🎓 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.

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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:

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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:

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Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

Shellee Howard hosts Jeanine Mouchawar, a parenting coach, to discuss strategies for effectively communicating with and supporting teenagers.

- 👋 Introduction of Jeanine Mouchawar, parenting coach for parents of teens.

- 📚 Lack of resources for parenting teens leads to frustration for parents.

- 🎓 Jeanine's journey from quantitative economics to parenting coaching.

- 🤝 Importance of connection over rules in parenting teenagers.

- 📱 Technology's role in communication barriers and self-regulation.

- 🧠 Coaching parents helps create a safe space for teens.

- 🌐 Resources available through Jeanine's website and social media.

Key Insights:

- 🌟 Need for Parenting Resources: Many parents feel unprepared for the challenges of raising teens, highlighting a gap in accessible resources. This creates a demand for coaching services that address specific parenting concerns.

- 💡 Connection is Key: Establishing and maintaining a strong connection with teens is crucial for effective communication, especially as they seek independence. Parents must adapt their approach to support this shift.

- 🔄 Self-Regulation and Technology: Teaching teens to self-regulate their technology use can help them recognize when their devices negatively impact their well-being, fostering healthier habits.

- 🎯 Proactive Parenting: Parents who seek coaching before issues arise are better equipped to navigate the complexities of teenage behavior and maintain open communication.

- 🔄 Emotional Awareness: Understanding and addressing teens' emotions is essential. Parents should focus on empathy and support rather than control to foster resilience in their children.

- 📞 Coaching for Parents: Coaching parents rather than teens directly can create a more effective and supportive environment, as parents learn to navigate their children's emotional landscapes.

- 🌐 Access to Resources: Jeanine offers a wealth of resources through her website and social media, providing parents with tools and strategies to improve their parenting practices.

Connect with Jeanine:

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Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

Shellee Howard interviews Arlayna Alcock about preparing teens for studying abroad and the benefits of international experiences.

Highlights

- 🌍 Arlayna Alcock is a college career coach and helps students with study abroad opportunities.

- ✈️ Studying abroad enhances adaptability, resilience, and confidence in students.

- 📚 Opportunities for international experiences vary from short internships to full degree programs.

- 💸 Costs for studying abroad can range from $3,000 to $10,000, making it manageable for diligent students.

- 🗺️ Parents should research destinations and communicate effectively with their children while abroad.

- 👩‍🎓 Women are more likely to study abroad, often due to their inclination towards languages and humanities.

- 📞 Arlayna offers one-on-one support for families considering international experiences for their teens.

Key Insights

- 🌟 International experiences foster personal growth, allowing students to become more adaptable and self-sufficient. This transformative journey builds confidence and prepares them for future challenges.

- 🎓 Study abroad opportunities enhance students' resumes, making them more competitive in job markets by providing unique experiences that can lead to career clarity and global connections.

- 🌐 A well-planned gap year can be beneficial for students uncertain about their future, offering them valuable life experiences instead of procrastination.

- 🤝 Communication is key for parents and students. Establishing a strong support system and emergency plans can alleviate parental concerns and support the student’s independence.

- 🏆 Scholarships and funding options exist, making international education more accessible. Families should explore financial assistance programs to ease the burden.

- 🏖️ Short-term programs can serve as a "test" for students who may not be ready for long-term commitments, helping them discover their interests and comfort levels.

- 📞 Personalized coaching can guide families through the complexities of planning an international experience, ensuring a tailored approach that fits individual needs and goals.

Connect with Arlayna:

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Email: arlayna7156@gmail.com

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Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

Gini Beran from CLEP shares insights on how the College Level Examination Program helps students earn college credit through exams, making college more accessible and affordable.

Highlights

- 🎓 CLEP allows students to earn college credit through exams.

- 💡 There are 34 subjects available for examination.

- ⏳ CLEP can accelerate students' college education timelines.

- 🏫 Nearly 3,000 colleges accept CLEP scores for credit.

- 🌍 Homeschoolers and non-traditional students benefit significantly from CLEP.

- 📚 Resources like Modern States provide free online courses for CLEP preparation.

- 📈 Participation in CLEP is growing among high school students.

Key Insights

- 🔍 **Accessibility**: CLEP exams provide a flexible opportunity for students to validate their knowledge and earn college credit, especially beneficial for high schoolers and homeschoolers.

- 💰 Cost Savings: By taking CLEP exams, students can save on tuition costs, allowing them to focus on advanced courses instead of prerequisites.

