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

In today's episode, I sit down with Shereen Herndon-Brown, founder of Strategic Admissions Advice, about the evolving college admissions process. We dive into the significance of redefining success, the value of authenticity, and the importance of embracing one's unique identity in college applications. Tune in for insights on storytelling and diversity in higher education.BioFeatured in periodicals like the New York Times, LA Times, Washington Post, and Chicago Tribune, Shereem knows everything you and your child need to succeed in the college admissions game. As a dynamic leader, educational strategist, speaker, and author of The Black Family's Guide to College Admissions: A Conversation About Education, Parenting, and Race, his experiences in the field are unparalleled. As an educator for almost twenty years and entrepreneur for over a decade, he has counseled many students and families through the often-frustrating private school and college “admissions maze.” He is a graduate of Wesleyan University with a BA degree in English and a MA of Arts degree from the Breadloaf School of English at Middlebury College. In 2005, he was selected by the National Association of Independent Schools as an E.E. Ford Fellow for Aspiring Heads of School. Additionally, he has served on the Board of Trustees at La Cima Elementary Charter School in his native Brooklyn, New York. He is also a Member of the Independent Educational Consulting Association (IECA) and the National Association of College Admissions Counseling (NACAC). Above all, Shereem is a husband, father and a distinguished gentleman of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated. Follow Shereem on LinkedIn.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 sit down with Van Tran, co-founder of API Rising, and delve into the intersection of art and technology, her pivotal career transitions in corporations, and the importance of trusting oneself in navigating diverse career paths. Join us for a conversation that inspires embracing purpose-driven career pivots and making a meaningful impact.BioVan is a community builder, DEI practitioner, and an inclusive marketing and technology leader with 20+ years of experience leading high-performing teams and clients like UPS, AT&T, and Disney towards success. Ex-Oracle, ex-StubHub, ex-VP of Innovation & Experience, and a consultant at her core, she’s worked with and navigated startups and enterprises across various industries in various roles. Van’s passion for people's experience and development is guided by core values of growth, empathy, and integrity. She credits her success to a family legacy of grit, community building, and resilience. Van’s also a hiker, runner, foodie, and wellness enthusiast. Follow Van on Linkedin.Resources here:API Rising WebsiteAPI Rising Linkedin 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 podcast episode, I talk about the college list. From navigating super scoring policies to campus visits and holistic considerations, gain valuable insights on creating a tailored list for a seamless college application process. Join me for essential tips and tools to guide you through this crucial phase. Resources here:Signet Education’s College List-Building LabPersonal College InventorySample College List TemplateTop Questions to Answer When Researching a CollegeAccess 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 Business Development Manager Emmaline shares her remarkable journey—from unconventional high school experiences and the complexities of college admissions to a surprising detour into dance during a transformative gap year. Her story is a testament to self-discovery, resilience, and the pursuit of authentic fulfillment. Tune in!BioEmmaline is our logistical frontline! She joined Signet as an Account Manager in the summer of 2023 and works with the whole team to match students to the right tutor, coach, or admissions consultant for their situation.Prior to her time at Signet, Emmaline received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology (Cognitive Neuroscience) and Social Anthropology from Harvard. She is now back at Harvard in the Graduate School of Education, working on a Master’s in Human Development. Outside of work, Emmaline is an active member of SAG-AFTRA and loves all facets of movies – including a large popcorn no matter what movie she is seeing.Access Signet's Ultimate Guide to Summer Planning Course here!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, join me for a captivating conversation with Evan Mandery, as we unravel the hidden truths behind elite colleges, exposing their role in perpetuating social inequality. Tune in for a compelling exploration that might reshape your perspective.BioAn Emmy and Peabody award winner, Evan Mandery is the author of eight books, including four novels and, most recently, Poison Ivy: How Elite Colleges Divide Us. He has been a professor for 25 years at John Jay College of Criminal Justice at the City University of New York. He is a contributing editor to Politico and the co-founder and board chairman of Class Action, a grassroots nonprofit that combats career funneling and fights for greater equity in admissions to elite colleges. Evan lives in Montclair, New Jersey with his wife Valli Rajah, a sociologist. They have three children. Follow Evan on LinkedIn.