College and Career Clarity

In this episode, Lisa and Matthew discuss: Common misconceptions regarding the cost and accessibility of private colleges.  Advantages of private colleges many do not know about.  How to understand and evaluate a college’s mission and values.  Recognizing financial aid opportunities and understanding the true costs and benefits of private colleges.  Key Takeaways:  Even if a school is faith-based,...

In this episode, Lisa and Jessica discuss: The three types of college support services for neurodiverse students. Recognizing what support services your student used in high school including invisible supports they may need to be successful. How to assess the quality of disability services at colleges. Preparing your neurodiverse teen for independence and self-advocacy. Key Takeaways:  Learning di...

In this episode, Lisa and Jyoti discuss: Strategies for applying to Computer Science Majors and related STEM majors. STEM majors that are alternatives to computer science that may be a better fit for your teen.  The importance of demonstrating intellectual curiosity, problem-solving skills, and community impact in college applications. The differences between Mathophile, Discoveror, Innovator, and...

In this episode, Lisa and Anne discuss: The benefits of liberal arts colleges and how to determine if they might be a good fit for your teen.  How liberal arts colleges differ from larger research universities. Misconceptions about liberal arts colleges. Helping your teen understand their learning style to determine the right type of school for them.  Key Takeaways:  There are considerably more sm...

In this episode, Lisa and Penny discuss: Different pathways for your teen to become a pilot  The unique college application process for professional flight majors. Planning for unexpected costs with the path to aviation. Medical requirements and certifications that help and hinder potential pilots. Key Takeaways: Your student can fly solo by age 16 and earn their private pilot license at age 17. I...

In this episode, Lisa and Lorna discuss: Skills that will help your teen make connections and be a better candidate for college and career.  While students want more clarity on career paths, why they are feeling overwhelmed, and how they can be helped. How students can take advantage of industries connecting with young talent earlier than ever before.   Tips for balancing your teen’s self-discover...

In this episode, Lisa and Dave discuss: How Dave’s son graduated from college debt-free by earning over $50,000 in scholarships The three main categories of scholarships. How to uncover private scholarships.  A step-by-step guide for your teen to become a better scholarship applicant.  Why you should begin looking for scholarships as soon as your student is entering high school (or no later than t...

In this episode, Lisa and Liz discuss: How your teen can showcase their character and curiosity to stand out to colleges and universities. How to evaluate your teen’s comfort zone bandwidth.  Steps for expanding your teen’s comfort zone. Practical strategies for identifying problems that matter to your teen and turning them into a passion project. Key Takeaways:  The two values colleges most seek...

In this episode, Lisa and Sam discuss: How Jewish students can find the right college fit and connect with Jewish life on campus. The different levels of Jewish community engagement exist on campuses. Encouraging your teen to understand what is important and truly matters to them around their faith and practices.  Using resources like Hillel International to uncover key strategies to help your tee...

In this episode, Lisa discusses: Using the clues from colleges to guide your family and manage expectations.  Understanding the differences in the two categories of colleges: liberal arts colleges and universities.  The role major-specific admissions plays at the two kinds of colleges.  The three categories of admissions by major that are found at universities and how it affects your teen being ad...

In this episode, Lisa and Heather discuss: The behind-the-scenes of how admissions processes work at large universities.  What it means when the college says they do a “holistic review” and how your teen will be evaluated. Why your student should give context to any weaknesses on their application  The importance of aligning your student’s activities with their intended major.  Ways to maximize yo...

In this episode, Lisa and Aly discuss: Common institutional priorities of colleges that drive admissions decisions for your teen.  Factors colleges consider beyond GPAs, test scores, extracurricular activities, and more (all outside of your student’s control). Why where to apply and when to apply affect if your teen gets admitted.  What impacted majors are and how they can affect your student.  Cl...

In this episode, Lisa, Amy, and Mike discuss: How to know if your teen could benefit from test prep or can go at it alone.  What to look for when assessing the quality of different test prep options. The differences between working with independent tutors and working with Big Box Companies.  Advice for your family on best practices for reaching goal scores.  Key Takeaways:  Preparing for a test is...

In this episode, Lisa, Tony, and Wilson discuss: The critical role of getting involved in research and gaining experiences can play for students of all ages The importance of student initiative and resilience in shaping successful future opportunities for your teen. The fascinating career path of NASA astronaut and Space Shuttle Pilot, Tony Antonelli How to teach your teen email and LinkedIn etiqu...

In this episode, Lisa and Drews discuss: What experiential learning is, and how your student can engage in these types of opportunities.  The importance of beginning career conversations in middle school.  Different types of experiential learning (and the varying commitment levels each requires). The power of asking “Tell me more?” and giving your student the reins to take control of their experie...

In this episode, Lisa and Kaci discuss: Having early conversations on college majors with your teen and with the intent to listen.  Exploring university resources that help students who are unsure of their path.  Thinking about the full student and what to consider as they think about their major. If it’s possible for all students to change their major after enrollment.  Key Takeaways:  Many, but...

In this episode, Lisa and Chris discuss: What occupational therapy is and the different patient groups it benefits.  Various preparatory paths students can consider in high school and college as they consider OT or similar fields.  How to curate experiences, like job shadows, to discover if OT is the right path for your teen.  Resources for finding the right accredited OT school and taking advanta...

In this episode, Lisa and Kristina discuss: Strategies for striking the balance between parental involvement and teen independence. How to listen to and validate your teen's aspirations before giving advice.  Why parents need to have honest discussions about their college budget and their financial realities.  The importance of highlighting your student’s voice and ownership during the applic...

In this episode Lisa and Deborah discuss: How to guide your teen through college and career discernment.  The crucial role self-awareness through ongoing reflection and family conversations. Types of real-world experiences that allow teens to explore interests and develop skills.  Supporting, not leading, your teen through their journey of building professional connections and independence.  Key T...

In this episode, Lisa and Marni discuss: How to approach your teen’s final college enrollment decision from campus visits to financial considerations. Key questions your student should ask themself when they’re stuck deciding between their final school choices.  Approaching how to navigate and leverage unexpected financial aid opportunities. Alternative options to the standard college or universit...

In this episode, Lisa and Jess discuss: Looking at school profiles can help you and your student better understand how their school uses GPA. Understanding how colleges recalculate GPAs and how your student can use GPA calculators to better grasp their standing.  Identifying the five core classes that most colleges use to generate the recalculated GPA used in admissions and what grades won’t matte...

In this episode, Lisa and Ted discuss: What optometrists do and how they help people enhance their quality of life.  Essential skills and qualities for those who will have a long and successful optometrist career  Understanding the path from high school to graduate school for optometry. The competitive nature of optometry school and the state-specific regulations aspiring optometrists must navigat...

In this episode, Lisa and Jackie discuss: The most significant overhaul of the SAT to date. Exploring the new version of the SAT with a focus on the digital format, timing, and structure.  Insight as to whether the digital SAT better aligns with modern teens than paper testing.  The revamped SAT and how it compares to the ACT.  Key Takeaways:  With many universities, including Dartmouth and Yale,...

In this episode, Lisa and Cristiana discuss: Families often default to in-state for financial reasons, but out-of-state can sometimes provide better financial and academic opportunities. Why many schools are increasing the number of out-of-state students admitted.  Misconceptions that misguide families when considering where to apply to college. The financial implications and academic opportunitie...

In this episode, Lisa discusses: Why Americans have lost faith in the value of college.  How to know if college is worth it for your student. Strategies for understanding your family’s reasons for your teen going to college.  Identifying various career avenues and identifying the most suitable path for your child’s success.  Key Takeaways:  What might work for one of your children may not work for...