Which episodes of “Your College Bound Kid”

[Anonymous]

The shows are long and tend to ramble sometimes, but I have gotten so much useful information from them over the years. Don't they say something about it being a "deep dive" into the world of college admissions in the intro? It's definitely a deep dive! I also think Mark is great. He is so enthusiastic about the college admin process; he does all of this for free—zero advertising!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The shows are long and tend to ramble sometimes, but I have gotten so much useful information from them over the years. Don't they say something about it being a "deep dive" into the world of college admissions in the intro? It's definitely a deep dive! I also think Mark is great. He is so enthusiastic about the college admin process; he does all of this for free—zero advertising!

+1 it's not the place to go for a concise overview of the process. For that, read Who Gets In and Why + The Price You Pay For College. But this podcast is good at delving into the nuances, the trends. I do wish they had more episodes dedicated to listener questions and more, shorter college spotlights like they used to.

Their recommended resources are also usually helpful and a full list is on the website.

Another podcast I like for a more concise discussion of key parts of the process is The Truth About College Admissions.

[Anonymous]

This is a good one for nuance but wish it didn't come with his rambling. As much as they talk about fit they keep discussing the same colleges. And too much boarding school talk. Boarding school students already get good counseling, I'd like to hear something more relevant for the 99% of everyone else.

Would like to hear more spotlights on colleges that are under the radar.

[Anonymous]

I really like mark and don’t mind the ramblings.

But I only care about 10% of the content. I like the overview of trends that a group of college counselors can provide.

Those “hot seat” questions etc - immediate skip.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I really like mark and don’t mind the ramblings.

But I only care about 10% of the content. I like the overview of trends that a group of college counselors can provide.

Those “hot seat” questions etc - immediate skip.

I really appreciate that if you go to the show notes they have timestamps so you can just jump to what you are interested in.

[Anonymous]

Exactly, only 10% of the content is relevant but you have to listen to 90% of the woman who was at Bates 100 years ago and the host slowly stroll down memory lane. Then when there is a segment worthwhile it's broken into multiple weeks?? That says the host is trying to fill podcast time and it's not planned well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Exactly, only 10% of the content is relevant but you have to listen to 90% of the woman who was at Bates 100 years ago and the host slowly stroll down memory lane. Then when there is a segment worthwhile it's broken into multiple weeks?? That says the host is trying to fill podcast time and it's not planned well.

You can go on the site and listen to all parts at once

[Anonymous]

Has anyone hired them for college counseling?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Has anyone hired them for college counseling?

Two friends in different parts of the country. One worked with him and was not a good experience. Entire process was unorganized, didn't keep track of student's progress and seemed uninterested. Outcome was good but not because of the counseling. They got the impression the podcast was first priority over the student. And that he only takes high-achievers that have better chances. Other friend worked with the counselor in the midwest and was pleased with the experience, actually was engaged with the student and paid attention to them. Don't know the name but not the one that works with LD/ADHD students

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's an ok podcast depending on the guest. There are exhaustive show notes. Colleagues have worked with his counseling firm and do NOT recommend him to work with students. He was collecting stories for his podcast and not committed to spending time with the student. One of the other counselors worked with the student on essays and she was attentive and available. We'll probably hire his firm but work with the other counselor.

We had a different experience.
Very helpful in creating a balanced list and introducing schools that were not on our radar. He definitely has his perspective on schools - but we used it as a starting point to help create focus as this is a time where there is a lot of clutter that you need to process.
Supported prepping for visits and interviews
Committed to brainstorming ideas and framing of personal statement and supplemental essay.
We are using him for a younger child.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Has anyone hired them for college counseling?

Yes. I do not recommend. Inattentive and has other priorities.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Has anyone hired them for college counseling?

I know they have clients in NoVA and DC private schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don’t like that show. They always take way too long to get to the point. Many episodes are rambling discussions of many different topics, rather than focusing on one thing.

Three people reeking in white privilege rambling about colleges over lunch.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don’t like that show. They always take way too long to get to the point. Many episodes are rambling discussions of many different topics, rather than focusing on one thing.

Three people reeking in white privilege rambling about colleges over lunch.

speechless

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I really like mark and don’t mind the ramblings.

But I only care about 10% of the content. I like the overview of trends that a group of college counselors can provide.

Those “hot seat” questions etc - immediate skip.

I really appreciate that if you go to the show notes they have timestamps so you can just jump to what you are interested in.

+1, I never listen to the whole episode. I just skip around to the sections that interest me.