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

In today's episode, Holly and I dive deep into the world of applying to graduate school. Whether you're contemplating a Ph.D. or an academic-focused master's program, these essential insights will empower you to craft a compelling application and embark on an enriching academic journey.BioHolly has tutored for over a decade and specializes in undergraduate and graduate admissions and is also an expert coach and test prep tutor. She received her BA in Russian from Bowdoin College and her PhD in Comparative Literature and American Studies from Indiana University. She has worked as a tenure track professor at the University of Maine, serving as a MA/PhD advisor and on the graduate admissions committee. Before and during her time with Signet, she has helped over 100 students navigate application essays, program selection, and testing. She loves acting and comedy. Her familiarity with executive function support, standardized testing, writing, and admissions makes her a great holistic advisor to both parents and students alike. She is funny, patient, and meticulously organized.How to Get Into College (Circle Community): https://how-to-get-into-college.circle.so/homeAccess 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/.

High school college counselor Sharon Genicoff shares her expertise on personal branding in college admissions. The podcast explores the importance of values in the admissions process, strategies for finding the best fit colleges, and tips on customizing applications. It also delves into the challenge of differentiating between colleges and the significance of forming an emotional connection with the school.

In today’s episode, I speak with one of Signet's Principal Tutors, Alberto Naviera. We discuss Alberto’s unique approach to STEM tutoring, his empathetic connections with students, and how he empowers them to conquer the challenges of learning science. Tune in to learn more about how we meet students where they are at Signet!BioAlberto joined the Signet team in 2021 with 5 years of prior tutoring experience. He specializes in STEM subjects and music. He graduated from MIT with a degree in Biological Engineering and is currently pursuing a second bachelor’s in Music Production at the Berklee College of Music.Alberto stands out because:He works at the Office of Minority Education at MIT, leading exam reviews and workshops as well as tutoring on STEM topics.He got a perfect score on the math section of the SAT.He was in MIT's premier co-ed a cappella group, the Chorallaries.Clients and students love Alberto because:He is kind and compassionate towards his studentsHe has an impressive and wide reaching STEM backgroundTestimonial:“I have already recommended Signet several times. You guys do a great job across the board. Thank you for all your help. ” - recent clientAccess 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/.

Today I sit down with longtime friend, Bob Schaeffer. Bob is an incredible source of knowledge around how the testing landscape has changed in the last several decades and the work that he and his team at FairTest do is invaluable. Tune in to hear about the test optional movement in college admissions and more!Bob Schaeffer is currently the Public Education Director of FairTest, the National Center for Fair & Open Testing, where he has coordinated the organization’s university admissions reform program for several decades. He served as the organization’s Executive Director or co-Executive Director for five years.Previously, Mr. Schaeffer was the Research Director of the Massachusetts Legislature's Joint Committee on Human Services, Editorial Writer at the NBC-TV affiliate in Boston and talk show host at a regional NPR affiliate. He also worked at the Education Research Center of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he was both an undergraduate and graduate student. Bob Schaeffer is a featured contributor to the Teachers College Press book The Scandal of Standardized Tests: Why We Need to Drop the SAT & ACT. He also coauthored many FairTest publications, such as Standing Up to the SAT, Test Scores Do Not Equal Merit, Standardized Tests and Our Children, Implementing Performance Assessments, and The SAT Coaching Cover-Up.Bob is frequently quoted by major media outlets, including the New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, Associated Press, NPR, and CNN as well as trade publications such as Education Week, Education Dive, Inside Higher Education, and Diverse Issues in Higher Education. He has also spoken at many conferences sponsored by the National Association for College Admissions Counseling, Education Writers Association, Higher Education Consultant Association, Independent Education Consultant Association, American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, SouthernChristian Leadership Conference, and Southern Education Foundation. 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/.

Today’s episode is a special one: I get to talk to a mom and her daughter about their experience with the college process. Navigating college admissions is hard for anyone, and for people with minority backgrounds, there are additional factors to consider. Tune in to learn how one family listened to their values and found the right fit for their student.Bio:Mai Moore is an Award-Winning Social Impact Leader, Co-Founder of EYEJ: Empowering Youth, Exploring Justice, Founder of Setting Off Social Impact, and Boss Me In. Mai helped two tech start-ups go public; Travelzoo Inc. and United Online.  Mai believes in diverse women, BIPOC persons, and our young people to help create a more equitable and inclusive world. Mai is from Cleveland Heights, Ohio.  Follow Mai on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maimoore/Yumi Ndhlovu is a second-year student at New York University studying International Relations (pre-law) with minors in Economics and Foreign Languages. Yumi is passionate about international law, politics, and economics and plans to work for an international organization in international law reform or on an international court. Currently, Yumi is working with New York City Council Majority Leader, Keith Powers as an intern writing policy, helping with constituent cases, and aiding in community events. Yumi is originally from Cleveland, Ohio but is now based in New York City.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/.

Dr. Arundhati Ghosh, a surgeon and educator, discusses the challenges and journey into medicine, emphasizing the importance of mentorship. She explores the significance of soft skills and analytical skills in medicine, and the qualities needed for success in the field. The podcast also highlights the power of mentorship in the journey of becoming a doctor.

This podcast discusses the recent SCOTUS decision on affirmative action and its implications for college admissions. It explores changes colleges are making, such as ending legacy admissions and diversifying early application programs. The pressure of discussing hardships in applications is addressed, as well as tips for writing a 'diversity' essay. The importance of authentic storytelling and reflecting on personal experiences is emphasized.

Welcome back everyone! Today, I kick off back to school season with an interview with my dear friend and colleague, Holly Schrieber. Holly is one of the few people at Signet who does “all the things” - and this makes her an incredible insightful advisor and supporter for parents and students alike. Tune in to hear about the life experiences she draws on to connect and build trusting relationships with even the most independent and help-averse students. BioHolly has tutored for over a decade and specializes in undergraduate and graduate admissions and is also an expert coach and test prep tutor. She received her BA in Russian from Bowdoin College and her PhD in Comparative Literature and American Studies from Indiana University. She has worked as a tenure track professor at the University of Maine, serving as a MA/PhD advisor and on the graduate admissions committee. Before and during her time with Signet, she has helped over 100 students navigate application essays, program selection, and testing. She loves acting and comedy. Her familiarity with executive function support, standardized testing, writing, and admissions makes her a great holistic advisor to both parents and students alike. She is funny, patient, and meticulously organized.How to Get Into College (Circle Community): https://how-to-get-into-college.circle.so/homeAccess 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/.

We’re on a break for all of July, but I just had to pop in to share some brief thoughts on the affirmative action ban’s impact on college admissions.We’ll be back in August - enjoy your summer! 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/.

Scholar, author, leader, and mom Urvashi Bhatnagar discusses the importance of cross-functional learning and the risks of siloing oneself. She highlights the need for a broad skill set and diverse opportunities for success, emphasizing the negative effects of solely focusing on one area of expertise. Bhatnagar also reflects on her career choices and the pursuit of meaningful work in healthcare.