Don't Force It: How to Get into College without Losing Yourself in the Process
For all the stressed-out parents trying to help their teenagers navigate the complicated world of college admissions.
Each episode offers insightful and in-depth conversations with admissions experts and professional educators with practical advice for getting through the process without losing sight of yourself, your kid, or your sanity.
From building a strong academic and extracurricular profile, developing the college list, managing standardized tests, to crafting the perfect essay, we've got you covered. Whether you're a seasoned high school parent or a first-timer, join us for candid conversations and expert guidance on making it to, through, and beyond college.
Episodes
84 episodes
All the Questions about Extracurriculars
How many extracurriculars are enough? Does my teen need to be a star athlete or a club president to stand out? What do colleges actually care about? In today’s webinar, Emmaline and I tackle these burning questions and more. We break d...
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31:10
More Testing Changes?! Decoding What Colleges Want in 2025
In today’s episode, I’m sharing a replay of a recent webinar on test prep. I break down key updates to the SAT and ACT, including the ACT’s shift to digital and its new optional science section coming in April 2025. I also discuss test-optional...
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42:50
Anjalee Galion, MD: The Importance of Sleep for Teens
In today’s episode, I sit down with Dr. Anjalee Galion, a pediatric neurologist and sleep medicine specialist, who shares her inspiring educational journey and her insights about the importance of sleep for teenagers. We talk about the crucial ...
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19:45
Live Coaching: Anxiety about the ACT
In today’s episode, I sit down with one of Signet’s admissions consultants, Brittney, and her cousin, a high school junior, to explore practical strategies for moving through her anxiety about the ACT and actually getting started with preparing...
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42:36
How to Help Middle Schoolers Prepare for High School and the College Process
In today’s episode, I share how middle schoolers can build strong academic and life skills to set themselves up for success—without rushing into college prep. From reading and executive function to healthy habits and mentorship, I’ll walk throu...
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24:54
Inside the Black Box: How College Apps are Evaluated in 2025
In today’s episode, we’re bringing you a special replay of our recent webinar, where I dive into the intricacies of the college admissions process with expert insights from Joanna Graham and James Hayashi. Together, we explore how admissions of...
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39:59
Mental Health for Asian American Students
Happy New Year! In this year’s first episode, I sit down with Chris, the Director of College Counseling at Stony Brook School, and Lisa, a high school counselor, to discuss the mental health challenges Asian American students face. We explore h...
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28:15
Aliaa Remtilla - Following Your Heart’s Desire
In today’s episode, I sit down with Alia, a daughter of immigrants who navigated her way from Canada to Harvard to PhD in anthropology, and who now coaches high achievers to balance their careers with their true desires. Tune in to hear how fol...
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36:04
Early Application Notifications and How to Handle Them!
In this special replay, I’m diving back into the topic of early application notifications—acceptances, denials, and deferrals—and how to handle them. These moments can feel overwhelming, but they’re just a step in the process. Join me as I shar...
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16:04
You Need A College List
In today's episode, Signet’s admissions consultant, Joanna Graham, shares expert tips on how to craft a standout college list. From setting achievable goals to building strong study habits and embracing a growth mindset, Joanna offers practical...
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36:14
Jamie Beaton: Comparing Systems of Higher Education
In today’s episode, I sit down with Jamie Beaton, founder of Crimson Education. Jamie shares his impressive academic journey and dives into the complexities of college admissions. BioJamie has earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees ...
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39:42
Live Coaching: Using Early Apps to Prepare for Regular Decision
In today’s episode, we preview a live coaching session with a student fresh off submitting early college apps! Together, we tackle time management, tailoring essays, and balancing a college list—plus, we strategize for regular deadlines right a...
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42:27
Stop the Shame Spiral
In today's episode, we have Signet's Director of Operations and Academic Coach, Andrea West discuss how to stop the shame spiral—breaking free from negative thought patterns and embracing a more productive mindset. Tune in to discover how you c...
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32:38
Get your Ducks in a Row
In today's episode, we revisit an insightful webinar on the college application process and the crucial importance of early preparation. Plus, I introduce my “match pyramid” framework to help students align their academics, values, and unique q...
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30:35
Rachel Leja: College Planning for Neurodiverse Students
In today's episode, I chat with Rachel, an educational consultant at McMillan Education, who specializes in helping students with learning disabilities and neurodivergent needs find their ideal colleges. Rachel shares her unique journey from pr...
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27:21
Sachin Jain: Threading Values, Interests, and Expectations
In today's episode, I sit down with Sachin Jain, an old friend and very successful CEO of a healthcare company. We discuss how he integrated his interests in social justice and policy with his family’s encouragement to pursue medicine, his idea...
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25:57
Danny Tejada: College Access and the ROI of Higher Education
In today’s episode, I dive deep with Danny Tejada, who shares his journey from growing up in a tough NYC neighborhood to becoming a key figure in college access and admissions. Danny emphasizes the importance of understanding education’s return...
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23:59
Hacking the Hidden Obstacles to Your Kid’s Best SAT/ACT Score — Even if They’re Bad at Test-Taking
In today's episode, I’m sharing a webinar I did on test prep strategies designed to help your teen break through their score ceiling, even if they have ADHD. I’ll cover the common test prep mistakes that hold students back and share strategies ...
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35:06
Let’s Get Tactical: Early Application Alphabet Soup
In today’s episode, I dive into the differences between Early Action, Early Decision, and ED2. I break down how each option can impact your college admissions strategy, what types of students might benefit from each path, and how to decide whic...
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29:16
Rick Weissbourd: Making Caring Common
Today’s guest is Rick Weissbourd, Professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and Director of the Making Caring Common Project, a national effort to make moral and social development priorities in child-raising and to provide strategi...
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31:11
High Performance in High School
In today's episode, I’m sharing a webinar I did on executive function challenges. If your teen struggles with time management, stress, or staying organized, this session is for you. Join me to discover how you can help your child have a more su...
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41:11
Kelley Challen: Transitions for Kids with Learning Differences
In today’s episode, I sit down with Kelly Challen, a transition specialist at NESCA, and talk about her work helping neurodiverse students navigate the journey from high school to adulthood. Kelly shares insights on the importance of individual...
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27:32
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Jay Bacrania: Skills for Sailing thru High School
In today’s insightful episode, I sit down with Jay Bacrania, who explores the role of desire in building a meaningful life. Jay discusses how desire fuels motivation, helps students overcome obstacles, and provides practical advice for addressi...
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32:06
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