PODCAST · education
Destination YOUniversity
by Dr. Cynthia Colon
Destination YOUniversity is a podcast for parents of college bound teens and the mentors and educators who support them. If you are looking to learn quality tips, true tales of real applicants, and candid behind-the-scene truths about the college admission process, you've come to the right place. College dreams and EXPERT college advice is distributed here, no matter who you are, where you live, or where your teen attends high school. Join us!
Episodes
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#272 - Mastering the UC Application
Missed Our “Mastering the UC Application” Webinar? Stop Everything and Watch It NOW! This replay is a crash course on everything you need to stand out in the UC application process. Learn insider tips, how to create an unforgettable resume, and watch us break down a real student’s resume to show...
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#271: 4 Steps to Master the College Application Process
4 Steps to Master the College Application Process 🎓 In this episode, we break down the intricate college application process into four straightforward steps. Whether you're a high school student aiming for top universities, or a parent looking to support your child's educational journey, this...
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#270: Q & A with Dr. C
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Cynthia Colón, a college admissions expert, to answer pressing questions from parents, students, and attendees of our recent workshop. From crafting a standout application to navigating the admissions process, Dr. Colón offers invaluable insights and tips to...
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#269: Redlands & Whittier College Admission Experts
In this episode, we sit down with admissions experts from Redlands and Whittier College to dive deep into the world of college applications. Learn what makes these institutions stand out, get insider tips on navigating the admissions process, and discover how to craft a standout application that...
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#268: Canh Oxelson *Episode 9* - Part 2 of 3
In today’s episode, Dr. Colón speaks with Canh Oxelson, a veteran college counselor, who emphasizes the power of being "interesting" in the admissions process. Tune in for inspiring stories, expert advice, and actionable insights to help you thrive on your path to higher education.
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4 Steps to Master The College Application Process Without Losing Your Mind
Applying EA/ED? Your child is 45 days away from hitting the SUBMIT button. STOP what you are doing and watch this replay. Applying to colleges that admit under 25%? Yep. This is for YOU! Stop, Watch and Roll! (Oh wait, this is not an emergency. Or maybe it is;-) Applying to the most competitive...
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#266: Athletes & First Generation Student Advice from Experts
In this episode, we dive deep into the world of college admissions, exploring unique challenges faced by student-athletes and first-generation students. Our panel of experts share valuable insights, tips, and strategies for navigating the application process, balancing academics with athletics…
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#265: Canh Oxelson *Episode 9* - Part 1 of 3
In today’s episode, Dr. Colón speaks with Canh Oxelson, a veteran college counselor, who emphasizes the power of being "interesting" in the admissions process. Tune in for inspiring stories, expert advice, and actionable insights to help you thrive on your path to higher education.
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#264: Q & A With Dr. C
Our Essay Philosophy 🎥We believe every student needs four key essays to nail their applications. Here's our signature four:✍️ Who am I?✍️ What am I good at?✍️ What's something cool about me?✍️ Why this major?Master these and you'll have a powerful foundation to repurpose for any essay you need!...
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#263: Barbara Connors *Episode 3* - Part 3 of 3
Welcome to Destination University, the podcast that fuels your academic dreams and college aspirations! Hosted by Dr. Cynthia Colón, we dive into expert advice, insightful interviews, and valuable resources to help students, parents, and educators navigate the college admissions process with...
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#262: Pep Talk w/ Dr. C: More Than Just About Getting Into College
In this energizing episode of "Pep Talk Fridays," it's Day 5 of Essay Camp, and it's time to dig deep and decide what you really want. This pep talk is more than just about getting into college—it's about setting yourself up for lifelong success. We break down the four key actions: Adjust…
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#261 - USF & Former USC Admission Experts
Best Selling Author. TEDx Speaker. College Admission Expert. Football Enthusiast. Dr. Cynthia Colón is the Amazon Best Selling author of Be Committed! Get Admitted., and the Spanish version, Con Determinación. ¡Logra la admisión! She is the national host of Destination YOUniversity podcast and...