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, join me in a thought-provoking conversation with Ned Johnson, author of several books and founder of PrepMatters. We delve into crucial parenting topics, sharing insights from his book, "The Self-Driven Child." Your journey to understanding and empowering your child begins here, tune in!BioNed Johnson is the founder of PrepMatters, an educational company that helps students find success in high school and get into and through college. A professional “tutor-geek” since 1993, Ned has spent more than 50,000 one-on-one hours helping students conquer an alphabet of standardized tests, learn to manage their anxiety, and develop their own motivation to succeed.    With Dr. William Stixrud, Ned co-authored The Self-Driven Child: The Science and Sense of Giving Your Kids More Control Over Their Lives and What Do You Say? How To Talk With Kids To Build Motivation, Stress Tolerance, and a Happy Home. He is the host of the The Self-Driven Child podcast and his work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, NPR, BBC, and many others. Follow Ned on LinkedIn, visit The Self-Driven Child Website, and click to listen to The Self-Driven Child Podcast.Become part of Signet’s Parent Support Community here!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 engage in a compelling conversation with two dear friends and accomplished professionals, Dr. Neha Pathak and Dr. Joyce Varughese, on navigating the pressures of college and societal expectations. They offer insightful advice for the next generation, urging a pursuit of passion over predefined paths. Join us as they candidly discuss the complexities of finding contentment amid the pursuit of success.BioDr. Joyce Varughese is a highly accomplished gynecologic oncology surgeon, specializing in pre-cancers and cancers of the female reproductive tract. Having graduated from Harvard College, Yale University, and Albert Einstein College of Medicine, she is a clinical assistant professor at Rowan University and Temple University's Lewis Katz School of Medicine. Dr. Varughese is recognized for her expertise in robotic surgery, complemented by her dedication to teaching and involvement in international medical initiatives. Currently serving as the Medical Director of Gynecologic Oncology at Capital Health, she is also a devoted wife and mother who enjoys running, hiking, and family time.Neha Pathak MD, FACP, DipABLM is board certified in both internal medicine and lifestyle medicine andworks as Chief Physician Editor for Health and Lifestyle Medicine and host of WebMD’s HealthDiscovered podcast. She reports on topics related to lifestyle, climate change, and environmentalimpacts on health for WebMD and Medscape, and is a regular contributor to Yale Climate Connections.She is a member of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine board of directors and Chair of the GlobalSustainability Committee. Dr. Pathak is also a lecturer at the Yale School of Public Health where shefacilitates coursework on climate change and health. She is a founding member of Georgia Clinicians forClimate Action. She has been invited to join the National Academy of Medicine’s Communicating aboutClimate Change and Health Project expert panel. Through all of her work, she hopes to educatehealthcare professionals and the public about the health impacts of climate change and environmentalpollution and the health benefits of climate action. She lives in Atlanta with her husband and children.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/.

Andy Friedman, an experienced tutor at Signet, discusses his diverse background in test prep, music theory, and unique experiences working on a horse-powered farm and making pasta. He emphasizes the importance of personal experiences in tutoring and connecting with students on a philosophical and everyday level.

Welcome back to the podcast! After a refreshing holiday break, join me as I share valuable insights on making your student’s summer meaningful. Let’s kick off the year together!Access Signet's Guide to Summer Planning here.Explore various summer programs and exciting opportunities from Pathways to Science, Teenlife, and College Match Point.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/.

Samara Bay, author of Penguin Random House bestseller PERMISSION TO SPEAK, discusses embracing individuality, authentic leadership, societal expectations, avoiding conformity, modeling a full life, and empowering young people in a captivating conversation. Join us for an inspiring discussion!