College counseling can become a really tedious process that is often treated as a ‘one-size-fits-all’ blueprint model. At Village Coaches, we prefer to place emphasis on helping teenagers build important skills that they will use for life and figure out who they are while doing college counseling. In this episode of Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You, we are breaking down what college counselors do, why our model is different from the norm, how meeting with students every week assists the process, and when the best time is to start college coaching. At Village, we don’t offer a generic model for every single student and instead, we help our kids thrive and learn about themselves while building skills they will use in college and beyond. For us, it’s about the long game and college counseling is just one of the many times your kids will encounter uncertainty and challenges. We even discuss why our students come to discuss college issues with us once they have already transitioned from high school. Lastly, we remind you that teenagers are smarter than we think and know themselves more than we give them credit for. You don’t want to miss this one so tune in now!   Key Points From This Episode:   [0:01:41] Why we want to discuss what college counseling looks like. [0:02:51] How we define college counseling and the role of a college counselor.[0:08:24] The Village college counselor model and why that feels different from others.[0:13:21] Why we love meeting with students every week. [0:18:02] How our students manage transitioning into college and why they talk to us about it.[0:21:32] What Village Coaches offers that other college counselors don’t.[0:25:11] The best time to start college counseling.[0:30:28] The beauty of getting to do college coaching the way that we want to.[0:32:26] Why we approach kids with curiosity and trust that they know themselves.  Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Village Coaches Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You on Instagram

Parents and teens often put way too much emphasis on extracurriculars for college applications when the truth is, they’re not as important as they’re made out to be! Today we dive into a discussion on whether or not colleges care about extracurriculars. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about the importance of choosing activities based on passion and interest and not for the sake of applications, why unique activities are overrated, why the reason for selecting extracurriculars is more important than what is selected, and the negative effects of selecting curated summer programs for teenagers. We delve into why a college resume is not as important as you may think it is and why your actual transcript is far more important before we discuss anchoring decisions about activities based on values. Finally, we break down some examples of purpose and value-based extracurricular activities teenagers have come up with to inspire you. To hear all of this invaluable advice and wisdom, press play now! Key Points From This Episode: [0:04:28] Why extracurriculars are not as important for college applications as people think. [0:06:05] The danger of doing activities for the sake of college applications and not based on passion.[0:11:42] Why you need to abandon the concept of trying to find unique extracurriculars to do for your college application.[0:12:34] Extracurricular activities being more about the ‘why’ than the ‘what’. [0:18:38] The danger of pre-packaged curated extracurricular programs.[0:23:35] The college resume: not as high-stakes as parents and teens make it out to be. [0:28:20] Why you should anchor decisions surrounding extracurriculars in your values.[0:30:08] Examples of value and purpose-based extracurriculars teenagers have come up. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: The College Essay Guy Presentation  Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You on Instagram

We are very excited to welcome another guest to the Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You podcast! Joining Cathy and Meredith today is Mark Westerfield, a clinical psychologist who focuses on cognitive, social-emotional, and academic evaluations for children, adolescents, and young adults. He’s here to delve into a conversation about an important topic, psycho-educational assessments; what they are, when they are indicated, and what to do with the results from the assessments. Mark unpacks several aspects of the assessment process, the reasons families would seek these services, and the importance of including children in the process, and shares his expertise on how to work with schools to deliver individualized accommodations and recommendations. He also shares advice on how to deal with parents and students who push back or don’t make use of their accommodations. To hear about all this, and much more, make sure not to miss out on this episode! Thanks for listening.  Key Points From This Episode: [0:01:20] What to expect from today’s episode.[0:01:48] More about our guest today, Mark Westerfield.[0:03:15] Mark unpacks the process of a psycho-educational assessment.[0:04:30] Reasons a family would seek out these types of services.[0:07:20] What Mark would advise families to watch for regarding learning disabilities.[0:11:00] He delves further into the process behind the tests.[0:13:15] How long the process usually takes.[0:14:45] The importance of including the child in the process.[0:16:40] Mark details what a neuro-psych report includes/looks like.[0:18:45] Working with schools on delivering individualized accommodations or recommendations.[0:21:50] Advice to parents/ students who aren’t making use of their accommodations.[0:23:24] Dealing with parents who are giving push-back on using accommodations.[0:26:50] Middle-schoolers and their need to fit in socially.[0:28:25] Ideal ages for the different assessments.[0:30:40] Dealing with the different reasons parents push back from getting their children assessed.[0:36:00] A reminder that all our brains, simply, aren’t the same! Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Mark Westerfield on LinkedIn Westerfield Psychological Assessment Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You on Instagram

