It happens every year. I get a call from a parent who says the following: 1. We’re not getting what we need from school. 2. My kid is a senior in high school. 3. Can you help us? These are three comments I’ve heard more times than I can count and the honest answer is, “No.” I can’t help your daughter OR son if we’re in a situation where you’ve gone so far down the road where your school isn’t delivering what you need. Wanting to attend a dream college late junior year is like asking a girl to prom on prom night. TRUTH: 90% of the college application happens before senior year. Most families don’t realize that while students graduate with 8 semesters of grades, they apply to college with 6 semesters of earned GPA. This means the clock starts ticking freshman year. Most parents do not put themselves in a position to make the difference they could for their kids early enough. If YOU are ready to Stay Ahead, Become a Better Parent and Transform Your Teen’s dreams into reality, this episode is for YOU.

Destination: YOUniversity

The Parent Blueprint To Know More, Love More, Dream Bigger

Perhaps this is a trick question, but I dare say the question is NOT, Is COVID widening the education gap, but rather how much will this pandemic exacerbate the already stark inequities in our national K-12 system? High School seniors wrestle with what to do and how to explain what their own education has looked like over the last 6 months. Sophomores and juniors question what will matter most in two or three years? I've been asked over and over again, What should my kid be doing now? What if s/he doesn't have access to teachers, sports, activities, or financial resources to get ready for college? Today I will answer these questions. Whoa -- things are changing by the day and it is hard to keep up for me, so I can’t imagine what it’s like for you -- to be a parent, a spouse, a teacher, and also your teen’s college counselor. Breathe. Let me take some things off your plate today. You will leave with: 4 Realities, 4 Questions To Ask, and My top 4 To Dos NOW to stay ahead!

Is COVID Widening The Education Gap? How To Stay Ahead In College Admissions.

Do you feel like you’re living in the Twilight Zone? Do you secretly hope you’ll fall asleep and wake up and 2020 will be over? If you are a parent of a college bound teen, all you want is their future happiness. I know. I get it. If your teen is the class of 2021-2024, their college admission journey will be affected by COVID. Just when your teen was about to become the lead in the musical, the next Hideo Nomo, study abroad, or start a new job, the world came to an end as we know it. If you’ve been looking for the silver lining within the deluge of NO, you’ve come to the right place. There is much opportunity within college admissions, you just have to know where to look. If you are a parent of a high school sophomore or junior this episode is for you. If you are a parent of a current high school senior, this episode is definitely for you. You Will Leave With 2 Things: 1 - A clear understanding of where opportunity lies. 2 - A To-Do list specific to your grade level.

COVID and College Admissions: 3 Rumors, 3 Truths & 3 Predictions

Be a good listener. I hear parents pass this advice along to their children. My question is, “Whose voice are we listening to?” The messages we hear become the messages we believe. If you want your child to truly believe she/he can achieve anything, there is ONE WORD all parents must remove from their vocabulary. After a recent conversation with my own mother, I learned of her decision to change this one word in our home. That one word changed the trajectory of my life and I’ve invited my mom to share this practice with you. Lydia Franco is one of twelve siblings and as a child she shared one bedroom with her sisters. The cramped space and constant traffic of people made her dream of a way out. When she was admitted to college, she was shocked by the reaction of her mother and regretfully altered her plans. Every success story begins with a childhood. Hear the one word that changed her first born's destination to YOUniversity.

Encore The Word Every Parent Should Remove

Working on the Common Application? Trying to figure out what to include in those pesky supplemental essays? I get it; they are a thorn in your side. Just when you think you are done with the application, you then notice the additional 1-4 supplemental questions. WHAT? You stare at the computer screen and you are back to square one. Yep. I know. Right? Those supplemental essay questions will take hours off of your life. In this episode I am breaking down the Common App, giving you my practical tips for the entire application. I also give you the 5 types of supplemental questions: Why Us, Why This Major, Personality Questions, Diversity/Inclusivity, and Special Circumstances. Hear the tips I offer for how to either repurpose an essay you have already written and/or how to tackle answering these supplemental questions. You do not want to miss this episode! Episode #36

