Season 1: #4 - Dr. Angel Perez: Poor Neighborhood. Pivotal Moment.

Average Cost of 4-Year College Degree: $150K

Average Annual Teacher Salary: $58K

Changing The Trajectory Of A Student’s Life: Priceless

Born in Puerto Rico, Angel Pérez moved to and grew up in the South Bronx where he attended low performing schools. Angel went on to attend Skidmore, Columbia, Claremont Graduate University and earned the title of Dr. Pérez. While this story may seem rare, it does happen, and should happen more often.

As educators, we have the opportunity to alter the trajectory of our students’ lives every single day. It is not what we teach, it is not even in why we teach, but the real success comes with our belief that every student can succeed. Hear Angel’s story as he recalls the very pivotal moment that changed his life.

This episode is for every parent, educator, and believer! Join us in the discussion on how to reshape and create a national college going culture that includes every single student. Find out what to do today! Let’s do it!

Bio:

Dr. Angel B. Pérez is an education administrator, author, speaker, teacher, and advocate. He’s served in leadership positions on both coasts of the U.S. and travels globally to speak on issues of American education. As a national leader on equity and access, Pérez has been recognized for his work with underrepresented student populations. His own story of graduating from some of America’s most prestigious institutions after growing up low-income in Puerto Rico and the South Bronx inspired him to dedicate his life to ensuring that all who aspire to higher education have the opportunity achieve. He currently serves as Vice President for Enrollment and Student Success at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut. Dr. Pérez is called upon by media outlets to lend his voice on education issues, including the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, the Washington Post, CBS Evening News, and the Chronicle of Higher Education.

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Season 1: #2 - Julie Taylor-Vaz: Ivy or Intuition

Find Your Team of Supporters. Being accepted to an Ivy League doesn’t come by chance, it begins with a community of believers who push you to work hard, follow the plan, grow as a leader, and dream big. Find your team and achieve!

My question this week is simple: “Are the institutions we covet the perfect choice for everyone?” If you were admitted to an Ivy institution, would you turn it down? What circumstances would make you choose otherwise?

This week our guest, Julie Taylor-Vaz shares her journey to college from the Crescent City of New Orleans. Discover how Julie followed the guidance of mentors and family members, found glory in every success, and in the end, listened to her gut in choosing what would become her home for over a decade.

Every success story begins with a team of supporters, village of cheerleaders, and community of believers. Hear how this Director of College Counseling found her team that helped her land at her perfect destination: YOUniversity.

Bio:

Julie Taylor-Vaz has been a professional educator for thirty years, serving first as an undergraduate admission officer for Stanford University and then as a college counselor at three different K-12 independent schools. Currently, she serves as Director of College Counseling at The Buckley School, in Sherman Oaks, California.

She is a member of several professional organizations, including the National Association for College Admission Counseling. She is a former instructor for UCLA Extension’s college counseling certificate program, and has presented at a wide variety of professional conferences sponsored by NACAC, the College Board, the Independent Educational Consultants Association, and the National Association for Independent Schools.

Julie has moved back and forth between the Gulf Coast and the West Coast, and considers both New Orleans and Los Angeles her homes. She is married, with two children, who have attended the independent schools where she has served.

Get FREE College Admission Essay Help:

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Schedule a call with Dr. C:

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________________________________

#Drcynthiacolon #Collegeessaybootcamp #collegeessay #Highschool #Juniors #seniors #tipstalestruths #Tips #collegecounseling #collegeconsulting #collegeconsultingservices #collegeadmissionsconsultant #collegeadmissionsconsultingservices #bestcollegeconsultants #collegeadmissionshelp #collegeconsultant #collegeadmissionsconsulting #admissionsconsulting #college #collegeadmissions #Collegeadvice  #collegeprep

#45 - Kevin Hudson: Push. Pursue. Plan. Princeton.

Are you a dreamer? If your child has big college dreams and dares to share them with you and with the world, this show is for you. If you have no idea how or where to begin in your search for colleges, this show is for you.

My guest today, Kevin Hudson, grew up in New Jersey , and at the age of 13 , before his mother passed, she had instilled in him the value of a good education. Kevin shares his journey to Princeton University and you will learn exactly who helped pave the path for him; teachers, coaches, mentors, and even his high school peers. Today, Kevin helps pave the path for teens across the nation.