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#260: Barbara Connors *Episode 3* - Part 2 of 3
Join Dr. Cynthia Colon and Barbara Conner, Director of College Counseling at the Foxcroft School, as they explore the importance of finding the right college fit. Barbara shares her personal journey and offers practical advice on navigating the college process, especially for first-generation...
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#259: Fair or Not? Unpacking the Realities of College Applications
🎓 Is the college admissions process truly fair? In this episode, we dive into the complexities of what makes or breaks a college application. Dr. Cynthia Colon explains why the responsibility falls on students to tell their unique story and why simply relying on grades and test scores isn't...
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#258: Q & A after UCLA & UCSB
In this Q&A episode, Dr. C shares her expert insights on the college admissions process. One of the key questions we tackle: how can parents find the best college counseling service for their child? Dr. Colon draws from her extensive experience on both sides of the admissions desk—working at…
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#257 - Barbara Connors *Episode 3* - Part 1 of 3
Welcome to Destination University, where we dive into the inspiring journeys of extraordinary individuals who have navigated life's transitions and found their pathways to success. In this episode, host Cynthia Colón sits down with Barbara, an esteemed educator and director of college counseling,...
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#256 - Friday Pep Talk - Gratitude and Growth: Navigating Your College Journey
In this episode of "Gratitude and Growth," we dive into the second day of Essay Camp with a focus on cultivating an attitude of gratitude. Join us as we explore how starting your day with thankfulness can set a positive tone for your college admissions journey and beyond. We’ll discuss the...
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#255: Q & A after USC & Bowdoin Deans
In this episode, we answer questions from our session last week with the USC and Bowdoin Deans. Tune in to learn about the common questions parents and students have about the college admissions process and gain valuable insights into what top universities are looking for in applicants. Best...
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#254 - Leave Nothing to Chance: Mastering Your College Essay
Join us as we explore the importance of leaving nothing to chance in the competitive world of college admissions. Our expert essay coach emphasizes the value of dedication and the need to push beyond just going through the motions. Discover why this week is not just about what you're writing, but...
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#253: Admission Deans: USC and Bowdoin College
In this episode, we're diving deep into the college admissions process with two industry experts who have a wealth of experience. Whether you're a returning Dream College Academy student or joining us for the first time, get ready for an insightful discussion that will help you navigate your...
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#252 - Chasing Gold: The Olympic Mindset for College Admissions Success
Ready to elevate your college admissions game? 🏅 Dive into our latest episode where we draw inspiration from the Olympics to help you transform from good to great. Discover how to refine your college application with precision and dedication, just like an Olympic athlete perfects their craft....
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#251 - Learn From Rice University and U Penn Admission Experts
Best Selling Author. TEDx Speaker. College Admission Expert. Football Enthusiast. Dr. Cynthia Colón is the Amazon Best Selling author of Be Committed! Get Admitted., and the Spanish version, Con Determinación. ¡Logra la admisión! She is the national host of Destination YOUniversity podcast and...
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#250 - Friday Pep Talk: The True Outcome of Attending Your Dream College
Your dedication to your goals, even in the summer, speaks volumes. 🎓💪 Remember, it’s not just about getting into college—it's about inching closer to your dream future. Focus today on making progress, setting intentions, and embracing every step of your journey. The hard work now paves the way...
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#249: Learn From Chapman & USF Admission VPs
Best Selling Author. TEDx Speaker. College Admission Expert. Football Enthusiast. Dr. Cynthia Colón is the Amazon Best Selling author of Be Committed! Get Admitted., and the Spanish version, Con Determinación. ¡Logra la admisión! She is the national host of Destination YOUniversity podcast and...
