65. Planning Backwards: How College Admissions Should Shape Your High School Strategy (Part 1)

College admissions have changed dramatically in the last two decades — and if you're a parent still picturing the process the way it worked when you applied, you might be surprised at how much the college landscape has changed. In part one of this two-part conversation, Sarah sits down with Arielle Villanueva, owner of Third Dot College Planning, to break down how the admissions landscape has shifted, why acceptance rates have gotten so much more competitive, and what that means for families today. Arielle draws on her background in college admissions, including her time working at UNC Chapel Hill, to explain when families should actually start preparing for college (hint: it depends on the schools you're aiming for), and why "collecting" activities for a resume is the wrong approach compared to genuine, meaningful involvement. Sarah and Arielle also dig into the balance parents need to strike: staying supportive and informed without taking over an application process that students need to own for themselves. Tune in next week for part two, where we'll continue the conversation with Arielle.   To learn more about Arielle and her work visit https://www.thirddotcollegeplanning.com/