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PODCAST · education

College Bound Mentor

by College Bound Mentor

Lisa, Abby, and Stefanie know college. They also know students. With over 30 years combined experience mentoring young people, they'll show you why understanding yourself is the key to finding the right college. Each episode, hear trends, case studies, and interviews with students who have gone through it all - giving you valuable insight to survive the college application process and beyond. Hosted by Lisa Bleich, Abby Power, and Stefanie Forman, Partners of College Bound Mentor.

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Jun 11, 2026 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. Getting In Is Not Enough: Skills That Matter with Ana Homayoun

    What makes the difference between students who struggle and those who find success in school & life? There are many essential skills that go into it. In this episode, we welcome on Ana Homayoun, a noted author, academic advisor, and early career development strategist whose work focuses on…

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  2. The ADHD Effect with ADHD & Executive Functioning Coach Debbie White

    How do you help your student transition to college if they have ADHD or struggle with Executive Functioning? In this episode, we welcome on Debbie White, an ADHD & Executive Functioning Coach who's the Founder of Life Stormer. Hear the difference between ADHD & Executive Functioning, how to know…

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  3. Your Hidden Genius: The Science-Backed Strategy to Uncovering and Harnessing Your Innate Talents with Betsy Wills & Alex Ellison

    How can your students figure out what they want to major in? How about what they want to do in life? It might be time to find their hidden genius. In this episode, we welcome on Betsy Wills & Alex Ellison, Authors of Your Hidden Genius: The Science-Backed Strategy to Uncovering and Harnessing…

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  4. Extra Credit '25: What Happens if You Don't Get Into Your ED (Early Decision) School?

    Now that Early Decision (ED) results are back - and students are either thrilled or disappointed - we wanted to look back at our first interview with a student, Zoe, who shares her experience not getting into her first choice Early Decision school. She reveals her feelings when she first got...

  5. Dealing with College Decisions Dropping with Jenna Schebell of The College Navigators

    With college decisions coming out in the coming weeks, we're entering one of the most stressful times for high school students & parents. There are so many emotions you're bound to experience, and it's hard to resist comparing yourself to other aspiring college students. In this episode, we…

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  6. Making the Most of Summer with Your College Application in Mind

    It's never too early to start figuring out what your student will be doing next summer. There are endless options, but which one will be the most rewarding - for personal growth AND adding to that resume? In this episode, we first cover how to make the most of your summer experiences, how to nail...

  7. Should You Work with an IEC (Independent Educational Consultant)? With Kristina Dooley

    An IEC (Independent Educational Consultant) can be a huge help on your student's high school & college journey. How do you know whether an IEC is right for you - and what should you look for in an IEC? In this episode, we welcome on Kristina Dooley, a Certified Educational Planner and Founder of...

  8. A Conversation with Parents: College Admissions Trends 2025

    Want to know the key trends & takeaways in college admissions for 2025? We've got you covered. In this webinar, hear why the demographic cliff is real, how schools are using AI in admissions, how to show you're a great fit for your major, why standardized testing is making a comeback, and what's...

  9. Extra Credit: How to Handle the Why College/Why Academic Interest Essay with Lisa Marker-Robbins

    Some of the trickiest essays to pin down on college applications are the Why College/Why Academic Interest essays. This has never been more true than today, so we wanted to bring back our interview with special guest Lisa Marker-Robbins, Founder of Flourish Coaching, who's helped over 4,000 high...

  10. Applying to College without Going Broke with Jeff Levy

    What's new with financial aid? A lot. In this episode, we welcome back returning guest Jeff Levy, Co-Founder of Big J Educational Consulting, who's been an educational consultant since 2007. Hear the latest changes impacting financial aid, the key deadlines for the FAFSA application and CSS...

  11. Dream School: Finding the College That's Right for You with Jeff Selingo

    What's more important: where you go to college, or what you do in college? Jeff Selingo has written about colleges and universities for more than 25 years and is a New York Times bestselling author of four books. His latest, Dream School: Finding the College That's Right for You, draws on more…

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  12. Peeling Back the Curtain on Highly-Selective College Admissions with Dr. Andrew Hoffman

    There are some tough, tough colleges to get into these days. Why is that the case? And how can your student crack the code? Dr. Andrew Hoffman is a College Admissions Strategist who's worked in college admissions since college, including being the Director of Admissions for Swarthmore College and...

  13. Putting the Wow in Your College Essays with Susan Knoppow

    Writing college essays is one of the most challenging aspects of the college application process. Where do students even get started? Susan Knoppow is Co-Founder & CEO of Wow Writing Workshop, where she created the Wow Method - a simple, 10-step process for writing college essays. A former...

  14. New ACT & Testing Tips with Sean Quinn

    What's new with the ACT? A lot. That means students have to change how they prep for the test AND how they approach things on test day. Sean Quinn has you covered. He's the Founder & Tutor at Onsen Education, providing one-on-one preparation tailored to your needs. He and his team have helped...

