Your College Bound Kid | Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission Interviews

In this episode you will hear: (02:00) We have a five-way conversation for the first time at YCBK. Our four regular (Julia, Susan, Vince and Mark) are joined by Hillary Dickman, (Assistant Director of Admissions, Colorado College) for a conservation about how to complete the Activities Section of the Common Application. We discuss the Do’s and the Don’ts over the next three weeks. (31:25) Question from a listener Jessica, an international listener has a question about the change from test-optional to test mandatory that is happening at a number of colleges. (46:30) Interview Chris Cage, the VP of enrollment at Belmont University discusses Belmont University with Mark Stucker-Part 3 of 3 Preview of Part 3 of 3 v Chris talks about the admissions process at Belmont v Chris talks about athletics at Belmont v Chris talks about Greek life at Belmont v Chris goes on the hotseat in the lightning round v Andy gives his best advice for parents and students (53:30) Recommended Resource: AP Daily Videos, a great free source to prepare for AP exams Speakpipe.com/YCBK is our method if you want to ask a question and we will be prioritizing all questions sent in via Speakpipe. You can also use this for many other purposes: 1) Send us constructive criticism about how we can improve our podcast 2) Share an encouraging word about something you like about an episode or the podcast in general 3) Share a topic or an article you would like us to address 4) Share a speaker you want us to interview 5) Leave positive feedback for one of our interviewees. We will send your verbal feedback directly to them and I can almost assure you, your positive feedback will make their day. If you have a question for one of our upcoming interviews with admissions professionals, here is a list of admissions professionals who we will interview in 2023 or 2024. To sign up to receive Your College-Bound Kid PLUS, our new monthly admissions newsletter, delivered directly to your email once a month, just go to yourcollegeboundkid.com, and you will see the sign-up popup. Check out our new blog. We write timely and insightful articles on college admissions: Follow Mark Stucker on Twitter to get breaking college admission news, and updates about the podcast before they go live. You can ask questions on Twitter that he will answer on the podcast. Mark will also share additional hot topics in the news and breaking news on this Twitter feed. Twitter message is also the preferred way to ask questions for our podcast: https://twitter.com/YCBKpodcast 1. To access our transcripts, click: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/transcripts/ 2. Find the specific episode transcripts for the one you want to search and click the link 3. Find the magnifying glass icon in blue (search feature) and click it 4. Enter whatever word you want to search. I.e. Loans 5. Every word in that episode when the words loans are used, will be highlighted in yellow with a timestamps 6. Click the word highlighted in yellow and the player will play the episode from that starting point 7. You can also download the entire podcast as a transcript We would be honored if you will pass this podcast episode on to others who you feel will benefit from the content in YCBK. Please subscribe to our podcast. It really helps us move up in Apple’s search feature so others can find our podcast. If you enjoy our podcast, would you please do us a favor and share our podcast both verbally and on social media? We would be most grateful! If you want to help more people find Your College-Bound Kid, please make sure you follow our podcast. You will also get instant notifications as soon as each episode goes live. Check out the college admissions books Mark recommends: Check out the college websites Mark recommends: If you want to have some input about what you like and what you recommend, we change about our podcast, please complete our Podcast survey; here is the link: If you want a college consultation with Mark or Lisa or...

In this episode you will hear: o Mark shares more details on the FAFSA Fiasco this year o Mark talks about the tumult on college campuses that is breaking out across the country o Lisa interviews Elizabeth Hamlet, a Disability Services Expert. They discuss how students with Disabilities can successfully transition to college-Part 2 of 3 Preview of Part 2 o Liz explains why students choose not to list their disabilities with the college. o Liz talks about what skills students need to have at home for a successful college transition. o Liz talks about why assignment calendars are important. o Liz continues to talk about what disabilities services that are provided at a college differ from what a high school provides o Liz talks about how a student with a disability can provide a good college fit o Liz and Lisa talk about the problems that are creating when the parent wants the student to take advantage of disability services but the student doesn’t take ownership of their own need for services Sign up for our Q & A session with Karen Kristof (Dean of Admissions of Colorado College) on Tuesday, May 7th, 8:30 EST, 7:30 CST, 6:30 MST and 5:30 PST by going to You can also send in questions for our interviews by using speakpipe.com/YCBK. Our interviews are confirmed for 2024 with the following leaders at the following schools: To sign up to receive Your College-Bound Kid PLUS, our free quarterly admissions deep-dive, delivered directly to your email four times a year, just go to yourcollegeboundkid.com, and you will see the sign up on the right side of the page under “the Listen to our podcast icons” Follow Mark Stucker on Twitter to get breaking college admission news, and updates about the podcast before they go live. You can ask questions on Twitter that he will answer on the podcast. Mark will also share additional hot topics in the news and breaking news on this Twitter feed. Twitter message is also the preferred way to ask questions for our podcast: https://twitter.com/YCBKpodcast 1. To access our transcripts, click: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/transcripts/ 2. Find the specific episode transcripts for the one you want to search and click the link 3. Find the magnifying glass icon in blue (search feature) and click it 4. Enter whatever word you want to search. I.e. Loans 5. Every word in that episode when the words loans are used, will be highlighted in yellow with a timestamps 6. Click the word highlighted in yellow and the player will play the episode from that starting point 7. You can also download the entire podcast as a transcript We would be honored if you will pass this podcast episode on to others who you feel will benefit from the content in YCBK. Please subscribe to our podcast. It really helps us move up in Apple’s search feature so others can find our podcast. Don't forget to send your recommended resources and articles by recording your message at speakpipe.com/YCBK If you enjoy our podcast, would you please do us a favor and share our podcast both verbally and on social media? We would be most grateful! If you want to help more people find Your College-Bound Kid, please make sure you follow our podcast. You will also get instant notifications as soon as each episode goes live. Check out the college admissions books Mark recommends: Check out the college websites Mark recommends: If you want to have some input about what you like and what you recommend we change about our podcast, please complete our Podcast survey; here is the link: If you want a college consultation with Mark or Lisa or Lynda, just text Mark at 404-664-4340 to express your interest. All they ask is that you review their services and pricing on their website before the complimentary session. Their counseling website is: Note, the purpose of the free session to review their services and not to pick their brains and get free information. You can schedule a paid session if you want answers to some questions you have. The free session to...

In this episode you will hear: (02:00) Mark and Vince discuss the nine colleges that make up the University of California-Part 2 of 2 (37:20) Question from a listener Jessica, an International listener has a question about the change from test-optional to test mandatory that is happening at a number of colleges. (50:30) Interview Jeremy Lowe, the Assistant Vice Provost of Undergraduate Admissions at American University discusses American University with Lisa Rouff-2 of 2 (01:12:30) Interview 2 Chris Cage, the VP of enrollment at Belmont University discusses Belmont University with Mark Stucker-Part 2 of 3 (59:10) Recommended Resource: Teen Life Summer Speakpipe.com/YCBK is our method if you want to ask a question and we will be prioritizing all questions sent in via Speakpipe. You can also use this for many other purposes: 1) Send us constructive criticism about how we can improve our podcast 2) Share an encouraging word about something you like about an episode or the podcast in general 3) Share a topic or an article you would like us to address 4) Share a speaker you want us to interview 5) Leave positive feedback for one of our interviewees. We will send your verbal feedback directly to them and I can almost assure you, your positive feedback will make their day. If you have a question for one of our upcoming interviews with admissions professionals, here is a list of admissions professionals who we will interview in 2023 or 2024. To sign up to receive Your College-Bound Kid PLUS, our new monthly admissions newsletter, delivered directly to your email once a month, just go to yourcollegeboundkid.com, and you will see the sign-up popup. Check out our new blog. We write timely and insightful articles on college admissions: Follow Mark Stucker on Twitter to get breaking college admission news, and updates about the podcast before they go live. You can ask questions on Twitter that he will answer on the podcast. Mark will also share additional hot topics in the news and breaking news on this Twitter feed. Twitter message is also the preferred way to ask questions for our podcast: https://twitter.com/YCBKpodcast 1. To access our transcripts, click: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/transcripts/ 2. Find the specific episode transcripts for the one you want to search and click the link 3. Find the magnifying glass icon in blue (search feature) and click it 4. Enter whatever word you want to search. I.e. Loans 5. Every word in that episode when the words loans are used, will be highlighted in yellow with a timestamps 6. Click the word highlighted in yellow and the player will play the episode from that starting point 7. You can also download the entire podcast as a transcript We would be honored if you will pass this podcast episode on to others who you feel will benefit from the content in YCBK. Please subscribe to our podcast. It really helps us move up in Apple’s search feature so others can find our podcast. If you enjoy our podcast, would you please do us a favor and share our podcast both verbally and on social media? We would be most grateful! If you want to help more people find Your College-Bound Kid, please make sure you follow our podcast. You will also get instant notifications as soon as each episode goes live. Check out the college admissions books Mark recommends: Check out the college websites Mark recommends: If you want to have some input about what you like and what you recommend, we change about our podcast, please complete our Podcast survey; here is the link: If you want a college consultation with Mark or Lisa or Lynda, just text Mark at 404-664-4340 or email Lisa at or Lynda at Lynda@schoolmatch4u.com. All we ask is that you review their services and pricing on their website before the complimentary session; here is link to their services with transparent pricing: https://schoolmatch4u.com/services/compare-packages/

