Parents: Is Your Teen College Ready? Podcast By Shellee Howard cover art

Parents: Is Your Teen College Ready?

Parents: Is Your Teen College Ready?

By: Shellee Howard
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 Your teen is in middle school or high school, and college is on the horizon! Do you know where to begin? It can be overwhelming! Which college will be a good fit? Can you afford it? What is my teen passionate about? This can be an exciting time, but a stressful one! College admission is at an all time high in both competitiveness and cost. How do you navigate this? Your host Shellee Howard with College Ready has helped countless families in the college admissions process while saving them thousands of dollars in tuition! In her podcast, she sits down with new and past clients to share their experiences with College Ready, along with financial advisors and other experts who understand the importance of financial awareness when it comes to graduating from college debt free. This year's College Ready seniors earned over 17 million dollars in scholarships and grants! The information you hear on this show is priceless, you really can’t afford to not tune in!2022- Shellee Howard/Parents: Is Your Teen College Ready? Economics Personal Finance
Episodes
  • How to Prep for College in a New Testing Landscape: Insights from Shellee Howard and Sean Ivester

    How to Prep for College in a New Testing Landscape: Insights from Shellee Howard and Sean Ivester
    Jun 14 2025
    In this insightful discussion, Shelley Howard interviews Sean Ivester, founder of Pivot Tutors, about the evolving landscape of college entrance testing and effective test preparation strategies. Sean explains that test prep timing depends largely on the student’s academic standing and course progression. He advises parents to avoid overlapping SAT/ACT prep with heavy academic periods like finals or AP exams to protect students’ GPA, which remains crucial. The conversation highlights that successful test prep is not about cramming but a focused, diagnostic approach to target and strengthen weaknesses. Sean emphasizes the importance of a diagnostic test as the first step for understanding a student’s readiness. He distinguishes the SAT and ACT, outlining their structure, differences, and upcoming changes—for example, the ACT’s shortening and optional science section—helping families choose the right test. Sean also addresses the common challenge faced by high-performing students who still struggle initially on standardized tests, clarifying that knowing the material is different from “beating the test,” which requires specific strategies and fresh familiarity with foundational concepts. The conversation covers the pros and cons of various prep methods like apps, AI tools, and tutors, underscoring the critical role of accountability, motivation, and personalized instruction. Sean describes Pivot Tutors’ unique approach of pairing students with specialized math and English tutors who are vetted, trained, and seasoned professionals, ensuring high-quality instruction catering to students’ needs. The dialogue concludes with practical advice for parents: start early, use diagnostic testing to guide prep plans, and understand that sustained, focused prep yields the best outcomes. Sean stresses that test prep skills are transferable and beneficial well beyond college admission, supporting future academic and professional testing challenges.Highlights• Timing for test prep depends on student’s course level and academic load—avoid overlap with finals/AP exams• Diagnostic tests are essential first steps to identify strengths, weaknesses, and guide prep focus• Effective prep targets weak areas instead of broadly reviewing all content to maximize score improvements• SAT is shorter and more complex reasoning-based; ACT is longer with broader math content and a fast pace, soon to be shorter and less time-pressured• High-achieving students often initially underperform on tests due to different test-taking skills needed• Personalized tutoring with specialized math and English tutors enhances accountability, motivation, and progress• Starting test prep early (end of sophomore year or early junior year) allows more flexibility and reduces panicKey Insights• Diagnostic Testing as a Starting Point: Sean underscores that a comprehensive diagnostic test reveals a student’s starting point, exposing specific skill gaps and careless errors. This transforms test prep from a guessing game to a data-driven, strategic process, helping families decide when to start prep and which areas demand focus. Without this analysis, students risk inefficient study habits, wasting time and effort on content they already know or missing critical weak spots.• Timing and Academic Intensity Matter: Junior year is typically the most demanding academically, so scheduling test prep during summer or early fall yields better focus and outcomes. Families should avoid final seasons or AP exam periods for test prep to prevent academic overload, preserving GPA and mitigating burnout. This tailored timing recognizes student stress patterns and optimizes study efficiency.• Focused Practice Over Broad Content Review: The most effective way to improve standardized test scores is targeted practice on weak areas identified by diagnostic testing. Merely continuing to practice whole tests leads to plateauing scores. Instead, the cycle of focused drills, review, and retesting enables students to solidify understanding and see measurable gains. This approach shifts prep from volume-based to precision-based, enhancing motivation and confidence.• Choosing Between SAT and ACT Requires Individual Evaluation: No test suits everyone; SAT and ACT differ in length, pacing, question style, and focus areas. For example, the SAT involves complex reasoning and is slightly shorter, while the ACT covers broader math content with faster pacing. Upcoming changes, like the ACT’s optional science section and shorter length, further complicate the choice. Therefore, Sean advises students to take practice tests for both and compare scores—avoiding decisions based on hearsay or anecdotal evidence.• Test Scores Reflect Test-Taking Skills, Not Just Intelligence: Top academic performers can score below expectations initially because standardized tests require specialized strategies distinct from classroom learning. Some fundamental ...
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    30 mins
  • Do Colleges Care About Both ACT and SAT? Cracking the Code with Shellee Howard and Jackie Pollina