Kevin Hudson bio is filled with impressive schools, organizations, and serves on boards and scholarship programs. More impressive than his resume is Kevin’s enthusiasm for demystifying selective college admissions and opportunity.

This episode offers insight for every family, no matter your background and reminds everyone that we can all dream and dream big.

Kevin Hudson Bio:

Kevin C. Hudson joined Princeton as assistant director for college opportunity in 2015. He assists the Vice Provost in facilitating the commitment to expand socioeconomic diversity access and opportunity at Princeton. He collaborates with Princeton’s Preparatory Program, Summer Journalism Program, Freshman Scholars Program, and Scholars Institute Fellows Program, and with external organizations,  American Talent Initiative, Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America, and Matriculate. He began his career as an admission officer at Princeton University. Kevin earned his bachelor’s degree from Princeton University and his M.S.Ed in Higher Education Management from University of Pennsylvania. He has served as a reader Gates Millennium Scholars and Dell Scholars. Kevin serves on various boards including the New Jersey Scholars Program, Princeton Blairstown Center, College Board Middle States Regional Council and the International Baccalaureate College and University Relations Committee.

Learn the 5 Biggest Mistakes Teens Make and the 4 Most Common Essay Topics:

https://www.drcynthiacolon.com/essay-mini-training

Check out the Destination YOUniversity FB Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2489993244570408

See our website here:

https://www.drcynthiacolon.com/

Schedule a call with Dr. C:

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________________________________

#collegeadmissions #collegeessays #collegeapplication #financialaid #scholarships #collegeessaybootcamp #dreamcollegeacademy #drcynthiacolon #highschooljuniors #highschoolseniors

#43 - Claudia Marroquin: RIGHT PLACE. RIGHT TIME. Bowdoin College May Be RIGHT FOR YOU

They say that luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.

High School graduation is the ultimate sign of preparation. It is the culmination of 13 years of training for the marathon we call life. From high school, students head off into a variety of paths and futures, some include heading off to colleges 3000 miles away from home.

If you know a student who has been admitted to Bowdoin College, located in Brunswick, Maine, you might call that student “lucky,” or another way of talking about luck is to say a student was at the right place at the right time.

Today’s guest, Claudia Marroquin, serves as the Director of Admissions at Bowdoin, she knows a thing or two opportunity. After applying to 14 colleges, Claudia was considered lucky, yet her personal story is about preparation since elementary school.

Claudia narrowed down her choices to 4 schools. Today you’ll hear exactly how she chose the right school for her. You do not want to miss this very personal story today.

Claudia Marroquin Bio:

Claudia Marroquin is a 2006 graduate of Bowdoin College and joined the admissions office in 2010. She has overseen the expansion of the college’s multicultural recruitment efforts through fly-in programs for underrepresented students and has increased Bowdoin’s partnerships with community based organizations across the country, such as College Horizons and QuestBridge. As Director of Admissions, Claudia oversees the operations of the admissions office including hiring and supervision of staff, manages the operating budget, works on recruitment and enrollment strategy, and has served on a variety of campus-wide committees and working groups. She is a member of IACAC, NACAC, and NECBAC, where she served as chair of the finance committee from 2015-2017.  In Maine, she has participated in leadership development through the Institute for Civic Leadership and served as a board member for Hardy Girls, Healthy women.

Learn the 5 Biggest Mistakes Teens Make and the 4 Most Common Essay Topics:

https://www.drcynthiacolon.com/essay-mini-training

Check out the Destination YOUniversity FB Group:

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Schedule a call with Dr. C:

https://www.drcynthiacolon.com/schedule

________________________________

#collegeadmissions #collegeessays #collegeapplication #financialaid #scholarships #collegeessaybootcamp #dreamcollegeacademy #drcynthiacolon #highschooljuniors #highschoolseniors

#40 - Marcela Mejia Martinez: Chapman University: The 2nd Happiest Place On Earth

What Do You Dream Of?

What Do You Believe In?

What Would You Change In The World?

How Would You Improve The Lives Of Others?

There are many people and institutions who dare to answer these questions

But it is the FEW who actually  -- ASK, ANSWER, AND ACHIEVE. Chapman University achieves 4 stars on all of these fronts. They are dreamers AND achievers!

Located just 5 miles from the Happiest Place On Earth,

Chapman University just might be the 2nd Happiest Place On Earth.

