Your College Bound Kid | Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission Interviews

In this episode you will hear: (08:07) In this week’s news segment, an article from Insider Higher Ed, “Pandemic Hurts Student Mental Health”, by Elizabeth Redden.  A survey of 18,764 current college students revealed that the pandemic has caused an increase of financial stress and depression among students. Among this group, students have faced barriers to campus mental health resources.   (28:36) We are in Chapter 131 of 171 Answers and Mark talks through some of the important steps that athletes should take to secure athletic scholarships. We discuss seven or eight of the most important things for athletes to do and know.   (51:00) This week’s question is from Michele in Washington and she wants to know if and how student loans help improve a student’s credit score.   (01:06:43) Mark’s interview with Dean of Admissions Gil Villanueva moves into the 2nd part of a deep dive of University of Richmond.   (01:13:10) Recommended resource: Mark shares a summary of the important work Professor Scott Galloway of the Stern Business school at NYU is doing to sound the alarm about the dire financial straights that many colleges are in. Here is a link to sign up for a 90-minute session Prof Galloway is leading on Thursday, August 6th from 6-7:30 pm:    Don't forget to send your questions related to any and every facet of the college process to: questions@yourcollegeboundkid.com 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! To access and best utilize the transcripts of each podcast, please do the following: Go to  Click the Transcripts tab, from the top menu by the Episodes tab Click on the transcript for the specific episode you are interested in, just click on the image or by the word “Transcript” You will see a Share icon, a download option, a link to Apple podcast and you will see a magnifying glass Use the magnifying glass to search for any word. If that word was used in the episode, it will show up, highlighted in yellow. You will also see a timestamp so you can see the exact minute and second this word was spoken. If you click the word highlighted in yellow, the podcast player will start playing right at that word. You can stop it from playing by clicking the pause button.  Note: The transcription accuracy is about 90%, so you will see some spelling errors and errors in translation going from voice to print. We are excited to give our listeners a chance to play a role in shaping what topics we discuss, so please send us your ideas for college spotlights, articles for discussion and recommended resources. You can let your voice be heard by completing this survey. Just put the following link in your browser and give us your honest feedback. We thank you in advance. Every episode of Your College-Bound Kid will align with a chapter from the book 171 Answers to the Most-Asked College Admission Questions. To get a copy go to Amazon and click:   If you want to place a bulk order, you will save money by purchasing this book at 171answers.com. Every penny goes to The Atlanta Mission, a Christian organization that helps over 1000 homeless residents every day.  If you want to see what future episodes will discuss in the book chapter section,  just go to 171answers.com and then click the red button "See exactly what 171 Answers covers"

In this episode you will hear: (17:44) In this week’s news segment, an article from Forbes, “New International Students to US May Hit Post-WW2 Low”, by Stuart Anderson.  For the upcoming academic year, the National Foundation for American Policy has forecasted a 63% to 98% decline in enrollment of new international students from the 2018-2019 level. The numbers were first tracked after World War II.   (32:48) We are in Chapter 130 of 171 Answers and Mark shares how some colleges will reduce grants if a student receives outside private scholarships.  This is known as “loan displacement’ and Mark answers questions like: when does this occur? Is this a good thing? What can you do to avoid this and more?   This week’s bonus content is Mark giving the one of the biggest mistake that students make when building their college list.   (01:11:30) Mark’s interview with Dean of Admissions Gil Villanueva moves into a deep dive of University of Richmond.   (01:20:28) Recommended resource: Another great source to find scholarships that have been pre-screened and confirmed as viable and legitimate scholarships:   Don't forget to send your questions related to any and every facet of the college process to: questions@yourcollegeboundkid.com 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! To access and best utilize the transcripts of each podcast, please do the following: Go to  Click the Transcripts tab, from the top menu by the Episodes tab Click on the transcript for the specific episode you are interested in, just click on the image or by the word “Transcript” You will see a Share icon, a download option, a link to Apple podcast and you will see a magnifying glass Use the magnifying glass to search for any word. If that word was used in the episode, it will show up, highlighted in yellow. You will also see a timestamp so you can see the exact minute and second this word was spoken. If you click the word highlighted in yellow, the podcast player will start playing right at that word. You can stop it from playing by clicking the pause button.  