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

Today’s guest is Rick Weissbourd, Professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and Director of the Making Caring Common Project, a national effort to make moral and social development priorities in child-raising and to provide strategies to schools and parents for promoting in children caring, a commitment to justice and other key moral and social capacities. Tune in to hear how college admissions intersects with these efforts.Bio:Richard Weissbourd is a Senior Lecturer at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and he also teaches at the Kennedy School of Government. His work focuses on moral development, meaning and purpose, mental health challenges among teens and young adults and effective schools and services for children facing risks. He directs the Making Caring Common Project, a national effort to make moral and social development priorities in child-raising and to providestrategies to schools and parents for promoting in children caring, a commitment to justice and other key moral and social capacities. He leads an initiative to reform college admissions, Turning the Tide, which seeks to elevate ethical character, reduce excessive achievement pressure and increase equity and access in the college admissions process. He is also conducting research on how older adults can better mentor young adults and teenagers in developing caring, mature romantic relationships. He is a founder of several interventions for children facing risks, including ReadBoston and WriteBoston, city-wide literacy initiatives that were led by Mayor Menino. He is also a founder of a pilot school in Boston, the Lee Academy, that begins with children at 3 years old. He has advised on the city, state and federal levels on family policy, parenting and school reform and has written for numerous scholarly and popular publications and blogs, including The New YorkTimes, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Psychology Today and NPR. He is the author of The Vulnerable Child: What Really Hurts America’s Children and What We Can Do About It (Addison-Wesley, 1996), named by the American School Board Journal as one of the top 10 education books of all time. His most recent book, The Parents We Mean to Be: How Well-Intentioned Adults Undermine Children's Moral and Emotional Development (Houghton Mifflin 2009), was named by The New Yorker as one of the top 24 books of 2009. Follow Rick on LinkedIn.Sign up to join our live coaching session and receive personalized insights!Students: https://forms.gle/cRyBSFP9tSEJnsVN6Parents and other Adults: https://forms.gle/v6Nppxix6HPKrRfdAVisit our website at https://signeteducation.com/Access 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’m sharing a webinar I did on executive function challenges. If your teen struggles with time management, stress, or staying organized, this session is for you. Join me to discover how you can help your child have a more successful school year!Access the recording of our free masterclass, where I’ll share the best way to get your ducks in a row now so you avoid stress and disappointment down the line. Register 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/v6Nppxix6HPKrRfdABook a free call with our expert here: https://signeteducation.com/book-a-callAccess 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 Kelly Challen, a transition specialist at NESCA, and talk about her work helping neurodiverse students navigate the journey from high school to adulthood. Kelly shares insights on the importance of individualized coaching, real-world employment experiences, and critical life skills for fostering independence and success. Tune in!BIOKelley Challen, EdM, CAS, expert transition specialist and national speaker, has been developing and directing programming for teenagers and young adults with an array of developmental and learning abilities since 2004. She has been the Director of Transition Services at NESCA since 2013, providing individualized transition assessment, planning, consultation, coaching, training, and program development services. She is skilled in assessment and consultation determining optimal timing for a student’s transition to college, technical training, adult learning, employment, and identifying and developing programs and services necessary to minimize skill gaps. Ms. Challen is one of the only professionals in New England specializing in assisting families in selecting or developing programming as a steppingstone between special education and college. She has a unique understanding of local postgraduate, pre-college, college support, college transition, postsecondary transition, and 18-22 programs. She earned a BA in Psychology from The College of William and Mary and an MA of Education and Graduate Certificate in Counseling from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She is co-author of the chapter, “Technologies to Support Interventions for Social-Emotional Intelligence, Self-Awareness, Personality Style, and Self-Regulation,” for the book Technology Tools for Students with Autism: Innovations that Enhance Independence and Learning. She is also the mother of two children and two puggles who continually help with her inventive and flexible thinking! Follow Kelly on Linkedin.Learn more about NESCA here:Website: https://nesca-newton.