In this episode you will hear: o Mark and Julia discuss what they learned from admissions decisions from the class of 2024 o Lisa interviews Elizabeth Hamlet, a Disability Services Expert. They discuss how students with Disabilities can successfully transition to college-Part 1 of 3 Preview o Liz shares her backstory from special ed teacher to author and success advocate for students with learning disabilities. o Liz talks about the range of disability accommodations that colleges provide, and she talks about how those accommodations differ from high school accommodations. o Liz talks about what colleges are legally bound to provide versus what is optional or what services they can charge for o Liz talks about what a student needs to do to keep their accommodation. o Liz tells us, How much do students need to advocate for themselves? o Liz talks about how FERPA impacts parent communication once a student in college Sign up for our Q & A session with Karen Kristof (Dean of Admissions of Colorado College) on Tuesday, May 7th, 8:30 EST, 7:30 CST, 6:30 MST and 5:30 PST by going to You can also send in questions for our interviews by using speakpipe.com/YCBK. Our interviews are confirmed for 2024 with the following leaders at the following schools: To sign up to receive Your College-Bound Kid PLUS, our free quarterly admissions deep-dive, delivered directly to your email four times a year, just go to yourcollegeboundkid.com, and you will see the sign up on the right side of the page under “the Listen to our podcast icons” Follow Mark Stucker on Twitter to get breaking college admission news, and updates about the podcast before they go live. You can ask questions on Twitter that he will answer on the podcast. Mark will also share additional hot topics in the news and breaking news on this Twitter feed. Twitter message is also the preferred way to ask questions for our podcast: https://twitter.com/YCBKpodcast 1. To access our transcripts, click: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/transcripts/ 2. Find the specific episode transcripts for the one you want to search and click the link 3. Find the magnifying glass icon in blue (search feature) and click it 4. Enter whatever word you want to search. I.e. Loans 5. Every word in that episode when the words loans are used, will be highlighted in yellow with a timestamps 6. Click the word highlighted in yellow and the player will play the episode from that starting point 7. You can also download the entire podcast as a transcript We would be honored if you will pass this podcast episode on to others who you feel will benefit from the content in YCBK. Please subscribe to our podcast. It really helps us move up in Apple’s search feature so others can find our podcast. Don't forget to send your recommended resources and articles by recording your message at speakpipe.com/YCBK If you enjoy our podcast, would you please do us a favor and share our podcast both verbally and on social media? We would be most grateful! If you want to help more people find Your College-Bound Kid, please make sure you follow our podcast. You will also get instant notifications as soon as each episode goes live. Check out the college admissions books Mark recommends: Check out the college websites Mark recommends: If you want to have some input about what you like and what you recommend we change about our podcast, please complete our Podcast survey; here is the link: If you want a college consultation with Mark or Lisa or Lynda, just text Mark at 404-664-4340 to express your interest. All they ask is that you review their services and pricing on their website before the complimentary session. Their counseling website is: Note, the purpose of the free session to review their services and not to pick their brains and get free information. You can schedule a paid session if you want answers to some questions you have. The free session to only for the purpose of discussing the one-on-one services they offer.

In this episode you will hear: (02:02) Mark and Vince discuss the nine colleges that make up the University of California-Part 1 of 2 (36:50) Question from a listener An anonymous mom from New York wants to know how highly rejective colleges evaluate extracurricular activities (54:16) Interview Jeremy Lowe, the Assistant Vice Provost of Undergraduate Admissions at American University discusses American University with Lisa Rouff-1 of 2 (01:13:33) Interview 2 Chris Cage, the VP of enrollment at Belmont University discusses Belmont University with Mark Stucker-Part 1 of 3 (01:02:58) Recommended Resource: Schoolhouse.world, a great resource for free online tutoring that uses student teachers who have shown mastery of the content they teach by excelling in school. Schoolhouseworld has partnerships with several dozen selective universities Speakpipe.com/YCBK is our method if you want to ask a question and we will be prioritizing all questions sent in via Speakpipe. You can also use this for many other purposes: 1) Send us constructive criticism about how we can improve our podcast 2) Share an encouraging word about something you like about an episode or the podcast in general 3) Share a topic or an article you would like us to address 4) Share a speaker you want us to interview 5) Leave positive feedback for one of our interviewees. We will send your verbal feedback directly to them and I can almost assure you, your positive feedback will make their day. If you have a question for one of our upcoming interviews with admissions professionals, here is a list of admissions professionals who we will interview in 2023 or 2024. To sign up to receive Your College-Bound Kid PLUS, our new monthly admissions newsletter, delivered directly to your email once a month, just go to yourcollegeboundkid.com, and you will see the sign-up popup. Check out our new blog. We write timely and insightful articles on college admissions: Follow Mark Stucker on Twitter to get breaking college admission news, and updates about the podcast before they go live. You can ask questions on Twitter that he will answer on the podcast. Mark will also share additional hot topics in the news and breaking news on this Twitter feed. Twitter message is also the preferred way to ask questions for our podcast: https://twitter.com/YCBKpodcast 1. To access our transcripts, click: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/transcripts/ 2. Find the specific episode transcripts for the one you want to search and click the link 3. Find the magnifying glass icon in blue (search feature) and click it 4. Enter whatever word you want to search. I.e. Loans 5. Every word in that episode when the words loans are used, will be highlighted in yellow with a timestamps 6. Click the word highlighted in yellow and the player will play the episode from that starting point 7. You can also download the entire podcast as a transcript We would be honored if you will pass this podcast episode on to others who you feel will benefit from the content in YCBK. Please subscribe to our podcast. It really helps us move up in Apple’s search feature so others can find our podcast. If you enjoy our podcast, would you please do us a favor and share our podcast both verbally and on social media? We would be most grateful! If you want to help more people find Your College-Bound Kid, please make sure you follow our podcast. You will also get instant notifications as soon as each episode goes live. Check out the college admissions books Mark recommends: Check out the college websites Mark recommends: If you want to have some input about what you like and what you recommend, we change about our podcast, please complete our Podcast survey; here is the link: If you want a college consultation with Mark or Lisa or Lynda, just text Mark at 404-664-4340 or email Lisa at or Lynda at Lynda@schoolmatch4u.com. All we ask is that you review their services and pricing on their website before the complimentary session; here is...

