Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission Interviews Our mission is to "make college knowledge available to all." Each Thursday, the "Your College-Bound Kid" podcast will discuss a hot college topic in the news; we will answer a question or two that listeners send in, we will interview a "thought leader" in the world of college admissions, and do a "deep-dive," we call Spotlights on a College. Every Monday, we have a second episode to discuss a "hot topic" and interview a "thought leader" ...
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Mark Stucker Podcasts
Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission InterviewsAdmission Interviews Our mission is to "make college knowledge available to all." Each Thursday, the "Your College-Bound Kid" podcast will discuss a hot college topic in the news; we will answer a question or two that listeners send in, we will interview a "thought leader" in the world of college admissions, and do a "deep-dive," we call Spotlights on a College. Every Monday, we have a second episode to discuss a "hot topic" and intervie ...
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1
YCBK 556: Should I no longer go to med school because of the tax bill
1:03:16
1:03:16
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1:03:16In this episode you will hear: Mark discusses a few more aspects of the new tax bill and how it will impact students and colleges and universities-Part 2 of 2; Chris Teare is interviewed on a range of topics related to college admissions. Preview of part 4 of 4 v I ask Chris when he tells people to submit and not submit their test scores v Chris ta…
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1
YCBK 556: Should I no longer go to med school because of the tax bill
1:03:16
1:03:16
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1:03:16In this episode you will hear: Mark discusses a few more aspects of the new tax bill and how it will impact students and colleges and universities-Part 2 of 2; Chris Teare is interviewed on a range of topics related to college admissions. Preview of part 4 of 4 v I ask Chris when he tells people to submit and not submit their test scores v Chris ta…
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1
YCBK 555: How Demonstrated Interest Is Evaluated & Why It Matters
1:26:42
1:26:42
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1:26:42In this episode you will hear: (01:52) In the News Hillary and Mark gives some tips to help students with the writing in their applications-Part 1 of 3. (18:43) Interview Greg Zaiser-VP of Enrollment at Elon University-Understanding Demonstrated Interest-2 of 2 Part 2-Preview v Greg answers the question, does a school have the ability to track one …
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1
YCBK 555: How Demonstrated Interest Is Evaluated & Why It Matters
1:26:42
1:26:42
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1:26:42In this episode you will hear: (01:52) In the News Hillary and Mark gives some tips to help students with the writing in their applications-Part 1 of 3. (18:43) Interview Greg Zaiser-VP of Enrollment at Elon University-Understanding Demonstrated Interest-2 of 2 Part 2-Preview v Greg answers the question, does a school have the ability to track one …
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1
YCBK 554: How Will The New Tax Bill Impact Students and Colleges
1:17:36
1:17:36
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1:17:36In this episode you will hear: Mark discusses three aspects of the new tax bill and how it will impact students and colleges and universities-Part 1 of 2; Chris Teare is interviewed on a range of topics related to college admissions. Preview of part 3 of 4 v Chris talks about how he counsels students when it comes to deciding whether to applying Ea…
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1
YCBK 554: How Will The New Tax Bill Impact Students and Colleges
1:17:36
1:17:36
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1:17:36In this episode you will hear: Mark discusses three aspects of the new tax bill and how it will impact students and colleges and universities-Part 1 of 2; Chris Teare is interviewed on a range of topics related to college admissions. Preview of part 3 of 4 v Chris talks about how he counsels students when it comes to deciding whether to applying Ea…
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YCBK 553: Should Students At Private Schools Hire Private College Counselors-2 of 2
1:41:24
1:41:24
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1:41:24In this episode you will hear: (01:56) Question from a listener: Number 1 Julia and Mark answer a question from a mom who has a son at an independent school and she wants to know whether to hire an outside college counselor when the school her son attends is discouraging, making a hire-2 of 2 (01:15:40) Interview Greg Zaiser-VP of Enrollment at Elo…
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YCBK 553: Should Students At Private Schools Hire Private College Counselors-2 of 2
1:41:24
1:41:24
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1:41:24In this episode you will hear: (01:56) Question from a listener: Number 1 Julia and Mark answer a question from a mom who has a son at an independent school and she wants to know whether to hire an outside college counselor when the school her son attends is discouraging, making a hire-2 of 2 (01:15:40) Interview Greg Zaiser-VP of Enrollment at Elo…
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1
YCBK 552: Michigan Drops a Bomb By Adding Early Decision, Effective Immediately!