How many of you actually felt like doing your homework as a kid? During this episode, we’re talking more about motivation; a topic that keeps resurfacing in our conversations with kids. What if discipline was more valuable than motivation? Join us as we explore how to respond to kids who cite a lack of motivation as their reason for achieving below their capabilities. Delving into our childhood experiences, we consider our respective approach to working as Deans and unpack what it might look like to encourage your kids as they develop the muscle of discipline by doing hard things. We also take a look at what may lie below what kids experience as a lack of motivation and discuss an alternative way of understanding what might cause them to feel that way. Listen in to hear all this and more!  Key Points From This Episode: [0:00:50] The topic we are revisiting during this episode: motivation.[0:01:19] Feedback Cathy has received from her students on motivation. [0:04:01] Weighing in on how we all felt about our homework as children. [0:06:52] What kids are really looking for in the moment: motivation to do their homework.[0:09:46] How Meredith and Cathy would define their style of work as Deans.[0:13:10] Teaching kids to develop the muscle of discipline.[0:18:51] Why it is beneficial to push your kids to do hard things.[0:22:31] Managing your own discomfort at seeing your kids suffer.[0:28:40] How technology robs students of sitting with their own discomfort. [0:30:49] What kids can conflate motivation with: fear.[0:35:00] Why discipline is ultimately more valuable than motivation.  Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: The Value Sort App Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You on Instagram

We have a timely, but great, episode topic for listeners today! Course sign-ups. Everyone is gathering information, course catalogs are out, kids are having meetings with their counselors, and all this brought up a very interesting point of discussion. How to talk about rigor, as it pertains to the college admissions process. Join the conversation as Cathy and Meredith dive deep into how they approach the conversation about rigor, why colleges care about it, and their thoughts on the reality of taking “the most rigorous curriculum” at school. They answer a commonly asked question, share guidance on how to support a child who wishes to pursue a more rigorous curriculum, and explain why playing the game ultimately comes down to a choice.  Through this conversation, Cathy and Meredith aim to clarify how broad rigor can look for students all over the country, to help parents realize that there is indeed a range of rigor, and that the rigor conversation can be hard for both parents and students to swallow. Cathy and Meredith (like all parents for their kids) truly want kids to have all the options, but unfortunately, that’s not the world and how it works these days. Stick around to hear their insightful thoughts on this topic on another episode of Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You! Key Points From This Episode: [0:01:40] Our timely topic for today’s podcast.[0:02:20] Why it’s a tricky situation to talk about rigor.[0:03:50] Cathy explains how she approaches the conversation about rigor.[0:04:30] How rigor is measured.[0:04:40] Why colleges (particularly highly selective ones) care about rigor.[0:09:00] Thoughts on the reality of taking on the most rigorous curriculum in the high school.[0:10:10] Why it’s important to realize that rigor exists on a spectrum.[0:10:30] Is it better to get a B or C in honors classes or get an A in regular classes?[0:14:30] The importance of knowing your kids and having (tough) honest conversations.[0:15:45] A minute to defend our colleagues still working in schools.[0:18:10] Guidance on how to support your child pursuing a more rigorous curriculum.[0:23:20] Prompting a more fundamental question to parents.[0:24:00] The choice to play this game.[0:25:30] Other great options (that don’t require you to play this game). Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You on Instagram