Encore The Common App And Those Pesky Supplemental Essay Questions

How do you convey your interest in a major? What can you share that shows a passion in an academic subject or a career path? Here is an example that I will break down in today’s episode: “Would you like nuts on your sundae, sir?” I waited for the customer’s reply. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see the owner motioning for me to join him in the booth when I was done. … He wanted to go over the profit and loss statements with me. I had no idea what that was and could only see a giant binder full of rows and columns, listing every single expense of the restaurant. “You see this line here,” I nodded, “...this is how much the nuts on a sundae cost every month.” Many teens have had a part time job at some point and many adult admission officers will have shared a similar life experience. As a bonus for you, I am featuring 3 college essays and I’ll explain why this is important for you to have in your portfolio of essays to use in this process. Episode #34

Encore ESSAY Type #4: YOUR Academic or Future Connection Essay

What’s YOUR “COOLNESS” FACTOR Essay Episode Description Today’s episode is part 3 of a 5-part mini series on the College Admission Essays. I am reviewing the “What Is My “Coolness” Factor?” essay. Here is a glimpse into the famous “Taco Bell College Admission Essay.” Today I will be facing my biggest challenge: the Taco Bell menu. A place that can be compared only to Frankenstein’s laboratory for its reputation for the strangest menu in all of the fast food kingdom. “You want to get that,” my dad responded with a smile and a familiar rustle of my hair as I made my demand: “Two Doritos locos tacos and an enchirito.” THIS ESSAY MIGHT BE ONE OF MY FAVORITE OVER THE LAST 20 YEARS. This essay is not just about fast food. It’s about so much more than that. I will break this down and share why it works. For this series, please download the 10 FREE sample essays I offer on my website: www.drcynthiacolon.com. LABELED: STOP PROCRASTINATING Episode #34

Encore What's YOUR 'COOLNESS' FACTOR Essay

Today’s episode is part 2 of a 5-part mini series on the College Admission Essays.I am reviewing the FOUR buckets of Essays that every student needs in their arsenal of college essays. Who AM I? What Am I Good At? What Is My “Coolness” Factor? Connect Accomplishments With Your Future Major. And in part 5 of this mini series, I will review supplemental essays and how they differ from the personal statements. WHAT AM I GOOD AT? This essay is about something you do in school, a leadership role, sports, or performing arts. This is your “thang,” “your jam.” Examples of topics you include: leadership, club activities, academic accomplishment, community service, Girl Scout Gold Award, Eagle Scout, State title, or some great passion. For this series, please download the 10 FREE sample essays I offer on my website: www.drcynthiacolon.com. LABELED: STOP PROCRASTINATING I will dissect each essay in that packet with you and explain why they work. Episode #33

Encore Dissecting The 'What Am I Good At' Admission Essay

Today’s episode kicks off a 5 part mini series on the College Admission Essays. I am reviewing the FOUR buckets of Essays that every student needs in their arsenal of college essays. Who AM I? What Am I Good At? What Is My “Coolness” Factor? Connect Accomplishments With Your Future Major. And in part 5 of this mini series, I will review supplemental essays and how they differ from the personal statements. WHO AM I? This essay sheds light on your family, culture, background, and offers context of who you are. Examples of topics include: Family: traditions, celebrations, family members who influence you. Your background: cultural background, where/how you grew up. Life Challenges: death, divorce, learning challenges. For this series, please download the 10 FREE sample essays I offer on my website: www.drcynthiacolon.com. LABELED: STOP PROCRASTINATING I will dissect each essay in that packet with you and explain why they work. Episode #32

Encore How To Write The 'Who Am I' College Admission Essay

What is the RIGHT answer? What is the formula to solve this problem? What do I need to study, do, or repeat to earn a perfect grade, score, time, goal? In many ways school teaches us there is a right and wrong, and as long as we can figure out the “right” way, we will be rewarded. It is no wonder college applicants everywhere are in search of the magic answer, the perfect formula, or the exact path to find that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Canh Oxelson, Admission Counselor and leader for over 20 years, believes that students want to believe the admission process is “Fair.” If it is not fair, it must be the opposite, which is, biased. While admission officers may not refer to their work as “fair,” they might use words such as, compassionate, candid, honest, principled, and equitable. So, what is the right answer? The best advice Canh Oxelson offers is this, “Be Interesting.” Join us and learn more on Destination: YOUniversity!

Encore Interested Students Become Interesting College Applicants.

