College Admissions with Mark and Anna

This week on The College Admissions Podcast, Anna and Mark sit down with Sam Joustra from Collegewise for an inside look at how college admissions officers actually review student activities and resumes. Sam shares firsthand insights from her time as an admissions officer at Vanderbilt and University of Michigan, on what stands out (and what falls flat) when admissions teams scan your extracurriculars, leadership roles, and project experiences. Together, Mark, Anna, and Sam break down the myths around “perfect” resumes, offer actionable tips for making your activities shine authentically, and discuss how students from all backgrounds can highlight their unique stories—even if they don’t have a long list of awards or leadership titles.Whether you’re a student building your resume or a parent helping your teen navigate the process, you’ll walk away with practical advice on showcasing real impact, passion, and growth. Tune in for a candid, empowering conversation that demystifies the activities section and helps you tell your story with confidence.Sam Joustra brings an extensive background in college admissions, serving as an admissions officer at both the University of Michigan and Vanderbilt, and as a school counseling intern at Bryn Mawr School for Girls before joining Collegewise. Learn more about Sam and connect with her by visiting: https://collegewise.com/counselors/sam-joustra. 

Early Action deadlines are here, and if you haven't secured your teacher recommendations yet, it's crunch time. But here's the thing—how you ask matters just as much as when.In this episode, Mark and Anna break down the real talk: when to make your move (ask in person, not email), why sophomore year is the time to start building those relationships, and which teachers actually belong on your list (spoiler: one STEM, one humanities, and maybe a backup).They'll also cover what teachers actually need from you to write stellar letters—think Brag Sheets with concrete stories, not AI-generated lists—plus practical timing, materials to share, and when it makes sense to add that extra recommender (coach, employer, mentor). Learn how to respect their time (good letters take 60–90 minutes!) and align your recommendations with your overall application narrative so they actually help you stand out.Whether you're a busy junior planning ahead or a senior in the thick of it, these actionable tips will help your recommenders write the vivid, specific letters that move the needle.

In this episode, we sit down with Molly Carroll to explore the shifting family dynamics that come with having a collegebound student. Molly shares valuable insights into the emotional and practical changes families experience during this transition. We focus on how parents can navigate this challenging shift with empathy, clear communication, and support. Through thoughtful discussion, Molly offers strategies for parents to maintain strong connections while encouraging independence, ultimately helping families adapt to this new phase with confidence and understanding.Molly Carroll is the author of Cracking Open: A Creative Journal for Self-Transformation and Trust Within: Letting Intuition Lead. she has also delivered two powerful TedTalks on The Need for Human Connection and Why it Starts with Ourselves. She is also the host of the popular and heartwarming podcast Cracking Open with Molly Carroll. With over 30 years of experience in education and mental health, Molly is a seasoned therapist, coach, and public speaker dedicated to helping individuals lead empowered, connected lives. Connect with Molly at https://molly-carroll.com/.

As more teens prepare to go to college this summer, the importance of what qualities students should develop in high school so that they can thrive in college is ever important. Join Mark and Anna as they speak with Carol Ben-Davies from College Bound Determination as she shares her decades of experience working with students at top universities on the recommendations she has to help students thrive. From self-advocacy to resilience, Carol shares the most important qualities a student can develop when preparing for college and resources that students should take advantage of. Carol is the founder of College Bound Determination, where she helps parents prepare their kids not just for college admissions, but for real college success—academically, socially, emotionally and personally. With over 20 years of experience at top universities, Carol has worn many hats—from admissions to student leadership and advocacy—guiding countless students and parents through the highs and lows of college life while working to empower students of all backgrounds with the resources and support they need to thrive.  She’s a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach. Oh, and she literally wrote the book on paying for college—she’s the co-author of You Can Go to College for Free! Carol holds degrees from UNC-Chapel Hill and Loyola University Chicago, and she’s here today to share her insights on setting students up for success in college and beyond. Learn more about Carol at https://carolbendavies.com/ 

