We all know that college admissions officers look at your student’s GPA, course rigor, extracurriculars and test results.

But would you be surprised to know that your intended major can also impact admissions decisions?

This conversation with Lisa Marker Robbins is a must-listen as your high school student plans for college applications. Thinking ahead to majors and career goals can have a significant impact on which universities your student wants to apply to as well as their admissions prospects at those schools. Lisa and her team completed in-depth research with the 50 flagship state universities to learn more about how majors play a role in their admissions decisions.

Lisa Marker Robbins has the heart of a teacher, coupled with a purpose and passion for supporting families, teens and young adults through her career coaching course, Launch Career Clarity. Since 1999, she has supported thousands of students as an independent college counselor.

In 2010, she doubled down specifically on college major and career coaching for students because she realized those two things were the cornerstone of post high school planning. Four thousand students have benefited from her proven three pillar framework, moving them from overwhelmed and confused to clear, confident and motivated about their future. In 2018, Forbes magazine cited her work as a crucial first step in improving the ROI of college.

Also in this episode: 

Admission Tip of the Day: Start job shadow experiences and informational interviews in high school. Online resources are helpful but talking to a real person working in the field can bring a new perspective.

College Spotlight: Colorado College 

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Key points in this episode

2:49 Meet Lisa Marker Robbins

5:28 Research on the impact of major & college selection

6:33 What do 90% of flagship colleges care about?

10:08 The busy phase of raising teenagers

12:07 Who owns the career exploration process?

15:40 How colleges try to balance their incoming class

20:01 Thoughts on transferring colleges

20:43 Recommended career resources

25:00 Flourish Coaching’s practice and data

29:05 Admissions Tip of the Day

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Additional Resources

BLS.gov - The Occupational Outlook Handbook

O-Net Online

Launch Career Clarity by Flourish Coaching

Lisa Marker Robbin's research for all 50 state flagship universities

Learn more about College Admissions 101 

Learn more about The College Spy and the admissions advisory services offered by Michelle and her team -- Go to The College Spy Website

Contact Michelle McAnaney at [email protected]