Application to Admission

What if the most important college decision isn’t the campus you pick, but whether the price you pay sets your student up for success?In this practical, must-listen episode of Application to Admission, Shereem Herndon-Brown and Timothy L. Fields sit down with Miranda McCall, Associate Vice Provost & Director Financial Support, Duke University and national financial aid expert. Miranda whose own college access story drives her work walks listeners through how to read aid offers, distinguish sticker price from true out‑of‑pocket cost, and spot the hidden expenses that derail even well-intentioned plans.Key topics:Build cost vs. net price: turn aid letters into real out‑of‑pocket comparisonsHidden costs, outside scholarships, and multi‑year aid expectationsLoan guidance: federal student loan limits, Parent PLUS basics, private lenders, and why to avoid income‑share agreementsFAFSA vs. CSS Profile: when each matters and how to complete themPractical advice for single‑parent households, business owners, and students on waitlistsMiranda reframes financial fit as a long‑term decision—one that affects academic choices, career flexibility, and family wellbeing. Essential listening for families, counselors, and students deciding where “yes” will truly lead.🎧 Tune in for clear, actionable steps to prioritize price over prestige and protect your family’s financial future.

Check out this special edition of the Application Admission podcast as we break down what to do next after your admissions decision. Whether you’ve been admitted, waitlisted, or denied, we’ll walk you through your nextsteps.Tune in to move forward with clarity and confidence.

What if the most significant threats to college success aren’t academic at all, but emotional, cultural, and psychological?In this timely and deeply insightful episode of Application to Admission, we are joined by Dr. Veronica Carey, Assistant Dean for Culture, Climate, and Belonging at Drexel University, scholar, international lecturer, and author of FrameYour Degree: How to Avoid Pain while Seeking a College Degree. Drawing on more than two decades of work in higher education and student development, Dr. Carey offers a rare, research-driven look at the unseen challenges that shape students’ college trajectories long before grades,majors, or career outcomes are decided.At the center of the conversation is Dr. Carey’s 10 Universal Academic Pain Points framework, a powerful lens for understanding why capable students oftenstruggle academically, emotionally, or socially, even at institutions that appear supportive on the surface. These pain points, which include imposter syndrome, mental health strain, boundary-setting, and self-advocacy, emerge notas personal failures, but as predictable moments where institutions, families, and students often lack shared language or preparation.This episode invites parents, counselors, and educators to think differently about college readiness. Rather than asking only whether a student can get into college, Dr. Carey challenges us to ask whether students are prepared to remain well, to belong, and to navigate the hidden curriculum of higher education once they arrive.With insights shaped by global teaching experiences, institutional leadership, and her widely viewed TEDx talk, “Pain, Pain Go Away!”, Dr. Carey reframes student struggle as data, not deficiency, and offers a more humane, strategic vision of what it means to support students before and during college.🎧 This episode is essential listening for anyone invested in student success, mental health, and the long-term impact of higher education on young people and their families.

In this episode, we will focus on how parents can effectively support their students during this challenging and sometimes overwhelming period, especially between Early Decision results and Regular Decision deadlines. We’ll delve into key areas such as:Celebrating Wins: It's important to recognize and celebrate any acceptances, even if they aren't the "dream" schools.Navigating Deferrals and Denials: We’ll discuss what it means if your child is deferred or denied and the steps to take next, including reassessing applications and lists.Setting Healthy Boundaries: With the holidays come questions from family and friends about college applications. We’ll share tips on how to manage those conversations and protect your child's mental health.Reassessing Fit: Understanding what constitutes a good fit for your child, including considering cost, location, majors, and overall environment.Managing Deadlines: We’ll emphasize the importance of staying organized and meeting all application deadlines while navigating these changes.Updating Applications: Learn about the opportunities to enhance applications with updated information, essays, and activities.Remember, the goal is to keep students and their well-being at the center of this process. Tune in as we empower your family with the insights needed to navigate the world of college admissions successfully!

In this unforgettable episode of Application to Admission, we sit down with Alicia Oglesby Associate Director of College Counseling at Winchester Thurston School, licensed counselor, equity advocate, Howard University alumna, and co-author of Interrupting Racism: Equity and Social Justice in School Counseling. Alicia brings experience, wisdom, and a sharp pen, all wrapped in Philly pride.This conversation dives deep into what it means to champion equity in education, mentor communities, and navigate college counseling with heart and honesty. Expect laughter, realness, and insights that will challenge and inspire.There are guests who bring experience. Some bring wisdom. And then there’s Alicia Oglesby—who brings all that plus a full heart and enough Philly pride to last three lifetimes.In this episode, Alicia shares:How her Howard University experience shapes her work in independent schools.Why she calls herself a legacy educator and what that means.Real strategies for building belonging and pushing past performative DEI.Why families—especially from historically excluded backgrounds—need to start early in the college process.And what it’s like being a mom preparing for her own child’s college journey.This episode is for counselors, parents, students, and educators who believe college access isn’t neutral—and want to make it just.🎧 Tune in, take notes, and share this with your counselor group chat.📚 Learn more about Alicia’s work in Interrupting Racism and connect with her at Winchester Thurston School.🐐 Howard University raised her right. Go Bison!

