Recommend your favorite college admissions content creators

[Anonymous]

I like Harlan Cohen because he talks a lot about the social adjustment to college, and it’s less about the rat race stuff.

Also, grown and flown (website and IG)

The Leighton Show on IG

College for Awesomely Average kids on FB.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No to Sara Haberson. Thankfully my DS did not take her advice on a number of issues - did the opposite. Ended up at a HYPSM.

Thus, us too

I'm curious what are the major things that she gets wrong. I follow her on insta and I often feel her advice is hit or miss.

Examples: Only reporting AP scores of 5s on your applications and don’t list a college summer program because it shows privilege.

Ingenius prep says to only list summer programs if you don't have adequate evidence for major. Its considered neutral and gives the least amount of EC points in the scoring rubrics (just FyI). I mean if you have nothing else, yeah, include it. But hopefully it was reasonably selective and not just an 11k money grab. Bc that won't move the needle on your application.

There was a really interesting segment in this recent podcast episode with feedback from a former Rice AO (linked below) - his perspective was: if these activities "add to your toolkit", which I interpreted as "back up your choice of major/academic interests", they can be useful. But only if they're adding something new to the overall picture.

https://collegeadmissionspodcast.simplecast.com/episodes/inside-admissions-with-brandon-mack

[Anonymous]

The only one I like is the guy on instagram who goes thru everything in a college app and which schools applied and which ones accepted/rejected. Limmytalks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The only one I like is the guy on instagram who goes thru everything in a college app and which schools applied and which ones accepted/rejected. Limmytalks.

ugh. he's awful. He scams the kids on Reddit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:none of them as they're all just peddling on parental anxiety and control.

we are passing on complexes to our kids. lots of mental health issues affecting them right now.

+1

They are all horrible.

NP. The reason I like the Game is he gives good actionable advice on his podcast for FREE.

Most content creators give you teasers so you sign up, or say controversial things to get clicks, or just talk about Higher Ed trends which, while interesting, is different than giving concrete advice.

But in general, I agree, the whole college prep/content/counseling industry is predatory.

The more “difficult” they make the application process seem, the more they convince parents to spend money on advice or buy their products. This goes for authors, podcasters, bloggers, independent college consultants.

They’re just trying to make a living and the rotating wheel of parents is their paycheck.

I like him too, but how did you translate his stuff into action? Other than finding obscure majors or combining two unrelated topics into a niche interests/major?

[Anonymous]

Dean J at UVA
The Yale and Dartmouth admissions podcasts

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:SH doesn’t like people to report 4s on the APs. We disregarded this advice because our school counselor said to 100% submit. Worked out for our DC. Their school requires students to take the AP test if enrolled in the class, so not submitting sends a message to the AO that you bombed the test. SH says they can’t unsee a 4.

Wow! Most colleges give credit for a 4, right? What is her reasoning for this advice?

If I worked at a college that gave credit for 4s and 5s, I'd assume someone didn't report their score because it wouldn't give them credit.

My kids both reported 4s to highly selective schools with excellent outcomes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:SH doesn’t like people to report 4s on the APs. We disregarded this advice because our school counselor said to 100% submit. Worked out for our DC. Their school requires students to take the AP test if enrolled in the class, so not submitting sends a message to the AO that you bombed the test. SH says they can’t unsee a 4.

ok this is like the tiniest thing in a college app. everyone knows to ignore her advice on AP scores.
what real advice was disregarded?

If she’s that unreliable why bother listening to other random advice she makes up?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Would love recommendations (from instagram, YouTube, podcasts etc) when it comes to staying on top of best practices, updates, and trends in college admissions. Thanks!

Make sure you review the College Data Set information for schools on your list, research the majors thoroughly, investigate institutional priorities and strategic plans of schools.

I think the advisor fit somewhat depends on your student. I have a current applicant that has strong stats and is a good writer so is taking a shot at some top schools. I think that DC submitted compelling applications but still awaiting most results, as opted not to ED/SCEA.

It's dated material (2020), but I think that the Admitium $200 masterclass teaching writing approaches is worth the money. I wish that he would update it to include things like Glimpse video advice but the writing techniques/strategies are solid, especially if you have an intellectual/wonky type of kid.

I am a Sara Harberson fan generally but agree with others that we used some advice and ignored others. I think that her marketing instincts are generally strong, but sometimes example language is a little cheesy and I think that offering general advice for all applicants in AN sometimes doesn't translate for students applying to elite schools. Her framework and book for creating a Soundbite were helpful for DC. My DC used the tools in some of her handouts from her monthly zooms, and especially liked her approach for contextualizing activities and making them engaging to read vs a resume list. DC did not follow her advice at all for essays, other than trying not to "hammer" or be repetitive with elements of the application. Her restrictions and rules for essay topics were (for DC) too formulaic and limiting.

The recorded Yale podcast is helpful for the Yale application.