  15. Creating a Stellar Engineering Maker Portfolio with Jyoti Jain

    The engineering field is getting increasingly competitive. How do you stand out as an engineering student today? Jyoti Jain believes the best way is to create a stellar engineering maker portfolio. Jyoti is the Founder of Jain College Consulting. She found her passion for college counseling while...

  16. Hacking College with Dr. Ned Scott Laff & Scott Carlson

    Does your college major even matter? Dr. Ned Scott Laff & Scott Carlson explore the surprising answer in their must-read book, Hacking College: Why the Major Doesn't Matter―and What Really Does. Dr. Ned Scott Laff has over 35 years of experience in college and university settings in…

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  17. AI Did My Homework with Dr. Lyra Stein, Dr. Nathalie Moon, and Stephanie Silberstein

    AI is taking over everything. College is no different. What is allowed - and should be allowed - when using AI in college classes? In this episode, we welcome on special guests Dr. Lyra Stein of Rutgers University, Dr. Nathalie Moon of the University of Toronto, and Stephanie Silberstein of…

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  18. Passion Projects with Dr. Liz Krider

    Passion projects are becoming a hot topic on student resumes. How important are they? In this first episode of Season 2, we welcome on special guest Dr. Liz Krider, the Founder & CEO of KSA Catalyst. She helps students (ages 14-24) find purpose through projects and internships - experiences that...

  19. College Waitlist Tips

    Waitlists are one of the most unpredictable parts of the college application process - and an area we get questions on all the time. This is especially relevant now, as it's been such a tough year for college waitlists. In this episode, you'll hear the ins and outs of waitlists, including whether...

  20. Engineering Pathways

    Engineering programs seemingly get more & more competitive every year. How do you land a spot in that dream engineering program - or maybe one that's an even better fit? In this episode, Lisa, Abby, and Stefanie break down the various pathways for pursuing engineering degrees. Hear how…

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  21. Teen Mental Health with Dr. Beth Watson

    It's no surprise the college application process can have a big impact on your teen's mental health. On the bright side, there are plenty of things you can do as a parent to make sure they can handle anything. In this episode, we welcome on special guest Dr. Beth Watson, a licensed clinical...

  22. How to Make the Most of Summer

    Summer experiences can really make your college application pop. In this episode, Lisa, Abby, and Stefanie reveal how to make the most of your summer with your college application in mind. Hear the variety of academic programs offered over the summer, how to find summer programs, why getting a...

  23. Class Planning Tips

    How do you make the right class selections ahead of each year of high school? And how much will they actually impact your college application? In this episode, Lisa, Abby, and Stefanie talk everything you need to know when selecting classes for freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior year of high...

  24. Trends from Early Action & Early Decision Results

    The Early Action (EA) & Early Decision (ED) results are in. In this episode, Lisa, Abby, and Stefanie reveal the latest trends based on the results. Hear why you need a testing strategy, whether safety schools exist anymore, the most competitive majors, how campus culture is driving college...

  25. SAT & ACT Accommodations with Jordan Schwartz

    There's a lot to consider when it comes to SAT & ACT accommodations. But, they can be well worth your time if they're relevant to you. In this episode, we welcome on special guest Jordan Schwartz, Founder & CEO of Green Light Education. He's been teaching the SAT, ACT, and LSAT since 2016 and...

  26. Athletic Recruiting with The Student-Athlete Advisors

    Want to continue your athletic career into college? It can set the stage for the experience of a lifetime - or turn into a nightmare, if you're not careful. In this episode, we welcome on special guests Katie Andersen & Reid Meyer of The Student-Athlete Advisors. They're part of the team of...

  27. Extra Credit: What Happens if You Don't Get Into Your ED (Early Decision) School?

    Now that Early Decision (ED) results are back - and students are either thrilled or disappointed - we wanted to look back at our first interview with a student, Zoe, who shares her experience not getting into her first choice Early Decision school. She reveals her feelings when she first got...

  28. Getting into Medical School - Even if You Don't Start Out Pre-Med with Sam Goldman

    Applying for Medical School (aka Med School) is one of the most stressful times for future doctors. Is it possible to go that route while taking a non-traditional path? In this episode, we welcome on special guest Sam Goldman, who's a living case study of resilience & dedication. She's currently…

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  29. The Military March to College with Lisa Hillhouse

    Considering a military academy or ROTC? We have the answers to all your questions. In this episode, we welcome on special guest Lisa Hillhouse, an independent college and career advisor specializing in military service academies & ROTC. Hear the biggest differences between military academies &...

  30. The Truth about Financial Aid with Jeff Levy

    Financial aid can make a huge impact on your college potential & college experience. Want to find out all you need to know about financial aid? In this episode, we welcome on special guest Jeff Levy, Co-Founder of Big J Educational Consulting, who's been an educational consultant since 2007. Hear...