Let’s Bust a Myth: College Isn’t a One-Way TicketCollege is a journey and sometimes the smartest move you can make is to transfer.In this energizing episode, we sit down with Jaime Smith, founder of https://transfersavvy.com, Certified Educational Planner, longtime educator, and one of the nation’s leading voices on transfer admissions done right. With 25 years in education, two master’s degrees, and a Post-Master’s Certificate in Transfer Leadership, Jaime brings unmatched insight into using transfer as a strategy for growth, opportunity, and a better college fit.This isn’t about fixing a mistake. It’s about owning your journey, skipping the hyper-competitive first-year applicant pool, and leveling up on your terms.In this episode, we explore:Why starting at one school and finishing at another is becoming a power move—not a problemHow families can use transfer to bypass the most competitive first-year admissions cyclesWhat most people don’t understand about community college pathways and why they often lead to surprising successThe biggest missteps and misconceptions students have about transferringHow Jaime supports neurodiverse, homeschooled, and nontraditional students with personalized, practical adviceWhat families should start doing NOW even if their student is in 9th or 10th grade to keep the transfer option openWhether your teen feels stuck, undecided, or just wants smarter ways to approach college this episode is a must-listen.Jaime reminds us: It’s not where you start, it’s where you finish. Sometimes, your best college experience doesn’t come through the front door.🎧 Listen now, share with your network, and stay Transfer Savvy.🔗 Learn more about Jaime’s work: https://transfersavvy.com🎙 Subscribe to Application to Admission for expert guidance with heart, humor, and the facts you really need.

Some people support your work from afar. Charlain Bailey has supported us from the front row.As a veteran school counselor and founder of Going-To-College.com (https://www.going-to-college.com),Charlain has dedicated her life to helping students especially first-generation and underrepresented students understand how to navigate the often confusing and unequal college admissions process.She’s spent nearly two decades doing the work in schools. Now, through her business, she’s stepping beyond the counseling office to support families directly—withculturally informed, accessible, and personalized college planning guidance.And let’s be clear—Charlain doesn’t just talk about support. She lives it. She was one of the very first people to buy The Black Family’s Guide to College Admissions—owning both editions and the audiobook—and even invited us to present the book to her community. She understands that getting this information into more hands is a collective responsibility.🎯 In this episode, we cover:    •    What most families don’t realize about the real workload of school counselors    •    Why college planning has to start before senior year    •    The inspiration behind Going-To-College.com, and how it’s helping families create action plans early    •    How Charlain infuses faith, structure, and cultural insight into her advising    •    Practical steps families can take to build a balanced college list    •    Why she continues to support our mission and align with our message: cost, location, major, and career — in that order 🔥 So… we have to ask: What are YOU doing to get this good information?Because it’s out here. Charlain has it. We have it. Thequestion is—are you ready to use it to change the trajectory of your family’s future?🎧 Listen, share, and take notes. This episode is packed with real talk and real tools.🔗 Learn more about Charlain’s work at: https://www.going-to-college.com📚 Get The Black Family’s Guide toCollege Admissions (print or audio): Strategic Admissions Advice (https://www.strategicadmissionsadvice.com/theblackfamilysguide)🎙 Subscribe to Application to Admissionfor weekly insights and conversations with the people doing the work. 

What if your student’s love of the game could lead tomore than just a win on the scoreboard? What if it could open the door to college, mentorship, mental wellness, and long-term success?In this episode of Application to Admission, we sit down with Dr. Enzley Mitchell IV, founder of PrepSearch(https://prepsearch.net), seasoned NAIA and NCAA coach, and lifelong educator, to break down what athletic recruitingreally looks like today, how families can leverage sports strategically, and why being a college athlete is about way more than a scholarship. Dr. Mitchell’s experience spans nearly every level of college athletics—from Division I basketball to athletic director roles at HBCUs and small liberal arts colleges. He’s helped build championship teams and first-generation college success stories. Today, he’s on a mission to help families navigate theconfusing college athletics landscape through his groundbreaking PrepSearch College Success Seminar.🏀 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:    •    The myths and mistakes families make during athletic recruitment    •    Why waiting until junior year is too late to build your college-athlete plan    •    How to prioritize cost, location, major, and career even in athleticdecision-making    •    Why NAIA and D3 schools are often overlooked gems for student-athletes    •    The mental health benefits of sports and why athletic identity helps studentsthrive    •    What makes a program “transfer-safe,” “coach-connected,” and worth your trust    •    And how faith, structure, and mentorship form the foundation of Dr. Mitchell’s advising philosophy🎯 If your student is in grades 8–12 and loves their sport, this episode is a must-listen. Athletic recruiting is changing fast—and the families who win are the ones who plan with purpose.🔗 Links + Resources:    •    Learn more about PrepSearch and Dr. Mitchell’s programs: https://prepsearch.net    •    Subscribe to the Application to Admission podcast for more insights on college admissions, storytelling, and access

We’re kicking off Season 3 with the wisdom and warmth of The Scholarship Mama herself, Laverne Mickens. This episode is not just a conversation, it’s a masterclass inturning hustle, heart, and strategy into real college money.Laverne is the proud mom of five, and together her children have earned over $3 million in scholarships. But her story is much bigger than the money. It’s about building confidence, advocating boldly, and helping families—especially Blackand Brown families—understand how to access the opportunities they deserve.I this episode, we get into:    •    How Laverne became a trusted national voice on scholarships    •    Her personal playbook for winning big with essays, local awards, and free resources    •    Why mindset, self-advocacy, and family engagement matter    •    The myths that stop students from applying and how to fix that    •    How to start even if you feel behindWith the cost of college higher than ever and admissions more chaotic than ever, we need voices like Laverne’s. Parents are stressed, teens are confused, anddeadlines are coming fast. This episode reminds us that strategy and hope can—and must—coexist.🟢Listen now, subscribe, and share it with a parent who wants to win this year!