If you opt to check out the Game podcast, I suggest you read the transcripts instead. The podcasts have some helpful nuggets but generally are too long/repetitive. He is good at illustrating creating a hook and supporting evidence in the application narrative.

Tineocollegeprep seems to be a good guy and has helpful videos. Worth a follow IMO.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Would love recommendations (from instagram, YouTube, podcasts etc) when it comes to staying on top of best practices, updates, and trends in college admissions. Thanks!

Make sure you review the College Data Set information for schools on your list, research the majors thoroughly, investigate institutional priorities and strategic plans of schools.

I think the advisor fit somewhat depends on your student. I have a current applicant that has strong stats and is a good writer so is taking a shot at some top schools. I think that DC submitted compelling applications but still awaiting most results, as opted not to ED/SCEA.

It's dated material (2020), but I think that the Admitium $200 masterclass teaching writing approaches is worth the money. I wish that he would update it to include things like Glimpse video advice but the writing techniques/strategies are solid, especially if you have an intellectual/wonky type of kid.

I am a Sara Harberson fan generally but agree with others that we used some advice and ignored others. I think that her marketing instincts are generally strong, but sometimes example language is a little cheesy and I think that offering general advice for all applicants in AN sometimes doesn't translate for students applying to elite schools. Her framework and book for creating a Soundbite were helpful for DC. My DC used the tools in some of her handouts from her monthly zooms, and especially liked her approach for contextualizing activities and making them engaging to read vs a resume list. DC did not follow her advice at all for essays, other than trying not to "hammer" or be repetitive with elements of the application. Her restrictions and rules for essay topics were (for DC) too formulaic and limiting.

The recorded Yale podcast is helpful for the Yale application.

If you opt to check out the Game podcast, I suggest you read the transcripts instead. The podcasts have some helpful nuggets but generally are too long/repetitive. He is good at illustrating creating a hook and supporting evidence in the application narrative.

Tineocollegeprep seems to be a good guy and has helpful videos. Worth a follow IMO.

You are in deep!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Would love recommendations (from instagram, YouTube, podcasts etc) when it comes to staying on top of best practices, updates, and trends in college admissions. Thanks!

Make sure you review the College Data Set information for schools on your list, research the majors thoroughly, investigate institutional priorities and strategic plans of schools.

I think the advisor fit somewhat depends on your student. I have a current applicant that has strong stats and is a good writer so is taking a shot at some top schools. I think that DC submitted compelling applications but still awaiting most results, as opted not to ED/SCEA.

It's dated material (2020), but I think that the Admitium $200 masterclass teaching writing approaches is worth the money. I wish that he would update it to include things like Glimpse video advice but the writing techniques/strategies are solid, especially if you have an intellectual/wonky type of kid.

I am a Sara Harberson fan generally but agree with others that we used some advice and ignored others. I think that her marketing instincts are generally strong, but sometimes example language is a little cheesy and I think that offering general advice for all applicants in AN sometimes doesn't translate for students applying to elite schools. Her framework and book for creating a Soundbite were helpful for DC. My DC used the tools in some of her handouts from her monthly zooms, and especially liked her approach for contextualizing activities and making them engaging to read vs a resume list. DC did not follow her advice at all for essays, other than trying not to "hammer" or be repetitive with elements of the application. Her restrictions and rules for essay topics were (for DC) too formulaic and limiting.

The recorded Yale podcast is helpful for the Yale application.

If you opt to check out the Game podcast, I suggest you read the transcripts instead. The podcasts have some helpful nuggets but generally are too long/repetitive. He is good at illustrating creating a hook and supporting evidence in the application narrative.

Tineocollegeprep seems to be a good guy and has helpful videos. Worth a follow IMO.

Please come back and let us know how it works out for your DC this round. I agree with all of what you said… also joined Application Nation with SH. Ignored some advice (AP scores and not writing the common app essay about an activity, DC write about his number 1 activity on his list so I couldn’t even get feedback on his topic!) DC was accepted SCEA to top choice. Best of luck to your DC in the regular round!!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:none of them as they're all just peddling on parental anxiety and control.

we are passing on complexes to our kids. lots of mental health issues affecting them right now.

+1

They are all horrible.

NP. The reason I like the Game is he gives good actionable advice on his podcast for FREE.

Most content creators give you teasers so you sign up, or say controversial things to get clicks, or just talk about Higher Ed trends which, while interesting, is different than giving concrete advice.

But in general, I agree, the whole college prep/content/counseling industry is predatory.

The more “difficult” they make the application process seem, the more they convince parents to spend money on advice or buy their products. This goes for authors, podcasters, bloggers, independent college consultants.

They’re just trying to make a living and the rotating wheel of parents is their paycheck.

