The College Admissions Reality Check: What Parents and Students Need to Know Now

Ep. 97: College admissions may feel more competitive, confusing, and overwhelming than ever. But what if your child doesn’t need to do more… they just need a smarter strategy?In this episode of Bright Side Up, we’re talking with Kara McMahon, founder of Admissions by Design and a college admissions expert with more than 20 years of experience helping students and families navigate the process.As a former high school counselor, Director of School Counseling, Villanova alumni interviewer, varsity girls lacrosse coach, and mom of three teenage boys currently going through the admissions process herself, Kara brings both professional expertise and real-life perspective to one of the most stressful seasons families face.We’re breaking down what has changed in college admissions, when families should actually start preparing, the biggest mistakes and misconceptions parents need to avoid, and how students can stand out without creating an application that looks like everyone else’s.Kara also shares what makes a college essay memorable, how to use AI responsibly during the application process, why building the right college list can potentially save families thousands of dollars, and how parents can support their kids without taking over.If you have a middle schooler, high schooler, or college-bound student in your life, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you replace the stress and pressure with a smarter, more intentional approach to finding the right college fit.If you love this episode, be sure to share it with a friend, leave a review and tag us on social, we love hearing from you!Watch the Show here: https://www.youtube.com/@brightsideup-d7v?si=671AjascymNJugPaConnect with Admissions By Design here: https://www.instagram.com/admissionsbydesign_Connect with Bright Side Up on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/livebrightsideup/Connect with Erin Salvetti on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/erinsalvetti/Connect with Chelsea Valentino on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/healthy_with_chelsea/Sign up for our newsletter here: https://www.livebrightsideup.com/2026-retreatThis Episode is sponsored by Epicutis: Skincare that works as hard as you do. https://epicutis.com/