College Admissions with Mark and Anna

Anna Ren, Mark Hofer
  • 4.1 (24)
  • EDUCATION
College Admissions with Mark and Anna

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. 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

  2. 07/03/2024

    Lessons Learned & Best Practices…After Year One in College!

    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.

    54 min

  3. 02/16/2024

    Real Cost of College: Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Loans with Daniel Curell

    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. Learn more about the driving factors that impact college cost, what determines the price a student actually pays, and more in this must-listen-to episode!

    1h 3m

  4. 01/24/2024

    College Admissions with Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)

    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. Sydney is the Assistant Director of Admissions for 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.

    50 min

  5. 01/16/2024

    Liberal Arts College Admissions with Occidental College

    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.

    51 min

  6. 11/15/2023

    The Future of Testing: Digital SAT with Compass Prep

    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!

    52 min

  7. 10/30/2023

    Ranks, Brands - Colleges beyond the Ivies

    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.

    49 min

  8. 08/18/2023

    AI in College Admissions with Mark Cruver

    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.

    45 min
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4.1
out of 5
24 Ratings

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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