I have a love/hate relationship with The Game. I have to remind myself he is really targeting Ivy/T10 bc after listening to a few episodes (including one of the full applicant profile breakdown), I started to wonder how anyone actually gets into college. My kid has some great things going on for her (1500+ SAT, solid and focused ECs, leadership) but no "Regeneron level" awards, no independent research, and has not taken absolutely every AP at her school. For us regular folk, here are some of my biggest takeaways...

1. Students make it easier for admissions officers to get a sense of who they are when your profile tells a clear story (e.g., course selection, extra curriculars). Being intentional about this matters.

2. How you organize and present info in the common app matters. Use action verbs to describe what you did (e.g., avoid things like "participated with...")

3. Get the SAT out of the way early in Junior year if possible (EXCELLENT advice for those ready to tackle it bc I can already see how her Junior spring is going to be crazy)

4. Look at the common data sets for the schools of interest; this will help you to know the nitty gritty of admissions data (e.g., Brown might have more women identifying students applying so this makes the acceptance rates a bit more competitive for females).

Honestly, this is info that is probably consistent across podcasts. I have stopped listening to it as much because I don't find it helpful to hear, "I'm sorry, your kid has not cured cancer, they are f*cked." (Even if it's true.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:none of them as they're all just peddling on parental anxiety and control.

we are passing on complexes to our kids. lots of mental health issues affecting them right now.

+1

They are all horrible.

NP. The reason I like the Game is he gives good actionable advice on his podcast for FREE.

Most content creators give you teasers so you sign up, or say controversial things to get clicks, or just talk about Higher Ed trends which, while interesting, is different than giving concrete advice.

But in general, I agree, the whole college prep/content/counseling industry is predatory.

The more “difficult” they make the application process seem, the more they convince parents to spend money on advice or buy their products. This goes for authors, podcasters, bloggers, independent college consultants.

They’re just trying to make a living and the rotating wheel of parents is their paycheck.

I have a love/hate relationship with The Game. I have to remind myself he is really targeting Ivy/T10 bc after listening to a few episodes (including one of the full applicant profile breakdown), I started to wonder how anyone actually gets into college. My kid has some great things going on for her (1500+ SAT, solid and focused ECs, leadership) but no "Regeneron level" awards, no independent research, and has not taken absolutely every AP at her school. For us regular folk, here are some of my biggest takeaways...

1. Students make it easier for admissions officers to get a sense of who they are when your profile tells a clear story (e.g., course selection, extra curriculars). Being intentional about this matters.

2. How you organize and present info in the common app matters. Use action verbs to describe what you did (e.g., avoid things like "participated with...")

3. Get the SAT out of the way early in Junior year if possible (EXCELLENT advice for those ready to tackle it bc I can already see how her Junior spring is going to be crazy)

4. Look at the common data sets for the schools of interest; this will help you to know the nitty gritty of admissions data (e.g., Brown might have more women identifying students applying so this makes the acceptance rates a bit more competitive for females).

Honestly, this is info that is probably consistent across podcasts. I have stopped listening to it as much because I don't find it helpful to hear, "I'm sorry, your kid has not cured cancer, they are f*cked." (Even if it's true.)

See I don’t think some of his stuff is that far out there. Maybe STEM? If so, I ignore or don’t listen.

What he did for the candidate who was interested in Asian literatures and languages at Yale and Stanford was a super helpful breakdown. The activities weren’t that crazy either. Yes super high stats, but expected.

What was most interesting was getting rid of some of the original activities (that didn’t support the new narrative) in the activity list and adding in other overlooked interests/activities, including identity, affinity, or personal cultural group involvement.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We have found @tineocollegeprep on TikTok to be the best. He has a lot of reported student data from the current admissions cycle and posts videos analyzing trends. He also offers a lot of great (and free!) advice in his videos about supplemental essays, commonapp, extracurriculars, and frequently makes instagram story posts highlighting activities, awards, and ECs for students to get involved in. I also personally love how he works with a small cohort of students and is big on FGLI support.

He talks as if he has a huge client list (I'm seeing...), but I think he's scouring reddit forums.

No, he works with few people. Hand picked based on how much he thinks he can help them. And all of his data comes from students reporting it to him via a google form where they share stats, ECs, and college results. From there he analyzes trends based on said reported data.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We have found @tineocollegeprep on TikTok to be the best. He has a lot of reported student data from the current admissions cycle and posts videos analyzing trends. He also offers a lot of great (and free!) advice in his videos about supplemental essays, commonapp, extracurriculars, and frequently makes instagram story posts highlighting activities, awards, and ECs for students to get involved in. I also personally love how he works with a small cohort of students and is big on FGLI support.

He talks as if he has a huge client list (I'm seeing...), but I think he's scouring reddit forums.

No, he works with few people. Hand picked based on how much he thinks he can help them. And all of his data comes from students reporting it to him via a google form where they share stats, ECs, and college results. From there he analyzes trends based on said reported data.

Yes, my kid voluntarily reports data to that Google form. used his templates for activities.