Get ready for a juicy and salacious topic in this week’s episode of Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You! Join Cathy and Meredith as they dive into the concept of 'hooks' in the college admission process. They explore what hooks are and discuss the various types, including the nuanced world of athletic recruitment, the use of arts, what advancement is (and is not), and the reality of letters from trustees. Cathy shares a concrete example demonstrating the effectiveness of a true hook, and they leave the audience with a necessary truth about highly selective admission in the United States! Don’t miss out on this real and insightful episode. Thanks for tuning in!  Key Points From This Episode: [0:01:00] The salacious topic of today’s episode![0:01:44] Thinking you can take advantage of a “hook” in the admissions process.[0:02:00] How Cathy would define “the hook” in admissions.[0:03:35] We take a look at different types of hooks.[0:05:10] Our hot-take on the different divisions of athletic recruitment.[0:10:30] Using arts as a hook (like dance or music performance).[0:15:45] The thing people get most uncomfortable about: advancement (or money).[0:18:00] Why advancement (as a hook) is more than writing a check.[0:20:00] Kids with letters from trustees (or really fancy people).[0:23:14] Can hooks work? We end off with a concrete example.[0:25:45] The courts will most likely be coming for legacy and advancement etc.[0:26:00] The truth: highly selective admission in the USA is not a meritocracy. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You on Instagram

Are you curious about seeking mental health support for your teen but worried about the stigma? Here’s what you need to know! Therapy or counseling can support adolescents through a variety of life events, important self-discovery moments, school-related stress, and mental health issues like anxiety and depression. It can also be used to prevent minor (and totally normal) issues from turning into problems later on. To help us dispel some of the common misconceptions about therapy and gain some insight into its measurable benefits, we are joined by Rebecca Li, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. In this episode, you’ll learn more about Rebecca’s methodology, hear her advice for skeptical parents, and discover valuable resources that you can lean on to help you make an informed decision about whether or not therapy is the right choice for your family. Tune in for all this and much more! Key Points From This Episode: [0:00:50] Introducing today’s guest, psychotherapist and former lawyer, Rebecca Li.[0:02:43] Insight into Hakomi; a powerful experiential psychotherapy methodology.[0:05:37] Dispelling the stigma around mental health, particularly for immigrant families.[0:07:27] Advice for parents whose children have been referred to therapy.[0:11:27] Some of the measurable positive impacts of therapy.[0:14:00] Distinguishing between normal adolescent behavior and abhorrent behavior.[0:15:30] Tips for parents to manage their own anxiety and expectations for their kids.[0:24:56] How Hakomi therapy supports and promotes change through internal awareness.[0:28:08] Why it’s important to Rebecca that her clients feel celebrated, not just validated.[0:29:40] The value of removing judgment, taking a deep breath, and “zooming out.”[0:33:56] Simple words of wisdom for anxious parents: slow down a notch![0:37:00] Reasons to celebrate more and problem-solve less. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Rebecca Li Rebecca Li on LinkedIn Rebecca Li on Instagram Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You on Instagram

Today on Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You, we are chatting to one of our hosts, Meredith Herrera about her life and career so our listeners can better get to know her. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about what drew Meredith to education, almost working for the Secret Service, the school administrative roles she’s had throughout her career, and more! We delve into why Meredith doesn’t actually find teenagers exhausting and what she loves about working with them before discussing what teens need from the adults around them. Finally, Meredith tells us what she would be doing if she weren’t an educator. To hear all this and so much more, press play now! Key Points From This Episode: [0:03:20] A bit about Meredith’s background and what drew her to education. [0:06:33] Her job offer for the Secret Service and what the training was like. [0:09:38] The different kinds of roles Meredith has had in schools throughout her career.[0:13:42] What Meredith likes about working with teenagers.[0:18:34] Meredith outlines what teenagers need from the adults around them.[0:25:52] What Meredith would do if she weren’t an educator.  Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Meredith Herrera  Meredith Herrera on LinkedIn Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You on Instagram

