

Don't Force It: How to Get into College without Losing Yourself in the Process
Sheila Akbar, PhD
For all the stressed-out parents trying to help their teenagers navigate the complicated world of college admissions. Each episode offers insightful and in-depth conversations with admissions experts and professional educators with practical advice for getting through the process without losing sight of yourself, your kid, or your sanity. From building a strong academic and extracurricular profile, developing the college list, managing standardized tests, to crafting the perfect essay, we've got you covered. Whether you're a seasoned high school parent or a first-timer, join us for candid conversations and expert guidance on making it to, through, and beyond college.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 12, 2023 • 16min
Let’s Get Tactical: Early Results Are Coming Out
Decode acceptances, denials, and deferrals of early applications. Understand the emotional impact and set boundaries for support. Handle each decision and seize the opportunities. Submit updates after the early application deadline. Deal with emotional challenges and get tips for regular decision applications.

Dec 7, 2023 • 23min
McKenzie Carver: What is a Co-Op program?
McKenzie Carver, Signet Education's Community and Operations Manager, discusses the impact of her Co-Op program at Northeastern on her college experience. Topics include the benefits of co-op programs, the value of gaining real-world skills, and advice for high school students considering a college with a co-op program.

Nov 30, 2023 • 34min
Elaine Taylor-Klaus and Diane Dempster: Supporting Parents of Complex Kids
Elaine Taylor-Klaus and Diane Dempster from Impact Parents discuss the challenges of raising complex kids, the evolving roles of parents, and the importance of coaching and support. They explore topics like shame and expectations, finding balance and embracing independence, and the value of seeking help and resources to approach parenting with a coaching mindset.

Nov 16, 2023 • 30min
Jay Rosner: Bias in Testing and College Admissions
In this episode, Jay Rosner, an admission testing and test-prep expert, discusses the bias in standardized tests, specifically focusing on the SAT's impact on girls. He shares his career journey and mission in test prep, highlighting his advocacy and activism against these tests. The podcast also explores the involvement of Rosner in affirmative action lawsuits, emphasizing the absence of underrepresented minority students in the courtroom. The chapter concludes by discussing the obsession with elite schools and solvable problems in education.

Nov 8, 2023 • 19min
Let's Get Tactical: Now That Early Apps Are Done
Explore essential post-early-admission steps and strategic insights to navigate your next move in the college admissions journey. Discover reasons for higher acceptance rates in early applications, adjusting your college list after a deferral, and the importance of seeking help and planning in the application process.

Nov 2, 2023 • 35min
Chris LaTempa: Recruited Athletes & College Admissions
In this episode, Chris LaTempa, a seasoned college counseling expert, discusses athletic recruiting for college, the decision to not pursue college athletics, the option of a Post Grad year, common mistakes in college athletics, and factors to consider when choosing a school.

Oct 25, 2023 • 31min
Jaime Smith: Transfer & Homeschool Admissions
Educational consultant Jaime Smith discusses transfer admissions, homeschoolers, and non-traditional applicants in the evolving higher education landscape. They delve into the benefits of community college transfer admissions, the impact of brand on college admissions, and the potential of transfer students to maintain diversity. They also explore the rise of homeschooling during the pandemic and the advantages of online education in providing individualized learning experiences.

Oct 18, 2023 • 26min
Annie Tulkin: Accessible College
In this episode, Annie Tulkin, the founder of Accessible College, and I discuss the world of college transition support for students with disabilities. Don't miss this insightful conversation that sheds light on the path to college success for all students.BioAnnie Tulkin is the Founder and Director of Accessible College, as well as an educator, author and public speaker. She is an expert in the area of college preparation and transition for students with physical disabilities and health conditions. She supports students and families across the country. Annie was the Associate Director of the Academic Resource Center at Georgetown University for nearly 6 years. In that position she supported undergraduate, graduate, and medical students with physical disabilities and health conditions and oversaw academic support services for the entire student body. Annie has worked in the disability field for her entire professional career including positions as a Regional Disability Coordinator for Humanitas, Inc. working on the Job Corps disability support contract for The Department of Labor, and as a Project Specialist with the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) where she worked with both the National Service Inclusion Project (NSIP) and University Centers of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) Technical Assistance projects. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education from DePaul University, a Masters in Special Education from The University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a Certificate in Health Coaching from Georgetown University. Annie was a Peace Corps Volunteer (Mongolia, ‘03-’05) and a Fulbright Fellow (Mongolia, ‘07-’08). She resides in Silver Spring, MD with her husband and daughter. Website: www.accessiblecollege.com Facebook: @AccessibleCollege Twitter: @AcssCollegeInstagram: AccessibleCollegeConnect with me on LinkedIn and become a part of our Circle community.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/.

Oct 12, 2023 • 34min
Don’t Force It: An Intentional Approach to College Admissions
Explore the importance of self-reflection skills and achieving better outcomes in academics, relationships, health, and college admissions. Learn how to navigate the college admissions process with reduced stress and fostering inspiration. Discover the harmful effects of toxic achievement culture on students and the dangers of substance abuse and mental health issues. Emphasize the importance of supporting children's goals and fostering independence and reflection in the college admissions process. Gain guidance on foundational skills and habits for college admissions.

Oct 5, 2023 • 42min
Hanna Stotland: Educational Crisis Management & Admissions
Hanna Stotland, an educational crisis manager, discusses her personal journey of failing high school and later succeeding at Harvard. She highlights the achievement culture in the education industry and ways to rehabilitate academic records. They explore reasons why students leave school, handling challenging situations, evaluating student applications with disciplinary issues, and demonstrate admiration for the guest's work.