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Many students don’t want to start thinking about college until they’re a junior (or even a senior!) in high school.

However, it’s important to start them exploring college, and improving their academic track record, when they’re in middle school and early high school.

How do you engage your reluctant teen? Megan and Gretchen chat about it, covering the following topics:

• How young is too young to start talking about college
• How to get super incremental in the way you get students thinking about academic success
• Use rewards in smart ways
• Let the schools sell themselves, so you don’t have to
• Understand what motivates students
• Take this test on the four motivational tendencies.

The post 359: Engaging Your Reluctant Teen in College Planning and Academic Success appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

Note: This podcast episode originally ran on November 24, 2014 as Episode #18.

Are you stressed out at this point in the semester? It’s hard to stay motivated in the face of increasing pressure, but it’s not impossible if you consider this checklist of motivation strategies.

The College Prep Podcast cohosts have a fun time breaking down Gretchen’s top 10 list:

1. Look back at your routines and see if there is a key habit that you’ve let lapse. Pick it up again!
2. Re-invigorate a team of supporters. Look for accountability partners.
3. Get some new tools & supplies that will re-energize your work.
4. Get organized! Take some time to clean out your backpack, desk, binders, etc.
5. Break the overwhelming tasks down into bite-size parts.
6. Take a conscious break (rather than frittering away your time unconsciously). Build play into your schedule.
7. Recognize that you might need a mindset shift.
8. Remind yourself of your goals & values, and how what you’re doing this semester connects to the bigger picture.
9. Get affirmation from others. Give it to yourself.
10. Notice if there is something you’ve outgrown (goals? friends? clubs? activities?) and be willing to let go of them.

The post 358: How to Stay Motivated in the Midst of Increasing Pressure appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.