In this episode you will hear: o Mark gives a preview of his 63 minute interview with Jed Applerouth, founder of Applerouth.com Preview Preview ² Jed gives his background, and he tells us a little bit about Applerouth ² Jed talks about the work Applerouth does for students with executive functioning. ² Jed and I talk about public flagship colleges and their insane out of state selectivity. ² Jed gives us the history of the ACT and he tells us what is going on with the ACT. ² Jed makes a case for why the Digital Test is so much better than the paper test. ² Jed talks why to quote Jed, the SAT is eating the ACT’s lunch ² Jed explains what adaptive testing is and he shares why he is a believer in adaptive testing. ² Jed talks about whether he sees the ACT going adaptive. ² Jed and Mark discuss why students like the Digital SAT ² Jed talks about why some students still do better and prefer the ACT ² Jed talks about the controversy around the first Digital SAT being so much harder and the rumor that students scored lower on the March test. ² Does Jed recommend a student not take the ACT or SAT until they have one semester of Algebra 2? ² What type of score gains should a student expect if they do test prep? ² Is one on one superior to group testing? ² What does the research show about the best way to improve your test scores? ² How many hours of test prep does the average student need? ² What is the role of practice tests in improving your test scores? ² What does the research show whether a student should take one test or two tests or three tests? Sign up for our Q & A session with Karen Kristof (Dean of Admissions of Colorado College) on Tuesday, May 7th, 8:30 EST, 7:30 CST, 6:30 MST and 5:30 PST by going to You can also send in questions for our interviews by using speakpipe.com/YCBK. Our interviews are confirmed for 2024 with the following leaders at the following schools: To sign up to receive Your College-Bound Kid PLUS, our free quarterly admissions deep-dive, delivered directly to your email four times a year, just go to yourcollegeboundkid.com, and you will see the sign up on the right side of the page under “the Listen to our podcast icons” Follow Mark Stucker on Twitter to get breaking college admission news, and updates about the podcast before they go live. You can ask questions on Twitter that he will answer on the podcast. Mark will also share additional hot topics in the news and breaking news on this Twitter feed. Twitter message is also the preferred way to ask questions for our podcast: https://twitter.com/YCBKpodcast 1. To access our transcripts, click: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/transcripts/ 2. Find the specific episode transcripts for the one you want to search and click the link 3. Find the magnifying glass icon in blue (search feature) and click it 4. Enter whatever word you want to search. I.e. Loans 5. Every word in that episode when the words loans are used, will be highlighted in yellow with a timestamps 6. Click the word highlighted in yellow and the player will play the episode from that starting point 7. You can also download the entire podcast as a transcript We would be honored if you will pass this podcast episode on to others who you feel will benefit from the content in YCBK. Please subscribe to our podcast. It really helps us move up in Apple’s search feature so others can find our podcast. Don't forget to send your recommended resources and articles by recording your message at speakpipe.com/YCBK If you enjoy our podcast, would you please do us a favor and share our podcast both verbally and on social media? We would be most grateful! If you want to help more people find Your College-Bound Kid, please make sure you follow our podcast. You will also get instant notifications as soon as each episode goes live. Check out the college admissions books Mark recommends: Check out the college websites Mark recommends: If you want to have some input about what you like and what you...

In this episode you will hear: (03:30) Mark and Vince discuss an article on how students are being coached to brand themselves in their applications. This is an article that appeared in the NY Times by a Guest Essayist, entitled, “Elite college admissions have turned students into brands” (33:30) Question from a listener Lee from Northern California has three questions about how colleges admit students when there is so much grade inflation. (49:22) Interview Jeremy Lowe, the Assistant Vice Provost of Undergraduate Admissions at American University discusses Direct Admissions with Lisa Rouff (01:14:45) Interview 2 Chris Cage, the VP of enrollment at Belmont University answers the question, “Why go to college” No College Spotlight this week, but next week we will have two Spotlights, American University and Belmont University (01:01:48) Recommended Resource: Collegeessayguy.com, a great resource for information on applying to college Speakpipe.com/YCBK is our method if you want to ask a question and we will be prioritizing all questions sent in via Speakpipe. You can also use this for many other purposes: 1) Send us constructive criticism about how we can improve our podcast 2) Share an encouraging word about something you like about an episode or the podcast in general 3) Share a topic or an article you would like us to address 4) Share a speaker you want us to interview 5) Leave positive feedback for one of our interviewees. We will send your verbal feedback directly to them and I can almost assure you, your positive feedback will make their day. If you have a question for one of our upcoming interviews with admissions professionals, here is a list of admissions professionals who we will interview in 2023 or 2024. To sign up to receive Your College-Bound Kid PLUS, our new monthly admissions newsletter, delivered directly to your email once a month, just go to yourcollegeboundkid.com, and you will see the sign-up popup. Check out our new blog. We write timely and insightful articles on college admissions: Follow Mark Stucker on Twitter to get breaking college admission news, and updates about the podcast before they go live. You can ask questions on Twitter that he will answer on the podcast. Mark will also share additional hot topics in the news and breaking news on this Twitter feed. Twitter message is also the preferred way to ask questions for our podcast: https://twitter.com/YCBKpodcast 1. To access our transcripts, click: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/transcripts/ 2. Find the specific episode transcripts for the one you want to search and click the link 3. Find the magnifying glass icon in blue (search feature) and click it 4. Enter whatever word you want to search. I.e. Loans 5. Every word in that episode when the words loans are used, will be highlighted in yellow with a timestamps 6. Click the word highlighted in yellow and the player will play the episode from that starting point 7. You can also download the entire podcast as a transcript We would be honored if you will pass this podcast episode on to others who you feel will benefit from the content in YCBK. Please subscribe to our podcast. It really helps us move up in Apple’s search feature so others can find our podcast. If you enjoy our podcast, would you please do us a favor and share our podcast both verbally and on social media? We would be most grateful! If you want to help more people find Your College-Bound Kid, please make sure you follow our podcast. You will also get instant notifications as soon as each episode goes live. Check out the college admissions books Mark recommends: Check out the college websites Mark recommends: If you want to have some input about what you like and what you recommend, we change about our podcast, please complete our Podcast survey; here is the link: If you want a college consultation with Mark or Lisa or Lynda, just text Mark at 404-664-4340 or email Lisa at or Lynda at Lynda@schoolmatch4u.com. All we ask is...