Kids today, with their readily available smartphones, so easily avoid uncomfortable situations. But if we, as parents, constantly try to “fix” life for them, are we setting them up for a successful life as adults? Today we broach an idea in adolescent development, terminology you might have heard before; Orchid Children or Dandelion Children. These terms are often used to describe the temperaments of certain kids (even though not everyone is squarely an Orchid or a Dandelion). Join the conversation as Meredith and Cathy dive into what is meant by Orchid and Dandelion kids and we share tons of real-life examples of how low-distress tolerance children react to uncomfortable situations. They delve into the parental instinct to “fix” our child’s discomfort, the moral of today’s episode, and how the realness of this topic can have dire consequences in later adolescence and adulthood. Don’t miss out on all the insightful nuggets and practical tips for navigating children with low distress tolerance, on this episode of Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You. Thanks for tuning in! Key Points From This Episode: [0:01:30] What we want to talk about in this week’s episode.[0:02:04] Cathy explains what is meant by Orchid and Dandelion kids.[0:05:30] We dive into why Orchid kids can be harder to parent than Dandelion kids.[0:06:15] Sensitivity versus fragility.[0:07:00] What we see (most) in the kids we work with.[0:10:30] Examples of how low-distress tolerance children react to uncomfortable situations.[0:17:30] We chat about Cathy’s lack of shyness (both now and growing up).[0:19:20] Our instincts as parents to “fix” our child’s discomfort.[0:19:44] A quick disclaimer of what we are not talking about.[0:20:15] Cathy shares a real-life example of a response from parents.[0:23:14] The moral of today’s episode: kids need to do hard things.[0:24:40] Our thoughts on today’s kids getting their driver’s licenses.[0:25:52] The Chicken with Bones in It story.[0:29:00] When “this stuff” gets real: building emotional stress tolerance.[0:29:55] What Cathy tells the kids she sees who are struggling with this.[0:31:55] How we encourage kids that they have what it takes to do what is needed.[0:33:00] Practical tips for navigating children with low-distress tolerance.[0:35:10] Meredith walks listeners through the T-I-P strategy.[0:40:00] What we recommend not to do.[0:44:44] Phrases you can stick on their wall.[0:47:30] Normalizing being bad at something new.[0:49:40] The importance of parents working out their own issues.[0:54:14] Being demonstrative about your child’s accomplishment of a hard thing.[0:56:00] #Growth. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You on Instagram

Finding the balance between holding your children accountable and having boundaries while keeping the peace and happiness in the home is a delicate task. In today’s episode of Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You, we are unpacking one of the most difficult issues parents face and helping you figure out if you’re too easy on your kid. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about our approaches with teens, why they often see us as harder on them than their parents are, why you have to hold your children accountable, and much more! We delve into defining your family standards, how to include children in that process, and why peace isn’t always possible before we discuss the dangers of talking too much. Your child’s future and ability to be a well-rounded, successful human is more important than being liked by your teenager and today, we remind you that you aren’t always going to be liked by your teenager and why that’s okay! Finally, we touch on sustaining yourselves as parents instead of relying on gratification from your children. This is an incredibly important episode so be sure to press play now! Key Points From This Episode: [0:01:08] One of the biggest issues parents face: how to know if they are finding the best balance between peace and boundaries with their children. [0:05:43] How we approach the work we do with teenagers and why we are harder on them than their parents are. [0:12:21] Why asking students how they feel about their academic choices is so beneficial. [0:14:12] The importance of holding your teens accountable as parents. [0:17:09] Defining your standards as a family, including older children, and accepting that peace is not always possible. [0:20:43] The dangers of talking too much and lecturing adolescents and why trust and respect are imperative. [0:27:03] How communities of parents can be supportive and why you cannot rely on gratification from your teenagers to sustain yourself. [0:29:31] Why you do not need to be liked by your teenager and do not always have to like them.  Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You on Instagram

