In this episode, I talk about what to do now that early college applications are behind us. Uncover essential post-early-admission steps and strategic insights to navigate your next move. Don't miss this expert advice on the college admissions journey!

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Access free resources and learn more about Sheila and her team at Signet Education at signeteducation.com or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaakbar/.

Access free resources and learn more about Sheila and her team at Signet Education at signeteducation.com or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaakbar/.

In today's episode, I sit down with educational consultant Jamie Smith to explore transfer admissions. Join us as we unravel the opportunities and challenges for non-traditional students, from transfers to homeschoolers. Get ready for insights into the evolving higher education landscape and its impact on admissions. Don't miss this conversation about fostering diversity on campuses and empowering students on their unique educational paths.

Bio

Jaime Smith, M.A., MS.Ed., is a Certified Educational Planner with 25 years of experience in the field of education. After many years of teaching English at the middle, high school, and college levels, Jaime turned to online education and founded a virtual K-12 supplementary education program, Online G3, where she continues to teach gifted and twice-exceptional homeschooled students. As a college advisor, Jaime specializes in transfer admissions, application essays, homeschoolers, neurodiverse learners, and other non-traditional applicants. In 2023, she completed a Post-Master's Certificate in Transfer Leadership and Practice at the University of North Georgia in collaboration with the National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students and is a fervent advocate for transfer support.

Website: https://jsmithiec.com/

Access free resources and learn more about Sheila and her team at Signet Education at signeteducation.com or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaakbar/.

In this episode, Annie Tulkin, the founder of Accessible College, and I discuss the world of college transition support for students with disabilities. Don't miss this insightful conversation that sheds light on the path to college success for all students.

Bio

Annie Tulkin is the Founder and Director of Accessible College, as well as an educator, author and public speaker. She is an expert in the area of college preparation and transition for students with physical disabilities and health conditions. She supports students and families across the country. Annie was the Associate Director of the Academic Resource Center at Georgetown University for nearly 6 years. In that position she supported undergraduate, graduate, and medical students with physical disabilities and health conditions and oversaw academic support services for the entire student body. Annie has worked in the disability field for her entire professional career including positions as a Regional Disability Coordinator for Humanitas, Inc. working on the Job Corps disability support contract for The Department of Labor, and as a Project Specialist with the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) where she worked with both the National Service Inclusion Project (NSIP) and University Centers of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) Technical Assistance projects. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education from DePaul University, a Masters in Special Education from The University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a Certificate in Health Coaching from Georgetown University. Annie was a Peace Corps Volunteer (Mongolia, ‘03-’05) and a Fulbright Fellow (Mongolia, ‘07-’08). She resides in Silver Spring, MD with her husband and daughter. 
Website: www.accessiblecollege.com
Facebook: @AccessibleCollege
Twitter: @AcssCollege
Instagram: AccessibleCollege

Connect with me on LinkedIn and become a part of our Circle community.

Access free resources and learn more about Sheila and her team at Signet Education at signeteducation.com or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaakbar/.

Join me as we dive deep into the college admissions process and explore the three essential phases that set students up for success. We'll uncover the importance of building a solid foundation, strategic preparation, and crafting a compelling narrative. Discover how an intentional approach can transform the college journey into a rewarding experience.

Life Satisfaction Wheel

Connect with me on LinkedIn and become a part of our Circle community.

Access free resources and learn more about Sheila and her team at Signet Education at signeteducation.com or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaakbar/.

In today's episode, I sit down with Educational Crisis Manager, Hannah Stotland. She works with students to recover their academic records and reapply to programs after major incidents, like medical leaves, ethics code violations, or family emergencies. Her message is clear: there is hope, but it will take your hard work.

Bio
Hanna Stotland flunked out of high school, got a G.E.D., and went on to graduate from Harvard College and Harvard Law School. Since 1999, she has been an independent admissions consultant specializing in educational crisis management, including Title IX, substance abuse and mental illness. Her recent professional presentations include conferences of the Independent Educational Consultants Association, the Higher Education Consultants Association, ten regional ACACs, and Families Advocating for Campus Equality. She has also been featured in the New York Times, Newsweek, CBS News, PBS, and WNYC. Follow Hanna on LinkedIn or visit her website at www.hannastotland.com

Access free resources and learn more about Sheila and her team at Signet Education at signeteducation.com or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaakbar/.

In today's episode, Holly and I dive deep into the world of applying to graduate school. Whether you're contemplating a Ph.D. or an academic-focused master's program, these essential insights will empower you to craft a compelling application and embark on an enriching academic journey.

