As college applications and admissions becomes more competitive each year and the financial ramifications of choosing the right school is even more important and daunting… parents desperately recognize that preparing earlier is better than later. But how early is too early? Join Mark and Anna as they discuss when and how to start preparing for college admissions so that you are on track to deliver "what schools want."

Whether you are a sophomore thinking about college, a junior/senior stepping into the application/admissions arena or a recent graduate who is headed to college for further academic enrichment and excitement… selecting courses and classes seems to be almost an afterthought for many students. This seems backwards, doesn’t it?

It's back to school and you're wondering what classes you should pick? Should you try taking that harder class? Should you stick to classes related to your major or classes that will deem you "more competitive" based on the university's preferences. Join Mark and Anna as they discuss how to pick classes in high school and college. From understanding whether or not different classes are weighed differently like AP Calc and AP Stats to is there such a thing as taking too many challenging courses and how to pick classes that demonstrate growth and maturity, Mark and Anna have got you covered in this new episode on course selection.

A majority of students can make it through high school and college, and some will do so with incredibly high grades while achieving amazing things. However, increasingly more high school and college students are finding the stresses of academics to be overwhelming. High School and college counselors are reporting the number of students seeking help for depression and anxiety is increasing at an alarming rate, higher than most have seen in their careers. Join Mark and Anna as they tackle how you can help your teens stay healthy - mind, body, and soul - when it comes to academics. From how to build your "framily" to whether or not to disclose any mental health challenges you may have faced, Mark and Anna have you covered on stress, anxiety, and suicide in the world of high school and college on a topic that is dear to their hearts.

School is almost out and its time to figure out what to do this summer, besides soaking in the sun with your friends. While we've talked about activities in general, summer offers a unique opportunity to focus on development. Join Mark and Anna as they discuss the different types of activities you can dive into, how to use summer for "two-fers" and what are some not so great ideas for how to spend your summer.

Inspired by Malcolm Gladwell's book, David and Goliath, Mark and Anna discuss how to assess "big fish in a little pond" opportunities. As you look at schools, narrow your list, and make decisions, this is another factor to keep in mind. Join Mark and Anna as they revisit "best fit" and encourage students to consider the long-term impacts of being pushed to the edge academically, intellectually vs. learning comfortably, and reflecting on life and its many paths to fulfillment in this latest episode. If you're narrowing down your list and it is between an academically rigorous option and another that is less so, you cannot afford to miss this episode.

All the work and sacrifice – applications completed, essays written, weekends lost, and joy-filled NetFlix binges missed… has finally paid off. THEY want you! Colleges want you! The golden ticket with notice of admission has been issued to you and now all you need to do is select which fabulous school you and your pet goldfish will head to in September. Join Mark and Anna as they walk you through this final step of the college admissions process - from where to check your results to what you need to look out for- Mark and Anna have you covered!

Join us as we talk to Tali Nesher, a former literary agent, NYU Tisch graduate and independent educational consultant specializing in the arts. Tali will be offering expertise on applying to different types of art programs and the value of an art education. If you're worried about your child becoming a starving artist, listen to Tali as she talks about how versatile an art degree can be, in addition to information about the process of applying for art programs. Tali Nesher graduated from New York University with a BFA in Film and Television Production. She started her career as a literary agent, representing television writers. Tali's work with writers involved reading scripts, hearing new stories, editing work, and championing her clients to studios and networks. After several years in the agency business, Tali transitioned into television production, where she worked as a camera coordinator on sitcoms and joined the Directors Guild of America (DGA). As a parent who has been through the process herself multiple times, Tali addresses both the concerns of the students and parents during this stressful and daunting experience. She's a strong believer that there is a right fit school or path for every student, and she works diligently with students and families to inform their academic, social and financial options for a personalized, optimal experience. To learn more about Tali, visit www.u-college.com.

You've gotten into college. Now what? After spending most of high school preparing for this next step, what do you need to be successful in college and even in life? Join Mark and Anna as the cover the top skills you need for life in college and beyond. From accepting criticism and making healthy choices to tying a tie, Mark and Anna tackle life beyond the application.

With so many people around you juggling 20 activities, you wonder..do I really need 20 activities? What is the point of these extracurricular activities? What kind of activities should I have? Is there ever too much or too few? What are the "must have" activities? Join Mark and Anna as they answer these questions and more, including whether or not family obligations count as an activity.

With medical school acceptance rates being so low, join Mark and Anna as they talk with expert Todd Faubion on his advice on maximizing your chances for getting into medical school. He'll also cover advice on how you can prepare as a high school student and college student and discuss what you can do if you aren't accepted the first time. If you or your child is thinking about joining the health profession, this is one episode you must check out.