YCBK 512: Data That Is Available About Colleges That Most People Don’t Know
Feb 24, 2025
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In this discussion, Kathleen deLaski, Founder of the Education Design Lab and author of 'Who Needs College Anymore?', highlights the hidden gems in the Common Data Set that families often overlook. She shares her eye-opening experiences with college admissions stress and insights from her 150 interviews that shaped her perspectives. Kathleen emphasizes the shift towards skills-based hiring over traditional degrees and the evolving landscape of education, urging listeners to reconsider the value of formal education in today’s job market.
The Common Data Set provides crucial, lesser-known insights into college admissions, empowering families to make informed decisions about applications.
Employers are increasingly shifting towards skills-based hiring, challenging the traditional value of degrees and prompting families to reconsider college investments.
The podcast outlines four distinct categories of students who may benefit from college, advocating for personalized education planning based on individual needs.
Deep dives
Experience and Mission in College Counseling
The podcast features a diverse group of college admissions experts who have collectively amassed around 200 years of experience in the field. Each co-host brings a unique perspective, shaped by personal experiences as parents and professionals. The central mission articulated focuses on providing equitable access to college knowledge, emphasizing that it's not about attending prestigious institutions like Harvard, but about finding the best fit for each student. This approach encourages families to appreciate their students for who they are and fosters an understanding that education is a lifelong journey rather than a final destination.
Current Financial Challenges in College Admissions
The podcast highlights ongoing financial pressures faced by colleges, influenced by governmental decisions that are leading some institutions toward financial distress. The exploration of how these financial dynamics affect college admissions is underscored by the need for families to be vigilant about the financial health of the schools they are considering. Listeners are encouraged to stay informed about institutional funding cuts and their repercussions, particularly for graduate programs at well-known universities that may face reductions in admissions as a result. This backdrop of financial caution serves as a critical reminder for families planning for college costs.
Understanding the Common Data Set
A significant focus is placed on the Common Data Set (CDS), a standardized collection of data that provides essential information about colleges. The CDS serves as a valuable resource for families navigating the college admissions landscape, containing detailed enrollment statistics, admission rates, and academic programs. Key sections of the CDS include information on first-year admissions and institutional data, which can help families make informed decisions regarding college applications. By understanding how to navigate the CDS, families can glean data that directly influences their college choices.
Changing Perceptions of College Necessity
Discussion around the evolving expectations of college reveals a tension between traditional beliefs and current realities. Employers are increasingly valuing skills over degrees, signaling a shift towards skills-based hiring where practical experience may be prioritized over formal education. This trend prompts a reevaluation of the role college plays in career readiness, as many young people contemplate whether the investment in higher education is justifiable. Interviews with college-bound students reflect a growing apprehension about accruing debt for degrees that may not guarantee job security in an evolving job market.
Identifying Types of Students Who Need College
The podcast identifies four distinct categories of students who may benefit from college education, highlighting the varying needs for obtaining a degree. These categories include those requiring licenses for specific professions, immigrant families seeking upward mobility, individuals needing legitimacy in their careers, and students who thrive in structured educational environments. This framework helps families assess whether college aligns with a student's goals and circumstances, suggesting that while college is essential for some, alternative pathways may be more suitable for others. This nuanced perspective encourages a personalized approach to higher education planning.
In this episode you will hear: Mark answers a Speakpipe QFL from a listener who wants to know what other valuable information is in the Common Data Set that most people don’t know about Mark interviews Kathleen deLaski, Founder of the Education Design Lab Preview of Part 2 § Kathleen talks about an experience she had that made her realize just how stressful the college admissions process has become § Kathleen talks about the 150 interviews she did with a wide range of people to prepare before she wrote the book § Kathleen talks about the growth of skills based hiring instead of degree based hiring § Kathleen talks about the four times of people who need college Speakpipe.com/YCBK is our method if you want to ask a question and we will be prioritizing all questions sent in via Speakpipe. Unfortunately, we will NOT answer questions on the podcast anymore that are emailed in. If you want us to answer a question on the podcast, please use speakpipe.com/YCBK. We feel hearing from our listeners in their own voices adds to the community feel of our podcast. You can also use this for many other purposes: 1) Send us constructive criticism about how we can improve our podcast 2) Share an encouraging word about something you like about an episode or the podcast in general 3) Share a topic or an article you would like us to address 4) Share a speaker you want us to interview 5) Leave positive feedback for one of our interviewees. We will send your verbal feedback directly to them and I can almost assure you, your positive feedback will make their day. To sign up to receive Your College-Bound Kid PLUS, our new monthly admissions newsletter, delivered directly to your email once a month, just go to yourcollegeboundkid.com, and you will see the sign-up popup. We will include many of the hot topics being discussed on college campuses. Check out our new blog. We write timely and insightful articles on college admissions: Follow Mark Stucker on Twitter to get breaking college admission news, and updates about the podcast before they go live. You can ask questions on Twitter that he will answer on the podcast. Mark will also share additional hot topics in the news and breaking news on this Twitter feed. Twitter message is also the preferred way to ask questions for our podcast: https://twitter.com/YCBKpodcast 1. To access our transcripts, click: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/transcripts/ 2. Find the specific episode transcripts for the one you want to search and click the link 3. Find the magnifying glass icon in blue (search feature) and click it 4. Enter whatever word you want to search. I.e. Loans 5. Every word in that episode when the words loans are used, will be highlighted in yellow with a timestamps 6. Click the word highlighted in yellow and the player will play the episode from that starting point 7. You can also download the entire podcast as a transcript We would be honored if you will pass this podcast episode on to others who you feel will benefit from the content in YCBK. Please subscribe to our podcast. It really helps us move up in Apple’s search feature so others can find our podcast. If you enjoy our podcast, would you please do us a favor and share our podcast both verbally and on social media? We would be most grateful! If you want to help more people find Your College-Bound Kid, please make sure you follow our podcast. You will also get instant notifications as soon as each episode goes live. Check out the college admissions books Mark recommends: Check out the college websites Mark recommends: If you want to have some input about what you like and what you recommend, we change about our podcast, please complete our Podcast survey; here is the link: If you want a college consultation with Mark or Lisa or Lynda, just text Mark at 404-664-4340 or email Lisa at or Lynda at Lynda@schoolmatch4u.com. All we ask is that you review their services and pricing on their website before the complimentary session; here is link to their services with transparent pricing: https://schoolmatch4u.com/services/compare-packages/
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