College and Career Clarity Lisa Marker Robbins

In this episode, Lisa and Kaci discuss:
Having early conversations on college majors with your teen and with the intent to listen. Exploring university resources that help students who are unsure of their path. Thinking about the full student and what to consider as they think about their major.If it’s possible for all students to change their major after enrollment. 
Key Takeaways: 
Many, but not all, colleges have exploratory studies majors. Students and their families need to be wise consumers and do their own research on whether this is a good path. The length of time in college can be extended if a student changes their major. Working with an advisor can assist your student to the best path forward. Some majors are more difficult than others to get into and may require certain coursework before admittance. Talk about values with your teen. Talk about interests with your teen. Let them talk and listen to what they have to say instead of directing what you want for them.  
“Starting the conversation early, having the conversation looking at majors, using resources to start that conversation, those are all great things to start. And that way the student knows the conversation is open with their parent, and they can continue as they look at colleges.” – Kaci Kortis

About Kaci Kortis: Kaci Kortis currently serves as an Advising Director at a large university in Cincinnati. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Education and a Master's degree in School Counseling. Her professional journey includes roles in the education department of a museum and teaching high school social studies, before starting her transition to working in higher education. Over the course of her 12-year tenure in higher education, Kaci has assumed various roles, including advising exploratory students, transfer students, and those undergoing major changes in their academic paths. Throughout her career, her primary objective has been to guide each student in discovering their best-fit major and path forward. In her current capacity, she oversees a team of major change advisors and works to streamline complex university processes to enhance the student experience.

Episode References:
#078 5 Essential Questions to Ask Colleges Before Submitting Applications https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/podcast/078-5-essential-questions-to-ask-colleges-before-submitting-applications-with-lisa-marker-robbins/

FREE Blueprint to Understanding Admissions by Major https://flourishcoachingco.com/majors 

College Major Enrollment: How to Check Numbers Before You Choose https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/numbers   

Get Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret). 
https://flourishcoachingco.com/video

Connect with Kaci:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kacikortis/ 


Connect with Lisa:
Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingco
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co

In this episode, Lisa and Chris discuss:
What occupational therapy is and the different patient groups it benefits. Various preparatory paths students can consider in high school and college as they consider OT or similar fields. How to curate experiences, like job shadows, to discover if OT is the right path for your teen. Resources for finding the right accredited OT school and taking advantage of extracurricular opportunities during the undergraduate years. 

Key Takeaways: 
Job shadowing is critical for deciding between speech therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. OT school prerequisites vary, so students must research the requirements for each school they are considering.OT doctoral programs are very intensive three-year programs with no summers off. Finding a work-life balance and not taking work home is an adjustment for new occupational therapists. 
“When you’re in college, really take advantage of every opportunity that you can. Just jump in and join different clubs and doing things that spark your interest will really allow you to find what you have a passion for and what you want to do.” – Chris Robbins


About Chris Robbins: Chris is an occupational therapist working at UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central, a level 1 trauma center, in Colorado Springs, CO. Chris, her husband Marty, and their dog Cooper moved to Colorado in 2023 after Chris graduated with her doctorate degree in occupational therapy from Kettering College in Dayton, Ohio. Her undergraduate degrees are in biology and neuroscience with minors in Spanish and disability studies from Miami University. In her free time, Chris enjoys hiking, running, going to ballet class, and trying new coffee shops! 


Episode References:
#113 Optometry Career Close-Up with Ted McElroy, O.D. https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/podcast/113-optometry-career-close-up-with-ted-mcelroy-o-d/ List of ACOTE Programs: https://acoteonline.org/all-schools/

Get Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret). 
https://flourishcoachingco.com/video
Connect with Lisa:
Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingco
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co

In this episode, Lisa and Kristina discuss:
Strategies for striking the balance between parental involvement and teen independence.How to listen to and validate your teen's aspirations before giving advice. Why parents need to have honest discussions about their college budget and their financial realities. The importance of highlighting your student’s voice and ownership during the application process.
Key Takeaways: 
You do not want to project your experiences, achievements, or failures on your student. They need to live their independent life, not your life vicariously. If you believe your teen is wrong, you can still validate and empathize with them before redirecting them to more constructive thoughts and behavior.It’s possible to help your students see the throughlines of their desires by asking why, without telling them your thoughts.There are ways for you to talk to your student about college budget and finances without them knowing every detail of how much you make.While the journey is the student’s it’s still possible for the parent to play an important, supportive role.  
“Support has to be authentic and genuine from the parent, meaning if you're going to support your child in terms of their life, their outcomes, all those things, they have to feel that it's true.” – Kristina Dooley

About Kristina Dooley: Kristina L. Dooley is a Certified Educational Planner (CEP) and founder of Estrela Consulting, an Ohio-based independent educational consulting firm. Kristina has more than 20 years of experience working with students from around the world, navigating the complex college and school search processes. A first-generation college student, she graduated from Hiram College (B.A.) and Kent State University (M.A.). 