1:07:25
1:07:25
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1:07:25In this episode you will hear: Mark describes why he thinks the decision for the University of Michigan toad a binding Early Decision option for the class of 2026 is such a significant decision that will inevitably impact other universities. Chris Teare is interviewed on a range of topics related to college admissions. Preview of part 2 of 4 o Inte…
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1
YCBK 552: Michigan Drops a Bomb By Adding Early Decision, Effective Immediately!
1:07:25
1:07:25
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1:07:25In this episode you will hear: Mark describes why he thinks the decision for the University of Michigan toad a binding Early Decision option for the class of 2026 is such a significant decision that will inevitably impact other universities. Chris Teare is interviewed on a range of topics related to college admissions. Preview of part 2 of 4 o Inte…
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1
YCBK 551: Should Students At Private Schools Hire Private College Counselors
58:37
58:37
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58:37In this episode you will hear: (05:04) Question from a listener: Number 1 Julia and Mark answer a question from a mom who has a son at an independent school and she wants to know whether to hire an outside college counselor when the school her son attends is discouraging making a hire (30:31) Question from a listener Number 2 Lisa and Lynda answer …
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1
YCBK 551: Should Students At Private Schools Hire Private College Counselors
58:37
58:37
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58:37In this episode you will hear: (05:04) Question from a listener: Number 1 Julia and Mark answer a question from a mom who has a son at an independent school and she wants to know whether to hire an outside college counselor when the school her son attends is discouraging making a hire (30:31) Question from a listener Number 2 Lisa and Lynda answer …
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1
YCBK 550: The Big Fear That Many Teens Have When It Comes To Admissions
1:01:40
1:01:40
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1:01:40In this episode you will hear: Mark shares a big fear that many teens have when it comes to the college admissions process. Mark shares the bombshell announcement from Indiana University. Mark shares the final segment of his breakdown of holistic admissions. Chris Tear is interviewed on a range of topics related to college admissions. Preview of pa…
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YCBK 550: The Big Fear That Many Teens Have When It Comes To Admissions
1:01:40
1:01:40
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1:01:40In this episode you will hear: Mark shares a big fear that many teens have when it comes to the college admissions process. Mark shares the bombshell announcement from Indiana University. Mark shares the final segment of his breakdown of holistic admissions. Chris Tear is interviewed on a range of topics related to college admissions. Preview of pa…
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1
YCBK 549: Two Frequently Asked Questions about Standardized Test Scores
1:50:06
1:50:06
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1:50:06In this episode you will hear: (02:07) Question from a listener: Number 1 Julia and Mark answer a question from Emily from Seattle about ACT/SAT scores. (39:08) Question from a listener Number 2 Kevin and Mark discuss a question from Kevin from Arizona about getting an undergraduate degree in China (59:06) Interview Jennifer Mandel from Milwaukee s…
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YCBK 549: Two Frequently Asked Questions about Standardized Test Scores
1:50:06
1:50:06
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1:50:06In this episode you will hear: (02:07) Question from a listener: Number 1 Julia and Mark answer a question from Emily from Seattle about ACT/SAT scores. (39:08) Question from a listener Number 2 Kevin and Mark discuss a question from Kevin from Arizona about getting an undergraduate degree in China (59:06) Interview Jennifer Mandel from Milwaukee s…
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1
YCBK 548: Why Are So Many Juniors Being Asked Repeatedly To Interview
46:55
46:55
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46:55In this episode you will hear: Mark gives a tip about interviews and a tip about the Personal Statement Lynda interviews J Hall, a college Dean in Oklahoma City and the author of the book, “College Unpacked” Preview of part 4 of 4 v J gives his advice for students, parents and college counselors v J goes on the hot seat and J and Lynda end up discu…
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1
YCBK 548: Why Are So Many Juniors Being Asked Repeatedly To Interview
46:55
46:55
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46:55In this episode you will hear: Mark gives a tip about interviews and a tip about the Personal Statement Lynda interviews J Hall, a college Dean in Oklahoma City and the author of the book, “College Unpacked” Preview of part 4 of 4 v J gives his advice for students, parents and college counselors v J goes on the hot seat and J and Lynda end up discu…
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1
YCBK 547: How Should a Student Use The Additional Information Section
1:13:54
1:13:54
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1:13:54In this episode you will hear: Question from a listener: Number 1 Julia and Mark answer a question from Sapna and Sivan, two high school students about what is the proper way to use the Additional Information Section of the Common App Question from a listener Number 2 Jennifer Mandel joins Mark to answer a question from Diana from Idaho, and she wa…