This week, we feature Julianna Mokaya, a Chicago native and first-year Princeton student, shares her experiences navigating the application process, choosing a college, andadjusting to campus life. She talks about the importance of researching schools, leveraging resources, and being intentional about her college choices—highlighting her focus on affordability, campus vibe, and academic interests.Juliana also offers valuable advice for students preparing to transition to college: start exploring your classes early, stay open-minded, and make the most of your summer before college begins.Parents and educators, don’t miss her insights on supporting students, the significance of parental involvement, and how to help students craft impactful essays. Subscribe, share, and tune in for inspiration and practical tips on thriving during college admissions and beyond!

Join us for a captivating and fun episode of the Application to Admission podcast, featuring college counselor China Hutchins, Senior Associate Director College Counseling · Ransom Everglades School. Together, we dive deep into the pivotal junior year, highlighting crucial summer opportunities and unpacking the changing landscape of standardized testing. China shares targeted, actionable insights specifically aimed at supporting underrepresented families, emphasizing the power of proactive planning, the importance of exploring diverse college options, and how to make the most of virtual campus visits. This dynamic conversation reveals if and why independent consultants sometimes play an essential role in navigating college admissions, and why parents who stay engaged are crucial for long-term success. Students, parents, and counselors alike will come away empowered with practical strategies to confidently tackle their college admissions journey.

College creates experiences that can last a lifetime,both positively and negatively. In this deeply personal and inspiring episode, we're truly honored to talk with sisters, activists, and the co-founders of A Long Walk Home, Salamishah and Scheherazade Tillet. They bravely share how they transformed a life-changing experience into a powerful narrative of sisterhood, healing, and activism, built on their groundbreaking work supporting survivors of sexual and racial violence.We delve into how their own college journeys shapedtheir paths, influenced their roles as educators and advocates, and ignited their passion for empowering young women and girls. Their stories remind us of the strength found in vulnerability and the importance of creating supportive spaces for healing.Join us in celebrating their visionary leadership,artistic bravery, and unwavering commitment to social justice. Together, we'll discover how A Long Walk Home continues to foster healing spaces and transformative opportunities for girls and communities across the nation. Their work serves as a testament to resilience and the profound impact of compassionate activism.

Parents, if you’ve ever felt lost in the college admissions process, this episode is a MUST-LISTEN! We’re sitting down with Rhona Vega, the powerhouse behind Parent Matterz, an organization that’s changing the game for families navigating college prep. Rhona is a dedicated advocate, mentor, and event curator, hosting impactful workshops and networking experiences across the country—from New Jersey to Martha’s Vineyard—helping parents and students understand the ever-changing world of higher education. Whether it’s financial aid, test prep, scholarships, or building the right college list, Parent Matterz provides real, actionable strategies to make sure families are informed, empowered, and READY. If you’re a parent trying to help your child get into the right school without stress and confusion, Rhona Vega and Parent Matterz have the blueprint. Tune in now for expert insights and straight talk about what families need to know in 2025! 🎧✨

In this episode, we dive into the intersection of education marketing, data analytics, and admissions strategy with José Mallabo, Marketing expert and a seasoned professional with over three decades of experience spanning Fortune 200 companies, tech startups, and higher education.  José brings his expertise from leadership roles at institutions like Morehouse College and SCAD, where he reshaped marketing and admissions strategies, and from corporate giants like eBay and LinkedIn, where he led global communications and market expansion.  Together, we explore:  How data analytics is transforming college admissions and recruitment. The role of storytelling in creating compelling educational marketing campaigns. Insights into how HBCUs and selective colleges can leverage marketing to stand out in a competitive landscape. Practical advice for educators, administrators, and parents on navigating today’s admissions environment. Whether you’re a parent, an education leader, or just fascinated by the evolution of marketing in higher ed, this episode offers actionable insights and inspiration. Tune in for a dynamic conversation that bridges the worlds of tech innovation and transformative education.

In this thought-provoking episode of Application to Admission, we dive into the evolving role of artificial intelligence in the college admissions process with Emily Pacheco, co-founder of EdHub.ai and a trailblazer in leveraging AI for education. As AI reshapes how students prepare for college, write essays, and navigate the application process, it also raises critical questions about equity, authenticity, and its impact on admissions decisions.   Emily shares insights into how AI tools are revolutionizing student support, from personalized essay feedback to college list generation, while addressing the ethical considerations that come with these advancements. Together, we explore the implications of AI for underrepresented students, how families can responsibly use these tools, and what admissions offices need to understand about the growing presence of AI in applications.   Tune in to learn: How AI is changing the way students approach college applications. The benefits and challenges of integrating AI into the admissions process. Why educators, parents, and admissions professionals must stay ahead of the curve. This is an essential conversation for anyone invested in the future of college admissions, equity, and the responsible use of AI in education. Don’t miss this insightful interview with Emily Pacheco, a leader at the forefront of this technological revolution.