Note: The transcription accuracy is about 90%, so you will see some spelling errors and errors in translation going from voice to print. We are excited to give our listeners a chance to play a role in shaping what topics we discuss, so please send us your ideas for college spotlights, articles for discussion and recommended resources. You can let your voice be heard by completing this survey. Just put the following link in your browser and give us your honest feedback. We thank you in advance. Every episode of Your College-Bound Kid will align with a chapter from the book 171 Answers to the Most-Asked College Admission Questions. To get a copy go to Amazon and click:   If you want to place a bulk order, you will save money by purchasing this book at 171answers.com. Every penny goes to The Atlanta Mission, a Christian organization that helps over 1000 homeless residents every day.  If you want to see what future episodes will discuss in the book chapter section,  just go to 171answers.com and then click the red button "See exactly what 171 Answers covers"

In this episode you will hear: (15:22) In this week’s news segment, an article from Forbes, “Williams College Cuts Tuition 15% and Cancels Sports for Fall Semester”, by Anna Esaki-Smith.  The prestigious liberal arts institution announced a reduction in fees related to tuition and room and board costs for the 2020-2021 academic year. President Maud Mandel also added to the announcement that sport competitions are not happening in the fall and that they are moving forward with combined online and in-person classes.   (24:16) We are in Chapter 129 of 171 Answers and we finish a 2-part discussion on private scholarships – how and where to find them.   (42:11) This week’s question is from Claire, a student from Chicago, who wants to know if it’s worth the strenuous process of selecting colleges.   (53:47) Mark continues his interview with Gil Villanueva, Dean of Admissions at University of Richmond and he shares advice for under-resourced students when applying for college.   (01:03:48) Recommended resource: A fantastic blog full of tips on how to win private scholarships: (01:15:47) College spotlight: Carnegie Melon University ()   Don't forget to send your questions related to any and every facet of the college process to: questions@yourcollegeboundkid.com 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! To access and best utilize the transcripts of each podcast, please do the following: Go to  Click the Transcripts tab, from the top menu by the Episodes tab Click on the transcript for the specific episode you are interested in, just click on the image or by the word “Transcript” You will see a Share icon, a download option, a link to Apple podcast and you will see a magnifying glass Use the magnifying glass to search for any word. If that word was used in the episode, it will show up, highlighted in yellow. You will also see a timestamp so you can see the exact minute and second this word was spoken. If you click the word highlighted in yellow, the podcast player will start playing right at that word. You can stop it from playing by clicking the pause button.  Note: The transcription accuracy is about 90%, so you will see some spelling errors and errors in translation going from voice to print. We are excited to give our listeners a chance to play a role in shaping what topics we discuss, so please send us your ideas for college spotlights, articles for discussion and recommended resources. You can let your voice be heard by completing this survey. Just put the following link in your browser and give us your honest feedback. We thank you in advance. Every episode of Your College-Bound Kid will align with a chapter from the book 171 Answers to the Most-Asked College Admission Questions. To get a copy go to Amazon and click:   If you want to place a bulk order, you will save money by purchasing this book at 171answers.com. Every penny goes to The Atlanta Mission, a Christian organization that helps over 1000 homeless residents every day.  If you want to see what future episodes will discuss in the book chapter section,  just go to 171answers.com and then click the red button "See exactly what 171 Answers covers"