    Do Colleges Care About Both ACT and SAT? Cracking the Code with Shellee Howard and Jackie Pollina
    Jun 14 2025
    In this insightful and comprehensive discussion, Shelley Howard hosts Jackie Pollina, founder of J&J Test Prep and No BS SAT Prep, to explore the critical role of test preparation in high school and college admissions. Jackie shares her entrepreneurial journey from a stressed high school test-taker to a passionate business owner who creates modern, digestible test prep approaches. They emphasize the ongoing importance of standardized testing, even in a test-optional world, highlighting how strong scores enhance admission chances and secure substantial scholarships. The conversation debunks common myths around the SAT and ACT, recommending personalized diagnostic testing to determine the best fit for each student. They also provide detailed guidance on the various test prep formats—private tutoring, intensive classes, and crash courses—tailored to different goals and preparation timelines, underscoring the need for strategic, multi-test preparation over time. Additionally, the dialogue touches on AP exam support, summer prep advantages, and the importance of proactive parental involvement. Real-life experiences reinforce the long-term impact of solid test strategies, demonstrating how early preparation benefits students well beyond admission, even into professional exams like the MCAT. Finally, they encourage parents to engage actively with test prep resources to maximize scholarship opportunities and optimize college readiness.HighlightsJackie Pollina founded J&J Test Prep with a mission to make test preparation modern, relatable, and manageable.Test-optional admissions still favor students with strong standardized test scores for admission chances and merit scholarships.Diagnostic testing is essential to decide whether a student should take the SAT or ACT based on individual strengths and timing.Effective test prep requires at least eight weeks and ideally multiple test attempts for significant score improvement.Strategic test prep can dramatically increase scores, influencing college admission and scholarship opportunities.Summer is the optimal season for test prep due to fewer academic distractions and more available study time.Test preparation is a skill that supports future professional exams, making early preparation an investment beyond college admissions.Key InsightsTest Prep as a Long-Term Skill: Jackie and Shelley stress that testing is not a one-time hurdle but a lifelong skill essential for careers requiring professional exams like the LSAT, MCAT, or boards. This reframing helps parents and students view test prep as a beneficial investment rather than a temporary chore. Developing strategies early fosters confidence and competence for decades ahead, reinforcing the importance of embracing test prep rather than avoiding it.The Nuances of Test-Optional Policies: While many students celebrate test-optional admissions by skipping tests, data shows that students with strong scores tend to be admitted more often and awarded more merit-based aid. Colleges remain flexible but often encourage submissions. This “test-optional” not “test-irrelevant” distinction is vital for families to understand—relying solely on test-optional policies can be risky if future admissions cycles change policies unexpectedly.Customized Test Selection via Diagnostics: Deciding between the SAT and ACT cannot be done on surface-level preferences or perceived subject strengths. Diagnostic exams provide a data-driven approach to uncover a student’s natural aptitude, timing skills, and question-type preferences. This personalized method ensures students invest effort in the test most aligned with their abilities, optimizing their potential outcomes and reducing unnecessary frustration.Time Investment is Key for Meaningful Score Gains: Test prep is not a quick fix. Significant improvements (e.g., 200+ points on the SAT) require sustained, individualized preparation often through private tutoring. More moderate improvements can be obtained in structured classes. Crash courses serve as last-minute boosters but cannot replace comprehensive prep. This underscores the importance of planning ahead, managing expectations, and resisting the “one-and-done” test mindset.Scholarships Depend Heavily on Scores: Test scores play a critical role beyond admission—they are often a primary factor in awarding merit scholarships, which can substantially reduce the financial burden of college. Shelley’s real-world story of her son’s 300-point SAT improvement illustrates how strategic prep can be a financial game-changer, converting a generic state school opportunity into elite college admission, with profound long-term benefits.Summer Offers a Strategic Advantage: Utilizing summer breaks for test prep takes advantage of reduced academic stress and increased availability to focus on study. This timing allows students to absorb material effectively, avoid burnout during the school year, and be prepared for fall test dates. ...
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    25 mins
  • Mental Wellness 101: Teaching Teens the Tools for Self-Awareness and Resilience with Shellee Howard and Raphael McMaster