In this uplifting episode of "Application to Admission," we welcome Dana Michelle, the dynamic host of "Dana Being Dana" and visionary founder of the Homecoming Challenge. Known for her powerful storytelling and dedication to community building, Dana inspires individuals to give back to the institutions that shaped them. The Homecoming Challenge invites alumni to return to their alma maters, creating opportunities for current students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. Dana shares her journey of building the Homecoming Challenge, her pride as an alum, and her steadfast commitment to fostering connection, mentorship, and access to higher education. Together, we explore how her work closes the gap between alumni and students, establishing a legacy of support and success within educational communities. Tune in to discover how Dana is redefining what it means to “pay it forward,” the transformative power of alumni engagement, and how small actions can lead to profound impacts in the lives of students. This episode is for anyone passionate about education, equity, and the enduring influence of a vibrant alumni network. Discover more about Dana Michelle, her work, and how you can join the movement to make a meaningful difference.

In this episode of *Application to Admission*, we’re excited to feature Candice Mackey, an experienced college counselor and leader at Crenshaw High School in Los Angeles. With a commitment to empowering students from underrepresented communities, Candice has spent years guiding young people through the college admissions process, equipping them with the knowledge and confidence they need to succeed. Candice brings an invaluable perspective to the final stretch of college application season, sharing her insights on how seniors can make the most of these crucial weeks. She emphasizes the importance of staying organized, staying focused on their unique strengths, and submitting thoughtful, polished applications. Her advice encourages students to use their time wisely by refining their personal statements, double-checking application requirements, and ensuring they meet every deadline. Candice knows that the small details often make a big difference, and her strategies are designed to help students feel empowered rather than overwhelmed. As a dedicated advocate for students of color and those from economically diverse backgrounds, Candice is passionate about removing barriers to higher education and making the process more accessible for all. This conversation offers not only practical advice but also the encouragement and motivation students need as they approach one of the most important milestones in their academic journeys.  Tune in to gain inspiration and expert guidance from Candice Mackey, a true leader in the field who’s changing lives and shaping futures, one student at a time. View video version at : https://youtu.be/s_4JMwmsV0E?si=wLCKzbTsf3KB4Hzv

In this insightful episode of Application to Admission, we sit down with Ron Lieber, a veteran journalist from The New York Times and the author of the bestselling book The Price You Pay for College. As a leading voice on the intersection of personal finance and higher education, Ron has dedicated his career to demystifying the complex world of college costs, financial aid, and merit scholarships for families across the country. Ron brings a unique perspective, having navigated the college admissions process not only as a student himself but now as a parent, guiding his own family through these critical financial and educational decisions. Throughout this conversation, Ron shares invaluable advice on how families can better understand and maximize financial aid offers, uncover the hidden truths about merit scholarships, and make informed choices that align with both their financial situations and their children’s goals.   This episode is packed with actionable tips and heart-to-heart advice that will resonate with both parents and students who are trying to make sense of the often-overwhelming world of college finances. Whether you’re just starting the process or deep into applications, Ron Lieber offers clarity, empathy, and expert guidance on how to avoid financial pitfalls and make college more affordable.   Tune in for a conversation that could transform how you approach paying for college—and ultimately, how you make one of the most important decisions for your family’s future.

In this in-depth episode of Application to Admission, we’re honored to be joined by Dr. Deondra Rose, a leading scholar on public policy and higher education, with a special focus on HBCUs, gender, race, and political power. Dr. Rose, a Duke University professor and author of The Power of Black Excellence: HBCUs and the Fight for American Democracy, sheds light on the transformative role HBCUs play in shaping America's political and economic landscape. As we approach the upcoming election, Dr. Rose offers a timely discussion on how Black excellence, civic engagement, and higher education intersect to influence political and economic power in the U.S.  Tune in to learn how these institutions continue to be a force for progress! Purchase Book Now!!!!

In this episode of *Application to Admission*, we sit down again with education expert Akil Bello, a leading voice in equitable college admissions and standardized testing. Akil shares his unique journey guiding his own son through the college application process and offering a rare, personal glimpse into how a professional approaches these crucial decisions. We dive into his expert insights on the evolving role of standardized testing, including the Supreme Court's recent rulings on college admissions data. From practical tips for parents to a deep analysis of the educational landscape, Akil’s perspective is invaluable for families navigating today's complex college admissions world.    Whether you're a parent, student, or educator, this episode is packed with essential advice you won’t want to miss! Tune in for an enlightening conversation that breaks down barriers and gives you actionable insights on testing, admissions, and equity in higher education.

Welcome back!As we launch season 3 of the Application to Admission podcast, we are thrilled to introduce Kevin Hudson, the Associate Director for Institutional Diversity and College Opportunity in the Office of the Vice Provost for Instititonal Equity and Diversity at Princeton University. With a distinguished career dedicated to expanding educational opportunities, Kevin shares invaluable insights on access, equity, and the evolving landscape of college admissions. As a key figure in shaping Princeton’s outreach strategies, Kevin offers a unique perspective on how institutions can support students from all backgrounds in navigating the admissions process. Tune in to gain expert advice from one of higher education's most influential leaders.