In this episode you will hear: (10:38) In this week’s news segment, an article from universityofcalifornia.edu, “UC Regents Declare Their Support for an End to Race-Blind Admissions”, by Nicole Freeling.  The University of California Board of Regents has acknowledged that race-neutral admissions have failed to acknowledge discrimination and structural barriers that have, in-turn, amassed a non-diverse student body for the university system.   (42:59) We are in Chapter 128 of 171 Answers and we start a 2-part discussion on private scholarships – how and where to find them. This is the first time on the podcast we have done a deep dive into outside scholarships aka private scholarships. Most people are overwhelmed by the topic of outside scholarships. Is it worth my time? How do I find them? Which ones should I apply to? We address all of this and more.   (01:06:32) This week’s question from Alison, a student from TX, and she wants to know if starting extracurricular activities at the beginning of junior year can be a huge disadvantage in the admission process.   (01:23:41) Mark kicks off his interview with Gil Villanueva, Assistant Vice President and Dean of Admissions at University of Richmond and he shares advice for under-resourced students when applying for college. Gil has over 25 years of experience at four different selective colleges.   (01:31:05) Recommended resource: NYT Article-A Timeline of Key Supreme Court Cases on Affirmative Action: (01:47:59) College spotlight: University of Kansas ()   Don't forget to send your questions related to any and every facet of the college process to: questions@yourcollegeboundkid.com 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! To access and best utilize the transcripts of each podcast, please do the following: Go to  Click the Transcripts tab, from the top menu by the Episodes tab Click on the transcript for the specific episode you are interested in, just click on the image or by the word “Transcript” You will see a Share icon, a download option, a link to Apple podcast and you will see a magnifying glass Use the magnifying glass to search for any word. If that word was used in the episode, it will show up, highlighted in yellow. You will also see a timestamp so you can see the exact minute and second this word was spoken. If you click the word highlighted in yellow, the podcast player will start playing right at that word. You can stop it from playing by clicking the pause button.  Note: The transcription accuracy is about 90%, so you will see some spelling errors and errors in translation going from voice to print. We are excited to give our listeners a chance to play a role in shaping what topics we discuss, so please send us your ideas for college spotlights, articles for discussion and recommended resources. You can let your voice be heard by completing this survey. Just put the following link in your browser and give us your honest feedback. We thank you in advance. Every episode of Your College-Bound Kid will align with a chapter from the book 171 Answers to the Most-Asked College Admission Questions. To get a copy go to Amazon and click:   If you want to place a bulk order, you will save money by purchasing this book at 171answers.com. Every penny goes to The Atlanta Mission, a Christian organization that helps over 1000 homeless residents every day.  If you want to see what future episodes will discuss in the book chapter section,  just go to 171answers.com and then click the red button "See exactly what 171 Answers covers"

In this episode you will hear: (11:36) In this week’s news segment, an article from The New York Times, “The End of College as We Knew It”, by Frank Bruni.  The public is skeptical that courses of study like the humanities and social sciences lead to jobs. This is making colleges drop these courses because the demand is just not there. We discuss the deleterious impact this will have on society because these subjects are foundational for us to live in a more humane society where we understand each other.   (30:39) We are in Chapter 127 of 171 Answers and we discuss whether paying for college is the student’s responsibility or the parent’s.   (50:47) This week’s question from a college counselor in North Carolina and she wants to know how Mark advises his students to answer the new question on the common application about COVID-19.   (01:09:20) Mark concludes his interview with Vanessa Didyk, CEO of Zeemee, a company that let’s students share their stories and connect with college communities.   (01:17:11) Recommended resource: The Book; .” Jeffrey Selingo   (01:27:12) College spotlight: Morehouse College   Don't forget to send your questions related to any and every facet of the college process to: questions@yourcollegeboundkid.com 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! To access and best utilize the transcripts of each podcast, please do the following: Go to  Click the Transcripts tab, from the top menu by the Episodes tab Click on the transcript for the specific episode you are interested in, just click on the image or by the word “Transcript” You will see a Share icon, a download option, a link to Apple podcast and you will see a magnifying glass Use the magnifying glass to search for any word. If that word was used in the episode, it will show up, highlighted in yellow. You will also see a timestamp so you can see the exact minute and second this word was spoken. If you click the word highlighted in yellow, the podcast player will start playing right at that word. You can stop it from playing by clicking the pause button.  