Teen coaching is about helping teenagers with academics, college, self-esteem, self-awareness, and so much more! It’s basically all about coaching them in life! Today we are peeling back the layers of what we do every day and explaining all things teenage life coaching to you. Listening in, you’ll hear what teen life coaching actually is, why we got into it and why Cathy started Village Coaches, how we approach our work, the importance of trust, rapport, and respect, and much more! We then discuss the most common topics we discuss in coaching sessions before we talk about why coaching isn’t right for every kid and what we do not do in sessions. We even delve into some examples of how we build relationships with our clients. Finally, we share how vulnerable we get with teens in our coaching sessions and how that builds rapport. To hear all this and so much more, press play now! Key Points From This Episode: [0:01:10] What teen life coaching actually is. [0:03:05] Why we started coaching teenagers. [0:09:12] How we approach our work and the importance of building a relationship with the teenagers we coach. [0:17:36] The most common teen life coaching topics we delve into and how we know what to focus on. [0:32:38] Why coaching is not right for every kid, who is and isn’t a good fit, and what we avoid doing in sessions. [0:47:55] How vulnerable we get with our kids in sessions. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Village Coaches Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You on Instagram

Typically, teenagers aren’t always super open, available, or excited to tell you about their report cards. That’s why, in today’s episode, we’re spilling the beans about how you can have a productive, constructive, and empathetic conversation about grades with your teen and help them go from grade-obsessed panic to independently accepting responsibility for their academic performance. Tune in as we discuss the importance of checking in regularly, asking open-ended questions, being curious about your kid’s academic life, getting additional context from their teachers, focusing on performance rather than achievement, and much more! Key Points From This Episode: [0:01:41] Counterproductive ways our parents talked to us about our report cards.[0:03:05] How we coach kids (and parents) to discuss their academic performance.[0:04:44] Why you shouldn’t make the conversation all about the letter/number grade.[0:07:00] Open-ended, reflective ways to talk about grades before grades come out.[0:09:51] The role that schools and teachers play in cultivating a fixation on grades.[0:12:58] Reasons to talk about learning and performance rather than achievement.[0:15:39] Making a habit of checking in regularly versus only discussing poor grades.[0:18:22] Strategies to help your teens succeed, regardless of external circumstances.[0:25:13] How to know if a tutor would be a helpful tool for your teen.[0:26:37] When it’s appropriate to contact the school or a teacher about a specific grade.[0:31:25] Our opinion on why tutors should be temporary.[0:34:42] Key themes and takeaways from this conversation. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You on Instagram

Embarking on the journey of higher education often begins with a pivotal decision: choosing a college major. Choosing a college major wisely is crucial because it sets the foundation for your academic journey and, to an extent, your professional path. Making a thoughtful choice can align your studies with your interests, skills, and career aspirations, increasing the likelihood of satisfaction and success in your future endeavors. It can also be a stressful time for parents who often worry about their child's future, but fear not, we are here to help! In this episode, we delve into selecting a major that aligns with your passions, skills, and future aspirations. We discuss how to uncover your passion, what majors should be avoided, and common mistakes students when picking majors. Discover why it's okay not to have a clear-cut career path before stepping into college and the benefits of cultivating broad interests beforehand. We also unpack the pitfalls of prioritizing monetary gain over passion, the risks of choosing high-demand majors for the wrong reasons, effective approaches for students to explore the diversity of available majors, changing majors during college, and much more! Join us as we navigate the complexities of selecting a college major and how to empower students and parents in this crucial decision-making process. Tune in now! Key Points From This Episode: [0:00:00] Introduction and outline of today’s topic: how to pick a college major wisely.[0:02:18] Why your child does not need to have a clear career direction before college.[0:03:55] Cultivating your child's broad interests ahead of applying for college.[0:07:15] Leveraging what your child does not like to uncover their interests.[0:10:15] Working with students who are certain about their interests and career path.[0:11:50] High-demand majors that get picked for the wrong reasons.[0:13:52] Approaches for helping students to learn about the different majors available.[0:17:34] The pitfalls of choosing majors solely for monetary gain.[0:18:42] Changing majors during college and why it is normal.[0:20:28] Advice for students and parents worried about future career opportunities.[0:24:15] Discover the majors that are sequential in coursework structure.[0:25:13] Common mistakes students make when choosing their majors.[0:30:14] Closing comments and final takeaways. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You on Instagram