In this episode, we sit down with Lynne Peeples, a distinguished science journalist and author of "THE INNER CLOCK," to delve into the fascinating world of circadian rhythms and sleep. Lynne shares her journey of writing the book, emphasizing the importance of understanding our internal clocks.Lynne discusses optimal sleep and wake times, cultural differences in sleep practices, and common misconceptions about sleep, such as the fallacy of catch-up sleep. The episode also addresses the impact of modern lifestyles on sleep, particularly for students. Lynne provides insights into the effects of cramming, the benefits and drawbacks of naps, and the consequences of all-nighters. She offers practical advice for students and college freshmen on prioritizing sleep amidst hectic schedules.Finally, Lynne shares actionable tips for optimizing sleep and maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm, making this episode a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their sleep health. Tune in to learn how to optimize your sleep for productivity and well-being. Learn more about Lynne and her book at lynnpeeples.com

It's college application season! Building of school lists is into the final push for November 1st - Early Action/Decision. As students/families look for schools to apply to, there are some general but very important guiding questions to consider:What IS a GOOD school? What is a GOOD school….for YOU? Join Mark and Anna as they discuss factors to consider and how to identify which schools should make the final cut on your college list. 

While there are many consistent challenges and affirmations that teens have historically encountered during their first year of college, some major cultural/social/academic shifts have occurred in the last five years to disrupt those traditional challenges. Join Mark and Anna as they check in with current students transitioning to college after COVID about what it's like to navigate and experience a college campus as a freshman in 2024. Our freshman guests include students from Duke, Georgetown, Princeton, and University of Washington-Seattle as they share their biggest lessons from life as a freshman. 

Join Mark and Anna as they talk with Daniel Curell as they get the inside school on how much college actually costs and tips for how families can try to better afford college. Dan Currell was Deputy Under Secretary of Education in the U.S. Department of Education from 2018 to 2021.  He has published on various aspects of higher education public policy, including a recent article in the journal National Affairs titled The Truth About College Costs.  Dan and his wife are happy empty-nesters with two children currently in college. 

With more students interested in pursuing fields in STEM, Mark and Anna invited Sydney Trahan of Worcester Polytechnic Institute or more commonly known as WPI to join us in discussing what's unique about a technical school and more specifically, WPI. Known for their project-based curriculum and test-blind admissions process, Sydney shares what they really look for in applicants and what type of students thrive at WPI in this episode.Learn more about WPI at www.wpi.edu or contact Sydney directly at strahan@wpi.edu. 

Why is a liberal arts college education valuable, especially in an increasing AI dominated world? What's admissions like at a liberal arts college? Join Mark and Anna as they chat with Courtney Stricklin Burgan of Occidental College. Courtney is the Senior Associate Dean and Director of Admission at Occidental College, which happens to also be her undergraduate alma mater. Courtney has worked in higher education for 19 years and has been back at Oxy for more than half of that time, holding positions in both career services and admission. 

The December 2023 SAT will be the last paper exam from the CollegeBoard as they shift to digital SATs in 2024. With such a big shift, Mark and Anna decide to sit down with Matty of Compass Education Group to help get the questions on parents and students' minds answered. From what to expect on the new digital format to whether or not super-scoring will be allowed between paper and digital tests, Mark, Anna, and Matty have you covered!Matty is a Senior Director at Compass Education Group, a provider of one-on-one test preparation and academic tutoring that works with thousands of students nationwide. Prior to joining Compass, Matty obtained their MA from the University of Chicago and a BA from UC Santa Cruz. They have over fifteen years of experience in the testing industry and are regularly invited by counselors and admission professionals to explain the latest updates to the testing landscape. Each year, Matty and their colleagues speak at over 300 high schools and professional organizations. 

When students are asked where they want to college, many of them will list a college based on rank or brand - because that's what they are exposed to. While rankings can be a good way to start the college search, a top-ranked school doesn't necessarily equate to a successful college experience or future. After all, US News and World Report rankings were created to sell magazines. Join Mark and Anna as they chat about rank, brands and society's obsession with elite schools and how families can craft a better list for college. 