In addition to her work with students, Kristina is an instructor for the University of California Irvine teaching College Consulting Resources, and also serves as a faculty member of the IECA Summer Training Institute for aspiring educational consultants. 

Kristina is the Past President of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), and holds membership in AICEP, NACAC, and the Ohio and International Associations for College Admission Counseling (OACAC & IACAC).  In her free time, Kristina volunteers for Beyond Type 1 and JDRF, and serves as a mentor for College Now Greater Cleveland. She resides in Northeast Ohio with her husband and their 13-year-old triplets. 

Episode References:
Free Video: How to guide your teen to choose the right major, college, & career flourishcoachingco.com/course 
#048 Building Motivation & Stress Tolerance for Happy Teens with Ned Johnson  
#062 Gap Year: Is it a better freshmen start?  
#013 The Many Advantages of a Gap Year with Holly Bull 

Get Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret). 
flourishcoachingco.com/video

Connect with Kristina:
Instagram: instagram.com/estrela_consulting 
Facebook: facebook.com/EstrelaConsulting 
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kristinadooley 
Website: estrelaconsulting.com 


Connect with Lisa:
Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingco
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co

In this episode Lisa and Deborah discuss:
How to guide your teen through college and career discernment. The crucial role self-awareness through ongoing reflection and family conversations.Types of real-world experiences that allow teens to explore interests and develop skills. Supporting, not leading, your teen through their journey of building professional connections and independence. 
Key Takeaways: 
No matter how many resources your student’s school has, work still needs to be done at the family level, especially around self-awareness. “Knowing thyself” is the purpose of education. It is about more than just a final destination; it is rather the accumulation of wisdom, truth, and beauty. Integrate deeper questions into the regular rhythms of life.Invite your teen to have curiosity conversations with those in the fields they are interested in. This will help them develop their imagination and identify potential avenues for internships and other networking opportunities. Encourage your teen to explore opportunities they are interested in. They might like it, they might not, and that’s fine! Self-awareness is not a linear discovery process. Teach your teen to see the throughline of what they enjoy and who they are. No matter how many occupations they may have, who they are and how they show up does not change.  
“Helping students understand that part of this discernment process and knowing who they are is not done in isolation. They need to look to the wise elders around them that can speak truth and can give them some perspective.” – Deborah Allen

About Deborah Allen: Deborah Allen has been in education as both parent and professional for over 25 years. Her broad experience includes serving as a humanities instructor at both the high school and collegiate level, thesis coach, academic and career adviser, creating college counseling departments for private and public classical schools, and serving as a consultant for the Society for Classical Learning. 

Deborah, founder of Athena College and Vocational Coaching, is a certified college counselor through NACCAP, who holds a BA in Communications from University of Florida, an MA in Humanities from California State, and a Professional Certification in Human Resource Development from University of Georgia, with post-graduate work at University of Dallas. She is a Highlands Battery Ability consultant. 

Deborah and her family currently reside in Annapolis. In her spare time, Deborah enjoys volunteering as a master gardener and watershed steward, reading poetry, and traveling. 

Episode References:
Ep 115 Making the Final College Decision with Marni Levine: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/podcast/115-making-the-final-college-decision-with-marni-levine/ 

Get Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret). 
https://flourishcoachingco.com/video

Connect with Deborah:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-allen-80005b139/ 
Connect with Lisa:
Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingco
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co