The college admissions process can be intimidating for even the brightest of students. And, as a parent, you might be wondering how you can help your child prepare for this important chapter. That’s where we come in! We use today’s conversation to get into three key qualities that will help teens take on the college admissions process with confidence, ease, and even excitement! Tuning in you’ll learn why these characteristics are so helpful within the admissions process, how you can foster these qualities within your children, and why it’s never too early (or too late) to start. Discover the immense value of self-awareness, how a healthy reading habit can encourage critical thinking, methods for inspiring intellectual curiosity in your kids, and much more! Don't miss out — equip your child for a brighter academic future today! Key Points From This Episode: [0:01:21] An overview of today’s topic: how to prepare your kids for college admissions.[0:02:59] The value of fostering self-awareness in your kids from a young age.[0:04:52] Ways that schooling can undermine self-knowledge and reflection.[0:07:24] How to help cultivate self-awareness in your kids early on.[0:09:50] Modeling self-awareness as a parent and how to get better at it.[0:14:15] Why fostering a love of reading from a young age is so beneficial.[0:19:22] Thoughts on audiobooks, graphic novels, and other avenues into reading.[0:23:08] Other forms of media, like podcasts, that introduce youngsters to good writing.[0:27:13] Advice on how to foster intellectual curiosity in children.[0:31:18] Unpacking how the rigidity of schooling can fail to encourage intellectual curiosity.[0:33:05] What parents and teachers can do to cultivate intellectual curiosity in children.[0:36:22] The benefits of deciding to ‘not travel like a tourist’ with your kids.[0:40:28] Why you should encourage these qualities for more than just the college admissions process. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: SYTWTY Podcast Episode: Is Private School or Public School Better? Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You on Instagram

Welcome to another episode of Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You! Today we are doing an exclusive interview with our very own Cathy Chen to get to know her a little bit better. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about her early life as an immigrant, why she wasn’t a ‘good girl’, her college experience, and how her childhood influenced her career choices. We delve into her journey at Menlo before discussing Village Coaches and how it’s changed her life. Cathy tells us the best and worst parts of her job and finally, tells us about her private life and why she thinks she would be a Broadway star in an alternate universe. This episode is fun-filled and entertaining as we get personal with our very own host, so be sure to press play now! Key Points From This Episode: [0:02:09] Cathy tells us about her upbringing as an immigrant. [0:03:58] Being a ‘naughty’ child, her not-so-great grades, and getting into college. [0:07:53] How Cathy’s formative years influenced her career decisions.[0:16:14] The different roles Cathy had at Menlo School and her journey there. [0:20:33] What led to the creation of Village Coaches and how she formed it.[0:26:15] Cathy tells us what she enjoys most and least about her work with teenagers.[0:31:57] Her life outside of work and why she’d be on Broadway if she weren’t doing this. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Village Coaches Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You on Instagram