I’m just going to say it. Your competition sits next to you in class I hate to say it, but it’s true. Your application has to be better than the kid sitting next to you in math or English class – not the kid applying from some other state. NO. I learned this tough lesson after a conversation with the Dean of Admissions at a highly selective institution. The Dean was passing on taking the valedictorian in exchange for admitting Number 4 in the class. The “ranking” is not what mattered; what he said, and I’ll never forget it, “Number 1 fell a bit flat.” In other words, she looked and read just like any other applicant. On the other hand, Number 4 stood out. This process is about standing out from among the rest of the students applying from your high school. At the end of the day you will be reviewed among your high school classmates. Period. Be sure to snag the free download that pairs with this mini-series www.drcynthiacolon.com/24 Episode 24

Encore Behind The Scenes Part 2: Your Competition Is Closer Than You Thi

As an admissions committee we voted with a Red, Yellow, or Green card. That was it. Deny, Wait List or Admit. Three votes Majority of 2 votes would win the day. Red - yellow - Green. The long winter days of January were filled with reading applicants non-stop. February will filled with daily committees with Admission Officers holding up Red, Yellow, or Green cards at the end of a short presentation on each applicant and each school group Like a scarlet letter -- a big letter A - WL - or D was written on the cover of each file folder, accompanied with a matching colored round dot stuck next to the applicants name. THE BIG QUESTION HOWEVER -- WAS THIS: How long would that GREEN sticker remain on that folder? Be sure to snag the free download that pairs with this mini-series www.drcynthiacolon.com/23 Episode 23

Encore Behind The Scenes Truths: Admission Decisions. Part 1/3

Through any challenging time, there is light at the end of the tunnel. We can’t always see it, but there is hope. For the graduating class of 2020, their school life ended abruptly with hopes of still having that prom, celebratory awards night, and the culminating graduation ceremony out on a beautiful green lawn or football field with screaming fans in the crowd. But that was not to be. And while the Class of 2021 awaits their turn at a senior year, they are left wondering, what will normal look like and what does this mean for me as I apply to college. Today I’m answering those questions. I recently hosted an evening for one of my partner schools, Bishop Amat High School. I gave Parents my insights, predictions, and tips and strategies on how to move forward and get ahead in this process. Parents left comments about how helpful and valuable it was, so I thought I would share it with all of you!!

What COVID-19 Means For College Admissions And Class of 2021

College has always been a learning AND LIVING community. Students go to class, meet for lunch, and live with roommates. But today, in the midst of COVID 19, we are doing traditional college in a non-traditional format. Students now live and learn from their couch or bedroom in the home they grew up in. Our guest today, Stuart Nachbar, is an independent college admissions advisor based and publisher of EducatedQuest.com. Today we talk about colleges as a urban community, an organization of humans, and a network of alumni. Stuart speaks candidly about the questions colleges are asking now, what parents need to plan for, and the questions prospective students should be asking before adding a particular college to their list. If you are a parent of a high school student, this show is for you. If you are ready to get real about taking the next steps in your teen’s college admission journey, this show is for you. If you are unafraid to hear truth, this show is definitely for you.

College Is A Learning AND Living Community, But What Now?

When April of their senior years rolled around, he was not admitted to a single institution and she was only admitted to ONE college. One. Yes it was devastating. Yes it was humbling and humiliating. And as a parent, one mom recalled, “I felt like I was watching a train about to derail, and there was nothing I could do but stand by and watch, with the emergency response team on standby to pick up the pieces.” What do these two students have in common? Dream colleges. That is all they had on their list. They refused input and advice from parents, mentors, counselors and believed it would all work out. College Admissions is no time to play Russian Roulette with your child’s future. What happened with Mitch and Saige, I don’t want this for you. The only goal of the college admission process is to MAXIMIZE choices. Have more YESES than NOS. There are no do-overs in this process. The key is to first create an appropriate list of colleges that will have your teen excited and happy!

Encore Visiting Colleges and How To Create A List You are Happy With

CALLING ALL STUDENTS, PARENTS, EDUCATORS, AND BELIEVERS! Success doesn’t come by chance. Success is a decision to take a chance on YOU. Being admitted to the YOUniversity of your choice is a goal, but not a guarantee. Who you surround yourself with is just as important as what you do. Hear from extraordinary people who led ordinary childhoods. Each story tells the tale of finding passion, purpose, and praise from adults. The secret to a “YES” is becoming your best YOU. Walk away with practical tips and action steps on how to go from good, better, to best and increase your chances of receiving that “YES!” If you are a student, parent of a student, teach students, or are a student of life, this show is for you! So, what do you say? Let’s do this! Join Dr. Cynthia Colón for Destination: YOUniversity, on the VoiceAmerica Variety Channel.

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Destination: YOUniversity

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