- 📊 Growing Recognition: More colleges are beginning to recognize CLEP credits, making it a valuable option for students looking to enhance their college applications.

- 📖 Resource Availability: With resources like Modern States, students can prepare effectively for CLEP exams without financial barriers to access study materials.

- 🏆 Confidence Building: Successfully passing a CLEP exam can boost a student's confidence in their readiness for college-level coursework.

- 🎯 Diverse Learning Paths: CLEP caters to various learning styles, allowing students to self-study in subjects not offered at their schools, promoting individualized education.

- 🔗 Research Importance: Students must research their prospective colleges' policies regarding CLEP credits to ensure they maximize their efforts in earning college credits.

About Gini: Gini Beran is the Director of Outreach and Account Management for the College-Level Examination

(CLEP) Program who partners with education professionals to impact student success through CLEP.

Prior to joining College Board, Gini was a member of the faculty in the Minnesota State College and

University system, where she worked as a counselor providing academic, career and personal counseling

to a diverse student body at Minnesota’s largest technical college. Gini earned her Master’s degree in

Counseling from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, and a Juris Doctor degree from William Mitchell

College of Law in St. Paul, MN.

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Shellee Howard and Bara Sapir discuss strategies for helping teens overcome test anxiety and improve their performance with a focus on customized approaches.

Highlights -

🎓 College readiness is not just about academics; mindset matters too.

🧠 Mindfulness techniques can help students perform better on tests.

- 📈 Customization of test prep is crucial for addressing individual student needs.

- ⏰ Speed reading can save time and enhance comprehension during exams.

- 🧘‍♂️ Hypnosis has proven effective for students struggling with anxiety.

- 🔍 Diagnostic tests help identify specific challenges for each student.

- 💪 Parents play a vital role in supporting their child's success.

Key Insights

- 🎯 Customized Learning: Each student has unique strengths and weaknesses that require tailored approaches, enhancing their overall performance on tests. Customization allows for efficient learning and skill development.

- 🌀 Mindset Matters: Addressing the psychological aspects of test-taking, such as anxiety and confidence, is essential for students to perform at their best. Mindset training equips students with lifelong skills.

- 📚 Speed Reading Benefits: Improving reading speed can lead to better time management during tests, allowing students to grasp questions more effectively and alleviating pressure.

- 🌱 Holistic Approach: Incorporating various techniques, including mindfulness and neuro-linguistic programming, helps students tackle both content mastery and mental barriers simultaneously.

- 🔍 Diagnostic Assessments: Conducting thorough diagnostics allows educators to pinpoint specific areas of difficulty, ensuring that each student receives the most relevant support.

- 🎉 Parental Involvement: Parents are crucial in guiding and supporting their teens through the college readiness process, reinforcing the importance of agency and self-advocacy.

- 🌟 Lifelong Skills: Techniques learned during test prep, such as speed reading and anxiety management, can be beneficial beyond academics, impacting future career opportunities and personal growth.

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Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

Robert Farrington discusses financial literacy for families, emphasizing strategies to navigate college funding and avoid student loan debt.

Highlights

🎓 Importance of financial literacy: Teaching kids about money early is crucial for their future.

💡 Experiences matter: Work and volunteer opportunities help teens learn about their interests and skills.

📉 Understanding ROI: Families should evaluate the return on investment for college choices.

💰 529 plans: Start saving early for college through specialized savings plans.

🤝 Family involvement: Encourage relatives to contribute to education savings rather than material gifts.

🚫 Avoiding debt: Discuss the significance of managing student loans and making informed financial decisions.

🌍 Diverse career paths: Expose teens to various professions to help them find their passion and potential earnings.

Key Insights

📊 Financial education is vital: Early financial education can empower children to make informed decisions about their future and avoid debt traps.

🌱 Volunteer work builds character: Engaging in community service can help teens discover their passions while giving back, leading to valuable skills and experiences.

🔍 Analyze career options: Understanding the financial implications of different careers can guide students toward paths that align with their interests and financial realities.

💸 Start saving early: Utilizing vehicles like 529 plans can significantly ease the burden of college costs later on.

🎁 Rethink gifting: Encouraging family members to contribute to education funds instead of giving material gifts can foster a culture of savings.

📉 The importance of ROI: Parents should help their children assess the potential return on investment for their college choices to avoid excessive debt.

🚀 Explore diverse paths: Encouraging students to consider various career options can help them find fulfilling work without the pressure of high student loans.

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Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com