concept of limited practice opportunities, such as SAT practice tests, and the importance of learning from mistakes to improve performance. They highlighted the need to teach students skills that will help them succeed in college and beyond, rather than just achieving high scores or grades.

The post 622: How to Tell if you are “Doing Enough” appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

Join Megan and Erin as they discuss how students can compare and make decisions about college offers, focusing on financial considerations and program offerings. It can be difficult to make that final decision. Families can start evaluating offers by

• create a pros and cons list for each school, considering factors like location, specialized programs, and affordability
• evaluate the financial aid packages, including renewable grants and loans, and to consider long-term debt implications
• attend admitted students’ events, such as overnights

Having multiple good choices is the goal of your college application process. Congratulations! Now take the time to evaluate all of the options as you make your final decision.

The post 621: How to Compare College Offers & Make Your Final Decision appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

Join Megan and Erin as they discuss strategies for maximizing college scholarship dollars while avoiding scams.

Megan and Erin discussed scholarship search tools, with Megan recommending several legitimate scholarship aggregators and advised listeners to be cautious of sites that charge fees for applications, as legitimate scholarship programs do not require payment to apply.

Megan and Erin discussed strategies for effectively applying for scholarships:

• creating separate email accounts for scholarship applications to manage the influx of information
• clicking through to the actual scholarship websites to verify current details, as requirements can change
• setting specific goals, such as applying for a set number of scholarships or spending a certain amount of time on application
• reusing essays for multiple applications, though Megan noted that some scholarships may require unique content.

Megan and Erin agree that local scholarships, school counselors, and local organizations, places of worship, and employers are often overlooked sources worth exploring. Megan highlighted that many students stop applying for scholarships after their freshman year of college, despite the availability of scholarships for current students. Megan recommended checking with the financial aid office and department for specific major-related scholarships.

Overall, be proactive in seeking scholarships, avoid scams, and take advantage of available opportunities.

The post 620: How to Maximize College Scholarship Opportunities appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

Admission to music programs and conservatories is a specialized process that involves more steps than simply sending application material and essays to the admissions office. This week Megan is joined by Darren Sacks, a professional double bassist and music college admissions expert to discuss key aspects of music education and the audition preparation.

Darren shares:

• the importance of early music lessons and private instruction quality
• participation in youth orchestras and summer festivals
• the significance of developing musical maturity, technical proficiency, and consistent practice systems
• guidance on selecting appropriate instructors and maintaining professional standards throughout the application process
• the significance of choosing appropriate pieces that showcase a student’s current level without being too challenging

Darren discusses the importance of finding a balance between coaching and consulting when selecting a one-on-one music instructor for students, emphasizing the need for instructors to demonstrate and provide practical examples alongside guidance. He shared his approach of combining tough love with empathy to help students improve, using examples like helping a student win an all-states competition after an initial setback.

If you are interested in learning more, you can find Darren at:

• Home Page: www.darrensacksbasscoach.com
• Instagram: @darrensacks.bostonbass

Specifically parents of double bassists or students interested in orchestral double bass, if parents click on the “Work With Me” page, they can schedule a phone call with Darren to book a Zoom Audition Strategy Call + 30-Minute Playing Session for their child.

The post 619: From Local Youth Orchestras to Top Conservatories – Strategies that Win the Audition with Darren Sacks appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.