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. 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/

    49 min

  2. 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/

    1h 4m

  3. 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.

    50 min

  4. 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.

    41 min

  5. 05/30/2025

    Tackling Changes for Collegebound Families with Molly Carroll

    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/.

    51 min

  6. 02/19/2025

    Preparing to Thrive in College with Carol Ben-Davies!

    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/

    1 hr

  7. 02/12/2025

    Sleep and Students with "The Inner Clock"'s Lynne Peeples

    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

    53 min

  8. 08/10/2024

    Identifying the Best Colleges for You

    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.

    47 min
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About

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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