Note: The transcription accuracy is about 90%, so you will see some spelling errors and errors in translation going from voice to print. We are excited to give our listeners a chance to play a role in shaping what topics we discuss, so please send us your ideas for college spotlights, articles for discussion and recommended resources. You can let your voice be heard by completing this survey. Just put the following link in your browser and give us your honest feedback. We thank you in advance. Every episode of Your College-Bound Kid will align with a chapter from the book 171 Answers to the Most-Asked College Admission Questions. To get a copy go to Amazon and click:   If you want to place a bulk order, you will save money by purchasing this book at 171answers.com. Every penny goes to The Atlanta Mission, a Christian organization that helps over 1000 homeless residents every day.  If you want to see what future episodes will discuss in the book chapter section,  just go to 171answers.com and then click the red button "See exactly what 171 Answers covers"

In this episode you will hear: (06:13) In this week’s news segment, an article from The Atlantic, “Colleges Are Deluding Themselves”, by Michael Sorrell.  The President of Paul Quinn College, Sorrell, makes the case on why colleges should not cloud their judgement on reopening this fall, based on financial and reputational worries.   (34:33) We are in Chapter 126 of 171 Answers and Mark discusses the repayment options for federal loans and why it is important to communicate with your loan service provider.   (49:08) This week’s question is from Larissa in Colorado. How important should the salary data for graduates be, when I am evaluating colleges?   (01:00:46) Mark continues his interview with Vanessa Didyk, CEO of Zeemee, a company that let’s students share their stories and connect with college communities. This is part 3 of 4   (01:06:50) Recommended resource:  The website: This website lets you know what the fall re-opening plans are for almost 300 colleges. It is updated multiple times in one day   (01:17:13) College spotlight:  Virginia Tech University ()   Don't forget to send your questions related to any and every facet of the college process to: questions@yourcollegeboundkid.com 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! To access and best utilize the transcripts of each podcast, please do the following:   Go to  Click the Transcripts tab, which is on the left side, by the Episodes Tab Click on the transcript for the specific episode you are interested in, just click on the image or by the word “Transcript” You will see a Share icon, a download option, a link to Apple podcast and you will see a magnifying glass Use the magnifying glass to search for any word. If that word was used in the episode, it will show up, highlighted in yellow. You will also see a timestamp so you can see the exact minute and second this word was spoken. If you click the word highlighted in yellow, the podcast player will start playing right at that word. You can stop it from playing by clicking the pause button.  Note: The transcription accuracy is about 90%, so you will see some spelling errors and errors in translation going from voice to print. We are excited to give our listeners a chance to play a role in shaping what topics we discuss, so please send us your ideas for college spotlights, articles for discussion and recommended resources. You can let your voice be heard by completing this survey. Just put the following link in your browser and give us your honest feedback. We thank you in advance. Every episode of Your College-Bound Kid will align with a chapter from the book 171 Answers to the Most-Asked College Admission Questions. To get a copy go to Amazon and click:   If you want to place a bulk order, you will save money by purchasing this book at 171answers.com. Every penny goes to The Atlanta Mission, a Christian organization that helps over 1000 homeless residents every day.  If you want to see what future episodes will discuss in the book chapter section,  just go to 171answers.com and then click the red button "See exactly what 171 Answers covers"

In this episode you will hear: (13:25) In this week’s news segment, an article from Forbes.com, “New Evidence Documents That A College Degree Pays Off – By A Lot”, by Michael Nietzel.  The College Board has published its latest report about the economic benefits of higher education, showing the strong correlation between more education and larger earnings.   (31:02) We are in Chapter 125 of 171 Answers and Mark describes the ways in which federal loans are better than private student loans.   (58:32) It is time again for bonus content and Mark walks us through how to use LinkedIn to search schools and find out where their graduates are being hired. He also shows us what degrees are the most common from each institution. Finally, Mark shows us how you can research a company you are interested in and you can learn where they are hiring from. Mark believes that LinkedIn is a gold mine and that it should be part of the college research that every students and parent does.   (01:20:29) Mark continues his interview with Vanessa Didyk, CEO of Zeemee, a company that let’s students share their stories and connect with college communities.   (01:28:42) Recommended resource: A great article by Shannon Insler of Student Loan Hero on the 8 best private student loans.   (01:37:18) College spotlight: Rose Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute, Indiana. () Don't forget to send your questions related to any and every facet of the college process to: questions@yourcollegeboundkid.com 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! To access and best utilize the transcripts of each podcast, please do the following: Go to  Click the Transcripts tab, which is on the left side, by the Episodes Tab Click on the transcript for the specific episode you are interested in, just click on the image or by the word “Transcript” You will see a Share icon, a download option, a link to Apple podcast and you will see a magnifying glass Use the magnifying glass to search for any word. If that word was used in the episode, it will show up, highlighted in yellow. You will also see a timestamp so you can see the exact minute and second this word was spoken. If you click the word highlighted in yellow, the podcast player will start playing right at that word. You can stop it from playing by clicking the pause button.  Note: The transcription accuracy is about 90%, so you will see some spelling errors and errors in translation going from voice to print. We are excited to give our listeners a chance to play a role in shaping what topics we discuss, so please send us your ideas for college spotlights, articles for discussion and recommended resources. You can let your voice be heard by completing this survey. Just put the following link in your browser and give us your honest feedback. We thank you in advance. Every episode of Your College-Bound Kid will align with a chapter from the book 171 Answers to the Most-Asked College Admission Questions. To get a copy go to Amazon and click:   If you want to place a bulk order, you will save money by purchasing this book at 171answers.com. Every penny goes to The Atlanta Mission, a Christian organization that helps over 1000 homeless residents every day.  If you want to see what future episodes will discuss in the book chapter section,  just go to 171answers.com and then click the red button "See exactly what 171 Answers covers"

In this episode you will hear: (21:49) In this week’s news segment, an article from Providence Journal, “Brown University Will Cut 11 of Its Varsity Sports”, by Bill Koch.  150 student athletes and 7 coaches will be impacted by Brown’s decision to cut 11 of its varsity sports for the 2020-2021 academic year. The decision will result in roughly $500,000 to reallocate to the university’s budget. Mark and Dave discuss multiple reasons why Brown may have been prompted to make this decision.     (39:02) We are in Chapter 124 of 171 Answers and Mark gives 15 reasons why the Federal Direct Loan is unquestionably the best loan that almost all students are eligible for. Mark and Anika go one by one and briefly discuss all 15 of these reasons.   (01:05:15) This week’s question is from Brendan in Atlanta and he wants to know if it ever makes sense to ask a college faculty member at a school that you are applying to, to write a letter of recommendation on your behalf. Mark answers this question but he also shares some other ways to tap into a faculty member you may know at a school you are applying to.   (01:18:34) Mark kicks off his interview with Vanessa Didyk, CEO of Zeemee, a company that let’s students share their stories and connect with college communities. Zeemee is an incredible service for prospective students and current students.   (01:29:35) Recommended resource: The book, “The College Stress Test” (01:38:44) College spotlight: Union College in Schenectady, NY  ()   Don't forget to send your questions related to any and every facet of the college process to: questions@yourcollegeboundkid.com 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! We are excited to give our listeners a chance to play a role in shaping what topics we discuss, so please send us your ideas for college spotlights, articles for discussion and recommended resources. You can let your voice be heard by completing this survey. Just put the following link in your browser and give us your honest feedback. We thank you in advance. Every episode of Your College-Bound Kid will align with a chapter from the book 171 Answers to the Most-Asked College Admission Questions. To get a copy go to Amazon and click:   If you want to place a bulk order, you will save money by purchasing this book at 171answers.com. Every penny goes to The Atlanta Mission, a Christian organization that helps over 1000 homeless residents every day.  If you want to see what future episodes will discuss in the book chapter section,  just go to 171answers.com and then click the red button "See exactly what 171 Answers covers"