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nesca-newton/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NESCApc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nescaneuropsychologySign 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 insightful episode, I sit down with Jay Bacrania, who explores the role of desire in building a meaningful life. Jay discusses how desire fuels motivation, helps students overcome obstacles, and provides practical advice for addressing challenges like learning disabilities and mental health issues. Tune in to discover how to harness the power of desire for personal and academic success.BioJay has taken a broad academic path that encompasses both the sciences and the humanities. Jay is values-driven in his approach to both tutoring and running Signet. He believes that education and career are twin pillars vital to building a meaningful life. Jay continually experiments with how best to promote deeper learning and personal growth for himself, his staff, and the students who work with Signet. When he’s not at the office, Jay can be found at his home in Somerville, finding new and better ways to make a cup of coffee and spending time with his family. Follow Jay at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaybacrania/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 Let's Get Tactical episode, I cover how to write standout supplemental essays. With back-to-school season here, I’ll share tips on aligning essay responses with each college’s unique offerings, showcasing experiences, and making the most of optional essays. Tune in for practical advice on navigating the college application 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/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 Don McMillan, and we delve into the intricate world of boarding schools, the unique experiences they offer, and the comprehensive process of finding the right fit for students. Tune in to discover how boarding schools can shape a student's academic and personal growth, and learn about valuable resources for navigating this important decision!BioDon brings over 30 years’ experience as a passionate educator to his work overseeing McMillan Education’s leadership team and the counselors working in traditional and international school and college planning. In close collaboration with his leadership team, Don enjoys staying out ahead of admission trends and continually enhancing the best guidance practices of the group by developing and delivering regular in-house supervision and professional development trainings. In addition to the leadership of his group of highly experienced educational counselors, Don is considered a leader in the field. Frequently quoted in national outlets like The New York Times and The Boston Globe, Don has spoken about trends in college admissions and boarding schools to audiences of educators at national conferences, independent school Boards of Trustees, and international schools on several continents, bringing to his presentations the same commitment to students that he brought to his years teaching and leading in independent school. Follow Don on LinkedIn.Links and Resources:McMillan Education WebsiteOwl Boarding School GuideAccess 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 discuss strategies for understanding a college’s evolving needs and how to guide students in presenting their best selves. Tune in for insights on navigating the complex college admissions landscape and making informed decisions.Access the full recording of the 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/.

In today's episode, I sit down with Signet's College Experts: Joanna Graham, Jasper Nighthawk, and Satia Marotta. We explore the latest trends in college admissions, discussing what has changed in the landscape and what students can do to stand out. Whether you're just starting your college journey or you're deep in the application process, this episode is packed with information you won't want to miss. Tune in and get ready to navigate the path to college with confidence!BioJoanna Graham is one of Signet’s top admissions consultants. She has decades of experience in the college admissions and standardized testing space, having worked as an admissions interviewer and application reader at Georgetown University and then as an independent admissions consultant in the DC area. Joanna received her Bachelor’s degree in Language & Linguistics and Sociology from Georgetown University. Joanna stands out because she is a current member of the Board of Governors at Georgetown, she spent nearly a decade working at the Graduate Management Admissions Council and she volunteers at a variety of athletic and military organizations such as Dog Tag Bakery, Team Red White & Blue, the Ironman Foundation, and the Pat Tillman Foundation.Jasper Nighthawk has been working at Signet since 2016 and has tutored for over a decade. He specializes in writing (specifically college essays) and academic coaching, and he graduated with an AB from Harvard College and got his MFA from Antioch University LA. Jasper stands out because he is a practicing poet and author, he loves sports, cooking, writing, and his pet cat, he works as the University Storyteller of Antioch University, editing over a hundred articles a year, hosting an award-winning podcast, and crafting the story of that institution, he previously worked for seven years as a Poet in the School, and he has lectured on creative writing at both UCLA and Wesleyan. Satia Marotta started working for Signet in 2018 and has many years of tutoring experience. She holds a Bachelor of Science with High Distinction from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and a Master’s of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology from Tufts University. She loves research and teaching. Satia stands out because she worked as a Graduate Writing Consultant at Tufts and as a Peer Academic Coach at WPI, she is an avid fiber artist and enjoys crocheting, weaving, and quilting. She even spins and dyes her own yarn, and she is a diligent bullet journaler and has been working on her doodles, hand lettering, and handmade papermaking skills. '24-'25 Common App Essay Prompts: https://www.commonapp.org/blog/common-app-announces-2024-2025-common-app-essay-promptsAccess the recording of our 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/.

