PODCAST · education
Cyndy's Friday Forums
by Cyndy McDonald
Learn from experts in small business or college admissions. Our conversations with professionals are inspiring, informational and entertaining. No topic is off limits- marketing, organization, content, and how we can move forward. What are your next steps? Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/cyndy-mcdonald/support
Episodes
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41: My Country: Military Service & Education
What should students want to attend a military academy be aware of? What are the challenges veterans face when they come out of the military? What can counselors do to support students, veterans and current military personnel in their educational goals? These and other questions about education…
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40: Student Essays: Digging Deep to Find Gold
Writing the college essays induces stress and hand wringing not only for students but for parents and their college advisors. How can we help students understand the purpose of the college essays? How can we guide them toward fulfilling these purposes without taking over their writing? Most...
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39: Taming Homesickness in the First Year of College
Many colleges will have both freshman and sophomores on campus for the first time this fall. How will they feel going to a new place, alone, after being sequestered for over a year during covid? Providing transition support to both students and parents is more crucial this year than ever before....
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38: So You Want to be a Doctor?
Many students focus their future on going into the medical field, but do they know what it takes to prepare? Cyndy led a discussion with admissions expert Luisa Rabe. She dispels myths and gives tips about planning, preparing and getting accepted into both undergraduate and graduate programs. Is...
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37: Supreme Court Athlete Ruling- What You Need to Know
The recent Supreme Court ruling about athletes and compensation is monumental. Will it send shock waves through the colleges, or just a small ripple? Athletics expert Katie Andersen joins Cyndy to discuss the latest ruling, its implications for athletes, and what we need to know as college…
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36: Helping Students Reveal their Authentic Selves in College Applications with Dr. Aviva Legatt
Repeatedly colleges tell us it is important for students to dig deep and share information about who the student is and their potential contribution to the college campus. How do they explore their authentic self and put that into a college application? Cyndy is joined by Dr. Aviva Legatt, author...
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35: Leveraging Linkedin with Karen Yankovich
How is Linkedin different from other social media platforms? In what ways can it be used to build your business? What is the difference between the free version and the professional (subscription) version of Linkedin? A Linkedin expert, Karen Yankovich joined Cyndy at this Friday Forum to answer...
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34: Online Marketing: Expert Tips & Tools to Promote Your Business
Most of us are not experts when it comes to social media, google searches, SEO and other online marketing tools/resources. What should we know? What will get us into trouble if we don't know? Marketing expert Heather Holloway, Holloway Media Services will share tips and tools you can use in…
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33: Building an Audience With Newsletters
Newsletters can be a powerful tool in your marketing arsenal. Bob and Lisa Carlton join us to discuss the pros and cons of newsletters. They will share tips for making a newsletter a key part of building your brand. SHOW NOTES Lisa and Bob Carlton: College Matchpoint Cyndy McDonald: Mindful Coaching
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32: Concerns and Expectations of International Students and Parents
Wendy Beato, an International counselor from South Africa joins the Friday Forum for a frank discussion on International students. What are students' concerns as they look at going to school in another country? What are parents' concerns? How does political climate factor into decisions? How do…
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31: Coffee Talk with 2 Queers- How to be More Inclusive
How can we make our organizations more inclusive? More welcoming to all students and families? What are the challenges LGBTQIA students face? Join Cyndy McDonald for an interview with Scott and Eric as they share their stories and discuss the unique challenges facing today's LGBTQIA clients. They...
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30: The College Equity Index: A Spark for Change
Many resources are available about college admissions and campus culture, but none evaluate campus culture from a female and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) perspective, until now. The College Equity Index was created by Dr. Debra Felix, Dr. Monica Randall and Sydney Montgomery…
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29: SLATE- Why Do Colleges Love It?
SLATE is an online platform used by over 1000 colleges to help with recruitment, student success and even help raise money through an alumni network. We will peak beyond the curtains to learn more about SLATE and how it helps colleges meet institutional goals, in an interview with Christine…
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28: How to Grow Your Business- Even During a Pandemic
Many people want to expand their business, but are unsure of how to accomplish that. In 2020, during a pandemic, Gena Lester was able to expand her business exponentially. Gena joins Cyndy McDonald to share her out of the box thinking and the steps she took to expand her business, with a...
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27: Why Study in the United Kingdom?
There are many advantages to students considering doing postsecondary education in the United Kingdom. The British Council is dedicated to helping students, parents and educators understand the education system in the UK. Jenna Hartsell will join Cyndy McDonald to talk about college selection…
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26: What Role Does ACT/SAT Test Preparation Play in a Test Optional College World?