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1
YCBK 547: How Should a Student Use The Additional Information Section
1:13:54
1:13:54
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1:13:54In this episode you will hear: Question from a listener: Number 1 Julia and Mark answer a question from Sapna and Sivan, two high school students about what is the proper way to use the Additional Information Section of the Common App Question from a listener Number 2 Jennifer Mandel joins Mark to answer a question from Diana from Idaho, and she wa…
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1
YCBK 546: Unlocking the Puzzle of How Colleges Make Admissions Decisions
1:12:53
1:12:53
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1:12:53In this episode you will hear: Mark explains what holistic admissions is, how it works and some of the areas of holistic admissions that are often misunderstood Part 2 of 3 Mark shares a few insights from the counseling room on what to do if your financial situation definitely changes. Lynda interviews J Hall, a college Dean in Oklahoma City and th…
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1
YCBK 546: Unlocking the Puzzle of How Colleges Make Admissions Decisions
1:12:53
1:12:53
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1:12:53In this episode you will hear: Mark explains what holistic admissions is, how it works and some of the areas of holistic admissions that are often misunderstood Part 2 of 3 Mark shares a few insights from the counseling room on what to do if your financial situation definitely changes. Lynda interviews J Hall, a college Dean in Oklahoma City and th…
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1
YCBK 545: How Is The Demographic Cliff Is Going To Impact Admissions Decisions
1:02:03
1:02:03
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1:02:03In this episode you will hear: (03:02) Question from a listener: Number 1 Hillary and Mark answer a question from Dale from Virginia. Dale wants to know how the demographic cliff will impact admission decisions (16:40) Question from a listener Number 2 Lisa and Lynda answer a question from a mom from California who wants to know if Columbia Univers…
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1
YCBK 545: How Is The Demographic Cliff Is Going To Impact Admissions Decisions
1:02:03
1:02:03
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1:02:03In this episode you will hear: (03:02) Question from a listener: Number 1 Hillary and Mark answer a question from Dale from Virginia. Dale wants to know how the demographic cliff will impact admission decisions (16:40) Question from a listener Number 2 Lisa and Lynda answer a question from a mom from California who wants to know if Columbia Univers…
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1
YCBK 544: Some Tips For HS Grads to Successfully Transition to College-Part 2
55:25
55:25
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55:25In this episode you will hear: Mark explains what holistic admissions is, how it works and some of the areas of holistic admissions that are often misunderstood. Lynda interviews J Hall, a college Dean in Oklahoma City and the author of the book, “College Unpacked” - Part 2 Preview v J Hall continues giving tips to parents when they drop off their …
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1
YCBK 544: Some Tips For HS Grads to Successfully Transition to College-Part 2
55:25
55:25
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55:25In this episode you will hear: Mark explains what holistic admissions is, how it works and some of the areas of holistic admissions that are often misunderstood. Lynda interviews J Hall, a college Dean in Oklahoma City and the author of the book, “College Unpacked” - Part 2 Preview v J Hall continues giving tips to parents when they drop off their …
…
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1
YCBK 543: How The Right College Clubs Can Lead To Career Opportunities
1:12:27
1:12:27
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1:12:27In this episode you will hear: (02:04) Question from a listener: Number 1 Susan and Mark answer a question from a listener who wants to know what her student can do to prepare for a career in architecture (19:26) Interview 1-Mark Stucker interviews Jennifer Mandel from Milwaukee Jennifer Mandel from Milwaukee shares her experience of how joining th…
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1
YCBK 543: How The Right College Clubs Can Lead To Career Opportunities
1:12:27
1:12:27
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1:12:27In this episode you will hear: (02:04) Question from a listener: Number 1 Susan and Mark answer a question from a listener who wants to know what her student can do to prepare for a career in architecture (19:26) Interview 1-Mark Stucker interviews Jennifer Mandel from Milwaukee Jennifer Mandel from Milwaukee shares her experience of how joining th…
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1
YCBK 542: Some Tips For HS Grads to Successfully Transition to College-Part 1
1:08:20
1:08:20
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1:08:20In this episode you will hear: Mark answers a question from a student from Texas and she wants to know why I have soured on BS/MD programs. Lynda interviews J Hall, a college Dean in Oklahoma City and the author of the book, “College Unpacked” Preview v J gives his backstory and like me, he came to college related advising from Christian ministry v…
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1
YCBK 542: Some Tips For HS Grads to Successfully Transition to College-Part 1