In this episode, Lisa and Marni discuss:
How to approach your teen’s final college enrollment decision from campus visits to financial considerations.Key questions your student should ask themself when they’re stuck deciding between their final school choices. Approaching how to navigate and leverage unexpected financial aid opportunities.Alternative options to the standard college or university path that may be a better fit for your teen.Navigating the complexities of choosing the right college along with your student’s best-fit major. Key Takeaways: 
In a typical year, students need to make a college decision by May 1. In 2024, some schools are pushing that date back to June 1 due to the FAFSA delays.It is fine to apply to a school that your student has not visited, but they do not want to enroll in and attend a school that they haven’t seen for themselves. The best way to do so is the admitted student days in the spring. Only 8 of the 50 state flagship universities don’t admit students directly to their major. There are benefits to attending a “foundation school” that offers generous merit aid. Opportunities come at the top of the class: students, your professors will know you, and they’re more likely to recommend you for research, internships, and jobs. Schools cannot take away their “yes” admission decision, so ask for what your student needs. Worst case, the school says no. “Always ask and always do the research because the ultimate goal is to get a job. While college is fun, and it's a growth experience and a learning experience, it is about being able to come out an adult and you need to know that you've got about a degree that has value to you.” – Marni Levine

About Marni Levine:  As an independent educational consultant, I have helped hundreds of families over the last 15 years by guiding them along the college admissions journey. 
Most importantly, using the skills I learned as an Advertising/Public Relations major at Boston University and my love of storytelling, I’ve created a comprehensive program to help high school students develop a unique picture of who they are so that they can find and be admitted to the perfect fit college where they will shine! 
Mentor, Professional Member IECA, Avid Reader, Dog Lover, Mom (and now Grammy) I am best known to all as COLLEGE MARNI!

Episode References:
How to Find College Majors Enrollment Numbers www.flourishcoachingco.com/numbers 
College Navigator Search: www.collegenavigator.gov
#062 Gap Year: Is it a better freshmen start? https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/podcast/062-gap-year-is-it-a-better-freshmen-start/
#013 The Many Advantages of a Gap Year with Holly Bull https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/podcast/13-the-many-advantages-of-a-gap-year/ 
Get Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret). 
https://flourishcoachingco.com/video

Connect with Marni:
Website: https://www.collegemarni.com/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegemarni_/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marni.h.levine 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marni-levine-52b39015a 
Connect with Lisa:
Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingco
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co

In this episode, Lisa and Jess discuss:
Looking at school profiles can help you and your student better understand how their school uses GPA.Understanding how colleges recalculate GPAs and how your student can use GPA calculators to better grasp their standing. Identifying the five core classes that most colleges use to generate the recalculated GPA used in admissions and what grades won’t matter on the transcript. Why grade inflation is a huge problem, including the inability of colleges to interpret a transcript accurately. 
Key Takeaways: 
GPA is not standardized across high schools, so colleges recalculate it. They typically only use core academic classes from 9-11 grade.Weighted GPAs are not very meaningful since every school calculates them differently. Focus on unweighted core GPA. Grade inflation is also a major issue, making GPAs less reliable indicators of college readiness.Colleges and universities do not typically see senior-year grades because of the timing of application deadlines. While a weighted GPA or inflated grade might feel good to your teen or you, it does not help with college applications or add meaning to transcripts.  
“A GPA is a grade point average. When you finish sophomore year with a 3.1, you're not actually going to be able to increase that GPA significantly by the end of junior year. That should not deter you from trying really hard to increase your GPA.” – Jess Chermak

About Jess Chermak: Jessica Chermak is an Independent Educational Consultant with over a decade of experience in academia and helping students navigate the college admissions process. She graduated from Chapman University with a BA in Psychology, and was awarded the SMART Scholarship to attend the University of Denver for an MA in Forensic Psychology. She is a Certified Educational Planner, a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Professional Member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association, and has served on the board of the College Consultants of Colorado. 

Episode References:
Arizona State University GPA Calculator: registrar.asu.edu/grades-and-records/gpa-calculator
#042 Will grade inflation hurt your teen?  flourishcoachingco.com/podcast/042-will-grade-inflation-hurt-your-teen/
#110 How to Know if College is Still Worth It  flourishcoachingco.com/podcast/110-how-to-know-if-college-is-still-worth-it/
University of California Required Courses and Grades   admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/admission-requirements/freshman-requirements/subject-requirement-a-g.html 

Get Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret). 
flourishcoachingco.com/video

Connect with Jess:
Website: virtualcollegecounselors.com/ 
Email: info@virtualcollegecounselors.com 
X: twitter.com/VirtualCollegeC 
Instagram: instagram.com/virtualcollegecounselors/ 
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/virtual-college-counselors/ 
Facebook: facebook.com/TheVirtualCollegeCounselors 
YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UC9IMV1yWMBhLBhJ68zwaNlA 
Connect with Lisa:
Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingco
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co