In this episode, we sit down with Ty Allan Jackson, an inspiring author and literacy advocate. Ty shares his journey from a corporate sales career to becoming a self-published children's book author, driven by his desire to teach his son about money. Despite facing 147 rejections, Ty's perseverance led to the successful "Danny Dollar" series. He discusses the importance of authenticity, the joy of reading, and how comic books inspired him. Ty's advice for graduates highlights the power of using one's unique voice to serve others. Tune in for an uplifting conversation on literacy and purpose. Follow on IG @ty_allen_jackson

Happy Mother's Day to everyone who celebrates it! This week's episode features Melissa James, a Managing Director and Vice Chairman of Global Capital Markets at Morgan Stanley. She is a mother of three boys and is recognized as one of the most powerful women on Wall Street. Melissa's perspective on redefining success is invaluable, as she is always analyzing and sharing practical advice. In the episode, Melissa urges parents not to let their preconceived notions about certain schools dominate their children. She believes that the college admission process is a partnership between parents and children, and that we should all strive to learn and love our children. Enjoy listening to her insights!

Well-informed and compassionate are only words to describe the way Yetunde Daniels-Rubinstein moves within the world. As a seasoned college counselor and mother of teenage daughters, she knows what it takes to approach the college process with ambition and grace.  A Bucknell University grad, she’s a former college athlete, independent school educator, college counseling instructor for aspiring counselors and a respected and necessary leader within the Private School Village community, Yetunde honors our podcast by sharing valuable insights that are wise and thought-provoking. More than anything, her voice and knowledge is what we all need right now as we try to make sense of this year’s college admissions cycle.  Please listen and thank us later. 

From our March 2024 SXSW presentation, Redefining Success in a Changing Higher Education Landscape we’re thrilled to share this recording. It’s the story of the birth of our book, The Black Family's Guide to College Admissions: A Conversation about Education, Parenting, and Race, and the mission we’re committed to leading in evolving college admissions landscape.

Our mission is to close the information gap and support students and families as they prepare for the college admissions process. Sometimes our own resources do not address the needs of everyone, hence why we need help. Since we cannot do this alone, and we’re grateful for educators and allies like disabilities and accommodations expert, Elizabeth Hamblet.   Wondering what happens for students with IEPs or 504 plans at college? Elizabeth offers information for parents and students to learn all about the college accommodations system and how disabilities are handled in the admissions process. She used to be a high school special education teacher and saw the lack of preparation students had for the transition to college. They were unaware of how the system for accommodations changed and for what accommodations weren’t available. A modern day champion for those in need, she authored a book and became a speaker and consultant. The 3rd edition of her book, Seven Steps to College Success: A Pathway for Students with Disabilities, is a regularly used resource that we are honored to endorse.  As a guest on our podcast, we know that the information she shares is timely and critical. Listen and learn!

It’s that time of year again! It’s our 3rd annual Junior Year To Do episode! We are honored to have counselor extraordinaire, Keeon Gregory, share his insights from 30 years in the college admissions profession. We talk about testing, visits, parent and student expectations, essays and all things you need to know. Folks, this is what an excellent and experienced school counselor looks like. A passionate, resourceful and innovative leader, Keeon takes a personable approach to preparing students and their families for the ever changing landscape of the college admission process. He is former D1 athlete, change agent and advocate for young people. Keeon is a first and foremost a father. Thankfully, he has the expertise to navigate this process with his own children and many others. His students and their parents’ ultimate happiness is his aim and highest testimony. Get ready to learn what juniors need to be doing now to win.

College access is a popular trope these days. Some organizations mean and do well and others just exist. One of the standout community-based organizations is AKcess Granted, LLC, led by Founder Kissena Frazier, MSW. With over a decade of experience in the field of social work in many capacities, she is a higher-ed professional, first-gen grad and parent. Kissena recognized that students of historically marginalized communities have limited resources as it pertains to college access programming and she did something about it. Given her vast and genuine experiences of serving and making an impact, we needed to have Kissena on Application to Admission. She is one of many great Black educators we are honored to have in our orbit. Listen and learn!

This is what educational leadership looks like. As a fourth-generation educator and DEIJ practitioner and strategist, Danica Tisdale Fisher is fascinating. With over 15 years of experience in the development and oversight of academic programs, policies, and initiatives in higher education and independent schools, she currently serve as Dean of Inclusion and Belonging at St. Andrew's School in Delaware. After earning a B.A. from Spelman, a M.A. from Temple, a Ph.D. in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from Emory, she is an educational powerhouse. Her interdisciplinary work includes extensive study of African American literature, feminist theories, and popular cultural studies.  Isn’t that enough?!!! No. Dr. Fisher is the daughter of the former president of Claflin University (SC), a past participant in the Miss America Program and the first African American woman to win the Miss Georgia Pageant in 2004. We had the pleasure of interviewing this extraordinary wife, mother, member of AKA, The Links and Jack and Jill (whew!!!) who shared her perspective on education, parenting and race. Listen and love. ❤️

Organizations rise and fall on the strength of leadership.  Fortunate for the school counselors, college admissions professionals and other educators affiliated with the National Association of College Admissions Counselors (NACAC), we have Dr. Angel Perez.  His story is too extraordinary to capture in a podcast bio. Just know that he has been a supernova in our industry for 25+ years. As the current CEO of NACAC, he has earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues while simultaneously being an active advocate for college access when engaging with government officials. Versatile and visionary, Angel is everything that college admissions needs now.  Spending time with Angel is like being with a wise, old griot and innovative, intellectual hipster. He meets us all where we are and this episode is a master class in the state of college admission 2024. Listen and learn. 