    Mental Wellness 101: Teaching Teens the Tools for Self-Awareness and Resilience with Shellee Howard and Raphael McMaster
    May 21 2025
    In this insightful interview, Shelley Howard, founder and CEO of College Ready, hosts Raphael McMaster, a creative professional turned nonprofit leader focused on empowering youth with essential emotional and mental health tools. Raphael shares how his journey led him to develop a toolkit of seven fundamental life tools designed to build self-awareness, emotional resilience, and self-control among young people. These tools have been co-created with input from psychologists, therapists, educators, and youth themselves to ensure they resonate with today’s generation.Raphael explains that his program transcends artistic or athletic backgrounds, making it accessible to all teenagers who face modern challenges such as screen addiction, anxiety, and societal pressures. The seven tools—awareness, acceptance, intention, gratitude, compassion, forgiveness, and connection—equip teens to observe their thoughts without attachment, manage their emotions, visualize goals, and cultivate resilience.The program has been successfully integrated into California high school curricula and is expanding through an innovative online platform launched by teens, for teens. Their ambitious goal is to empower one million conscious youth over five years, creating a grassroots movement of mental and emotional wellness. Raphael emphasizes the universal nature of these tools, offering examples of how they have transformed lives, including those struggling with serious issues like addiction and academic stress.Ultimately, the conversation highlights the critical need for teaching emotional intelligence and mindfulness skills early, filling the gap left in traditional education. This initiative supports parents and educators in nurturing self-reflective, empowered young adults capable of navigating life’s challenges with clarity and confidence. HighlightsCreativity is a gateway to emotional resilience but is not required to benefit from this toolkit.The seven foundational life tools teach youth to become the “aware observer” of their thoughts.Visualization and intention-setting help students clearly define goals and boost motivation.Gratitude practice transforms negative thinking and fosters quicker emotional recovery.Connection to self, others, nature, and a personal higher power strengthens mental wellness.The program is embedded in high school curricula and extended via a teen-led online platform.Goal to empower 1 million conscious youth in five years, creating a positive societal ripple effect. Key InsightsAwareness as the cornerstone: Teaching youth that they are not their thoughts but observers of their thoughts enables cognitive distancing. This foundational mindfulness skill allows teens to interrupt negative thought patterns before they become emotional burdens, leading to better mental health outcomes.Power of intention and visualization: Raphael underscores that knowing what you want—even if you don’t yet know how to get there—is critical for success and resilience. This forward-looking mindset fosters optimism and persistence through uncertainty, vital traits for young adults entering a complex world.Reframing negativity through gratitude: The “G flip” technique—flipping complaints into gratitude—serves as a rapid cognitive shift to reduce stress. This resilience tool teaches youth to find silver linings, promoting emotional flexibility in the face of adversity such as academic pressures or social challenges.Compassion, forgiveness, and connection as healing forces: Alongside self-awareness, these emotional skills help youth navigate relationships and internal pain. Forgiveness is presented as an inward practice, freeing individuals from resentment and promoting psychological freedom, critical for healthy development.Addressing contemporary challenges head-on: Raphael acknowledges the unique difficulties of the current generation, including screen addiction, social media pressures, and mental health crises. These tools are tailored to help youth thrive amid overstimulation and rapid societal changes.Youth-led education and empowerment: The emerging consciousness broadcast center model puts teens in leadership roles teaching their peers, enhancing relatability and creating authentic mentorship. Peer-led initiatives increase engagement and internalization of these life skills.Bridging the gap in education: Traditional schools rarely provide practical mental and emotional health curricula. Integrating these tools as state-approved courses and extracurricular programs fills this essential gap, supporting youth in becoming self-reflective, resilient, and ready not just for college, but for life. Connect with Shellee Howard: WebsiteYouTubeInstagramLinkedInEmail: shellee@collegereadyplan.com Connect with Rafael MacMaster: WebsiteYouTubeInstagramFacebookEmail: rafael@indivisiblearts.org
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    30 mins
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