Have you ever wondered how to make your character stand out to impress those highly selective institutions? The answer may surprise you - it's all about being effortlessly yourself. Joining us on the show today is Jon Burdick, a good friend and former colleague with an impressive track record, including positions as Vice Provost and Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid at the University of Rochester and, more recently, as Vice Provost for Enrollment at Cornell University. Tune in to hear Jon's insights on admissions trends, understanding 'highly rejective' schools, and his advice for those considering highly selective institutions like Cornell. He stresses the point of understanding your why and provides valuable insights on school rankings. We then dive into a discussion on character and its role in the admissions process, and he highlights why it's crucial to show integrity (and how easy it is to spot disingenuous line items on applications!) He continues to share his thoughts on AI tools and other tools he’d like to see schools leverage. Be sure not to miss out on this insightful conversation with an admissions professional, so start listening now! Key Points From This Episode: [0:01:00] A special welcome and introduction to our guest, Jon Burdick![0:03:45] He shares some of the biggest trends and changes happening in admissions.[0:06:45] Highly rejective schools: what it means and the process it entails.[0:08:05] Jon’s general advice to those pursuing highly selective schools (like Cornell).[0:09:50] Why it’s worth asking yourself why you want to go to a particular school.[0:11:00] What Jon would like families to understand about school rankings.[0:13:10] Advice to parents and students on how to approach rankings when applying.[0:15:25] His thoughts on character and its role in the admissions process.[0:17:00] How to demonstrate character in a way that matters to highly selective schools.[0:19:00] Why integrity is crucial and why it’s easy to spot a disingenuous line item.[0:20:00] AI tools: their use (or misuse) and potential impact on the admissions process.[0:24:00] His thoughts on students using AI for writing purposes.[0:26:10] Other tools Jon would like to see schools leverage (like interviews and tests).[0:31:00] Why he believes life is not a straight sprint.[0:33:00] Stripping it back to the things we know, for sure, about humans.[0:34:25] Why good teaching actually matters and finding ways to support teachers. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Jonathan Burdick on LinkedIn Jonathan Burdick on X Ask Dean B The Character Initiative Mastery Transcript Consortium Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You on Instagram

Have you ever wondered what happens behind fraternities and sororities’ closed doors on college campuses? Is your child interested in participating in Greek life but you are not sure if it is the right fit for them? In this episode, we delve into the heart of fraternity and sorority life, exploring what it means to be part of a Greek organization, the pros and cons of joining, and the unique experiences it offers. From the camaraderie and networking opportunities to the controversies and misconceptions, we lay it all out for you, helping you decide whether Greek life is right for your child. Gain insights into the aspects your child needs to be aware of before joining, the mysterious rush process, the responsibilities that come with pledging, and much more. Whether you're a curious student, a concerned parent, or simply an intrigued listener, we offer valuable advice to help you make the right decision for your child. To uncover the secrets of this fundamental aspect of the college experience, tune in now! Key Points From This Episode: [0:00:45] Episode outline: should your kid join a sorority or fraternity?[0:02:15] Cathy talks about her college sorority experience.[0:04:00] Meredith shares why she chose not to join a sorority. [0:07:42] How Greek Life can vary from college to college.[0:11:02] Learn about the benefits and value of participating in Greek Life.[0:15:00] Hear about the downsides of participating in a sorority or fraternity.[0:19:15] Insights into “rush”, its purpose, and what it entails.[0:25:08] What parents need to accept about Greek Life: substances and partying.[0:27:35] Essential advice and recommendations for parents.[0:31:05] The ins and outs of the pledging process. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You on Instagram

Sometimes it is very difficult for parents to understand the experiences and emotions of their teenagers and it’s almost as if they have forgotten what it’s like to be a teen. Today’s guest is quite close to her teenage experience and has created an incredible mentorship program to help teenage girls through their own adolescent years. She also happens to be a past student of Cathy’s! Maya Donato joins us to discuss her unconventional college experience, feelings of not fitting in socially and how to combat them, and the importance of practicing self-love. We talk about the benefits of giving teens a degree of experience before discussing how to cultivate gratitude and positive thinking into teenagers’ lives. Finally, Maya shares some invaluable advice about cutting out negative self-talk and developing a good relationship with yourself in order to be happy. You don’t want to miss out on this truly inspirational conversation so tune in now!  Key Points From This Episode: [0:00:50] Introducing our guest, Cathy’s former student, Maya Donato. [0:02:24] The reason Maya started her mentorship program for teenage girls. [0:05:53] The importance of allowing teenagers to have a degree of independence. [0:10:50] Maya tells us about her high school and college application experience. [0:19:07] Why unconventional college experiences are just as valuable as the norm. [0:22:34] Maya shares some advice for students who don’t fit into their school socially. [0:26:37] How having adult friends and friends from other schools can help teens in school. [0:30:37] Maya’s struggles with self-love and the importance of practicing self-acceptance. [0:32:22] Some ways to cultivate gratitude and incorporate mindfulness into teenagers’ lives. [0:34:42] The importance of cutting off negative thoughts in order to practice self-love.  Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Maya Donato Maya Donato Email Address Maya Donato on Instagram Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You on Instagram