In this episode you will hear: o Mark gives a preview of some up and coming episodes o Lisa gives advice about selecting a college from a psychological and practical standpoint. o Lynda interviews Marjorie Betley, the Senior Associate Director of Admission at the University of Chicago, and the Executive Director of Admissions at the STARS College Network, and they discuss the STARS College Network STARS is an acronym for Small Towns and Rural Student-Part 3 of 3 Marjorie Betley-The STARS Network Preview-Part 3 § Marjorie talks about her own adjustment from a rural school to the University of Chicago § Majorie talks about the mentorship and peer to peer support that is available for students once they get to campus § Marjorie talks about the very creative “Bridging the Divide program” that is run through the Institute of Politics at the University of Chicago § Marjorie and Lynda talk about the skepticism rural students, increasingly have about the value of college § Marjorie talks about an outstanding program Northwestern is offering for rural students § Marjorie gives her advice for rural students, rural parents and college counselors working with rural students § Marjorie, shares where can students learn more about The STARS Network § Marjorie, goes on the hotseat in our lightning round Sign up for our Q & A session with Andy Strickler (Dean of Admissions of Connecticut College) on Thursday, April 3rd, 8:30 EST, 7:30 CST, 6:30 MST and 5:30 PST by going to You can also send in questions for our interviews by using speakpipe.com/YCBK. Our interviews are confirmed for 2024 with the following leaders at the following schools: To sign up to receive Your College-Bound Kid PLUS, our free quarterly admissions deep-dive, delivered directly to your email four times a year, just go to yourcollegeboundkid.com, and you will see the sign up on the right side of the page under “the Listen to our podcast icons” Follow Mark Stucker on Twitter to get breaking college admission news, and updates about the podcast before they go live. You can ask questions on Twitter that he will answer on the podcast. Mark will also share additional hot topics in the news and breaking news on this Twitter feed. Twitter message is also the preferred way to ask questions for our podcast: https://twitter.com/YCBKpodcast 1. To access our transcripts, click: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/transcripts/ 2. Find the specific episode transcripts for the one you want to search and click the link 3. Find the magnifying glass icon in blue (search feature) and click it 4. Enter whatever word you want to search. I.e. Loans 5. Every word in that episode when the words loans are used, will be highlighted in yellow with a timestamps 6. Click the word highlighted in yellow and the player will play the episode from that starting point 7. You can also download the entire podcast as a transcript We would be honored if you will pass this podcast episode on to others who you feel will benefit from the content in YCBK. Please subscribe to our podcast. It really helps us move up in Apple’s search feature so others can find our podcast. Don't forget to send your recommended resources and articles by recording your message at speakpipe.com/YCBK If you enjoy our podcast, would you please do us a favor and share our podcast both verbally and on social media? We would be most grateful! If you want to help more people find Your College-Bound Kid, please make sure you follow our podcast. You will also get instant notifications as soon as each episode goes live. Check out the college admissions books Mark recommends: Check out the college websites Mark recommends: If you want to have some input about what you like and what you recommend we change about our podcast, please complete our Podcast survey; here is the link: If you want a college consultation with Mark or Lisa or Lynda, just text Mark at 404-664-4340 to express your interest. All they ask is that you review their services...

In this episode you will hear: (01:50) Mark and Vince will eventually discuss an article on how students are being coached to brand themselves in their applications. This is an article that appeared in the NY Times by a Guest Essayist, entitled, “Elite college admissions have turned students into brands” but they get into that article in Part 2, on Episode 421, that will air on April 11th, but this week, Vince and Mark discuss their observations from this year in college admissions; they also share some admission tips, an admission vernacular and a big number; the big number really inspired Mark (49:50) Question from a listener Jennifer from Texas wants to know what they should do when they learn about some serious racial incidents that occurred at a college her student was considering applying to (01:05:40) Interview Lydia Dagenais, a former admission officer at Haverford College and Swarthmore College is joined by Julia Esquivel, a co-host for YCBK but also a former Haverford College admission officer to discuss how Law School admissions works-Part 2 of 2 Preview of Part 2 of 2 ² Lydia lets us know if students can get access to LSAC ² What role does writing ability and critical thinking play in the admission process? ² Lydia talks about the content of the first year in law school ² Lydia talks about whether you need to go to a top tier law school to get the plum jobs after graduation ² Lydia answers the question, are there too many lawyers out there, is the field oversaturated? ² Lydia tells us what the character and fitness questions are and she tells us why they are so important ² Lydia goes on the hot seat (01:36:08) College Spotlight Kevin Newton joins us to talk about the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, Part 2 of 2 (01:26:35) Recommended Resource: A new podcast about going to college in another country, An Education Abroad is the new podcast by Kevin Newton, founder of , An Education Abroad. Kevin is a frequent guest on YCBK, including in today’s episode when he helps us to understand, the University of Edinboro Speakpipe.com/YCBK is our method if you want to ask a question and we will be prioritizing all questions sent in via Speakpipe. You can also use this for many other purposes: 1) Send us constructive criticism about how we can improve our podcast 2) Share an encouraging word about something you like about an episode or the podcast in general 3) Share a topic or an article you would like us to address 4) Share a speaker you want us to interview 5) Leave positive feedback for one of our interviewees. We will send your verbal feedback directly to them and I can almost assure you, your positive feedback will make their day. If you have a question for one of our upcoming interviews with admissions professionals, here is a list of admissions professionals who we will interview in 2023 or 2024. To sign up to receive Your College-Bound Kid PLUS, our new monthly admissions newsletter, delivered directly to your email once a month, just go to yourcollegeboundkid.com, and you will see the sign-up popup. Check out our new blog. We write timely and insightful articles on college admissions: Follow Mark Stucker on Twitter to get breaking college admission news, and updates about the podcast before they go live. You can ask questions on Twitter that he will answer on the podcast. Mark will also share additional hot topics in the news and breaking news on this Twitter feed. Twitter message is also the preferred way to ask questions for our podcast: https://twitter.com/YCBKpodcast 1. To access our transcripts, click: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/transcripts/ 2. Find the specific episode transcripts for the one you want to search and click the link 3. Find the magnifying glass icon in blue (search feature) and click it 4. Enter whatever word you want to search. I.e. Loans 5. Every word in that episode when the words loans are used, will be highlighted in yellow with a timestamps 6. Click the word highlighted in...

o Mark gives a recap of some of his key takeaways from the SACAC conference o Mark shares some key takeaways from college visits and from conversation with reps o Mark looks at what may look like perplexing admissions decisions for about a dozen students School Match 4U counselors worked with and he discusses the reasons why this surprising decisions happen o Lynda interviews Marjorie Betley, the Senior Associate Director of Admission at the University of Chicago, and the Executive Director of Admissions at the STARS College Network, and they discuss the STARS College Network for the next three Mondays. STARS is an acronym for Small Towns and Rural Student-Part 2 of 3 Marjorie Betley-The STARS Network Preview-Part 2 § Marjorie gets into the nuts and bolts of what STARS actually does to recruit students and she shares a lot of very creative ways that the 16 colleges in the STARS network are using § Marjorie talks about how important School Profiles are to assist admission officers in accurately reading admission files from their schools § Marjorie talks ways in which the STARS Network tries to educate rural students about what the opportunities are for their students § Marjorie explains how Khan Academy and School House can help rural students Sign up for our Q & A session with Andy Strickler (Dean of Admissions of Connecticut College) on Thursday, April 3rd, 8:30 EST, 7:30 CST, 6:30 MST and 5:30 PST by going to Here is a link to the ScholarMatch volunteer form: You can also send in questions for our interviews by using speakpipe.com/YCBK. Our interviews are confirmed for 2024 with the following leaders at the following schools: To sign up to receive Your College-Bound Kid PLUS, our free quarterly admissions deep-dive, delivered directly to your email four times a year, just go to yourcollegeboundkid.com, and you will see the sign up on the right side of the page under “the Listen to our podcast icons” Follow Mark Stucker on Twitter to get breaking college admission news, and updates about the podcast before they go live. You can ask questions on Twitter that he will answer on the podcast. Mark will also share additional hot topics in the news and breaking news on this Twitter feed. Twitter message is also the preferred way to ask questions for our podcast: https://twitter.com/YCBKpodcast 1. To access our transcripts, click: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/transcripts/ 2. Find the specific episode transcripts for the one you want to search and click the link 3. Find the magnifying glass icon in blue (search feature) and click it 4. Enter whatever word you want to search. I.e. Loans 5. Every word in that episode when the words loans are used, will be highlighted in yellow with a timestamps 6. Click the word highlighted in yellow and the player will play the episode from that starting point 7. You can also download the entire podcast as a transcript We would be honored if you will pass this podcast episode on to others who you feel will benefit from the content in YCBK. Please subscribe to our podcast. It really helps us move up in Apple’s search feature so others can find our podcast. Don't forget to send your recommended resources and articles by recording your message at speakpipe.com/YCBK If you enjoy our podcast, would you please do us a favor and share our podcast both verbally and on social media? We would be most grateful! If you want to help more people find Your College-Bound Kid, please make sure you follow our podcast. You will also get instant notifications as soon as each episode goes live. Check out the college admissions books Mark recommends: Check out the college websites Mark recommends: If you want to have some input about what you like and what you recommend we change about our podcast, please complete our Podcast survey; here is the link: If you want a college consultation with Mark or Lisa or Lynda, just text Mark at 404-664-4340 to express your interest. All they ask is that you review their...

