College and Career Clarity

In this episode, Lisa and Katie Azevedo discuss: The mid-year academic slump and its impact The role of task and time management systems in student success Shifting from passive to active learning Guiding teens to take ownership through the right questions and tools Key Takeaways:  Students often face three interconnected struggles mid-year: increased stress and overwhelm, poor academic performanc...

In this special third-anniversary episode, Lisa steps into the guest chair with Doug Sandler, host of The Nice Guys on Business podcast. She reflects on the challenges, triumphs, and lessons that shaped her journey from high school teacher to transformative career coach and her mission to guide teens toward fulfilling futures. This episode offers a personal look at why Lisa believes clarity and th...

In this episode, Lisa and Ann discuss: The role of grades and GPA as a fundamental aspect of college admissions Differentiating weighted versus unweighted GPA systems and their significance in the college admissions process The value of understanding high school profiles and how they influence college application reviews Finding a balance between academic ambition and emotional well-being in the h...

In this episode, Lisa and Dr. John discuss: Importance of understanding college admissions processes, including test-optional policies and supplemental essays Role of financial considerations in determining college fit and navigating institutional aid policies Strategies for demonstrating interest and aligning applications with college-specific priorities Insights into creating balanced college li...

In this episode, Lisa discusses: Trends in highly competitive majors like computer science, nursing, engineering, and business The importance of aligning high school coursework and extracurricular activities with the intended major  The differences between liberal arts colleges and universities in admissions by major.  Three categories of how colleges handle admissions by major: direct admission,...

In this episode, Lisa and Andy discuss: Why some universities require students to apply directly to a major and how that affects admission chances. How demand, faculty, and resources impact the number of students accepted into certain majors (like Computer Science). Understanding why some programs aren’t open for major changes later, making the first choice critical. When can your teen choose a se...

In this episode, Lisa and Sharon discuss: What sets the Birkman Method apart is different from other assessments for college and career clarity. How your teen can use the Birkman as a starting point to understand themself - not just academically, but also to their environment and others. How narrowing options can increase confidence and lead to more satisfying career choices. Why focusing on the “...

In this episode, Lisa, Keith, and Tejas discuss: The value of student-led experiences and internships for your teen.  Building teen confidence, developing professional skills while still in high school, and using experiences to gain clarity about future careers. The importance of your student getting involved in extracurriculars early in high school.  How to DIY opportunities through school-busine...

In this episode, Lisa and Vicki discuss: How your teen’s school, you (as the parent), and your teen can work together to drive your student’s career development. The right time for your student to begin thinking about their future career path. Why your teen should be considering careers, not just college majors.  The difference between career development and career advising. Key Takeaways:  Most s...

In this episode, Lisa and Cheryl discuss: Strategies to help coach your teen without becoming a helicopter parent. How to identify when helping your teen is actually hurting them. Why your teen needs to learn to fix things on their own before they reach high school graduation. Transitioning from a parenting to a coaching role in your child’s life. Key Takeaways:  Remind your teen of the wins that...

In this episode, Lisa and Vida discuss: How math contests can be a strategy for STEM-focused teens providing an edge with college applications and other opportunities.  Enhancing problem-solving and critical thinking skills through math contests. How to get involved in math competitions, how contests work, and the best ways to prepare. What you and your teen need to know about test prep, expectati...

In this episode, Lisa discusses: The ideal time to start career development with your student and why it’s a lifelong process starting in the early years. The powerful ways early self-awareness will benefit your student.  Strategies for overcoming common obstacles for your teen to move forward in confidence. Free resources that are available to support your teen's career advising before makin...

In this episode, Lisa and Lauren discuss: Different legal field career paths beyond litigation and the courtroom. What a day in the office of a non-litigating lawyer looks like. Essential skills and qualities needed for success and enjoyment as an attorney. Valuable advice for high school students and those in college contemplating a legal career.  Key Takeaways:  In any area of law, reading and w...

In this episode, Lisa and Michelle discuss: The real reasons behind student procrastination.  Discovering which of the three types of procrastinators your teen is. Practical strategies to help your teen overcome procrastination hurdles.  How to differentiate feelings from facts to accomplish important tasks on time. Key Takeaways:  Procrastination is often not from a place of laziness. It is often...

In this episode, Lisa, Jeff, and Jennie discuss: The different types of early college applications and what they each mean. Navigation strategies and deadlines for early applications. Which students will benefit from early applications, and which might not. What the data really says about early application acceptance rates. Key Takeaways: Because Early Decision (ED1 and ED2) is a binding contract...

In this episode, Lisa and Phil discuss: Understanding the unique options available to students of military academies. The diverse majors and career paths that are offered through the service academies. Career paths, both military and civilian, for military academy graduates. Early preparation for success at military service academies.  Key Takeaways:  If your student is smart, athletic, and/or int...

In this episode, Lisa and Beth discuss: Update on the recent delays in the 2024 FAFSA financial aid application. Navigating the college funding process more efficiently without being dependent on FAFSA outcomes.  How to navigate financial aid filing deadlines for high school seniors and returning college students.  Strategies to reverse engineer college affordability and align your teen’s college...

In this episode, Lisa and David discuss: Understanding how colleges use ACT and SAT scores in admissions. Breaking down common myths about test scores and test-optional admissions. How grade inflation impacts your teen’s GPA and admissions chances. The latest policies for ACT, SAT, AP, and IB exams.  How much focus and time your teen should commit to test preparation.  Key Takeaways:  ACT scores a...

In this episode, Lisa and John discuss: Identifying the controllables and the non-controllables during your teen’s college application process.  What your teen should include on the college application to ensure they are accurately representing themself. What should be included on your teen’s activities list in their application.  The accessibility of admissions representatives.  Tips for writing...

In this episode, Lisa and Jaime discuss: How to prevent unplanned future transfers for your teen. What a “planned transfer” is, when it might make sense, and when it won’t work. Common reasons why over ⅓ of undergraduate students transfer.  Articulation agreements between colleges that can benefit transfers.  Key Takeaways:  More than ⅓ of undergraduate students transfer at some point. It should n...

In this episode, Lisa and Lee discuss: Why it’s a myth your teen’s college application needs 10 extracurriculars.  Creative ways to demonstrate leadership beyond traditional titles. Ideas for furthering your teen’s leadership experiences, whether they’re just starting high school or beginning their college application process.  How to think about your teen’s activities list as newspaper headlines....

In this episode, Lisa, Lisa, Abby, and Stefanie discuss: Busting myths about your teen’s personal statement on their college application.  If your teen should write about personal hardships.  How to focus on being authentic, not being unique.  The four-question rubric your teen needs to address when writing their essay. The role of parents in allowing their teen to make the decisions about their e...

In this episode, Lisa and Tovah discuss: The nuisance stressors your teen has to handle every day.  Building resilience in the face of uncertainty.  What it means to be a buffer for your child.  Parenting styles that have been beneficial or harmful to building resiliency in teams. Why you have to work on yourself to build resiliency in your children and teens. Key Takeaways:  Stressors happen to y...

In this episode, Lisa and Mollie discuss: The biggest uncertainties students and parents have around theater and other performing arts majors.  The distinction between getting a BA or a BFA while in school and beyond.  Practical skills that students learn when majoring in theater. Starting early in the admissions process for theater and performing arts majors.  The monetary investments required to...

In this episode, Lisa and Johnny discuss: The pressures students are under from all directions.  How parents can recognize when their students are struggling and how to help them. Culturally immersive programs and how they can burst the bubble students are living in. Creating change with important life experiences for your student. Learning valuable life skills during transformational experiences....