Parenting website juggernaut Grown and Flown is a household name. With almost 300K dedicated parents in their private Facebook group and over 700K instagram followers, founders Lisa Heffernan and Mary Dell Harrington have created a community for parents where vulnerability and veracity reign. Add their commitment to having college admissions veterans contribute critical and insightful advice to their site, and we knew that we wanted to learn more about the G&F mission and movement.  Lisa was generous to offer her time and simply talk. Sharing reflections from her own educational experiences to how she navigated the process with her own children to what’s happening in college admissions now, this is a rich, must-hear conversation. From one company making an impact to another, we are appreciative of her heart, mind and time. Enjoy!!

Did you know that many (most) HBCUs were founded by white people? If that’s not a surprise, good, because despite the name, Historically Black Colleges and Universities have a long history of enrolling and embracing non-Black students. Now, in 2023, we welcome another white person who champions the cause of HBCUs. Meet George Sedberry Jr. Just listen to his story and be inspired by his fascination with history and advocacy for HBCUs. His TikTok and Instagram handles boast @whitegeorge and @thewhitgeorge followers respectively, and he’s just getting started. Whether it’s traveling to schools, homecomings or this week’s Celebration Bowl in Atlanta, George is committed to learning and sharing all that knows for the sake of students and educators around the country. An ally in every sense of the word, we salute George for his courage and commitment to uplifting HBCU education.

Want to know how to write an awesome college essay? Listen to Shereem.  Want to know how admissions offices read college essays? Listen to Tim.  Thankfully you can do both by listening to the Application to Admission Podcast!!!! The power of college essay writing is more important than ever. Whether it’s because of test-optional policies or the end of affirmative action for race conscious admissions, students who document their lived experiences with authenticity, need to know that their stories are vital and valuable.  As January 1st application deadlines quickly approach, help your child by giving them instruction and insight on the college essay writing process.  We’re here to share what we know with our combined 50+ years of experience so that your student’s essay can stand out.

Perspective is everything. The more we live, the more we learn. The ultimate goal for many is to grow, share and lead. Dr. Greg Ellison does just that. An Atlanta native, Ellison is associate professor of pastoral care and counseling at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology where he earned his undergraduate degree and later a Ph.D. degrees in pastoral theology from Princeton Theological Seminary. Intellectually invigorating and engaging, Dr. Ellison is approaching what may be most challenging and exciting time in his life: parenting a college bound student. As an educator, Dr. Ellison has perspective about his role as a dad. I mean, he is the author of Fearless Dialogues: A New Movement for Justice and Cut Dead But Still Alive: Caring for African American Young Men two books that will help him to navigate this complicated terrain.  So we sat down with Dr. Ellison and asked him some probing questions. Hear his responses and grow, share and lead with us.

The better question is “do the college rankings consider Black families……” Regardless, affluent college educated Black families have very strong feelings about what kinds of colleges their children should attend and why. Does it have to be an Ivy or Ivy-adjacent school? Does the PWI have to have a certain percentage of Black students? Are my children “Black enough” to attend an HBCU?!!!   These are real questions that middle and upper-class Black people think about and Dr. Deborwah Faulk has taken the time to dissect this phenomena and give it light. As a Professor of Anthropology and Africana Studies at the University of Richmond, her 2023 scholarly research entitled College Choices, Choice Dilemmas: Black Advantaged Parents’ Views of Their Children’s College Options focuses on much of what we aim to examine in our book, The Black Family’s Guide to College Admissions: A Conversation About Education, Parenting and Race. We were fortunate to interview this proud woman of Spelman who earned her doctorate at the The Ohio State University and share our thoughts as well as highlight hers.  Rankings, status, prestige and “what other people think” are woven into the fabric of American society. As Black people who make financial, cultural and educational choices for our children, we cannot ignore this fact.  Dr. Faulk gives voice to those who embrace this notion and those who want to challenge it. Her scholarship is novel and necessary. Learn something and let’s discuss. 

Money matters in college admissions. We want everyone to prioritize cost when searching for and applying to schools. We’re big believers in HBCUS too, so when you combine the two - scholarships and HBCUs - there’s only one name in 2023 that rings as the ultimate resource for students and parents: Paula Dofat. As the leading voice on IG with her @hbcumoneyguide, Paula prides herself on offering “free degree tea” with her posts on where to find the money. A mom of two HBCU grads and a serial college visitor to all HBCUs, she’s done her homework, invested her time and eager to share how to turn HBCU dreams to debt-free realities.  If you want money for college and you’re thinking about HBCUs, this episode is for you!! https://www.hbcumoneyguide.com/

Leadership is not easy. It demands patience, conviction and transparency. In the profession of college admissions and college admissions counseling, it’s imperative that we have leaders who are true to themselves and committed to the young people who will lead in the future.   Vern Granger holds the respect of thousands of individuals who work in college admission and school counseling. Many of us will descend upon Baltimore this week for the annual conference of the National Association of College Admission Counselors (NACAC). He is the standing Board Chair of our professional organization who doubles as the Director of Undergraduate Admission at the University of Connecticut. With senior admissions positions also from The Ohio State University and North Carolina State University, Vern has overseen seen admission and enrollment of revered, public, flagship universities and done so with aplomb.  Our interview with him - a must listen - was better than we could have asked for. He offered advice for families, gave us his perspective about the state of college admissions given the recent SCOTUS decision and, most admirably, was vulnerable enough to discuss his own occasional imposter syndrome and how all aspiring leaders in the profession can confront theirs and persevere.   Vern is a dad to one but a father figure to many. He watched his own daughter apply to college in 2022 and knows how important compassion and communication are in this process.  A true man of the people, servant and leader are the two words that best describe him. We are honored to have spent this 45 minutes with him and now we present his wisdom to you. 

