🎓 Early College Preparation

Mia started with College Ready in eighth grade. At the time, she felt confused about planning for college so early, but now recognizes the value of getting ahead.

💰 Financial Considerations Myrna emphasized the importance of investing in Mia's education early to avoid stress and high costs later. She viewed the program as a way to save money in the long run.

🌱 Personal Growth and Leadership Mia initially struggled with leadership roles but gradually found her confidence. She participated in clubs, community service, and even founded her own club during high school.

🌍 Community Service Impact Mia’s community service began with small projects, such as donating art supplies in Mexico. It evolved into a more impactful trip to the Philippines, where she conducted a volleyball and ukulele camp for local children.

📚 High School Experience Mia described her senior year as the best, filled with leadership roles and memorable experiences. She learned that challenges, such as receiving a C grade, helped her grow.

🔍 College Decision Process Mia applied to several colleges but found San Diego State University (SDSU) to be the best fit, balancing academics and a vibrant social life. She highlighted the supportive environment and opportunities for networking.

💼 Future Aspirations Mia is considering a career in law enforcement and local government, inspired by her internship experience. She plans to apply for various law enforcement agencies after graduation.

✨ Supportive Environment Both Mia and Myrna praised College Ready for its personalized approach, emphasizing the importance of emotional support and encouragement throughout the college preparation journey.

🌟 Key Takeaway for Students Mia encourages students to trust the process and pursue what makes them happy, while also keeping their options open for the future.

🤝 Advice for Parents Myrna advises parents to be emotionally supportive and involved in their children's education, focusing on their well-being rather than just academic achievements.

Connect with Shellee Howard:

Website

YouTube

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LinkedIn

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

🎓 Background on Katerina

School Context: Katerina attends Waukee Northwest High School in Iowa, which offers numerous AP classes and extracurriculars but is limited in resources compared to urban schools.

Early College Awareness: She learned about College Ready during her sophomore year, following her sister's experience.

📜 College Application Journey

Applications Submitted: Katerina applied to 14 colleges, including NYU Tisch, UCs, Georgetown, and others.

Acceptance into Dream School: She received acceptance from NYU Tisch, which she regarded as her dream school, alongside state schools Iowa and Iowa State.

🎭 Focus on the Arts

Passion for Acting: Katerina has always wanted to pursue acting and theater; she also plays musical instruments and participates in choir.

Dual Applications: She navigated both academic and performance applications, emphasizing the need for strong artistic and academic credentials.

🌟 Advice for Aspiring Arts Students

Get Involved: Katerina recommends being involved in various arts to gain experience and not spreading oneself too thin.

Summer Activities: Participating in projects like Empower Education helps build skills and community engagement.

🌍 Empower Education Initiative

Volunteer Work: Katerina is president of the Visual and Performing Arts Committee in this organization, helping children in Uganda and Oaxaca gain access to the arts.

Impact on Applications: She discussed her volunteer work during her auditions, showcasing her commitment to sharing art with underprivileged communities.

✅ Application Process Insights

Early Preparation: Katerina applied early decision to NYU, highlighting the importance of starting applications ahead of time to reduce stress.

Support from College Ready: Her consultant helped her stay organized, emphasizing the importance of a well-crafted personal statement and various resources.

📊 Academic Performance

GPA and Test Scores: Katerina reported a 4.2 GPA and an ACT score of 32, noting that strong academics are crucial for NYU.

🎤 Audition Experience

Choosing Monologues: She selected contrasting monologues that she enjoyed, emphasizing the importance of confidence and authenticity during performances.

🗺️ Future Aspirations

Career Goals: Katerina aims to act in film and television, also interested in writing and production.

Emotional Connection: She prefers making audiences cry, believing it creates a deeper emotional impact.

🌈 Final Thoughts for Students

Encouragement: Katerina advises younger students to start early, pursue their passions, and maintain a positive mindset throughout the application process.

Connect with Shellee Howard:

Website

YouTube

Instagram

LinkedIn

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

🎓 Cynthia Coufal's Background

31 years in education: Special education teacher for 6 years and school counselor for 25 years.

Transitioned to teen coaching to work directly with teens and college students facing anxiety.

🏫 College Ready Program Overview

Founded by Shellee Howard after her son received seven full-ride offers from prestigious schools, including Harvard.

Focuses on helping families navigate the college admissions process, with an emphasis on financial planning and academic preparation.

🤔 Difference Between Coaching and Therapy

Coaching helps teens identify future goals and creates a plan to overcome current challenges.

Therapy tends to focus on past issues and underlying problems; coaching is about moving forward.

😟 Identifying Anxiety in Teens

Everyone experiences anxiety, especially during life transitions (e.g., starting college).

Indicators of significant anxiety include avoidance of activities and disruptions in daily functioning.

📚 Addressing Test Anxiety

Normalizing anxiety is essential; preparing through practice tests and visualization can help reduce fear.

Techniques such as grounding and deep breathing are effective in managing anxiety during tests.

📱 Impact of Technology on Youth Anxiety

Rise of smartphones has correlated with increased anxiety in teens; boundaries around technology are crucial.

Encourages parents to model positive behavior regarding technology use.

🌟 Unique Aspects of Cynthia's Coaching Program

Utilizes the UMAP assessment to identify teens' strengths, values, and interests.

Focus on aligning personal values with life goals to manage anxiety effectively.

🏆 Future Planning and College Preparation

Strong emphasis on core values and developing a passion project to direct focus away from anxiety.

Early planning is recommended, starting in middle school, to prepare for high school and college readiness.

💰 Financial Navigation for College

Discusses financial planning and the importance of understanding FAFSA requirements.

Shares that strategic financial negotiation can lead to significant scholarships and debt-free college options.

🙌 Encouragement for Parents

Trust in their child’s ability to navigate challenges; most kids eventually find their path.

Emphasizes the importance of building a supportive community around students.

📞 Connecting with Teens

Offers a free initial consultation to help establish rapport with teens resistant to seeking help.

Stresses the importance of having a neutral voice for teens to discuss their concerns outside of parental influence.

Connect with Cythnia:

Website

Facebook

LinkedIn

Connect with Shellee Howard:

Website

YouTube

Instagram

LinkedIn

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com