52 episodes

For all the stressed-out parents trying to help their teenagers navigate the complicated world of college admissions. Each episode offers insightful and in-depth conversations with admissions experts and professional educators with practical advice for getting through the process without losing sight of yourself, your kid, or your sanity. From building a strong academic and extracurricular profile, developing the college list, managing standardized tests, to crafting the perfect essay, we've got you covered. Whether you're a seasoned high school parent or a first-timer, join us for candid conversations and expert guidance on making it to, through, and beyond college.

Don't Force It: How to Get into College without Losing Yourself in the Process Sheila Akbar, PhD

    • Education
    • 5.0 • 8 Ratings

For all the stressed-out parents trying to help their teenagers navigate the complicated world of college admissions. Each episode offers insightful and in-depth conversations with admissions experts and professional educators with practical advice for getting through the process without losing sight of yourself, your kid, or your sanity. From building a strong academic and extracurricular profile, developing the college list, managing standardized tests, to crafting the perfect essay, we've got you covered. Whether you're a seasoned high school parent or a first-timer, join us for candid conversations and expert guidance on making it to, through, and beyond college.

    Aneesh Raman: LinkedIn

    Aneesh Raman: LinkedIn

    In today's episode, I sit down with Aneesh Raman to explore the future of education and work. Join us as we discuss navigating career pivots, redefining success, and empowering the next generation.  Whether you're a parent guiding your child's educational path or an individual navigating career choices, this episode offers practical wisdom and encouragement to pursue lifelong learning and fulfill your potential. Tune in!

    Bio

    Aneesh Raman is a VP and Workforce Expert at LinkedIn. As part of this role, he leads the Opportunity Project, which works with global leaders to help them understand the biggest changes impacting work and to build a more dynamic and equitable global labor market in the age of AI. Prior to LinkedIn, Aneesh was a Senior Economic Advisor for California Governor Gavin Newsom helping to shape and communicate the Economic Agenda for one of the world’s largest economies, as well as the state's response to the global pandemic.  Aneesh joined the Governor’s Office after five years in the tech industry, including as Head of Economic Impact at Facebook.  From 2009-2013, he held multiple positions in the Obama Administration, including as a speechwriter to President Barack Obama as well as a speechwriter to the Treasury Secretary amidst a historic economic crisis.  Raman started his career as a CNN correspondent, first in Southeast Asia and then across the Middle East, where he spent two years as a war correspondent in Iraq. A graduate of Harvard and a former Fulbright Scholar, Raman is a Board member of Shanti Bhavan, an education non-profit that works with children from the most disadvantaged communities in India and was the subject of the critically-acclaimed Netflix documentary, ‘Daughters of Destiny.’ Raman is a former term member at the Council on Foreign Relations and former member of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library’s New Frontier Award Committee. Follow Aneesh on LinkedIn.

    Click here to RSVP for our upcoming webinar: Selective College Admissions: What Really Matters, and How to Build Your Strategy
    Access free resources and learn more about Sheila and her team at Signet Education at signeteducation.com or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaakbar/.

    • 36 min
    Let’s Get Tactical: Academic Excellence Without Burnout

    Let’s Get Tactical: Academic Excellence Without Burnout

    Join me in today's episode as I discuss the tools and routines designed to help students excel academically and grow personally. From daily reflections to semester evaluations, discover practical tips for navigating academic life. Tune in!

    Click this to access Signet's Academic Wellness Implementation Guide
    Access free resources and learn more about Sheila and her team at Signet Education at signeteducation.com or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaakbar/.

    • 38 min
    Holly Schreiber: Watershed Parent Coaching

    Holly Schreiber: Watershed Parent Coaching

    In today’s episode, I sit down with my dear friend and colleague, Holly Schreiber, from Watershed Parent Coaching. Together, we delve into strategies for reducing stress during the college application journey—for both your child and yourself! Tune in for practical tips and heartfelt insights that will transform your parenting approach and help your family thrive during this pivotal life stage.

    Bio

    Holly is the founder of Watershed Parent Coaching and an admissions consultant at Signet Education. She holds a BA from Bowdoin College and an MA and PhD from Indiana University.

    Visit Watershed Parent Coaching or email Holly at holly@watershedparentcoaching.com
    Access free resources and learn more about Sheila and her team at Signet Education at signeteducation.com or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaakbar/.

    • 31 min
    Let’s Get Tactical: What do you need to know about the digital SAT?

    Let’s Get Tactical: What do you need to know about the digital SAT?

    Join me today as I delve into the transition to digital SATs, unravel strategies for choosing between the SAT and ACT, and explore the intricacies of test-optional admissions policies. Tune in for valuable insights and guidance on navigating standardized testing!

    Click here to access the resources mentioned in this episode.
    Access free resources and learn more about Sheila and her team at Signet Education at signeteducation.com or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaakbar/.

    • 34 min
    Joy Meserve: Leading with Joy

    Joy Meserve: Leading with Joy

    In today's episode, join me as I sit down with Joy Meserve, CEO and founder of Leading with Joy. We delve into her transformative journey from corporate PR to pioneering STEM education, exploring insights on joyful leadership and navigating career shifts. From parenting parallels to practical college prep tips, Joy shares candid wisdom and actionable advice for listeners seeking purpose-driven growth in work and life.

    Bio

    After two decades of executive experience in scaling operations and developing leaders, Joy Meserve founded Leading with Joy to help other executives develop leaders that foster high-performing and joyful workplace cultures where both people and profits thrive. Meserve leverages her experience as the former COO of iD Tech, where the company’s growth and success were inextricably linked to the award-winning culture. Joy brings a unique perspective to the forefront with her commitment to introducing leaders to a simpler, more practical way for busy leaders to scale their time.  Through dynamic and actionable workshops, keynotes, and leadership coaching, Joy guides audiences on a transformative journey – steering them away from hustle culture towards one firmly rooted in the principles of Partner Leadership. While conventional wisdom may dictate that success hinges on doing more, doing better, and doing it faster, Joy asserts that true greatness in leadership emerges from slowing down, just a little, to ensure that people feel seen, heard, and appreciated for their contributions within the framework of Partner Leadership.  Follow Joy Meserve on LinkedIn.

    Website: https://leadingwithjoy.com
    Register for her Free Leadership Workshop on Performance Coaching: Practical Conversations for Busy Leaders at https://more.leadingwithjoy.com 
    Access free resources and learn more about Sheila and her team at Signet Education at signeteducation.com or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaakbar/.

    • 22 min
    Let's Get Tactical: How to Navigate the Waitlist

    Let's Get Tactical: How to Navigate the Waitlist

    Join me in today’s episode as I delve into the intricacies of college waitlists. I'll discuss the purpose behind waitlists and offer actionable advice for waitlisted students on navigating their current acceptances while strategically positioning themselves for potential waitlist admissions. Tune in!
    Access free resources and learn more about Sheila and her team at Signet Education at signeteducation.com or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaakbar/.

    • 24 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
8 Ratings

8 Ratings

Dr. D Coaches to Success ,

This is a MUST for over-achieving parents who are trying to raise self-sufficient kids

Dr. Akbar has a real knack for helping parents and college-bound teens get clarity, boost their confidence, and take action towards charting a meaningful path forward without running themselves ragged in the process. So glad I found her!

GoBeach24 ,

Helpful for my Family

Great podcast, super helpful in gaining a grasp on the never ending rollercoaster the admissions process can be.

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