If you have a student athlete in your home, you’re going to want to hear this. This former Olympian and NFL wide receiver has some gems for you.   We all know college and sports work in tandem in our culture and with the recent success and impact of one famous Black football coach in particular, we need to continue to pour into our young men and women to make sure they survey all athletic options. We want families to know more about the college admissions and recruitment processes. Here it is.  Enter Steve Brown Academy where he and his team prepare athletes for success inside and outside the classroom. A dedicated educator and dad, Steve knows the truth about college recruiting and wants to share it with you. This is for sports fans, sports parents and student athletes. Learn from an expert who’s been there, done that and wants you to win. 

“A mind is a terrible thing to waste.” - United Negro College Fund We are not well. Never have been and maybe never will be. PTSD from a variety of places can obstruct our progress or we can seek help, heal and move in our purpose.  Dr. Bianca Busch helps students and families to do just that. As the “College Psychiatrist” (yes, that’s her website and IG) she is passionate about tending to those in need during these tender years of 18-23. Stern and compassionate, she deftly shares a message of hope and guidance that we all need to listen to. Here’s an excerpt from our interview about how to successfully support students.   “We as parents, must learn to compromise with our teens. Rarely will a student get everything they want, just as a parent will not get everything they want. The goal for a parent must be to partner with their student and have open communication, with an understanding that the student’s social and emotional well-being is most important.” Jewels. Gems. TRUTH!!!!  Dr. Busch is a must-hear interview that will help us all to change our perspective and approach to how we redefine success in the college admissions process. 

When you’re a mom of 4, Princeton grad, writer extraordinaire, and college counseling aficionado, what more is there to say???!! Alison Slater Tate is a respected and appreciated college admissions professional who is as knowledgeable about the process as anyone in the profession.  Why? Because she consistently researches and writes about it while serving as the Director of College Counseling at Lake Mary Prep in Orlando AND simultaneously living through the process as a mom. Two times so far with two more to go!!!  She’s a trusted contributor to a bunch of news outlets including  Today and Grown and Flown and possesses a wealth of information that we all need to hear. Parents, get ready. Let’s go Alison!!!!

Leaders are not born, they’re made. In college admissions, you have to pay your dues as a newbie in the field, earn your stripes on the road and eventually ascend to where your word is respected and the impact on students and families is vast. Ken Anselment has an undeniable moxy and mastery within the college admissions profession that few have. With the highest rated college admissions podcast (for now….😂) Ken speaks to us who work, play and yes, live to help students to ascend the steps to higher education.  Calling him a veteran is too easy. As the former Vice President for Enrollment at Lawrence University, a better moniker is “Admissions Sensei” who knows all and shares more. Currently he serves as the Vice President for Enrollment Management for RHB, where he along with his team assess and integrate marketing and technology tools that assist colleges with achieving their goals.    Whether it’s his experience in admissions at Marquette or serving on boards such as NACAC or College that Change Lives, Ken is a giver through and through. This purpose driven scholar is also the 2021 recipient of the John Muir Award from NACAC for his very necessary journalistic-style podcast ALP: The Admissions Leadership Podcast. Ken has all the information about the climate of college admissions that you need to hear. Listen, learn and adhere to his sagacity. 

Few people on our planet are as scientifically sharp as Stephanie Espy. STEM specialist and entrepreneur extraordinaire, she is author of STEM Gems which gives girls and young women role models in STEM and opens their eyes to a world of opportunity. Trained as a chemical engineer at MIT (with a masters from UC Berkeley and an MBA from Emory) the most important role of her life is as a mom. And by sharing her love of equations, formulas and the periodic table with her daughter and others, she’s encouraging the next generation of engineers, mathematicians and scientists.    Understanding but not accepting the gender gap is what fuels Stephanie. As one of only 19% of women who earn bachelor’s degrees in engineering as well as one of the 3% of Black or LatinX women awarded a bachelor’s degree in engineering, she is a maverick on a mission to change the world. Listen to her story, her advice on standardized testing (she owns a test prep and tutoring company too!) and how she feels about college admission. Prepare to have your mind blown!!!

It’s 2023, yet it eerily feels like 1963. At the behest of a 6-3 vote by the Supreme Court last week, higher education, decades of diversity initiatives and most importantly, our students and their access to selective admission to PWI colleges just took a major blow. The news is still swirling, no concrete action plan has been implemented to combat this and many people are just frustrated, dismayed and confused. While we don’t have all the answers, we do have some. Understanding the Choices and the Application to Admission podcast has been expecting this for months, and we’ve been doing our due diligence to stay abreast of all the elements of the case. We have our own opinions which we will share and we’re additionally grateful that our friend and SCOTUS case scholar, Marie Bigham, has joined us for another conversation about it. This was impromptu but important. Listen, learn and let’s keep the dialogue going on IG and LinkedIn.  