In this episode you will hear: (17:52) In this week’s news segment, an article from The New York Times, “The ‘Public’ in Public College Could Be Endangered”, by Kevin Carey.  As the pandemic drills deeper into the budgets of public institutions, states are having to take even more drastic approaches to funding.  Mark and Dave discuss what the consequences of states reducing their appropriations to colleges would mean for students and for colleges. If you really enjoyed this topic, we also discussed the impact state cuts are having  on Episode 97. Here is a link to that episode:   (40:01) We are in Chapter 123 of 171 Answers and Mark runs down what he really thinks about the Parent PLUS loan. He shares about a dozen reasons he is concerned about the Parent PLUS loan but he closes by saying when he thinks the Parent PLUS loan can make sense.   (01:06:27) This week’s question is from Josie in FL, and she wants to know how having multiple kids in college at the same time impacts what she will have to pay for college for each student.   (01:18:12) Mark continues his interview with Carmen Chavez, a 12th grader from Miami, in: Reflections on my college admissions process, Part III. Carmen shares what she did right and what she would change about the college process. (01:25:52) Recommended resource 1: The Chronicle of Higher Education is tracking what each school’s plans are for the fall. They have an alphabetized list of schools with a hyperlink taking you to their plans and the best news is, they are updating it pretty much every day. Here is the link: Recommended resource: 2 Parent Loan Repayment Calculator (01:39:55) College spotlight: Drexel University (Drexel.edu)   Don't forget to send your questions related to any and every facet of the college process to: questions@yourcollegeboundkid.com 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! We are excited to give our listeners a chance to play a role in shaping what topics we discuss, so please send us your ideas for college spotlights, articles for discussion and recommended resources. You can let your voice be heard by completing this survey. Just put the following link in your browser and give us your honest feedback. We thank you in advance. Every episode of Your College-Bound Kid will align with a chapter from the book 171 Answers to the Most-Asked College Admission Questions. To get a copy go to Amazon and click:   If you want to place a bulk order, you will save money by purchasing this book at 171answers.com. Every penny goes to The Atlanta Mission, a Christian organization that helps over 1000 homeless residents every day.  If you want to see what future episodes will discuss in the book chapter section,  just go to 171answers.com and then click the red button "See exactly what 171 Answers covers"

In this episode you will hear: (06:05) In this week’s news segment, an article from Los Angeles Times, “UC Makes Landmark Decision to Drop ACT/SAT Requirement for Admissions”, by Teresa Watanabe .  A unanimous decision made by the UC regents voted to suspend SAT and ACT testing requirements through 2024.   (39:51) We are in Chapter 122 of 171 Answers and we are explaining what the Parent PLUS loan is. Anika asks Mark her frequently asked questions about the Parent PLUS loan and Mark answers them.   (01:01:51) This week’s question is from Patrice and she wants to know of any advice for juniors on activities they could do this [COVID-19] summer to help them stand out on admissions applications.   (01:17:39) Mark continues his interview with Carmen Chavez, a 12th grader from Miami, in: Reflections on my college admissions process, Part II   Carmen shares where she applied and whether she was admitted and where she was wait listed Carmen also reflects on what she would do differently if she had to do a search all over again Carmen talks about something that so impressed me that it made me say, Carmen, can I interview you about this Recommended resource: The Chronicle of Higher Education is tracking what each school’s plans are for the fall. They have an alphabetized list of schools with a hyperlink taking you to their plans and the best news is, they are updating it pretty much every day. Here is the link:     (01:36:55) College spotlight: UMass Amherst (umass.edu)   Don't forget to send your questions related to any and every facet of the college process to: questions@yourcollegeboundkid.com 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! We are excited to give our listeners a chance to play a role in shaping what topics we discuss, so please send us your ideas for college spotlights, articles for discussion and recommended resources. You can let your voice be heard by completing this survey. Just put the following link in your browser and give us your honest feedback. We thank you in advance. Every episode of Your College-Bound Kid will align with a chapter from the book 171 Answers to the Most-Asked College Admission Questions. To get a copy go to Amazon and click:    If you want to place a bulk order, you will save money by purchasing this book at 171answers.com. Every penny goes to The Atlanta Mission, a Christian organization that helps over 1000 homeless residents every day.  If you want to see what future episodes will discuss in the book chapter section,  just go to 171answers.com and then click the red button "See exactly what 171 Answers covers"