College Admissions with Mark and Anna

Navigating the high school years and preparing for college can feel totally overwhelming, so today we’re keeping things simple with a fun “Top 3” listicle. In this episode, we break down the top three most important things students should focus on during each stage of their journey—from freshman year all the way through college move-in. We chat about everything from mastering time-management habits and self-advocating as a freshman, to balancing academic rigor and stepping into leadership roles as an upperclassman. Plus, we share our absolute favorite hacks for making the most out of your college visits—like snapping a picture of the admissions sign to keep your notes organized—and the essential life skills you'll want to practice before heading off to your dorm. Whether you're just starting out or getting ready to pack your bags, we've got you covered. Grab a notebook, and let's dive in together!

Worried about what major you should pick now when AI seems to be affecting every industry? Join Anna and Mark as they sit down with Dr. Jennifer Stephan—founder of Lantern College Counseling —to demystify AI as an academic path and career field. Dr. Stephan defines AI, distinguishes it from adjacent disciplines like computer science and machine learning, and discuss developing future-proof, transferable skills (critical thinking, communication, quantitative reasoning, ethics) over narrowly chasing majors, noting that only a few top programs offer undergraduate AI degrees while many CS programs can prepare students well through electives, tracks, and research.

This week on The College Admissions Podcast, Anna and Mark chat with Sam Joustra from Collegewise for an insider’s perspective on how admissions officers review student activities and resumes. Drawing from her experience at Vanderbilt and the University of Michigan, Sam reveals what truly stands out—and what doesn’t—when admissions teams assess extracurriculars and leadership roles. Together, they bust common resume myths and share actionable tips for making your activities shine authentically, no matter your background. Tune in for practical advice and empowering stories to help you showcase your real impact and personal growth.

In this episode, we sit down with Molly Carroll to explore the shifting family dynamics that come with having a collegebound student. Molly shares valuable insights into the emotional and practical changes parents and their children experience during this transition. We focus on how parents can navigate this challenging shift with empathy, clear communication, and support. Through thoughtful discussion, Molly offers strategies for parents to maintain strong connections while encouraging independence, ultimately helping families adapt to this new phase with confidence and understanding.

In this episode, join Mark and Anna as they speak to Lynne Peeples, author of "THE INNER CLOCK," who offers essential insights for high school and college students seeking to optimize their sleep. She highlights the importance of understanding our internal clocks and dispels common misconceptions like the idea of catch-up sleep. Lynne discusses how cramming, naps, and all-nighters can affect students' sleep patterns and provides practical advice for managing sleep amidst busy schedules. Her tips help students prioritize sleep to improve productivity and well-being. Tune in to discover actionable strategies for maintaining a healthy sleep cycle.

While there are many consistent challenges and affirmations that teens have historically encountered during their first year of college, some major cultural/social/academic shifts have occurred in the last five years to disrupt those traditional challenges. Join Mark and Anna as they check in with current students transitioning to college after COVID about what it's like to navigate and experience a college campus as a freshman in 2024.

With more students interested in pursuing fields in STEM, Mark and Anna invited Sydney Trahan of Worcester Polytechnic Institute or more commonly known as WPI to join us in discussing what's unique about a technical school and more specifically, WPI. Sydney is the Assistant Director of Admissions for WPI. Known for their project-based curriculum and test-blind admissions process, Sydney shares what they really look for in applicants and what type of students thrive at WPI in this episode.

The December 2023 SAT will be the last paper exam from the CollegeBoard as they shift to digital SATs in 2024. With such a big shift, Mark and Anna decide to sit down with Matty of Compass Education Group to help get the questions on parents and students' minds answered. From what to expect on the new digital format to whether or not super-scoring will be allowed between paper and digital tests, Mark, Anna, and Matty have you covered!

With ChatGPT being used across different corners of the internet, its not surprising to hear that it is also shaking up the college admissions landscape. Whether its new essay prompts, no essay prompts, or a switch from written prompts, college admissions teams across the country are exploring new ways to get to know applicants authentically. Join Mark and Anna as they speak to Mark Cruver of Capstone Educational Consultants as they discuss the implications of AI in college admissions.

With total cost of attendance edging towards $90,000 a year for private universities, Mark and Anna are excited to have financial aid expert and independent educational consultant, Claire Law from Educational Avenues talk about how families can prepare for the financial aid process. From discussing 529s to the difference in financial aid applications, learn how you can have the right conversations with your family around affording college.

Ever wonder what college admissions officers really want from applicants and how students can better prepare for college applications? We went straight to the source - Rick Clark - Assistant Vice Provost and Executive Director of Undergraduate Admission at Georgia Tech. Join Mark and Anna as they answer some of your most common questions about applying for college and what Rick would change about the college admissions process in our newest episode.

With an endless "To Do" list, and the pressure to keep up with their peers, its no surprise that an increasing amount of today's teens face anxiety and depression. Join Mark and Anna as they talk with Dr. Sarah Pospos of Lifestyle Telepsychiatry to talk about "comparaitis", Imposter Syndrome, testing anxiety and more importantly, how we as parents and educators can better support our teens and help them thrive.

No idea what to do this summer? Join Mark and Anna as they speak with Fredrik van Huynh from Absolute Internship about finding your passion and lining up an internship that helps you explore it. From how to find internships and how to make a good impression to the value of living and working abroad for an international internship, Fredrik has you covered. Learn more about these valuable opportunities at www.absoluteinternship.com