What to Know Before They Go

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the college preparation process for your teen? Do you wonder what steps you should be taking to support them through each year of high school?

In this episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms of Teens podcast, Colleen O’Grady speaks with Dr. Pamela Ellis, author of What to Know Before They Go, to break down how parents can help their teens navigate the journey to college without unnecessary stress. Dr. Ellis emphasizes that college preparation should not feel overwhelming and should be done gradually throughout the high school years. She discusses the importance of identifying the right college fit for your teen, taking into account academic, social, financial, and vocational factors. Dr. Ellis also debunks common myths around the college admissions process, such as the misconception that it’s difficult to get into most colleges and that the sticker price reflects what everyone pays. She reassures moms that the majority of colleges are accessible and affordable with many offering generous scholarships.

Pamela Ellis, MBA, PhD—The Education Doctor®—partners with busy parents to help their teen find a college that feels like home without over-paying. As an award-winning CEO and consultant, Dr. Pamela’s experience with the education system includes advising school districts, community organizations, and institutes of higher education. She founded Compass College Advisory in 2010 and has served over 1,000 families. 95% of their students have been admitted to their top-choice colleges and the average scholarship is $75,000. Dr. Pamela is a highly sought-after speaker and author of the best-selling book What to Know Before They Go: College Edition. Dr. Pamela graduated from Stanford University and the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College, and she earned a doctorate from the Stanford University School of Education.  

Key takeaways include the value of starting the college conversation early by helping teens identify what is important to them in a school, from social environment to academic focus. Dr. Ellis advises that research and preparation should be a gradual process, beginning with building good study habits in freshman year and shifting to researching schools and writing college essays by junior and senior year. Finally, she reminds parents to take care of themselves during this process, ensuring that they can offer support without becoming overwhelmed themselves.

Learn more about Dr. Ellis at: https://theeducationdoctor.com/

Follow on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/drpamelaellis/

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