Bio

Holly has tutored for over a decade and specializes in undergraduate and graduate admissions and is also an expert coach and test prep tutor. She received her BA in Russian from Bowdoin College and her PhD in Comparative Literature and American Studies from Indiana University. She has worked as a tenure track professor at the University of Maine, serving as a MA/PhD advisor and on the graduate admissions committee. Before and during her time with Signet, she has helped over 100 students navigate application essays, program selection, and testing. She loves acting and comedy. Her familiarity with executive function support, standardized testing, writing, and admissions makes her a great holistic advisor to both parents and students alike. She is funny, patient, and meticulously organized.

How to Get Into College (Circle Community): https://how-to-get-into-college.circle.so/home

Access free resources and learn more about Sheila and her team at Signet Education at signeteducation.com or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaakbar/.

In this episode, I sit down with high school college counselor Sharon Genicoff to explore the art of crafting an authentic personal brand for your college applications. Our conversation empowers students to present their unique qualities in a meaningful way, ensuring their college applications stand out and reflect their genuine selves. Tune in for invaluable insights on creating a compelling college application that truly represents who you are.

Bio

Sharon Genicoff, a highly accomplished high school counselor in New Jersey, possesses invaluable expertise in guiding students through the complex college admissions process. With a successful background as a Public Relations executive in Manhattan, Ms. Genicoff has catered to prestigious Fortune 500 companies and groundbreaking technology startups in Silicon Valley. This prior experience in marketing and public relations equips her with a remarkable advantage as a college counselor, allowing her to offer a distinctive approach that encourages students to shape their own brand as aspiring young professionals.

Sharon graduated from Syracuse University with a Bachelor's Degree in Communication and Rhetorical Studies. Additionally, she holds a Master's Degree in School Counseling from Montclair State University and possesses a Certificate of College Counseling from the esteemed University of California, Los Angeles.

She lives in New Jersey with her husband, two young daughters, and two cats. Follow Sharon on LinkedIn.

Access the Identity Exercise here.

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Access free resources and learn more about Sheila and her team at Signet Education at signeteducation.com or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaakbar/.

In today’s episode, I speak with one of Signet's Principal Tutors, Alberto Naviera. We discuss Alberto’s unique approach to STEM tutoring, his empathetic connections with students, and how he empowers them to conquer the challenges of learning science. Tune in to learn more about how we meet students where they are at Signet!

Bio

Alberto joined the Signet team in 2021 with 5 years of prior tutoring experience. He specializes in STEM subjects and music. He graduated from MIT with a degree in Biological Engineering and is currently pursuing a second bachelor’s in Music Production at the Berklee College of Music.

Alberto stands out because:

• He works at the Office of Minority Education at MIT, leading exam reviews and workshops as well as tutoring on STEM topics.
• He got a perfect score on the math section of the SAT.
• He was in MIT's premier co-ed a cappella group, the Chorallaries.

Clients and students love Alberto because:

• He is kind and compassionate towards his students
• He has an impressive and wide reaching STEM background

Testimonial:

• “I have already recommended Signet several times. You guys do a great job across the board. Thank you for all your help. ” - recent client

Access free resources and learn more about Sheila and her team at Signet Education at signeteducation.com or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaakbar/.

Today I sit down with longtime friend, Bob Schaeffer. Bob is an incredible source of knowledge around how the testing landscape has changed in the last several decades and the work that he and his team at FairTest do is invaluable. Tune in to hear about the test optional movement in college admissions and more!

Bob Schaeffer is currently the Public Education Director of FairTest, the National Center for Fair & Open Testing, where he has coordinated the organization’s university admissions reform program for several decades. He served as the organization’s Executive Director or co-Executive Director for five years.

Previously, Mr. Schaeffer was the Research Director of the Massachusetts Legislature's Joint Committee on Human Services, Editorial Writer at the NBC-TV affiliate in Boston and talk show host at a regional NPR affiliate. He also worked at the Education Research Center of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he was both an undergraduate and graduate student. 

Bob Schaeffer is a featured contributor to the Teachers College Press book The Scandal of Standardized Tests: Why We Need to Drop the SAT & ACT. He also coauthored many FairTest publications, such as Standing Up to the SAT, Test Scores Do Not Equal Merit, Standardized Tests and Our Children, Implementing Performance Assessments, and The SAT Coaching Cover-Up.

Bob is frequently quoted by major media outlets, including the New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, Associated Press, NPR, and CNN as well as trade publications such as Education Week, Education Dive, Inside Higher Education, and Diverse Issues in Higher Education. He has also spoken at many conferences sponsored by the National Association for College Admissions Counseling, Education Writers Association, Higher Education Consultant Association, Independent Education Consultant Association, American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Southern
Christian Leadership Conference, and Southern Education Foundation. 

Access free resources and learn more about Sheila and her team at Signet Education at signeteducation.com or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaakbar/.