The College Metropolis Podcast: College Admissions Talk for High School Students and Parents

#009 - Today on the show we are joined by the Dean of Student Services at East Los Angeles College, Miguel Dueñas, who shares with us important information about the new role of community colleges, and the value of Transfer Centers and Dual Enrollment Programs. Dean Dueñas talks about students who have graduated from East Los Angeles College, and other community colleges like it, with AA degrees a week before graduating from high school.  He talks about what the staff at Transfer Programs do, including helping students by guiding and mentoring them, while ensuring that they stay on track to complete the requirements to transfer to important 4-year colleges and universities. Dean Dueñas give us his perspective on the ways the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting higher education, and how he, and others like him, are playing an active role in ensuring students stay the course. He will also give parents of high school and college kids advice on how to provide them the one thing they constantly need, support.  You will come out of this episode feeling very positive. And you will see why I respect Dean Dueñas so much, and why students love him.  You can find the show notes for this episode at https://collegemetropolis.com/9. We will be very grateful if you  give us a 5-star rating and leave us a positive review on the platform you used to download this episode. Thank you!

#008 – Transfer Programs in Community Colleges across the country allow students to complete a number of courses that result in a seamless transition into 4-year colleges and universities. On this episode, we describe the different types of transfer programs, and talk about the value they have to offer beyond helping students transition to other institutions. For many students, these programs are a metaphorical academic lifeline and the only way they can get into some of the most popular and respected universities.  We dispel a myth surrounding community colleges, and explore the Transfer Center at East Los Angeles College, one of the most successful in the state of California. We also uncover the many valuable services that this, and other community colleges like it, provide their students. You will surely end the podcast with a renewed appreciation for community colleges and these programs.  You can find the show notes for this episode at https://collegemetropolis.com/8. We will be very grateful if you  give us a 5-star rating and leave us a positive review on this platform. Thank you!

#007 – The more selective a college or university is, the more requirements they have, and the higher the level they expect each requirement to be completed. On this episode, we talk about the qualities these schools are looking for in applicants to be considered for admission.   These are qualities that go beyond grades, test scores, and academic ability in general, and spill over into areas outside the high schools themselves. We talk about each of those requirements. We also share information related to students who were admitted to two selective schools and one highly selective school, the University of Southern California, UCLA, and Stanford University.   We go over the Grade Point Averages, and SAT and/or ACT test scores those students presented in their admission applications. This is very useful information for high school students making a list of colleges to which to apply, since it allows them to gauge their chances for admission.  You can find the show notes for this episode at https://collegemetropolis.com/7.   We will be very grateful if you would give us a great rating and leave us a positive review here on Apple Podcasts!

#006 - On this episode, we continue our conversation about colleges with higher admission rates by exploring Pacific Union College, or PUC as it is more commonly known, an institution with a 55% admission rate. Gene Edelbach, vice president at PUC with more 30 years of experience in higher education, joins us in the studio to share detailed information about the many benefits students experience when they attend a small private college like PUC.    Mr. Edelbach talks about the importance of choosing a college or university that is a good fit for a student, the surprising affordability of private colleges, and provides parents advice on what they can do to properly guide their kids through the college admission process.   Pacific Union College is a Christian college located in Northern California, and is ranked #4 by the U.S. News and World Report in 2020 as a Best Value School. PUC has an admission rate of 55%, is located in Angwin, CA, and it is a school that is truly loved by its graduates. If you would like to get links and show notes for this episode, please head to: https://www.collegemetropolis.com/6. Please help our efforts by giving us a great review on the platform you used to download this episode!

#005 – On this episode you will learn about the admission requirements at colleges and universities with more lenient admission policies. You will discover the benefits students receive at these schools, which are typically designed to help them strengthen their academic skills. We will analyze the admission requirements at two institutions in the Los Angeles area, California State University, Los Angeles, and Azusa Pacific University. Although one school is public, while the other is private, they share similar admission policies. We will also go over admission data for the incoming freshman class during the 2018-2019 academic year at both schools. You will see the average GPA and overall academic preparation of students admitted there. That will give you an idea of the type of application packet your kid would have to submit to gain admission into similar schools. If you would like to get links and show notes for this episode, please head to:  https://www.collegemetropolis.com/5. You can help our efforts by giving us a great review on the platform you used to download this episode. Thank you!

#004 – We talk about what the first two years of college look like for most students pursuing a 4-year degree and dive deep into the general education curriculum. We discuss the surprising and positive lifelong effects these courses usually have in the future personal and professional lives of students.