Join me in today's episode as I chat with Eric, founder of Top College Consultants. Together, we dive into the dynamic world of higher education and explore the fascinating journey of navigating neurodiversity. Eric unveils his invaluable insights on empowering twice-exceptional students and the pivotal role mentorship plays in their triumphs. Get ready for an enriching conversation filled with eye-opening advice and heartwarming anecdotes. Don't miss out – tune in now!BioEric Endlich, Ph.D., clinical psychologist and founder of Top College Consultants®, guides neurodivergent students nationwide through the college application process. He co-teaches the UC Irvine continuing education course for educational consultants, Working with Students with Learning Differences, and co-manages an 18,000-member Facebook group for parents of college-bound neurodivergent students. Dr. Endlich has served on the Learning Differences/Neurodiversity and Diversity/Equity/Inclusion Committees of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), and was honored with IECA’s “Making a Difference” award for contributions such as a database of neurodiversity-friendly colleges. A national presenter and professional writer, he is also a researcher on a project to develop college readiness software for autistic high school students and a study to enhance student-teacher relationships for autistic children, as well as an advisory board member for the UCLA Tarjan Center. Dr. Endlich is regularly interviewed by various media including Forbes, Money magazine, College Confidential, and U.S. News & World Report. Finally, he is a neurodivergent parent and adult. Follow Eric on LinkedIn.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, I sit down with Tom Bear and David Hawkins, and we delve into the significance of character in the college admissions process, the mission of NACAC, and the evolving landscape of higher education. Tune in to explore how character matters more than ever in shaping the future of higher education!BioTom Bear, Ed.D. has spent over thirty years in college enrollment.  He is currently the Vice President for Enrollment Management at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.  Prior to Rose, Tom served as Senior Director for Enrollment Management at the University of Notre Dame.  Additionally, Tom was Vice President for Enrollment Services at the University of Evansville. During his career, Tom has worked with both admission and financial aid decision-making.  He has built enrollment yield models, introduced holistic admissions, managed financial aid scholarships, administered pre-college programs, and promoted student diversity and inclusivity.  He has also been involved in the selection of merit scholar recipients including the Notre Dame Scholars (including Hesburgh/Yusko Recipients) and Noblitt Scholars at Rose-Hulman. Tom currently serves on the boards of Private College 529 and Voyageur Outward Bound.  He has also been a member of the Indiana ACT Council.  Tom currently serves as the Chair for NACAC’s Character Focus Initiative.  He earned his doctorate degree from Indiana University and did extensive research on student retention.David Hawkins is the Chief Education and Policy Officer for the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), based in Arlington, VA. The National Association for College Admission Counseling is a non-profit membership association that represents more than 27,000 high school counselors and college admission officers throughout the U.S. and around the world. NACAC is devoted to making the transition between high school and postsecondary education equitable, transparent, and fair. Mr. Hawkins holds a BA and MA in Government from the College of William & Mary in Virginia. From 1995-1998, he conducted research for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) in Washington, DC. From 1998-2000, he served under President Bill Clinton and Secretary Andrew Cuomo as a Congressional Affairs Specialist at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Hawkins joined NACAC as Director of Government Relations in March 2000 and over his 24 years with the association has assumed responsibility for leading NACAC’s advocacy, research, education and training, and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.Access 'The College Essay Masterclass: Proven Strategies to Stand Out and Succeed': https://signeteducation.com/events/Click here to visit the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) website: https://www.nacacnet.org/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/.