In this episode you will hear: (06:30) Julia and Mark discuss an article by “Dean of Admissions Claudia Marroquin on the decline of male applicants to Bowdoin” but Julia and Mark know this is a national crisis, so they discuss the article in the context of the national challenge. Part 3 of 3 Mark shares a moving email that came in this week about why college is turning off many families. (45:10) Question from a listener Clare from VA asks about a special program offered at her school. She wants to know how colleges read transcripts from students who take these special programs (01:05:50) Interview Lydia Dagenais, a former admission officer at Haverford College and Swarthmore College is joined by Julia Esquivel, a co-host for YCBK but also a former Haverford College admission officer to discuss how Law School admissions works Preview of Part 1 of 2 ² How does Law school admissions work? ² Lydia tells us what LSAC is and she talks about the central role of LSAC in law school admissions ² Lydia talks about the requirements for the law school application ² Lydia talks about the role of the American Bar association ² Lydia talks about how the role of testing differs for law schools vs undergrad ² Lydia tells us what JD Next is ² Lydia shares what a student can do now to prepare for law school? ² Lydia gives some great advice on who to ask for your recommendations for law school? ² I ask Lydia to go in more depth about how LSAC helps the law school file reading process. ² Lydia talks about the role predictive modeling plays in law schools admissions (01:38:47) College Spotlight Kevin Newton joins us to talk about the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, Part 1 of 2 (01:22:48) Recommended Resource: Episode Dr. Lisa Damour interview Speakpipe.com/YCBK is our method if you want to ask a question and we will be prioritizing all questions sent in via Speakpipe. You can also use this for many other purposes: 1) Send us constructive criticism about how we can improve our podcast 2) Share an encouraging word about something you like about an episode or the podcast in general 3) Share a topic or an article you would like us to address 4) Share a speaker you want us to interview 5) Leave positive feedback for one of our interviewees. We will send your verbal feedback directly to them and I can almost assure you, your positive feedback will make their day. If you have a question for one of our upcoming interviews with admissions professionals, here is a list of admissions professionals who we will interview in 2023 or 2024. To sign up to receive Your College-Bound Kid PLUS, our new monthly admissions newsletter, delivered directly to your email once a month, just go to yourcollegeboundkid.com, and you will see the sign-up popup. Check out our new blog. We write timely and insightful articles on college admissions: Follow Mark Stucker on Twitter to get breaking college admission news, and updates about the podcast before they go live. You can ask questions on Twitter that he will answer on the podcast. Mark will also share additional hot topics in the news and breaking news on this Twitter feed. Twitter message is also the preferred way to ask questions for our podcast: https://twitter.com/YCBKpodcast 1. To access our transcripts, click: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/transcripts/ 2. Find the specific episode transcripts for the one you want to search and click the link 3. Find the magnifying glass icon in blue (search feature) and click it 4. Enter whatever word you want to search. I.e. Loans 5. Every word in that episode when the words loans are used, will be highlighted in yellow with a timestamps 6. Click the word highlighted in yellow and the player will play the episode from that starting point 7. You can also download the entire podcast as a transcript We would be honored if you will pass this podcast episode on to others who you feel will benefit from the content in YCBK. Please subscribe to our podcast. It really helps us...

In this episode you will hear: o Mark gives a recap of the first ever YCBK Meet & Greet that occurred in Durham, NC on 3/23 o Julia has returned to admission file reading after 8 years and she shares how things have changed and what she has learned o Lynda interviews Marjorie Betley, the Senior Associate Director of Admission at the University of Chicago, and the Executive Director of Admissions at the STARS College Network, and they discuss the STARS College Network for the next three Mondays. STARS is an acronym for Small Towns and Rural Student Marjorie Betley-The STARS Network Preview-Part 1 · Marjorie gives her backstory. Deputy Director of Admissions at University of Chicago § Marjorie statistics of rural students at U Chicago § Marjorie explains what shares the history of the STARS (Small Town and Rural Students) College Netwok is § Marjorie explains what the Emerging World Leaders Program Is § Marjorie gives an overview of the Small Town and Rural Students Network and she shares the mission of the Network § Marjorie talks about the importance of diversity on a college campus Sign up for our Q & A session with Andy Strickler (Dean of Admissions of Connecticut College) on Thursday, April 3rd, 8:30 EST, 7:30 CST, 6:30 MST and 5:30 PST by going to Here is the ScholarMatch remaining information sessions: (PST) Here is a link to the ScholarMatch volunteer form: You can also send in questions for our interviews by using speakpipe.com/YCBK. Our interviews are confirmed for 2024 with the following leaders at the following schools: To sign up to receive Your College-Bound Kid PLUS, our free quarterly admissions deep-dive, delivered directly to your email four times a year, just go to yourcollegeboundkid.com, and you will see the sign up on the right side of the page under “the Listen to our podcast icons” Follow Mark Stucker on Twitter to get breaking college admission news, and updates about the podcast before they go live. You can ask questions on Twitter that he will answer on the podcast. Mark will also share additional hot topics in the news and breaking news on this Twitter feed. Twitter message is also the preferred way to ask questions for our podcast: https://twitter.com/YCBKpodcast 1. To access our transcripts, click: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/transcripts/ 2. Find the specific episode transcripts for the one you want to search and click the link 3. Find the magnifying glass icon in blue (search feature) and click it 4. Enter whatever word you want to search. I.e. Loans 5. Every word in that episode when the words loans are used, will be highlighted in yellow with a timestamps 6. Click the word highlighted in yellow and the player will play the episode from that starting point 7. You can also download the entire podcast as a transcript We would be honored if you will pass this podcast episode on to others who you feel will benefit from the content in YCBK. Please subscribe to our podcast. It really helps us move up in Apple’s search feature so others can find our podcast. Don't forget to send your recommended resources and articles by recording your message at speakpipe.com/YCBK If you enjoy our podcast, would you please do us a favor and share our podcast both verbally and on social media? We would be most grateful! If you want to help more people find Your College-Bound Kid, please make sure you follow our podcast. You will also get instant notifications as soon as each episode goes live. Check out the college admissions books Mark recommends: Check out the college websites Mark recommends: If you want to have some input about what you like and what you recommend we change about our podcast, please complete our Podcast survey; here is the link: If you want a college consultation with Mark or Lisa or Lynda, just text Mark at 404-664-4340 to express your interest. All they ask is that you review their services and pricing on their website before the complimentary session. Their counseling website is:...