Is your child contemplating the big leap of transferring colleges? And are you unsure of whether you should encourage them to persevere, or help them find an institution that’s a better fit? College transfers can be fraught with uncertainty. Whether it's from a community college to a more selective university, or a transfer between four-year institutions, it's a decision that can reshape a student's academic and personal trajectory. That’s why we’re using today’s episode to delve into the intricacies of transferring, like knowing when it makes sense to transfer (and when it doesn’t), how to navigate the process across different institutions, and what you can do to support your child if they’re unhappy at their school. We also discuss the many strengths of community college, the type of students who could be well-suited to that type of environment, and the robust support they provide to those wanting to transfer. Tune in as we help you navigate the transfer process, from pushing through challenges to recognizing when it's genuinely time to consider other options! Key Points From This Episode: [0:00:44] An overview of what we mean by transferring.[0:02:14] Transferring from community college to four-year university.[0:03:24] The type of students who might benefit from community college.[0:05:00] Transferring from a four-year school to another four-year school.[0:08:25] When it makes sense for a student to transfer.[0:10:23] Knowing when it’s not a good idea to transfer a student.[0:11:16] What to know about transferring to get into a more selective institution.[0:14:11] The importance of having a compelling reason to transfer.[0:17:37] Understanding why kids push against the idea of community college.[0:20:04] Knowing when community college is not the right fit.[0:21:53] How to approach coursework if you’re planning to transfer.[0:25:10] One of Meredith’s favorite admission stories.[0:28:01] A reminder of how monumental the transition from high school to college is.[0:30:05] How to support your child if they’re unhappy at their school.[0:31:39] Finding belonging in college as a minority student.[0:32:47] When Honor’s programs can be a good fit. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You on Instagram

Ever found yourself putting things off for later, even when you know you shouldn't? Yup, that's procrastination. In today's episode, we break down why all of us, including teenagers, tend to postpone certain tasks, and what can be done to address this. Many people, parents included, often think of procrastination as nothing more than a delay tactic or that it’s simply the result of being lazy or forgetful. But procrastination is far more complex than that. It can be a coping mechanism to help you deal with difficult emotions or avoid the pressure of perfectionism. It can even signal something more serious, like depression or anxiety. But there is hope! Join us today as we lay out actionable strategies; from understanding the heart of procrastination to embracing mindfulness, time-blocking, and crafting procrastination-resistant environments. Remember, change isn't always a straight path, but with commitment and the right tools, you can guide your teen toward a more productive, delay-free life! Key Points From This Episode: [0:02:20] What procrastination is and why we do it.[0:04:20] The most common things teens procrastinate about.[0:06:06] Why procrastination can often be a warning sign of something else.[0:07:11] Chronic procrastination and its side effects. [0:07:49] How perfectionism can lead to procrastination. [0:08:52] Thinking of procrastination as an addiction cycle. [0:10:23] How you can help your kid become more resilient. [0:12:26] Why you shouldn’t beat yourself up if your kid is a procrastinator. [0:14:13] Effective strategies for helping teenagers with procrastination habits. [0:16:58] How to help kids develop strategies to combat procrastination. [0:21:40] Why positive reinforcement is much more effective than criticism. [0:22:59] Collaborating on creating an environment that prevents procrastination. [0:26:08] How to address the conflict caused by procrastination. [0:27:27] Time blindness, and tips on how to time block. [0:30:39] The value of asking questions and being curious. [0:34:05] How bad responses from teachers can discourage kids from asking questions. [0:36:02] Self-regulation and how to use habit stacking.[0:37:45] Normalizing procrastination and a reminder that changing your habits takes time! Time Blocking Apps: Forest  Freedom FocusMe Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You on Instagram