We present the different extracurricular activities that are strategically prepared by colleges and universities for students to experience. Those activities usually make impressions in the minds of students, which will help form the professionals they become. This highlights the importance of researching colleges and universities properly to ensure they are a good fit for your kids.

Anthony shares some of the outside-the-classroom experiences he had in college and how they affected him deeply, causing him to modify aspects of his faith, and rethink his understanding of the world. Jankel reminisces about the one college class that continues to influence her today. 

We had plenty of fun recording this episode. We hope this information helps you give your kid a vision of what the first two years of college will look like, and helps guide you and your kid as you set out to select colleges to which to apply.

Don’t forget to join our College Metropolis community by hitting “Subscribe” on our website.

If you would like to get links and show notes for this episode, please head to:

https://www.collegemetropolis.com/4

#003 – On this episode of the CMP we speak with experienced college consultant and all-around great guy, Keegan Ash from Ash College Consulting. Keegan offers advice to parents and students to avoid the college admissions mishaps he has witnessed through the years. 

We talk about the important role “listening” plays in connecting with kids and the value of establishing a “Game Day” with your teen. You will be surprised to find that is not what you may think it is! However, it is very important in establishing good communication with your teen in matters related to college admissions.

Keegan also talks about the difficult job high school guidance counselors in public schools have as each tries to help hundreds of students get into college, how important it is for parents to uncover their motivations for the college advice they give their kids, and the $40,000 mistake he made years ago when he was getting ready to go to college. To learn more about Keegan, please go to:

https://ashcollegeconsulting.services

We had a great time speaking with Keegan. We are sure you will find enjoy our conversation. Don’t forget to join our family and hit subscribe!

If you would like to get links and show notes for this episode, head to:

https://www.collegemetropolis.com/3

#002 – Did you ever wonder how many steps teens have to take to apply to college while in high school? I counted 15. That is, in addition to all that they have to do to do well in high school and as they deal with the turmoil that the teenage years bring to their lives.  

On this episode, we talk about the challenges faced by college-bound teens, and the ways parents can adapt their parenting style to offer their teens support they need as they go through the college prep and admission process.  We also talk about the differences between intentional parenting and helicopter parenting, and how to approach your teen so your input is well received.

We hope you enjoy this important episode as we have, and that you envision the best way to guide and support your kid as he or she goes through the college admission process. Join our family and hit subscribe!

If you would like to get links and show notes for this episode, head to:

https://www.collegemetropolis.com/2

#001 – On this episode, we uncover the scientific reason why some teens are unable to apply skills necessary to the college admission process, such as being able to plan ahead, problem-solve, apply good judgement, and being self-aware. These inabilities jeopardize chances of gaining admission into the more selective colleges and universities. There is a role parents play in ensuring their teens stay on track and maximize their chances for admission. This discussion is based on the following research study on brain development published on the Neuroscience and Behavioral Reviews Journal: “Brain Development in Children and Adolescents: Insights from Anatomical Magnetic Resonance Imaging.” Dr. Umeh, talks to us about the anxiety teens feel when they are getting ready to transition to college life. We talk about the role that three different types of expectations plan in the minds of teens, and what all teens want from their parents. What is it? I will give you a hint. It is free and always available. Parents who are able to figure it out foster closer relationships with their kids. We hope you enjoy this important episode as we have, and that you envision the best way to guide and support your kid as he or she goes through the college admission process.  Don't forget to join our family by clicking on the "Subscribe" button! To access links related to Dr. Umeh, and other important content mentioned on this episode, please head to our show notes at https://www.collegemetropolis.com/1. You can help our podcast reach a wider audience by leaving us a 5-star rating and giving us a very positive review. Thank you!

#000 – Welcome parents, guardians, and every person who is devoted to the success of college-bound high school kids! Anthony and Jankel Cadavid, along with guests experienced in the world of colleges and universities, are here come together to bring you what you need to know properly guide, support, and empower your teen as he or she goes through the college admission process. You can learn more about our mission at:

https://www.collegemetropolis.com/about/

We had a lot of fun recording this episode because it forced us to think about everything we have done in higher education for almost two decades, and how we will encapsulate that experience to benefit families who listen to the show. Jankel’s experience has been on the frontlines of running colleges, while mine has been inside college classrooms, teaching kids who recently graduated from high school. 

Getting ready for college is far more than simply filling out an application. We welcome you to our show, where you can learn everything you need to know so your kid can have a great admission experience. Don’t forget to join our College Metropolis community and hit subscribe!

If you would like to get links and show notes for this episode, head to:

https://www.collegemetropolis.com/None