The Chief Experience Officer of an organization is a big title, but when you’re overseeing just under 30K college admissions and college counseling professionals (NACAC) National Association for College Admission Counseling who are committed to students, education and access, the stakes are greater. With a steady smile and an unwavering sense of purpose, Shantel Goodman-Luckett, MBA accepts this duty as a welcomed labor of love. They say that experience is the best teacher and Shantel has plenty of it. She has held positions as Marriott International manager of marketing strategy and programs at the The Washington Post. She’s been a leader for Newsweek Interactive’s (a subsidiary of The Washington Post) as senior manager for consumer marketing and served as an adjunct faculty member at Marymount University. Armed with a BS in mass communications/advertising from Virginia Commonwealth University, an MBA from The Johns Hopkins University Hopkins and certificates from University of Virginia and University of Pennsylvania, Shantel is the model of perseverance and the unquestioned breath of fresh air we all need to aim for excellence as educators. Leading with intelligence and poise makes Shantel an amazing and versatile educational administrator, but you know what she’s most proud of? Being a mom of a Spelman College senior. She gives us the realities of her own daughter’s college search, application and admissions processes and how she straddled the professional and personal components of the college process with her child. Sound familiar anyone? Shantel is determined to impact all of us who serve in this profession and those listening to this podcast. We are honored that she gave us her time and wisdom.

Leading by example is easy to say but harder to do. Wanting others to see, understand and embrace a vision that can help thousands or millions of young people is a Herculean undertaking. Yet, someone has to do it. Professor Curtis Valentine is may be the millennial Benjamin E. Mays, W.E.B. DuBois or Carter G. Woodson. Big names with big shoulders, yes, but Curtis is up for the task. Consider his Morehouse and Harvard educational experiences and his unique ability to weave entrepreneurship and education into one mission and what else can we say about his dedication to upliftment? Curtis is a man of conviction, and when you hear his story and his ambitions, you’ll be inspired. Buckle up!

While we are all eager to exhale and enjoy the summer, rising seniors must manage their time carefully. Standardized testing may still need to happen, college visits can still happen, and writing essays must happen. Enter college counseling veteran Stacy Richardson and her all-world experience with high school and college students. As the Director of College Counseling at the Potomac School in McLean, VA, Stacy knows what all juniors/almost seniors need to do this summer. This is straight knowledge being kicked to the masses. Listen, learn and SHARE with every parent and child you know before they tackle senior year.

Yes, Texas is “hot” in climate but TCU may be “hotter” in popularity. We can make the argument that ESPN is the best marketer of US colleges in the world. College Gameday and the scrolling ticker on our tv screens, introduce us to new colleges every college football and basketball season. Many of our kids want to be part of the college tailgate “ra ra” and that’s fine but what about the academics, activities and admissions requirements? Meet Heath Einstein, the Dean of Admission at TCU (Texas Christian University). He’s a Jewish man leading the recruitment efforts of a Christian university, has a college counseling experience in NYC, loves sports and has advice for students who want to get recruited for sports in college. Heath’s commitment to his school and its mission is inspiring and right now, on the heels of their football national title game experience, it is competing with the most selective and academically superlative universities in the south.  Heath has been a huge supporter of our book and a man on a mission to make TCU the new destination for the right (best) students in the country who want a bit of southern hospitality. Plus the campus is amazing. TCU is from Fort Worth where Tim is from and where Shereem knows TCU alums who are doing very big things. You need to listen to Heath’s seasoned admissions wisdom and get familiar with the university. Rice, Vanderbilt, UT Austin and Duke, there’s a new sheriff in town and its name is TCU. 

Many parents, regardless of color, expect that by sending their child to an elite independent school that their child is almost guaranteed to go to an elite college. Not true. Selective college admission in 2023 is complicated and confusing, and going to one kind of school does not have the same kind of “weight” as it might have 10, 20 or 30 years ago.  Instead of sharing the case studies — catch us on tour this summer and we share them then — we asked the Executive Director of the Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools (ACCIS) to join us and share her knowledge. Emmi Harward is a seasoned college admissions professional having stints in the admission offices at Emory and Vanderbilt as well as Director of College Counseling roles at Hampton Roads Academy (VA) and The Bishop’s School (CA). She’s well aware of what school counselors should be doing for students and families and how they all can work together to achieve the desired outcomes.  Enjoy the interview!

In this ongoing debate about a parent’s role in college application assistance and the ultimate decision, we brought in someone with lived experiences and professional credentials that Black people need to support.  Laura Harding, Esq., is President of ERASE Racism, the regional civil rights organization based on Long Island, NY that exposes and addresses the devastating impact of historical and ongoing structural racism, particularly in housing and public school education. With three degrees, she has a BA from Adelphi University, a MA from the U of Chicago and a JD from Howard University. She’s making the Founders of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. proud!!!  For this conversation, she leans into her role  as parent and her decision to support her brilliant daughter’s decision to attend Harvey Mudd which is one the five Claremont Colleges in California and one of the leading institutions in the country for engineering and STEM education.  Laura is insightful and informative. Give this episode a listen and learn.