Are you and your family preparing for the twists and turns of the college application journey? This episode of Pay Your Dues welcomes renowned college advisor Harlan Cohen for a powerful conversation about the realities of university application processes, early action, early decision, and the emotional rollercoaster of admission rejection. Discover expert insights on navigating enrollment steps, managing expectations, and overcoming loneliness during the transition to college - whether as a first-year or transfer student. Harlan and Greg go beyond forms and deadlinesto explore mental health, the hidden opportunities at community colleges, and why every challenge is a chance for growth. If you’re searching for practical resources, mindset shifts, or simply reassurance that rejection isn’t the end,this episode is your essential guide.

 What you can expect from this episode:

 - Real talk about the admission process: College application strategies, the importance of transfer applications, and what enrollment steps to expect.

 - How to reframe rejection: Tools for students and parents to cope with admission rejection, manage expectations, and turn college transition stress into growth—across all backgrounds, including transfer students and community college pathways.

 - Mental health and campus resources: Why addressing loneliness and connecting with support networks (professors, counselors, community) is key during the transition, and how to access vital resources for lasting personal development.

Guest Resources:

Harlan Cohen: LinkTree,Mailing List, Podcast,Website

Harlan’s Social Media: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Guest Resources:

Harlan Cohen: LinkTree,Mailing List, Podcast,Website

Harlan’s Social Media: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and Twitter/X

Harlan’s College Success Coaching Program Best First YearHarlan’s TEDx TalkToday Show Interview with Al Roker

Before College TV (resources and videos)

 Guest idea? Feedback? Connect with Greg on LinkedIn.

If you’re loving the podcast, please leave a 5-star rating!

 Want to skip to the good part? Here’s this episode’s segments:

00:00 Navigating College Rejections

06:48 Understanding the College Transition

12:45 The Impact of Expectations on CollegeLife

18:43 Managing Expectations for Students andParents

28:46 Understanding Expectations in Parenting

36:44 Addressing Loneliness and Homesickness

42:22 Utilizing College Resources for MentalHealth

52:00 Navigating the College ApplicationProcess

and Twitter/X

Harlan’s College Success Coaching Program Best First Year
Harlan’s TEDx Talk
TodayShow Interview with Al Roker

Before College TV (resources and videos)

About My Guest: HarlanCohen is the New York Times bestselling author of The Naked Roommate: And 107Other Issues You Might Run Into In College and six other titles (over 1 millioncopies in print). His social media accounts have over 1.5 million followers andhe hosts a popular podcast. He is the founder of Best First Year, a collegesuccess coaching program for students and parents. Harlan lives in Chicago,Illinois with his wife and three children.

Guest idea? Feedback? Connect with Greg on LinkedIn.

If you’re loving the podcast, please leave a 5-star rating!

Want to skip to thegood part? Here’s this episode’s segments:

00:00 Navigating College Rejections

06:48 Understanding the College Transition

12:45 The Impact of Expectations on CollegeLife

18:43 Managing Expectations for Students andParents

28:46 Understanding Expectations in Parenting

36:44 Addressing Loneliness and Homesickness

42:22 Utilizing College Resources for MentalHealth

52:00 Navigating the College ApplicationProcess