My guest today, Marcela Mejia Martinez, is the embodiment of the Chapman Spirit, or what I will forever call “Chapman’s Happiness Factor.”

Marcela reveals how her big brother influenced her college choice, what a single gender high school education offered her, and what she wishes she would have included in her own college application. As a bonus, Marcela offers tips on how to answer Chapman’s diversity and inclusion question.

Marcela Mejia Martinez Bio:

As the Assistant Vice President of Admission, Marcela Mejia Martinez leads undergraduate admission at Chapman University. Marcela has lead the undergraduate team to adopt a values-based, student-centered approach. She has been able to proclaim the college’s rise in diversity, in academic quality, increased retention and graduation rates, and changes to campus culture. A steadfast advocate for liberal arts and first-generation students, she is frequently called upon to speak on these issues. Prior to Chapman, she worked in admission and financial aid at her alma mater, Loyola Marymount University. She is a member of International ACAC, WACAC, and NACAC and has presented at each of these conferences as well as College Board and Council of International Schools conferences. Marcela is a 3-year faculty member of College Board’s Summer Institute and has served on the CIS Latin American Committee for 8 years. She lives in Orange County with her husband as proud parents of two young men.

Learn the 5 Biggest Mistakes Teens Make and the 4 Most Common Essay Topics:

https://www.drcynthiacolon.com/essay-mini-training

Check out the Destination YOUniversity FB Group:

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Schedule a call with Dr. C:

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________________________________

#collegeadmissions #collegeessays #collegeapplication #financialaid #scholarships #collegeessaybootcamp #dreamcollegeacademy #drcynthiacolon #highschooljuniors #highschoolseniors

Season 1: # 8 - Yvonne Romero daSilva: Math Whiz. MIT Alumna. Change Maker.

With everything happening a million miles per minute, what captures the attention of kids is a game and a chance at winning coins, points, and bragging rights.

The truth is, nothing has changed. I remember getting stars on the class chart for each level of multiplication. Dr. Romero da Silva remembers the challenging questions on a test she took as a first grader.

Kids can and do fall in love with school, the challenges in class, and become life long learners. Our job as adults, educators, and parents, is to nurture that curiosity.

Raised in Southern California, this math whiz tutored high school seniors as a freshman. Yvonne loved school because she was involved in organizations, engaged in the classroom, and surrounded herself with curious friends.

Learn from this MIT alumna how she is shaping the national conversation on college admissions. Dr. Yvonne Romero da Silva will inspire you to become a change maker in your home, at your school, and in your community.

Yvonne M. Romero da Silva Bio:

Yvonne M. Romero da Silva, Vice President for Enrollment, manages the admissions, enrollment, and financial aid services for all undergraduate students at Rice University.  Prior to Rice, Dr. Romero da Silva served as the Vice Dean and Director of Admissions at the University of Pennsylvania.  From 2005 to 2012, she worked at the College Board as a corporate strategist and specialist in higher education enrollment services. From 1994 to 2002 she led minority recruitment initiatives at MIT.  Romero da Silva gained national attention for her successful strategic enrollment planning efforts and for the development of a new holistic evaluation process at UPenn. She earned her BA in mathematics from the MIT, an MA in education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.  In 2017, Romero da Silva earned her doctorate degree in higher education administration from the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education.

Learn the 5 Biggest Mistakes Teens Make and the 4 Most Common Essay Topics:

https://www.drcynthiacolon.com/essay-mini-training

Check out the Destination YOUniversity FB Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2489993244570408

See our website here:

https://www.drcynthiacolon.com/

Schedule a call with Dr. C:

https://www.drcynthiacolon.com/schedule

________________________________

#collegeadmissions #collegeessays #collegeapplication #financialaid #scholarships #collegeessaybootcamp #dreamcollegeacademy #drcynthiacolon #highschooljuniors #highschoolseniors

#31 Meet Curtis. When someone says he plans to be the 5th African American Paleontologist in the world, you believe him. He speaks Mandarin, practices Capoeira, and knows everything about dinosaurs. Get the blueprint on how to start preparing for the dream college of your choice! You’re gonna love Curtis and the entire Lawrence family.

We’ve decided to Celebrate 30 Teens With 30 Dreams and reveal the 30 Destination YOUniversities they will call home! YOU are invited for a front row seat!! Join us and you’ll hear each applicant’s tale; the hits, the regrets, their advice, and where they will land this fall.