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#248: Pep Talk with Dr. C - Finding Your Inner Fighter
Embrace your inner fighter! Today's pep talk reminds us: you can't wait for success to come to you. Attack your goals like a lion after its prey. It's about getting uncomfortable, pushing boundaries, and believing in your potential. Write down your intentions, set your goals, and let's tackle…
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#247: Testing Q&A with CEO of Revolution Prep
Best Selling Author. TEDx Speaker. College Admission Expert. Football Enthusiast. Dr. Cynthia Colón is the Amazon Best Selling author of Be Committed! Get Admitted., and the Spanish version, Con Determinación. ¡Logra la admisión! She is the national host of Destination YOUniversity podcast and...
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#246 - Friday Pep Talk: Seeking Comfort in the Uncomfort
Hey you! Yeah, you - the one who's been crushing it all week long. Give yourself a round of applause, because it's FRIDAY! 🎉 Now, I know the grind can get tough sometimes, but hear me out. Those moments of discomfort, the ones that make you want to hide under the covers? That's where the magic...
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#245 - Pitfalls of Common topics
Admissions Essay Pitfalls! OMG! Of all the lessons we teach in Essay Camp, this may be among THE MOST IMPORTANT! The six common themes that would land you in a pitfall are: ⚠️ Sports ⚠️ Travel ⚠️ Community service ⚠️ People ⚠️ Competition ⚠️ Life challenges. When writing about any of the six...
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Holiday Bonus Episode - College Admission IS A Business
Over 500 people signed up for our Ivy League Admission Secrets Challenge in June. Bonus: We're letting you in on all the golden nuggets Best Selling Author. TEDx Speaker. College Admission Expert. Football Enthusiast. Dr. Cynthia Colón is the Amazon Best Selling author of Be Committed! Get...
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#244 - The Anatomy of a Successful Dream College Application
Meet 6 REAL students, REAL applications, see REAL essays that helped them get admitted to Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Brown, Cornell, USC, UCLA, and Notre Dame among others Learn why essays are so important and the 4 types of essays every student needs If you are looking to see for yourself the...
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#243 - Vision Boards with Dr. Synee Pearson
Best Selling Author. TEDx Speaker. College Admission Expert. Football Enthusiast. Dr. Cynthia Colón is the Amazon Best Selling author of Be Committed! Get Admitted., and the Spanish version, Con Determinación. ¡Logra la admisión! She is the national host of Destination YOUniversity podcast and...
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#242 - Why This Mom Hired A Private Coach In Sophomore Year
If you want the best for your child’s future AND want to also maintain a strong relationship along the way without being the nag, you’re not alone. Monica is a high performing, very savvy parent from Northern California. She is the epitome of the over achiever and super organized mom!! Monica was...
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#241 - The Origami Essay
It happens every year in late fall. Invariably a parent calls in a panic, “Can you please read my child’s drafted personal statement?” In this scenario, it was October and Jin was applying Early to his dream college, Northwestern. The application was due in less than 3 weeks. I read it. I was no...
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#239 - The Weight Room Essay
God didn’t bless me with children, but I love working with boys!! They are straight forward and often I find, they don’t overthink a topic. The weight room. A simple topic, but when written from a place of vulnerability, it is pure gold!! The mirror he stares into at the opening of the essay is…
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#237 - The Kobe Bryant Essay
I’m going to give you an actual peek inside College Essay Bootcamp. On Day 1 students write what we call “Test Drives.” They write for 7 minutes on 6 different topics so they can just put words on the page. That evening, their coach offers feedback as to which ones are working and suggestions as…
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#236 - 3 Reasons You Need To Consider A Womens' College
Let me give it to you straight: research shows that a single gender environment helps girls and women thrive. But what does that mean? What does that look like? And why should girl Moms and girl Dad care? Well, hello! That is what we are talking about today!! We are here with Executive Director…
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#235 - The Spearfishing Essay Episode
I was teaching College Essay Bootcamp at St. John Bosco back in 2018 or 2019 when a young man, Cole, introduced me to spearfishing. By day two, he was stuck and wasn’t sure how to improve the essay. His first sentence read like a typical English paper topic sentence. Wrong. But, what it revealed...