In this episode you will hear: (02:15) Julia and Mark planned to talk about an article that ran in Bowdoin Orient, their student newspaper entitled: “Dean of Admissions Claudia Marroquin on the decline of male applicants to Bowdoin” but they don’t get to the article until next week but they do discuss some application tips. Part 2 of 3 (25:55) Question from a listener Do you have any tips for my son who was admitted ED but now he is seeing all of his classmates get in schools in EA and RD and he is questioning his decision to apply ED. (38:32) Interview Lydia Dagenais, a former admission officer at Haverford College and Swarthmore College is joined by Julia Esquivel, a co-host for YCBK but also a former Haverford College admission officer to discuss Haverford and Swarthmore Preview ² Julia, so what do you want our listeners to know about Lydia that she didn’t share? ² Julia, explain the bi-co and tri-co consortium in case our listeners are not familiar with it (01:05:12) Mark and Lisa talk about Marquette University in our College Spotlight section, Part 2 of 2 (52:52) Recommended Resource: and here are the dates for ScholarMatch information sessions: (PST) 5 MST 6 CST 7 EST (PST) 11 MST, 12 CST 1 PM EST Here is a link to the ScholarMatch volunteer form: Speakpipe.com/YCBK is our method if you want to ask a question and we will be prioritizing all questions sent in via Speakpipe. You can also use this for many other purposes: 1) Send us constructive criticism about how we can improve our podcast 2) Share an encouraging word about something you like about an episode or the podcast in general 3) Share a topic or an article you would like us to address 4) Share a speaker you want us to interview 5) Leave positive feedback for one of our interviewees. We will send your verbal feedback directly to them and I can almost assure you, your positive feedback will make their day. If you have a question for one of our upcoming interviews with admissions professionals, here is a list of admissions professionals who we will interview in 2023 or 2024. To sign up to receive Your College-Bound Kid PLUS, our new monthly admissions newsletter, delivered directly to your email once a month, just go to yourcollegeboundkid.com, and you will see the sign-up popup. Check out our new blog. We write timely and insightful articles on college admissions: Follow Mark Stucker on Twitter to get breaking college admission news, and updates about the podcast before they go live. You can ask questions on Twitter that he will answer on the podcast. Mark will also share additional hot topics in the news and breaking news on this Twitter feed. Twitter message is also the preferred way to ask questions for our podcast: https://twitter.com/YCBKpodcast 1. To access our transcripts, click: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/transcripts/ 2. Find the specific episode transcripts for the one you want to search and click the link 3. Find the magnifying glass icon in blue (search feature) and click it 4. Enter whatever word you want to search. I.e. Loans 5. Every word in that episode when the words loans are used, will be highlighted in yellow with a timestamps 6. Click the word highlighted in yellow and the player will play the episode from that starting point 7. You can also download the entire podcast as a transcript We would be honored if you will pass this podcast episode on to others who you feel will benefit from the content in YCBK. Please subscribe to our podcast. It really helps us move up in Apple’s search feature so others can find our podcast. If you enjoy our podcast, would you please do us a favor and share our podcast both verbally and on social media? We would be most grateful! If you want to help more people find Your College-Bound Kid, please make sure you follow our podcast. You will also get instant notifications as soon as each episode goes live. Check out the college admissions books Mark recommends: Check out the college websites Mark...

In this episode you will hear: o Mark discusses three upcoming events: The YCBK gathering in Raleigh, Andy Strickler’s Q & A with our listeners and the final info session for ScholarMatch o Mark shares a powerful quote from Nvidia founder Jenson Huang that he can’t stop thinking about o Mark interviews Andy Stickler on the topic of, Understanding Connecticut College, Part 3 of 3 Andy Strickler Interview-Understanding Connecticut College Preview Part 3 ² Andy goes into more detail about how they use scores ² Andy talks about the academic reader rating and how they factor historical data into their decisions. Sign up for our Q & A session with Andy Strickler (Dean of Admissions of Connecticut College) on Thursday, April 3rd, 8:30 EST, 7:30 CST, 6:30 MST and 5:30 PST by going to Here is the ScholarMatch remaining information sessions: (PST) Here is a link to the ScholarMatch volunteer form: You can also send in questions for our interviews by using speakpipe.com/YCBK. Our interviews are confirmed for 2024 with the following leaders at the following schools: To sign up to receive Your College-Bound Kid PLUS, our free quarterly admissions deep-dive, delivered directly to your email four times a year, just go to yourcollegeboundkid.com, and you will see the sign up on the right side of the page under “the Listen to our podcast icons” Follow Mark Stucker on Twitter to get breaking college admission news, and updates about the podcast before they go live. You can ask questions on Twitter that he will answer on the podcast. Mark will also share additional hot topics in the news and breaking news on this Twitter feed. Twitter message is also the preferred way to ask questions for our podcast: https://twitter.com/YCBKpodcast 1. To access our transcripts, click: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/transcripts/ 2. Find the specific episode transcripts for the one you want to search and click the link 3. Find the magnifying glass icon in blue (search feature) and click it 4. Enter whatever word you want to search. I.e. Loans 5. Every word in that episode when the words loans are used, will be highlighted in yellow with a timestamps 6. Click the word highlighted in yellow and the player will play the episode from that starting point 7. You can also download the entire podcast as a transcript We would be honored if you will pass this podcast episode on to others who you feel will benefit from the content in YCBK. Please subscribe to our podcast. It really helps us move up in Apple’s search feature so others can find our podcast. Don't forget to send your recommended resources and articles by recording your message at speakpipe.com/YCBK If you enjoy our podcast, would you please do us a favor and share our podcast both verbally and on social media? We would be most grateful! If you want to help more people find Your College-Bound Kid, please make sure you follow our podcast. You will also get instant notifications as soon as each episode goes live. Check out the college admissions books Mark recommends: Check out the college websites Mark recommends: If you want to have some input about what you like and what you recommend we change about our podcast, please complete our Podcast survey; here is the link: If you want a college consultation with Mark or Lisa or Lynda, just text Mark at 404-664-4340 to express your interest. All they ask is that you review their services and pricing on their website before the complimentary session. Their counseling website is: Note, the purpose of the free session to review their services and not to pick their brains and get free information. You can schedule a paid session if you want answers to some questions you have. The free session to only for the purpose of discussing the one-on-one services they offer.

In this episode you will hear: (02:10) Julia and Mark planned to talk about an article that ran in Bowdoin Orient, their student newspaper entitled: “Dean of Admissions Claudia Marroquin on the decline of male applicants to Bowdoin” but they don’t get to the article until next week but they do discuss some application tips including, should you write your Personal Statement on Your College Major? Part 1 of 2 (24:36) Question from a listener Marissa Salazar, Associate Director of Admissions at Colorado College answers a couple questions about applications from the state of Florida in our QFL section (35:55) Interview Lydia Dagenais, a former admission officer at Haverford College and Swarthmore College is joined by Julia Esquivel, a co-host for YCBK but also a former Haverford College admission officer to discuss Haverford and Swarthmore Preview ² Lydia shares her backstory ² I ask Lydia, the students that pick Swarthmore over Haverford, why do they do it, and the students that pick Haverford over Swarthmore, why do they do it? ² Julia, so what do you want our listeners to know about Lydia that she didn’t share? ² Julia, explain the bi-co and tri-co consortium in case our listeners are not familiar with it (41:10) Recommended Resource: Getting In (01:00:35) Mark and Lisa talk about Marquette University in our College Spotlight section, Part 1 of 2 Recommended Resource- T Do it yourself college rankings and and here are the dates for ScholarMatch information sessions: (PST) 5 MST 6 CST 7 EST (PST) 11 MST, 12 CST 1 PM EST Here is a link to the ScholarMatch volunteer form: Speakpipe.com/YCBK is our method if you want to ask a question and we will be prioritizing all questions sent in via Speakpipe. You can also use this for many other purposes: 1) Send us constructive criticism about how we can improve our podcast 2) Share an encouraging word about something you like about an episode or the podcast in general 3) Share a topic or an article you would like us to address 4) Share a speaker you want us to interview 5) Leave positive feedback for one of our interviewees. We will send your verbal feedback directly to them and I can almost assure you, your positive feedback will make their day. If you have a question for one of our upcoming interviews with admissions professionals, here is a list of admissions professionals who we will interview in 2023 or 2024. To sign up to receive Your College-Bound Kid PLUS, our new monthly admissions newsletter, delivered directly to your email once a month, just go to yourcollegeboundkid.com, and you will see the sign-up popup. Check out our new blog. We write timely and insightful articles on college admissions: Follow Mark Stucker on Twitter to get breaking college admission news, and updates about the podcast before they go live. You can ask questions on Twitter that he will answer on the podcast. Mark will also share additional hot topics in the news and breaking news on this Twitter feed. Twitter message is also the preferred way to ask questions for our podcast: https://twitter.com/YCBKpodcast 1. To access our transcripts, click: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/transcripts/ 2. Find the specific episode transcripts for the one you want to search and click the link 3. Find the magnifying glass icon in blue (search feature) and click it 4. Enter whatever word you want to search. I.e. Loans 5. Every word in that episode when the words loans are used, will be highlighted in yellow with a timestamps 6. Click the word highlighted in yellow and the player will play the episode from that starting point 7. You can also download the entire podcast as a transcript We would be honored if you will pass this podcast episode on to others who you feel will benefit from the content in YCBK. Please subscribe to our podcast. It really helps us move up in Apple’s search feature so others can find our podcast. If you enjoy our podcast, would you please do us a favor and share our podcast both verbally...