1:08:20
1:08:20
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1:08:20In this episode you will hear: Mark answers a question from a student from Texas and she wants to know why I have soured on BS/MD programs. Lynda interviews J Hall, a college Dean in Oklahoma City and the author of the book, “College Unpacked” Preview v J gives his backstory and like me, he came to college related advising from Christian ministry v…
…
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1
YCBK 541: Do Colleges Use Likes and Shares to Test Demonstrated Interest
1:11:21
1:11:21
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1:11:21In this episode you will hear: (02:02) Question from a listener: Number 1 Hillary joins me to discuss a question from a student named Saul from New Hampshire, Saul wants to know, he has heard that some schools use likes and shares to test demonstrated interest and he wants to know if this is correct? (11:05) Question 2 If a student uses a fee waive…
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1
YCBK 541: Do Colleges Use Likes and Shares to Test Demonstrated Interest
1:11:21
1:11:21
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1:11:21In this episode you will hear: (02:02) Question from a listener: Number 1 Hillary joins me to discuss a question from a student named Saul from New Hampshire, Saul wants to know, he has heard that some schools use likes and shares to test demonstrated interest and he wants to know if this is correct? (11:05) Question 2 If a student uses a fee waive…
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1
YCBK 540: Some Tips To Help Students Write Great Personal Statements
1:26:56
1:26:56
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1:26:56In this episode you will hear: Mark shares a letter from a listener with extensive medical school admissions experience. Mark shares a lesson from the counseling room about knowing what your career is going to be when you are still a teenager. Mark shares what rising seniors should be doing now. Mark shares some Personal Statement tips. Mark interv…
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1
YCBK 540: Some Tips To Help Students Write Great Personal Statements
1:26:56
1:26:56
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1:26:56In this episode you will hear: Mark shares a letter from a listener with extensive medical school admissions experience. Mark shares a lesson from the counseling room about knowing what your career is going to be when you are still a teenager. Mark shares what rising seniors should be doing now. Mark shares some Personal Statement tips. Mark interv…
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1
YCBK 539: Do Colleges Blacklist High School’s That They Do Not Like
1:29:14
1:29:14
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1:29:14In this episode you will hear: (02:50) Question from a listener: Number 1 Julia joins me to answer a question from Cortnie from Connecticut and she wants to know if it is true that sometimes a college blacklists a high school they are not happy with. (19:04) Question 2 Carter, a student from VA asks a question and we also have a question from an an…
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1
YCBK 539: Do Colleges Blacklist High School’s That They Do Not Like
1:29:14
1:29:14
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1:29:14In this episode you will hear: (02:50) Question from a listener: Number 1 Julia joins me to answer a question from Cortnie from Connecticut and she wants to know if it is true that sometimes a college blacklists a high school they are not happy with. (19:04) Question 2 Carter, a student from VA asks a question and we also have a question from an an…
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1
YCBK 538: Students Are Facing Peer Pressure to Attend College With Low Acceptance Rates
48:09
48:09
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48:09In this episode you will hear: Mark shares a story from a meeting he had with a mom in Orange County, CA. Mark talks about the dispute Harvard University is currently facing. Mark interviews John Pollard, Dean of the Franke Honors College at the University of Arizona, Understanding Franke Honors College, Part 1 of 2 Preview ² Friends, you are going…
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1
YCBK 538: Students Are Facing Peer Pressure to Attend College With Low Acceptance Rates
48:09
48:09
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48:09In this episode you will hear: Mark shares a story from a meeting he had with a mom in Orange County, CA. Mark talks about the dispute Harvard University is currently facing. Mark interviews John Pollard, Dean of the Franke Honors College at the University of Arizona, Understanding Franke Honors College, Part 1 of 2 Preview ² Friends, you are going…
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1
YCBK 537: Advice for Students Who Are Thinking About Going to Med School
1:11:27
1:11:27
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1:11:27In this episode you will hear: (02:24) Question from a listener: Julia joins me to answer a question from a dad from North Carolina who wants to know if there is a way of figuring out class rank or a proxy for it when it is not explicitly listed. (16:20) Second Question from a listener: Mark and Hillary answer a question from a listener who has hea…
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1
YCBK 537: Advice for Students Who Are Thinking About Going to Med School
1:11:27
1:11:27
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1:11:27In this episode you will hear: (02:24) Question from a listener: Julia joins me to answer a question from a dad from North Carolina who wants to know if there is a way of figuring out class rank or a proxy for it when it is not explicitly listed. (16:20) Second Question from a listener: Mark and Hillary answer a question from a listener who has hea…