Many colleges went test optional or test blind in 2020, and will continue that policy in 2021. This change raises as many questions as it answers. Should students still prepare for standardized tests? Which ones? What schedule? When should they turn in scores to test optional schools? Join us for…
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25: Concrete Ways to Increase College Access in 2021- Interview with Ethan Sawyer, The College Essay Guy
College admissions has been challenging this year due to the pandemic. How have these challenges affected college access for students? In an interview with Cyndy McDonald, Ethan Sawyer, the College Essay Guy discusses those challenges, and shares ideas for ways counselors can help increase…
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24: Status Check: One Year In with Cyndy McDonald
March marks the one year anniversary of the start of the Covid Pandemic. Where are we now? What have we learned from the past year? What ways have you adapted your business? What plans should be put in place for the future? Join Cyndy as she leads a discussion on this topic.
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23: Is Standardized Testing Teetering? Interview with Robert Schaeffer
2020 say many colleges go test optional because of the global Covid-19 pandemic. Join us for a frank conversation with Fair Test Director Robert Schaeffer about the past, present and future prospects of the test optional movement. Show Notes Robert Schaeffer: executive director of Fairtest.org....
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22- What Really Matters?
This is not a one hour recording of a recent Friday Forum. I am deviating from the norm of our Friday Forums. I wanted to share a story with you, my listeners. This is a 15 minute story and advocacy for What Really Matters. At some point during Covid-19 we will all face a moment of truth. I faced...
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21: Using Pinterest to Promote Your Business
Susan shared tips for expanding your practice through social media, especially Pinterest. Learn what approaches work best for different social media platforms. This is Marketing Part 2 Session. (Part 1: Marketing Mindset: What to Know was offered on Aug. 31.)
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20: Defining College Fit: What REALLY Matters with Edward Fiske
Why was the Fiske Guide started over 30 years ago? What do the Fiske ratings come from? Edward Fiske, New York Times editor and best selling author, answers these and other questions posed by Cyndy McDonald about his book, The Fiske Guide, and transitions in education he has observed over the…
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19: Open Discussion: Exploring IEC Business Models
Can you streamline your business, create more time for yourself, and still do what you love? Three different IEC's will share information about their business models. They will host a discussion about different business models to explore for educational consultants. Elana Guerra | Bright Futures...
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18: When Is It Good Enough? Letting Go of the Imperfect Essay
Is there a point of diminishing return when working on essays? Join Susan Knoppow of the WOW Writing workshop to learn how to help students in the writing process, and how to keep your sanity too! Streamline your essay review skills to save time and aggravation. We’ll discuss: · Polishing essays...
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17: Friday Forum: Finding Trends and Patterns in Admissions Data During Covid
College admissions in 2021 is unlike any other year. Authors of the very popular EA/ED and scholarship data, Jennie Kent and Jeff Levy share thoughts on trends and patterns they have observed in admissions. How will admissions be impacted by the pandemic in 2021 and beyond? PRESENTERS Jennie Kent…
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16: Marketing Mindset: What to Know
What exactly is marketing? How does it differ from branding? How do you ramp up your virtual game now during Covid? Susan Dabbar will be joining Cyndy to discuss these topics and answer questions. Susan has years of experience as an engineer, marketer and as an Independent Educational Consultant....
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15: Driving Significant Growth in Your Business
Brian Safdari is a master sales trainer and executive coach. He trains the leaders of multi-million dollar companies on the art of building a business through the science of listening. Join Cyndy as she talks to Brian about what he learned along the way to becoming a top closer. Brian shares how...
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14: Friday Forum: Amplified Adolescent Anxiety During a Pandemic
In normal times teenagers experience a great amount of stress and anxiety. This stress and anxiety has been amplified during the pandemic. One of the greatest contributors has been the uncertainty around standardized testing options. If students can't go to school, how are they supposed to go…
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13: Friday Forum: Tips for Choosing a New College Planning Technology
Looking for a new college planning tool? How do you go about comparing different tools? What questions should you be asking? What should you be looking out for? With the news this week about the closure of GuidedPath, many people will be looking for new software solutions. Listen to Cyndy…
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12: Covid 19 Friday Forum: Tackling the Covid-19 Essay
The pandemic has affected every aspect of student lives in past months. Applications such as Common App have added a covid-19 question. How should students approach this essay? Are there topics students should steer away form in this essay? Brad Schiller, co-founder and CEO of PROMPT, a writing...
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11: Covid 19 Friday Forum: Nailing the Inquiry and Balancing Fall on Campus
The Friday Forum returns! Who will be going back to school in the Fall? Who gets the "Covid Warrior" and the "Head in the Sand" award for the week? How does the current news affect your students? How does it affect you? How are your skills for managing inquiry calls? What would you like to do...
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7: Covid-19 Friday Forum: Parting the Admissions Curtain During Covid-19
What will college recruitment look like from the inside during and after Covid-19? We turn to author, popular speaker and former director of admissions Peter VanBuskirk for the answers. Watch Cyndy McDonald and Peter VanBuskirk engage in a frank conversation exploring waitlists, merit and…
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10: Covid 19 Friday Forum: No Time for Silence with Susan Toler Carr, PE.