In this episode you will hear: o Mark takes a look at the growing trend to guarantee admission to students based on class ranking. Mark shares six reasons opponents don’t like these plans and six reasons why proponents love these direct admit plans based on class rank o Mark interviews Andy Stickler on the topic of, Understanding Connecticut College, Part 2 of 3 Andy Strickler Interview-Understanding Connecticut College Preview Part 2 · Andy talks about Connecticut Colleges’ faculty mentorship program. · Andy talks about the 2 different ways Connecticut College does study abroad. · Andy talks about the programs that students most frequently name when as reasons they come to file · Andy shares the rubric when they read and rate a file · Andy describes the kind of application they want to see apply to Connecticut College, and he also shares the type of student that maybe isn’t the best match · How can admissions officers discern if a student has a real love of learning? · How should a student decide whether to submit their test scores? Sign up for our Q & A session with Andy Strickler (VP of enrollment at Rhodes College) on March 3rd, 9:30 EST and 6:30 PST by going to Here are the remaining two dates for the ScholarMatch information sessions: (PST) (PST) Here is a link to the ScholarMatch volunteer form: You can also send in questions for our interviews by using speakpipe.com/YCBK. Our interviews are confirmed for 2024 with the following leaders at the following schools: To sign up to receive Your College-Bound Kid PLUS, our free quarterly admissions deep-dive, delivered directly to your email four times a year, just go to yourcollegeboundkid.com, and you will see the sign up on the right side of the page under “the Listen to our podcast icons” Follow Mark Stucker on Twitter to get breaking college admission news, and updates about the podcast before they go live. You can ask questions on Twitter that he will answer on the podcast. Mark will also share additional hot topics in the news and breaking news on this Twitter feed. Twitter message is also the preferred way to ask questions for our podcast: https://twitter.com/YCBKpodcast 1. To access our transcripts, click: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/transcripts/ 2. Find the specific episode transcripts for the one you want to search and click the link 3. Find the magnifying glass icon in blue (search feature) and click it 4. Enter whatever word you want to search. I.e. Loans 5. Every word in that episode when the words loans are used, will be highlighted in yellow with a timestamps 6. Click the word highlighted in yellow and the player will play the episode from that starting point 7. You can also download the entire podcast as a transcript We would be honored if you will pass this podcast episode on to others who you feel will benefit from the content in YCBK. Please subscribe to our podcast. It really helps us move up in Apple’s search feature so others can find our podcast. Don't forget to send your recommended resources and articles by recording your message at speakpipe.com/YCBK If you enjoy our podcast, would you please do us a favor and share our podcast both verbally and on social media? We would be most grateful! If you want to help more people find Your College-Bound Kid, please make sure you follow our podcast. You will also get instant notifications as soon as each episode goes live. Check out the college admissions books Mark recommends: Check out the college websites Mark recommends: If you want to have some input about what you like and what you recommend we change about our podcast, please complete our Podcast survey; here is the link: If you want a college consultation with Mark or Lisa or Lynda, just text Mark at 404-664-4340 to express your interest. All they ask is that you review their services and pricing on their website before the complimentary session. Their counseling website is: Note, the purpose of the free session to review their services...

In this episode you will hear: (04:52) Matt Bonser, the Director of Admissions at Colorado College and a Gap year expert answers 20 questions about Gap Years in this 75-minute discussion. (Part 3 of 3) ² Should a student reapply to the selective school they didn’t get in the next year, after taking a Gap year? Matt tells us when this can work. ² Matt gives his thoughts of a student who takes a gap year in high school ² Matt talks about Verto, a third-party provider of study abroad experiences and he tells us what he likes about Verto, and why CC is now a partner with Verto ² I ask Matt to give his feedback on two concerns that I frequently hear from parents about Gap Years. ² Matt shares what he learned about the college process by going through it as a parent this year (25:48) Mark answers a Speakpipe question from Laura from DC where he shares tips for college fairs. (46:25) Mark interviews Nora and Hannah, two college coaches with ScholarMatch, the CBO that matches college coaches with First Gen, under-resourced students. . They explain who ScholarMatch is and how YCBK listeners can become a volunteer college coach with ScholarMatch, even if they do not have any college counseling experience. Part 3 of 3 § Hannah discusses how a coach builds rapport with a student virtually. § Hannah lets us know if there is any specialized training to help coaches understand the unique challenges First-Gen and under-resourced families face. § Hannah and Nora go into more depth about the demographics of the ScholarMatch students from a racial, ethnic and geographic background § Nora and Hannah talk about whether college coaches get training on the University of California application. § Hannah shares what are the frustrating parts of the coaching work § Nora talks about what ScholarMatch recommends when a student is non-responsive to outreach from the college coach § Nora talks about where an interested potential coach can go to get more information if this interview didn’t answer all of their questions. § Nora shares, when will someone who applies to be a coach, will find out they are accepted as a college coach § I make a personal commitment to ScholarMatch § Nora and Hannah go on the hotseat in the lightning round (01:15:20) College Spotlight, Saint Andrews University, Scotland, with International Specialist, Kevin Newton Part 2/2 (01:01:15) Recommended Resource- T Do it yourself college rankings and and here are the dates for ScholarMatch information sessions: (PST) (PST) Here is a link to the ScholarMatch volunteer form: 6 areas to think through when you have quality college pptions but you do not know which college to enroll in Brennan Barnard article about Susan Tree: Speakpipe.com/YCBK is our method if you want to ask a question and we will be prioritizing all questions sent in via Speakpipe. You can also use this for many other purposes: 1) Send us constructive criticism about how we can improve our podcast 2) Share an encouraging word about something you like about an episode or the podcast in general 3) Share a topic or an article you would like us to address 4) Share a speaker you want us to interview 5) Leave positive feedback for one of our interviewees. We will send your verbal feedback directly to them and I can almost assure you, your positive feedback will make their day. If you have a question for one of our upcoming interviews with admissions professionals, here is a list of admissions professionals who we will interview in 2023 or 2024. To sign up to receive Your College-Bound Kid PLUS, our new monthly admissions newsletter, delivered directly to your email once a month, just go to yourcollegeboundkid.com, and you will see the sign-up popup. Check out our new blog. We write timely and insightful articles on college admissions: Follow Mark Stucker on Twitter to get breaking college admission news, and updates about the podcast before they go live. You can ask questions on Twitter that he will answer on the podcast. Mark...