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1
YCBK 536: Reasons Why High Schools Should Not Rank Students by Grade Point Average
55:05
55:05
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55:05In this episode you will hear: Mark shares four things from his Texas trip he thinks will be of interest to our listeners. . Mark shares why he does not think high schools should rank students. Mark interviews John Pollard, Dean of Admissions of Franke Honors College at the University of Arizona. John gives an overview of Honors Colleges in the Uni…
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1
YCBK 536: Reasons Why High Schools Should Not Rank Students by Grade Point Average
55:05
55:05
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55:05In this episode you will hear: Mark shares four things from his Texas trip he thinks will be of interest to our listeners. . Mark shares why he does not think high schools should rank students. Mark interviews John Pollard, Dean of Admissions of Franke Honors College at the University of Arizona. John gives an overview of Honors Colleges in the Uni…
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1
YCBK 535: How Are Admissions Offices Using AI to Evaluate Students
1:06:40
1:06:40
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1:06:40In this episode you will hear: (01:45) Question from a listener: Mark and Hillary answer a question from a listener who wants to know how AI is being used in admissions (17:33) Second Question from a listener: Barry from New Jersey wants to know more about dual enrollment, and especially how dual enrollment classes are interpreted by colleges for a…
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1
YCBK 535: How Are Admissions Offices Using AI to Evaluate Students
1:06:40
1:06:40
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1:06:40In this episode you will hear: (01:45) Question from a listener: Mark and Hillary answer a question from a listener who wants to know how AI is being used in admissions (17:33) Second Question from a listener: Barry from New Jersey wants to know more about dual enrollment, and especially how dual enrollment classes are interpreted by colleges for a…
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1
YCBK 534: What Can I Do To Support My Student With The College Admissions Process
54:45
54:45
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54:45In this episode you will hear: Mark shares two things from his Texas trip he thinks will be of interest to our listeners. . Mark shares how he answers the question, “What Can I Do To Support My Student With The College Admissions Process” Mark interviews John Pollard, Dean of Admissions of Franke Honors College at the University of Arizona, Topic, …
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1
YCBK 534: What Can I Do To Support My Student With The College Admissions Process
54:45
54:45
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54:45In this episode you will hear: Mark shares two things from his Texas trip he thinks will be of interest to our listeners. . Mark shares how he answers the question, “What Can I Do To Support My Student With The College Admissions Process” Mark interviews John Pollard, Dean of Admissions of Franke Honors College at the University of Arizona, Topic, …
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1
YCBK 533: What Do Colleges Think When A Student Doesn’t Have Any Service Hours
48:56
48:56
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48:56In this episode you will hear: (01:36) Question from a listener: Mark and Hillary continue giving tips for college fairs but then they discuss how it lands when a student doesn’t have any service hours. (17:33) Interview: Mark Stucker and Nate Haveman, VP of enrollment of Hope College Preview of Part 2 of 4 v Nate and I talk about why college costs…
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1
YCBK 533: What Do Colleges Think When A Student Doesn’t Have Any Service Hours
48:56
48:56
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48:56In this episode you will hear: (01:36) Question from a listener: Mark and Hillary continue giving tips for college fairs but then they discuss how it lands when a student doesn’t have any service hours. (17:33) Interview: Mark Stucker and Nate Haveman, VP of enrollment of Hope College Preview of Part 2 of 4 v Nate and I talk about why college costs…
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1
YCBK 532: Awards Are Given Out To Texas Universities in 25 Different Categories
46:13
46:13
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46:13In this episode you will hear: Mark gives out awards in 25 different categories to the 11 colleges he visited in Texas in his 3 weeks he spent in Texas in April. Mark interviews John Pollard, Dean of Admissions of Franke Honors College at the University of Arizona, Topic, Understanding the University of Arizona Preview of Part 1 of 2 · John gives h…
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YCBK 532: Awards Are Given Out To Texas Universities in 25 Different Categories
46:13
46:13
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46:13In this episode you will hear: Mark gives out awards in 25 different categories to the 11 colleges he visited in Texas in his 3 weeks he spent in Texas in April. Mark interviews John Pollard, Dean of Admissions of Franke Honors College at the University of Arizona, Topic, Understanding the University of Arizona Preview of Part 1 of 2 · John gives h…
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