What to Know Before They Go (to College)

What to Know Before They Go (to College)

My guest today is Dr. Pamela Ellis. She conducts research into the areas of high school of college transition, parent engagement, African-American males in education, and college completion.

As part of that, she’s visited more than four hundred colleges and universities internationally to understand their cultures and their academic and social opportunities available to students. That’s allowed her to help hundreds of young people successfully navigate the college-admissions process, as well as advise universities and school districts as well.

And she’s also the author of the book, What to Know Before They Go: College Edition.

In the podcast, we talked about:

  • The college admissions scandal involving Felicity Huffman and Lori Loughlin. (1:30)
  • Should kids pay for their own college tuition? (3:20)
  • Who should think about taking a gap year? (7:25)
  • Dr. Ellis’ top tips for getting ready for college (11:50)

That last one includes ideas like:

Develop independence and self-awareness and self-advocacy

  • Start in middle school
  • Learn how to make friends
  • Spend time alone and be okay with it
  • Less screen time
  • Learn how to ask help from a teacher
  • Let them participate in overnight programs when young 3-4 days
  • Let them handle problems at school, they go to teacher, you don’t

Student owns process for post high school

  • Take an interest inventory
  • Let them do the application
  • Let them research colleges, not mom and dad
  • Let them plan college visits
  • Let them figure out what they like and want to do

Give a listen to our conversation above. . .

You can learn more about Dr. Ellis at https://compasscollegeadvisory.com/.

Click these links to subscribe to this podcast on iTunes or Stitcher, or Podbean.

Paul Smith is one of the world’s leading experts on business storytelling. He’s a keynote speaker, storytelling coach, and bestselling author.

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