Have you started conversations with students about the civil unrest in communities not only across the country, but around the world? Why are people protesting? What is their message? Are we fully aware of the social, educational and economic gaps that afflict so many students of color…
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9: Covid 19 Friday Forum: Looking Into A Mirror: Engaging Students Using Surveys for Self-Reflecting
A constant struggle for advisors is really getting to know their students. A constant struggle for colleges is getting to know a student's interests. A constant struggle for students is learning all about themselves. Using surveys with middle school and high school students can turn that struggle...
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8: Covid-19 Friday Forum: Impact of Covid-19 on College Recruitment: Current & Future
What impact has the current pandemic had on college recruitment, not only for this year, but for future years? How are private colleges being impacted? How are public colleges being impacted? Join us to hear from two professionals, Christine Bowman, Dean of Admission and Enrollment Services,...
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7: Covid-19 Friday Forum: Parting the Admissions Curtain During Covid-19
What will college recruitment look like from the inside during and after Covid-19? We turn to author, popular speaker and former director of admissions Peter VanBuskirk for the answers. Listen to Cyndy McDonald and Peter VanBuskirk in a frank conversation exploring waitlists, merit and financial...
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6: Covid-19 Friday Forum: College Advisor Perspective from Across the Country.
Cyndy McDonald invited 2 other college advisors to join the forum discussion. Debra Landesberg (Sarasota, FL), Erin Avery (Fair Haven, NJ) to give a national perspective from coast to coast. Cyndy, Erin and Debra take the current pulse of the admissions landscape.Topics such as using mindfulness…
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5: Covid-19 Friday Forum: Focus on Business
Business guru Jamie Dickenson answered all questions Business. In this Friday Forum, hosted by Jamie Dickenson, business questions were posed and answered. What about the PPP loan? What about marketing? Pricing? If you have questions about these topics, you will want to listen to the answers to...
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4: Covid-19 Friday Forum: Name Your Date and Name Your Price
Friday Forums cover the week's news in education and business. Top of the news this week was a discussion about colleges returning to campus in the fall. Can they name a date they will open campsu? Some think so. What about the ACT and Collegeboard announcements about remote testing. Some…
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3: Covid-19 Friday Forum: CARE Act Updates, Test Waivers, and More!
This Friday we covered updates on the CARE stimulus act and in college admissions. Jamie answered lots of business questions from last week. What does being "self-employed" mean? Will there be more money from the stimulus package? What colleges announced test waivers (besides Cornell and...
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2: Covid-19 Friday Forum: Your Questions Answered
Jamie answered business questions from last week. Will there be more money for the PPP? Should I file for unemployment? In college admissions Cyndy covered the June SAT rescheduling, colleges still accepting SAT Subjects (or not?) and the Head in the Sand award. Listen to learn who received it…
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1: Covid-19 Friday Forum: Creating Sense from Chaos
In the first forum launched as a result of Covid-19, we covered the latest on the stimulus package, unemployment benefits and small business loans, testing and college admissions. Surveys identify the worries of college students, colleges, and rising high school students. Be sure to subscribe to...
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All About Your Next Steps- Covid-19 Style Trailer
Who would have believed the chaos a small virus could wreck upon the entire world. I had planned to start the All About Next Steps podcast during more sane times. Now, surrounded by the upheaval Covid-19 is creating in both the small business world and the world of college advising, I felt the…
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0: Introducing All About Next Steps
Welcome to All About Your Next Steps podcast. I am so excited to be launching this podcast, even at this time in history. I am an entrepreneur and an educator. When I started my first technology company, it was tough to prove myself. People found it hard to look past my being a woman and see me…
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Minerva: Experience College with the World As Your Classroom
In an interview with Robin Goldberg, Chief Experience Officer with Minerva, Cyndy McDonald explores how Minerva “offers an innovative undergraduate program” combining world travel with a challenging, inquisitive approach to learning. How does this serve students better? Educationally, how does it...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Learn from experts in small business or college admissions. Our conversations with professionals are inspiring, informational and entertaining. No topic is off limits- marketing, organization, content, and how we can move forward. What are your next steps? Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/cyndy-mcdonald/support
HOSTED BY
Cyndy McDonald
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Cyndy's Friday Forums have?
Cyndy's Friday Forums currently has 45 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Cyndy's Friday Forums about?
Learn from experts in small business or college admissions. Our conversations with professionals are inspiring, informational and entertaining. No topic is off limits- marketing, organization, content, and how we can move forward. What are your next steps? Support this podcast:...
How often does Cyndy's Friday Forums release new episodes?
Cyndy's Friday Forums has 45 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Cyndy's Friday Forums?
You can listen to Cyndy's Friday Forums 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 Cyndy's Friday Forums?
Cyndy's Friday Forums is created and hosted by Cyndy McDonald.
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