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#234 - Math Whiz. What To Do With A Math Major?
I know ONE math cheer. ONE. I was the best student in Geometry, but it was my Algebra II teacher, Mr. Modlin, who brought in the newspaper and asked if anyone wanted to come up and lead the class in a math cheer. Um. Hello. My hand raised up faster than you could say, “Go!” Mr. Modlin gave me the...
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#232 - 5 Strategies to Maximize Acceptance Letters
If you and/or your child has ever… … wondered what Admission Officers look for on the transcript? "Is it better to get a B in an honors/AP course or A in a regular course?" … wished you could learn the best strategies for choosing a major or colleges to apply to straight from a former college...
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#231 - Dayton Flyers - The Birthplace of Flying
If you’ve never been to Dayton, OH, promise me you will go there and visit. You could spend at least three days alone in the National Museum of the Air Force. I’ve been to that museum and I also went to Dayton University to watch the First Four (the official beginning of March Madness). Dayton is...
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#230 - 3 Questions To Answer About YOUR Child
Full Disclosure Friday is about one thing only: BE HONEST. Today I share the exact 3 questions I ask every parent I work with. I’ll give you the three questions, answer them as they relate to my goddaughter, and how they relate to parenting. If you are a parent of a teenager, this episode is for...
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#229 - The 4 Essays Every Student Needs When Applying To College.
IF YOUR CHILD IS CLASS OF 2025, s/he is SEVEN months away from applying to college. KEEP reading for my invitation. Did you know that the University of California system once required only two essays, with a 1000 word limit? In College Essay Bootcamp 1.0 (Senior Fast Track) students completed TWO...
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#228 - How to read your financial aid award letter
Today you are going to hear from my #1 Go-To for all things Financial Aid and helping parents get the MOST $$ for college. Our guest today, Stephanie Hancock, President and Founder of CollegeAid Works. If you are a parent of a college bound teenager currently in high school, this episode is for...
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#227 - How My Ex-Husband Learned I Was A Snob BEFORE We Were Married
I’ve been divorced now for nearly 9 years, but I still remember one of the highlights of my marriage and a trip we took one spring. The truth is - my ex-husband, maybe more than anyone knows I was once a snob about private colleges versus public. I had no reason to be, but I was. Today is about a...
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#226 - 4 Steps To Increase Acceptance Letters
Ok, so this is me attempting to record in my new “studio” space. Don’t tell Courtney that I took over her living room with all equipment, ring light and all. This was my attempt to record with higher quality (i.e. NOT zoom) and see if I felt comfortable enough to NOT have a loose script in front…
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#225 - The State of FAFSA and Financial Aid
Today you are going to hear from my #1 Go-To for all things Financial Aid and helping parents get the MOST $$ for college. Our guest today, Stephanie Hancock, President and Founder of CollegeAid Works. If you are a parent of a college bound teenager currently in high school, this episode is for...
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#224 - The Pretty Woman Quote, “The bad stuff is easier to believe.”
I didn’t always believe I am smart. I didn’t always have goals and strive for more. But thank goodness I met a friend in freshman year at USC. She doesn’t know it, but she changed my life. In this episode I shared openly and honestly about our relationship. What it meant to me and what you and…
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#223 - How To Find Joy In Your 2nd Choice College
Today’s episode is about one of my favorite students of all time. Emily is tale #25 in my book, this girl had BIG dreams and she made them known BEFORE entering freshman year. I loved her then and love her now! Spoiler alert: she didn’t quite get her #1 choice college, but wait until you hear her...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Destination YOUniversity is a podcast for parents of college bound teens and the mentors and educators who support them. If you are looking to learn quality tips, true tales of real applicants, and candid behind-the-scene truths about the college admission process, you've come to the right place. College dreams and EXPERT college advice is distributed here, no matter who you are, where you live, or where your teen attends high school. Join us!
HOSTED BY
Dr. Cynthia Colon
CATEGORIES
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