College Admissions with Mark and Anna

Anna Ren, Mark Hofer
  • 4.2 (25)
  • Education

Applying for college is more complex and often times more confusing than it used to be. In addition, there are so many resources out there. How do you know which is the right one? The best one? Shouldn't everyone have access to the best information out there, regardless of price? That's what we believe! We believe in giving everyone their best chance by providing them with real insight from the college admissions industry. On this podcast, we share real and relevant topics in college admissions to provide you with a fresh perspective and truly actionable takeaways that you can use as you prepare to apply for college. We look forward to answering your questions and assisting you on your college admissions journey!

  1. 8h ago

    State of College Admissions

    In this episode, Mark and Anna discuss the changing state of higher education and what the enrollment cliff means for students and families. They explore rising costs, shifting perceptions of college value, AI’s impact on careers, and the financial pressures facing universities. The conversation also examines early decision, standardized testing, waitlists, and how recent admissions changes may affect equity. Finally, they offer practical advice for evaluating colleges based on affordability, financial health, authentic opportunities, and long-term value. Enrollment TrendsThe enrollment cliff reflects changing college-going patterns, not just declining birth rates.Students increasingly question college’s cost and return on investment.AI and alternative career paths are also influencing application decisions.Colleges Under PressureColleges are expanding early decision options to secure enrollment and revenue sooner.Some institutions are closing campuses, merging, or reducing academic programs.Fewer international students are creating additional financial challenges.Admissions ChangesMore schools are reinstating standardized testing requirements.Some public universities are dropping essays and relying more on measurable criteria.These shifts may make admissions less equitable for students with fewer resources.Value and EquityFamilies are comparing public, international, and less-famous colleges for better value.Tuition discounts and negotiation may be possible at some schools.Applicants should consider a college’s financial health before enrolling.Advice for FamiliesBuild a broader college list beyond highly ranked institutions.Prioritize communication, curiosity, relationships, and authentic learning.Evaluate each school’s outcomes, affordability, and educational value rather than its brand alone.

  2. Nov 5

    How American Students can... STUDY IN ENGLISH & EARN A DEGREE in LESS TIME for LESS MONEY at the BEST UNIVERSITIES in THE WORLD with Dr. Richard Major

    With cost of attendance at record-highs and complex applications stressing out families, we are excited to share a different option - studying in English at great universities around the world. Mark and Anna are excited to welcome Dr Richard Major, the author of The First Guidebook to International Universities: How American Students can... STUDY IN ENGLISH & EARN A DEGREE in LESS TIME for LESS MONEY at the BEST UNIVERSITIES in THE WORLD. The book, published a month ago, is already topping best-seller lists for college guides. Join Mark and Anna as they discuss the pros of studying at a foreign university and how it can be beneficial academically, personally, and professionally with Dr. Major. Richard draws on forty years' experience teaching at universities all over the planet. He's also a novelist with a dozen books in print, a journalist, and an international tutor. Richard was a Rhodes Scholar (1985), has a doctorate in English language and literature from Oxford, and helps students prepare to apply to the Oxbridge and other highly selective foreign universities. You can contact him at Richard@RichardMajor.com. To grab the book, please visit https://www.bookgo.pub/books/the-first-guidebook-to-international-universities/9798995574644. Want to connect with Dr. Richard Major, please contact info@bookgo.pub.

  3. Jun 20

    Top 3 College Admissions Tips

    Navigating the high school years and preparing for college can feel totally overwhelming, so today we’re keeping things simple with a fun “Top 3” listicle. In this episode, we break down the top three most important things students should focus on during each stage of their journey—from freshman year all the way through college move-in. We chat about everything from mastering time-management habits and self-advocating as a freshman, to balancing academic rigor and stepping into leadership roles as an upperclassman. Plus, we share our absolute favorite hacks for making the most out of your college visits—like snapping a picture of the admissions sign to keep your notes organized—and the essential life skills you'll want to practice before heading off to your dorm. Whether you're just starting out or getting ready to pack your bags, we've got you covered. Grab a notebook, and let's dive in together!

  4. Apr 14

    Supporting ADHD Students Transitioning to College with Cindy Palmer

    Join Mark and Anna as they talk with Cindy Palmer from Threshold Coaches about the misconceptions related to ADHD and how college can both be an ideal and challenging environment for students to thrive. We cover strengths of ADHD students and how families can prepare for college, including accommodations and practicing executive function skills. We also cover how students and parents can approach getting tested and tips for a smooth transition to college. Cindy Palmer is the founder of Threshold Coaches which specializes in providing executive function coaching for college students, especially those with ADHD. Cindy has spent over 25 years supporting teens and young adults with ADHD through academic and life transitions. A former high school teacher and adolescent therapist, Cindy specializes in executive function coaching especially during the leap from high school to college. She's also a parent of two daughters immersed in the college journey, helping them navigate support systems to meet their own neurodivergent needs.

  5. Feb 9

    Choosing Majors in the Age of AI with Dr. Jennifer Stephan

    Worried about what major you should pick now when AI seems to be affecting every industry? Join Anna and Mark as they sit down with Dr. Jennifer Stephan—founder of Lantern College Counseling —to demystify AI as an academic path and career field. Dr. Stephan defines AI, distinguishes it from adjacent disciplines like computer science and machine learning, and discuss developing future-proof, transferable skills (critical thinking, communication, quantitative reasoning, ethics) over narrowly chasing majors, noting that only a few top programs offer undergraduate AI degrees while many CS programs can prepare students well through electives, tracks, and research. Dr. Jennifer Stephan has held various roles across top colleges and universities, including professor, academic dean, and board of admissions member. She holds a BS degree in electrical engineering from Johns Hopkins University and an MS and a PhD in electrical and computer engineering from Carnegie Mellon University. Jennifer is the founder and owner of Lantern College Counseling, an educational practice offering college admissions services, college success coaching services, and expert support for students facing serious disruptions to their education Lantern's college admissions services are based on a proprietary Deep-Fit™ approach, an innovative paradigm for the college search and application process centered on thriving as a foundation for lifelong success, developed through Jennifer's decades of experience supporting college students. To learn more and connect with Jennifer, please visit https://www.lanterncollegecounseling.com/

  6. Jan 9

    Inside Admissions with Former Admissions Officer Brandon Mack

    In this episode of the College Admissions Podcast with Mark and Anna, we’re joined by Brandon Mack, former Associate Director of Admission at Rice University and current independent educational consultant. Brandon pulls back the curtain on how applications are actually read today—debunking common myths about grades, test scores, and competitions, and explaining why essays, short answers, and authentic fit matter more than ever. We discuss how to build a balanced college list, what really makes a strong “Why School” response (including at Rice), how admissions officers evaluate summers, research, and activities, and why depth, humility, and self-awareness consistently stand out in competitive pools. A must-listen for students and families navigating today’s rapidly evolving admissions landscape. Learn more and connect with Brandon Mack at https://bmackstrategies.com/

  7. 12/02/2025

    How College Admissions Officers Review Activities and Resumes

    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.

  8. 10/17/2025

    How to Get Strong Recommendations for College

    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.

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Applying for college is more complex and often times more confusing than it used to be. In addition, there are so many resources out there. How do you know which is the right one? The best one? Shouldn't everyone have access to the best information out there, regardless of price? That's what we believe! We believe in giving everyone their best chance by providing them with real insight from the college admissions industry. On this podcast, we share real and relevant topics in college admissions to provide you with a fresh perspective and truly actionable takeaways that you can use as you prepare to apply for college. We look forward to answering your questions and assisting you on your college admissions journey!

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