How Teachers Can Give High-Potential Students a College Roadmap

Too many bright, high-achieving students hit a wall because they lack access, know-how, and the "network advantage" that makes college applications feel possible. In this episode, I talk with Zak Adams, a junior at Harvard University, about how mentorship can help high-potential, low-opportunity students pursue "dream universities" they might not otherwise consider. We discuss Project Access, an international, UK-registered charity that pairs students with mentors connected to their target universities. If you work with juniors right now, this conversation will help you see practical next steps you can take to support students who need a roadmap.

In this episode, you'll learn how to:

• Recognize when a high-achieving student needs mentorship, not just encouragement

• Identify "high-potential, low-opportunity" indicators that can signal a need for added support

• Refer students early and plan ahead for deadlines that often arrive around September

• Understand why mentor matching connected to a target university can provide "network advantage"

• Encourage students by helping them build a plan when they don't know where to begin

Show notes and resources: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e925