Don't Force It: How to Get into College without Losing Yourself in the Process

In today’s episode, I share how middle schoolers can build strong academic and life skills to set themselves up for success—without rushing into college prep. From reading and executive function to healthy habits and mentorship, I’ll walk through practical ways to support your child’s growth and confidence. Plus, I’ll offer tips for parents on working with teachers and knowing when to seek extra help. Tune in for actionable insights to help your child thrive!Sign up to join our live coaching session and receive personalized insights!Students: https://forms.gle/cRyBSFP9tSEJnsVN6Parents and other Adults: https://forms.gle/v6Nppxix6HPKrRfdAAccess free resources and learn more about Sheila and her team at Signet Education at signeteducation.com or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaakbar/.

In today’s episode, we’re bringing you a special replay of our recent webinar, where I dive into the intricacies of the college admissions process with expert insights from Joanna Graham and James Hayashi. Together, we explore how admissions officers review applications, the role of test scores and AI tools, and what truly matters in crafting a standout application. If you’re navigating the college admissions journey, this episode is packed with tips, strategies, and behind-the-scenes revelations to help you feel confident and prepared.BIoJoanna Graham is a former Georgetown admissions officer (and ex-Chief) with over 20 years of experience guiding families and assessing applications.James Hayashi has been advising students for a decade and reading applications at University of Southern California for 4 seasons. He loves sharing insights that help students put their best foot forward!Sign up to join our live coaching session and receive personalized insights!Students: https://forms.gle/cRyBSFP9tSEJnsVN6Parents and other Adults: https://forms.gle/v6Nppxix6HPKrRfdAFebruary 2025 Webinar: More Testing Changes?! Decoding What Colleges Want in 2025. Click here to register! https://subscribepage.io/decoding-what-colleges-want-in-2025Access free resources and learn more about Sheila and her team at Signet Education at signeteducation.com or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaakbar/.

Happy New Year! In this year’s first episode, I sit down with Chris, the Director of College Counseling at Stony Brook School, and Lisa, a high school counselor, to discuss the mental health challenges Asian American students face. We explore how early support and open conversations with parents can make a difference. Tune in to discover practical ways to support our students and create a healthier path forward.BioChris Loo has been working with young people for most of her career. For the last 13 years, she has been a college counselor. She is currently Director of College Counseling at The Stony Brook School, where she works with a diverse student population. Outside of work, she is on the Board of Directors for NACAC, a member of both the NACAC and ACCIS AAPI SIG and a faculty member of NYSACAC’s Summer Institute. Her interest in exploring and discussing issues of diversity stem from her own experience as a Korean-American immigrant and her work with students from all over the world at SBS, where she serves as the faculty advisor for the Asian Student Union. She is a frequent speaker at conferences and workshops, especially on topics about diversity, equity and mental health. She holds both a B.A. in American History and a Masters in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania. Follow Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-loo-78b2b370/ Li Hsiang (Lisa) Chung (she/her) is the College and Career Counselor/Specialist at La Canada High School in La Canada, CA. She joined La Canada Unified School District in 2022, where she played a key role in establishing the La Canada High School College and Career Center. With over 20 years of experience in high school counseling, Lisa began her career at Granada Hills Charter High School, the largest charter school in the nation, and has dedicated her career to empowering students and enhancing educational outcomes in public high schools. In addition to her counseling experience, Lisa has taught as an adjunct professor at California Lutheran University’s Graduate School of Education and has worked as a Senior Learning Skills Counselor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego. She has presented on topics such as “Unseen & Unheard: Elevating AAPI Adolescents’ Mental Health” at various conferences. Follow Lisa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-chung-lchs-c3/ Resources:https://www.instagram.com/yellowchaircollective/?hl=en, https://challengesuccess.org/, https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/705868/but-what-will-people-say-by-sahaj-kaur-kohli-maed-lgpc/, https://www.jennywangphd.com/new-page, https://www.dacapopress.com/titles/jimmy-o-yang/how-to-american/9780306903502/Sign up to join our live coaching session and receive personalized insights!Application for Students: https://forms.gle/cRyBSFP9tSEJnsVN6Application for Parents and Other Adults:  https://forms.gle/v6Nppxix6HPKrRfdAAccess free resources and learn more about Sheila and her team at Signet Education at signeteducation.com or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaakbar/.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Alia, a daughter of immigrants who navigated her way from Canada to Harvard to PhD in anthropology, and who now coaches high achievers to balance their careers with their true desires. Tune in to hear how following your heart can lead to extraordinary transformation.BioAliaa is a life coach, published author & startup founder, who is known for her ability to take academic insights and translate them into practical applications - such as coaching. Her long list of accomplishments include: • Being recruited to play NCAA Div 1 field hockey at Harvard. • Social Anthropology PhD. Conducted research in 20+ countries. • Expert in identity work with historically marginalized adults (18+). • As a non-profit Exec, managed 600+ people across 3 countries. • Raised ~$1M as Co-Founder of VC-backed startup, StoryTiling. • Author of a book. Filmmaker. Board Member. Keynote speaker.Aliaa’s unique superpower as a coach is her intelligence, ability to read people, and cut straight to the point. She’s able to make the smartest people feel seen, supported and productively challenged. Read more about Aliaa at aliaaremtilla.com and connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliaa-remtilla/Sign up to join our live coaching session and receive personalized insights!Application for Students: https://forms.gle/cRyBSFP9tSEJnsVN6Application for Parents and Other Adults:  https://forms.gle/v6Nppxix6HPKrRfdAAccess free resources and learn more about Sheila and her team at Signet Education at signeteducation.com or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaakbar/.