With ChatGPT being used across different corners of the internet, its not surprising to hear that it is also shaking up the college admissions landscape. Whether its new essay prompts, no essay prompts, or a switch from written prompts, college admissions teams across the country are exploring new ways to get to know applicants authentically. Join Mark and Anna as they speak to Mark Cruver of Capstone Educational Consultants as they discuss the implications of AI in college admissions, including the challenges and potential benefits for all. More about Mark Cruver:Referred to by many as The AI Navigator at AIfortheIEC.com, Mark’s journey has been anything but artificial.  When Mark isn’t working with students and supporting parents as the founder of Capstone Educational Consultants, he’s teaching others how to unleash the power of AI on their business branding messaging, social media content, marketing campaigns, and more. Along with his distinguished credentials as an Independent Educational Consultant, Mark has written articles on AI in Education for the GenAI Newsletter, become Jasper Certified, earned a certificate in AI in Business mirrored from UC Berkley’s AI in Business course, and author of HELP! My Teen Isn’t On Track To College:  10 Tips for Parents on the College Admissions Process

What's the hardest part about the college application process? Most fun? Join Mark and Anna as we learn about the college application process through the eyes of a graduating high school teen - Kamila from College Reality Check. From essays to list building, Kamila breaks down what its really like to apply to college as a current teen in high school.  Learn more about Kamila at College Reality Check - https://collegerealitycheck.com.

With total cost of attendance edging towards $90,000 a year for private universities, Mark and Anna are excited to have financial aid expert and independent educational consultant, Claire Law from Educational Avenues talk about how families can prepare for the financial aid process. From discussing 529s to the difference in financial aid applications, learn how you can have the right conversations with your family around affording college. Claire Law is an independent educational consultant, professional member of IECA, Certified Educational Planner. She helps parents figure out the best educational avenues for their teen children. Claire Law worked in college admissions for ten years and for a SallieMae lender for a short while.

You've been accepted to college. Now what? Join Mark and Anna as they discuss next steps after you've gotten into college. From not getting grades below a B on your report card to playing pranks, we'll cover tips for how to manage the transition to college, including once you get to college.  As per Mark's favorite topic of food, we'll cover how to ensure you stay healthy in addition to knowing where to get help when you get sick for the first time without mom and dad. This is for all the graduating seniors!

Ever wonder what college admissions officers really want from applicants and how students can better prepare for college applications? We went straight to the source - Rick Clark - Assistant Vice Provost and Executive Director of Undergraduate Admission at Georgia Tech. Join Mark and Anna as they answer some of your most common questions about applying for college and what Rick would change about the college admissions process in our newest episode.  From how to prepare as a STEM applicant to how students can become better students and therefore better applicants, we've got you covered.

Selecting a major…or not? Okay, let’s just get it out there…NO…you do not have to select a major and know exactly what you will do for the rest of your life. However, there may be situations in which having an idea of what to major in and preparing for it will be beneficial in high school. Join Mark and Anna as they discuss the pros and cons of having a major in mind when you apply for college and how to explore potential majors.   

With an endless "To Do" list, and the pressure to keep up with their peers, its no surprise that an increasing amount of today's teens face anxiety and depression. Join Mark and Anna as they talk with Dr. Sarah Pospos of Lifestyle Telepsychiatry to talk about "comparaitis", Imposter Syndrome, testing anxiety and more importantly, how we as parents and educators can better support our teens and help them thrive. Dr. Sarah Pospos completed her psychiatry residency as a chief resident at UCLA-Kern and has published extensively on burnout and depression at UCLA, UCSD and UCSB. As a psychiatrist and lifelong learner, Dr. Pospos is devoted to helping high performers with test anxiety, burnout, imposter syndrome, depression and other challenges by incorporating exercise, nutrition, sleep, stress management, efficient time management (especially as a mom of 2 under 2 during medical training) and other lifestyle changes in her telepsychiatry practice. 

As tuitions rise faster than inflation, more and more students and their families may wonder what value college offers and which colleges offer the most opportunities to help set them up for success. Join Mark and Anna as they speak with Ann Marano, Executive Director for the Colleges That Change Lives organization, to discuss the value of liberal arts education and what truly sets colleges in that organization a part from the hundreds of other colleges and universities in the country, including a student-centered approach to education. Learn more about Colleges that Change Lives at https://ctcl.org.