  31. Webinar: College Admissions Trends

    Want to hear the latest trends in college admissions? In this episode, Lisa, Abby, and Stefanie share the webinar they presented on everything that's new with college admissions. Hear the biggest changes over the past year when it comes to college admissions, which schools are becoming harder to...

  32. A Lawyer's Case Study: Jenn Arnold, University of Michigan Law School

    Considering going to law school or pursuing a career in law or public policy? This is the episode for you. We welcome on special guest Jenn Arnold, a "Double Wolverine" from the University of Michigan Law School and undergrad who now works in the Legislative Counsel for a member of the House of...

  33. How to Create a Compelling College Application: All Components Count

    How do you stand out in college admissions? It all goes back to your college application. In this episode, Lisa, Abby, and Stefanie put together all the puzzle pieces that make up the college application puzzle. Hear the components of the college application, the most important component, whether...

  34. Finding a Queer-Friendly College, Part 2

    Feeling safe and supported on a college campus is important for any student. For students in the LGBTQ+ community, it can be an even more important factor when deciding where to go to college. In this Part 2, Stefanie interviews a college student, Ben, about his experience being a member of the...

  35. Transitioning to College: A Student Panel

    Heading off to college is one of the most exciting - and scary - moments in your life. We want to make sure you have all the helpful information you need to make your freshman year a slam dunk. In this episode, we interview a panel of college students who have survived freshman year at 3…

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  36. How to Handle the Why College/Why Academic Interest Essay with Lisa Marker-Robbins

    Some of the trickiest essays to pin down on college applications are the Why College/Why Academic Interest essays. In the first part of this episode, we share why these essays are frustrating, the format of these essays, and how to write them. We then welcome on special guest Lisa Marker-Robbins,...

  37. So You Think You Can Dance or Sing or Act?

    You can use a special talent like dancing, singing, or acting to your advantage to help stand out in college admissions. In the first part of this episode, we break down why special talents are helpful, how an Arts Supplement works, and how to frame your application. We then feature an interview...

  38. Not All A's Are Equal: Grade Inflation and Standardized Testing with Dr. Jed Applerouth

    Grades are going up, and standardized test scores are going down. How should we handle this as students and parents? In this episode, we welcome special guest Dr. Jed Applerouth to talk all things grade inflation and standardized testing. Jed is a teacher, educational innovator, and the Founder…

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  39. Finding a Queer-Friendly College, Part 1

    Feeling safe and supported on a college campus is important for any student. For students in the LGBTQ+ community, it can be an even more important factor when deciding where to go to college. In this Part 1, we interview a panel of college students and recent alums about their experience finding…

    more
  40. How to Successfully Transition to College with Dr. Andrea Malkin Brenner

    Transitioning from high school to college is one of the biggest changes in a student's life. And that can be incredibly intimidating - for both students and parents. In this episode, we welcome special guest Dr. Andrea Malkin Brenner to make sure students and parents have the smoothest transition...

  41. How to Perfect the Personal Statement - By Not Making It Perfect!

    There are lots and lots of myths about the Personal Statement. What should you actually believe? In the first part of this episode, we detail what a Personal Statement is, how to choose a topic to write about, and how to be yourself. We then feature an interview with a student, Alexandra, who...

  42. What Happens if You Don't Get into Your ED (Early Decision) School?

    Early Decision (ED) and Early Action (EA) are two of the biggest considerations when applying to college. In the first part of this episode, we break down what Early Decision and Early Action are, the different types of each, and restrictions on each. We then feature our first interview with a...

  43. College Waitlists and Case Study: Jack for Michigan Ross

    Waitlists are one of the most unpredictable parts of the college application process - and an area we get questions on all the time. In the first half of this episode, you'll hear the ins and outs of waitlists, including how waitlists work, how schools differ by their waitlists, and how to write…

    more
  44. College Admissions Trends for 2024

    Welcome to College Bound Mentor! Lisa, Abby, and Stefanie know college. They also know students. With over 30 years combined experience mentoring young people, they'll show you why understanding yourself is the key to finding the right college. In this pilot episode, you'll hear what to expect…

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Lisa, Abby, and Stefanie know college. They also know students. With over 30 years combined experience mentoring young people, they'll show you why understanding yourself is the key to finding the right college. Each episode, hear trends, case studies, and interviews with students who have gone through it all - giving you valuable insight to survive the college application process and beyond. Hosted by Lisa Bleich, Abby Power, and Stefanie Forman, Partners of College Bound Mentor.

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College Bound Mentor

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does College Bound Mentor have?

College Bound Mentor currently has 44 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is College Bound Mentor about?

Lisa, Abby, and Stefanie know college. They also know students. With over 30 years combined experience mentoring young people, they'll show you why understanding yourself is the key to finding the right college. Each episode, hear trends, case studies, and interviews with students who have gone...

How often does College Bound Mentor release new episodes?

College Bound Mentor has 44 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to College Bound Mentor?

You can listen to College Bound Mentor on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts College Bound Mentor?

College Bound Mentor is created and hosted by College Bound Mentor.
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