________________________________

Learn the 5 Biggest Mistakes Teens Make and the 4 Most Common Essay Topics:

https://www.drcynthiacolon.com/essay-mini-training

Check out the Destination YOUniversity FB Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2489993244570408

See our website here:

https://www.drcynthiacolon.com/​

Schedule a call with Dr. C:

https://www.drcynthiacolon.com/schedule​

________________________________

#Biology #EvolutionaryBiology #Morehouse #Howard #UCBerkeley #Yale #Harvard #Dinosaurs #Paleontology #STEM #collegeadmissions #collegeessays #collegeapplication #financialaid #scholarships #collegeessaybootcamp #dreamcollegeacademy #drcynthiacolon #Classof2025

#30 Meet Cosette. The humility of being denied at nearly every college is something one never forgets. For some, they give up on their dream, but for others, it only fuels their determination. Cosette is determined to prove she has a voice and a gift to share with the world. If you are looking for the blueprint of how to go from community college to dream college, watch Cosette’s AH-Mazing story. 

We’ve decided to Celebrate 30 Teens With 30 Dreams and reveal the 30 Destination YOUniversities they will call home! YOU are invited for a front row seat!! Join us and you’ll hear each applicant’s tale; the hits, the regrets, their advice, and where they will land this fall.

________________________________

Learn the 5 Biggest Mistakes Teens Make and the 4 Most Common Essay Topics:

https://www.drcynthiacolon.com/essay-mini-training

Check out the Destination YOUniversity FB Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2489993244570408

See our website here:

https://www.drcynthiacolon.com/​

Schedule a call with Dr. C:

https://www.drcynthiacolon.com/schedule​

________________________________

#Animator #Animation #CSUFullerton #OperaSinger #GraphicDesigner #Artist #collegeadmissions #collegeessays #collegeapplication #financialaid #scholarships #collegeessaybootcamp #dreamcollegeacademy #drcynthiacolon #Classof2025

#29 Meet Juliana! This academic scholar is a competitive dancer, math tutor, Co-President of the Book Club, in pep band, and was a dance instructor. But my favorite part of Jules: she’s a science nerd and wrote her essay about the chemistry of baking. She has waited til the 11th hour to make her decision. Find out today! 

We’ve decided to Celebrate 30 Teens With 30 Dreams and reveal the 30 Destination YOUniversities they will call home! YOU are invited for a front row seat!! Join us and you’ll hear each applicant’s tale; the hits, the regrets, their advice, and where they will land this fall.

________________________________

Learn the 5 Biggest Mistakes Teens Make and the 4 Most Common Essay Topics:

https://www.drcynthiacolon.com/essay-mini-training

Check out the Destination YOUniversity FB Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2489993244570408 

See our website here:

https://www.drcynthiacolon.com/​

Schedule a call with Dr. C:

https://www.drcynthiacolon.com/schedule​

________________________________

#Dancer #CompetitionDancer #NutritionalScience #STEM #Health #Cornell #Wakeforest #McGill #Lehigh #Bucknell #Binghampton #collegeadmissions #collegeessays #collegeapplication #financialaid #scholarships #collegeessaybootcamp #dreamcollegeacademy #drcynthiacolon #Classof2025

#28 Meet Lara! She is the daughter of Ecuadorian parents who could not be more proud of Lara! Lara took 9 APs, completed 200+ hours of community service and is the recipient of NYS seal of biliteracy. Listen how this family from Ecuador moves to New York and built a life for their daughter, Lara. Ah-mazing!

We’ve decided to Celebrate 30 Teens With 30 Dreams and reveal the 30 Destination YOUniversities they will call home! YOU are invited for a front row seat!! Join us and you’ll hear each applicant’s tale; the hits, the regrets, their advice, and where they will land this fall.

________________________________

Learn the 5 Biggest Mistakes Teens Make and the 4 Most Common Essay Topics:

https://www.drcynthiacolon.com/essay-mini-training

Check out the Destination YOUniversity FB Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2489993244570408

See our website here:

https://www.drcynthiacolon.com/​

Schedule a call with Dr. C:

https://www.drcynthiacolon.com/schedule​

________________________________

#maristcollege #rochesterinstituteoftechnology #collegeadmissions #collegeessays #collegeapplication #financialaid #scholarships #collegeessaybootcamp #dreamcollegeacademy #drcynthiacolon #Classof2025