In this episode you will hear: o Susan and Mark answer a Speakpipe question that asks for advice when your student is selecting a college and he/she has two or more quality options, and they are really torn o Mark interviews Andy Stickler on the topic of, Understanding Connecticut College, Part 1 of 3 Sign up for our Q & A session with Andy Strickler (VP of enrollment at Rhodes College) on March 3rd, 9:30 EST and 6:30 PST by going to Here are the remaining two dates for the ScholarMatch information sessions: (PST) (PST) Here is a link to the ScholarMatch volunteer form: You can also send in questions for our interviews by using speakpipe.com/YCBK. Our interviews are confirmed for 2024 with the following leaders at the following schools: To sign up to receive Your College-Bound Kid PLUS, our free quarterly admissions deep-dive, delivered directly to your email four times a year, just go to yourcollegeboundkid.com, and you will see the sign up on the right side of the page under “the Listen to our podcast icons” Follow Mark Stucker on Twitter to get breaking college admission news, and updates about the podcast before they go live. You can ask questions on Twitter that he will answer on the podcast. Mark will also share additional hot topics in the news and breaking news on this Twitter feed. Twitter message is also the preferred way to ask questions for our podcast: https://twitter.com/YCBKpodcast 1. To access our transcripts, click: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/transcripts/ 2. Find the specific episode transcripts for the one you want to search and click the link 3. Find the magnifying glass icon in blue (search feature) and click it 4. Enter whatever word you want to search. I.e. Loans 5. Every word in that episode when the words loans are used, will be highlighted in yellow with a timestamps 6. Click the word highlighted in yellow and the player will play the episode from that starting point 7. You can also download the entire podcast as a transcript We would be honored if you will pass this podcast episode on to others who you feel will benefit from the content in YCBK. Please subscribe to our podcast. It really helps us move up in Apple’s search feature so others can find our podcast. Don't forget to send your recommended resources and articles by recording your message at speakpipe.com/YCBK If you enjoy our podcast, would you please do us a favor and share our podcast both verbally and on social media? We would be most grateful! If you want to help more people find Your College-Bound Kid, please make sure you follow our podcast. You will also get instant notifications as soon as each episode goes live. Check out the college admissions books Mark recommends: Check out the college websites Mark recommends: If you want to have some input about what you like and what you recommend we change about our podcast, please complete our Podcast survey; here is the link: If you want a college consultation with Mark or Lisa or Lynda, just text Mark at 404-664-4340 to express your interest. All they ask is that you review their services and pricing on their website before the complimentary session. Their counseling website is: Note, the purpose of the free session to review their services and not to pick their brains and get free information. You can schedule a paid session if you want answers to some questions you have. The free session to only for the purpose of discussing the one-on-one services they offer.

In this episode you will hear: (05:06) Matt Bonser, the Director of Admissions at Colorado College and a Gap year expert answers 20 questions about Gap Years in this 75 minute discussion. (Part 2 of 3) (30:50) Mark and Lisa answer a question about whether college is worth it? (57:50) Mark interviews Nora and Hannah, two college coaches with ScholarMatch, the CBO that matches college coaches with First Gen, under-resourced students. . They explain who ScholarMatch is and how YCBK listeners can become a volunteer college coach with ScholarMatch, even if they do not have any college counseling experience. Part 2 of 3 (01:05:50)Recommended Resource- Start your education Abroad and and here are the dates for ScholarMatch information sessions: (PST) (PST) (01:18:15) College Spotlight, Saint Andrews University, Scotland, with International Specialist, Kevin Newton Here is a link to the ScholarMatch volunteer form: Speakpipe.com/YCBK is our method if you want to ask a question and we will be prioritizing all questions sent in via Speakpipe. You can also use this for many other purposes: 1) Send us constructive criticism about how we can improve our podcast 2) Share an encouraging word about something you like about an episode or the podcast in general 3) Share a topic or an article you would like us to address 4) Share a speaker you want us to interview 5) Leave positive feedback for one of our interviewees. We will send your verbal feedback directly to them and I can almost assure you, your positive feedback will make their day. If you have a question for one of our upcoming interviews with admissions professionals, here is a list of admissions professionals who we will interview in 2023 or 2024. To sign up to receive Your College-Bound Kid PLUS, our new monthly admissions newsletter, delivered directly to your email once a month, just go to yourcollegeboundkid.com, and you will see the sign-up popup. Check out our new blog. We write timely and insightful articles on college admissions: Follow Mark Stucker on Twitter to get breaking college admission news, and updates about the podcast before they go live. You can ask questions on Twitter that he will answer on the podcast. Mark will also share additional hot topics in the news and breaking news on this Twitter feed. Twitter message is also the preferred way to ask questions for our podcast: https://twitter.com/YCBKpodcast 1. To access our transcripts, click: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/transcripts/ 2. Find the specific episode transcripts for the one you want to search and click the link 3. Find the magnifying glass icon in blue (search feature) and click it 4. Enter whatever word you want to search. I.e. Loans 5. Every word in that episode when the words loans are used, will be highlighted in yellow with a timestamps 6. Click the word highlighted in yellow and the player will play the episode from that starting point 7. You can also download the entire podcast as a transcript We would be honored if you will pass this podcast episode on to others who you feel will benefit from the content in YCBK. Please subscribe to our podcast. It really helps us move up in Apple’s search feature so others can find our podcast. If you enjoy our podcast, would you please do us a favor and share our podcast both verbally and on social media? We would be most grateful! If you want to help more people find Your College-Bound Kid, please make sure you follow our podcast. You will also get instant notifications as soon as each episode goes live. Check out the college admissions books Mark recommends: Check out the college websites Mark recommends: If you want to have some input about what you like and what you recommend, we change about our podcast, please complete our Podcast survey; here is the link: If you want a college consultation with Mark or Lisa or Lynda, just text Mark at 404-664-4340 or email Lisa at or Lynda at Lynda@schoolmatch4u.com. All we ask is that you review their...

In this episode you will hear: o Mark does a deep dive on Yale’s decision to embrace a test flexible policy o Hillary Dickman comes on to explain how Colorado College’s non-harm test score policy works. o Mark interviews Andy Borst, the VP of enrollment at the University of Georgia on the topic of, why do college students go out of state and why are so many heading to southern universities o Mark shares an investment story. Andy Borst Interview Preview Part 2 § Andy and I continue to discuss various reasons why students are headed south for college. I ask Andy about six other reasons people some people believe helps to explain why students are headed south. § Andy goes on the hotseat for our lightening round. Sign up for our Q & A session with Gil Villaneuva (VP of enrollment at Rhodes College) on March 3rd, 9:30 EST and 6:30 PST by going to You can also send in questions for our interviews by using speakpipe.com/YCBK. Our interviews are confirmed for 2024 with the following leaders at the following schools: To sign up to receive Your College-Bound Kid PLUS, our free quarterly admissions deep-dive, delivered directly to your email four times a year, just go to yourcollegeboundkid.com, and you will see the sign up on the right side of the page under “the Listen to our podcast icons” Follow Mark Stucker on Twitter to get breaking college admission news, and updates about the podcast before they go live. You can ask questions on Twitter that he will answer on the podcast. Mark will also share additional hot topics in the news and breaking news on this Twitter feed. Twitter message is also the preferred way to ask questions for our podcast: https://twitter.com/YCBKpodcast 1. To access our transcripts, click: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/transcripts/ 2. Find the specific episode transcripts for the one you want to search and click the link 3. Find the magnifying glass icon in blue (search feature) and click it 4. Enter whatever word you want to search. I.e. Loans 5. Every word in that episode when the words loans are used, will be highlighted in yellow with a timestamps 6. Click the word highlighted in yellow and the player will play the episode from that starting point 7. You can also download the entire podcast as a transcript We would be honored if you will pass this podcast episode on to others who you feel will benefit from the content in YCBK. Please subscribe to our podcast. It really helps us move up in Apple’s search feature so others can find our podcast. Don't forget to send your recommended resources and articles by recording your message at speakpipe.com/YCBK If you enjoy our podcast, would you please do us a favor and share our podcast both verbally and on social media? We would be most grateful! If you want to help more people find Your College-Bound Kid, please make sure you follow our podcast. You will also get instant notifications as soon as each episode goes live. Check out the college admissions books Mark recommends: Check out the college websites Mark recommends: If you want to have some input about what you like and what you recommend we change about our podcast, please complete our Podcast survey; here is the link: If you want a college consultation with Mark or Lisa or Lynda, just text Mark at 404-664-4340 to express your interest. All they ask is that you review their services and pricing on their website before the complimentary session. Their counseling website is: Note, the purpose of the free session to review their services and not to pick their brains and get free information. You can schedule a paid session if you want answers to some questions you have. The free session to only for the purpose of discussing the one on one services they offer.