In this special replay, I’m diving back into the topic of early application notifications—acceptances, denials, and deferrals—and how to handle them. These moments can feel overwhelming, but they’re just a step in the process. Join me as I share insights on what these decisions mean and how to guide your child through them with clarity and confidence. Let’s tackle this pivotal time together!Sign up to join our live coaching session and receive personalized insights!Students: https://forms.gle/cRyBSFP9tSEJnsVN6Parents and other Adults: https://forms.gle/v6Nppxix6HPKrRfdAAccess free resources and learn more about Sheila and her team at Signet Education at signeteducation.com or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaakbar/.

In today's episode, Signet’s admissions consultant, Joanna Graham, shares expert tips on how to craft a standout college list. From setting achievable goals to building strong study habits and embracing a growth mindset, Joanna offers practical tips that can make a real impact. Tune in for advice that could change the way your student approaches learning—and set them up for success!Access resources here: https://subscribepage.io/you-need-a-college-list-how-to-do-it-rightSign up to join our live coaching session and receive personalized insights!Application for Students: https://forms.gle/cRyBSFP9tSEJnsVN6Application for Parents and Other Adults:  https://forms.gle/v6Nppxix6HPKrRfdAAccess free resources and learn more about Sheila and her team at Signet Education at signeteducation.com or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaakbar/.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Jamie Beaton, founder of Crimson Education. Jamie shares his impressive academic journey and dives into the complexities of college admissions. BioJamie has earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at Harvard, as well as Master’s degrees at Stanford, UPenn, Princeton, and Tsinghua, a PhD at Oxford, and JD at Yale Law School. He has grown Crimson into the world’s most successful university admissions consultancy, having assisted thousands of students worldwide in gaining entry to the most competitive universities in the US and the UK. Follow Jamie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiebeatonSign up to join our live coaching session and receive personalized insights!Students: https://forms.gle/cRyBSFP9tSEJnsVN6Parents and other Adults: https://forms.gle/v6Nppxix6HPKrRfdAAccess free resources and learn more about Sheila and her team at Signet Education at signeteducation.com or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaakbar/.

In today’s episode, we preview a live coaching session with a student fresh off submitting early college apps! Together, we tackle time management, tailoring essays, and balancing a college list—plus, we strategize for regular deadlines right around the corner. Listen in for essential tips and insights on managing the college app process with confidence!Sign up to join our live coaching session and receive personalized insights!Students: https://forms.gle/cRyBSFP9tSEJnsVN6Parents and other Adults: https://forms.gle/v6Nppxix6HPKrRfdAClick here to download your copy of the activity list: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Qz8wgDibry2rjI0yb_1JhiB4dCpdu-ylSwMsP9-zLJU/edit?usp=sharingAccess free resources and learn more about Sheila and her team at Signet Education at signeteducation.com or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaakbar/.

In today's episode, we have Signet's Director of Operations and Academic Coach, Andrea West discuss how to stop the shame spiral—breaking free from negative thought patterns and embracing a more productive mindset. Tune in to discover how you can boost your productivity while nurturing a healthier, more positive approach to your work and studies!Access resources here: https://subscribepage.io/invisible-influence-oct-2024Sign up to join our live coaching session and receive personalized insights!Students: https://forms.gle/cRyBSFP9tSEJnsVN6Parents and other Adults: https://forms.gle/v6Nppxix6HPKrRfdAAccess free resources and learn more about Sheila and her team at Signet Education at signeteducation.com or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaakbar/.

In today's episode, we revisit an insightful webinar on the college application process and the crucial importance of early preparation. Plus, I introduce my “match pyramid” framework to help students align their academics, values, and unique qualities with college priorities. Tune in for practical resources and tools to empower both parents and students on this exciting journey!Discover the Secret Formula to Your Child's College Admissions Success: Visit Signet’s What Really Matters in College Admissions Course Today: https://course.signeteducation.com/form/Access the Recording of the “Get Your Ducks in a Row” Webinar Here: https://signeteducation.com/eventsSign up to join our live coaching session and receive personalized insights!Students: https://forms.gle/cRyBSFP9tSEJnsVN6Parents and other Adults: https://forms.gle/v6Nppxix6HPKrRfdAAccess free resources and learn more about Sheila and her team at Signet Education at signeteducation.com or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaakbar/.