Optimize the college application process. We provide actionable steps for each year of high school, 9th to 12th grade, to help students make the best college admissions choices. We meticulously strategize each phase of high school with Jenn, a renowned private college counselor, professional member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association, and author of the best-selling book 'The Parent Compass' who supplements this episode with her valuable experiences and expertise. Jenn stresses the significance of developing specific high school habits and the formative value of resilience and grit. We also delve into Jenn's book, 'The Parent Compass,' which offers a blueprint for maintaining healthy parent-child relationships during turbulent teenage years, personal goal-setting, tackling misconceptions about college entrance, and learning to foster a growth-oriented mindset. We discuss common misconceptions about college admission, highlighting the importance of pursuing personal interests over conformism. Insights about sports scholarships, leadership skills, and involvement in meaningful activities make this episode a must-listen.   We then transition steps to effectively prepare for college during sophomore year. Highlighting the importance of interesting activities, creating a testing timeline, reading for pleasure, choosing future courses, and showing 'demonstrated interest' at desired colleges, this episode provides comprehensive guidance for high school students to ambitiously prepare for college admissions. During Junior year, Jenn describes the essentiality of keeping track of achievements throughout high school, the importance of financial conversations between parents and teenager, the impact of test preparation, and strategic planning around merit aid.   For 12th grade, we break down all the steps associated with filling out applications, meeting deadlines, and the differences between Early Action, Early Decision, and Regular application deadlines.  Lastly, Jennifer Curtis, a seasoned college admissions expert, throws light on the complexities of today's college admissions process. She elaborates on topics such as standard test scores, the nuances of 'test optional' applications, the benefit of independent educational consultants, and more. Gain critical information on tangible steps to reduce stress, face rejection, and understand the importance of early financial aid management. Whether you're a student or a parent, this episode is a quintessential guide to navigating the often daunting world of college admissions.   Category: Education   Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsor: Test Prep Gurus: https://www.prepgurus.com @TestPrepGurus https://www.instagram.com/testprepgurus/   EPISODE LINKS: Jenn Curtis, IG: @MyFutureWise FutureWise Consulting: https://www.futurewiseconsulting.com     INSTAGRAM:  - Host Nick Standlea: @NickStandlea Jenn Curtis: @MyFutureWise   PODCAST INFO: - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheNickStandleaShow - Podcast website: https://nickshow.podbean.com/ - Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nick-standlea-podcast/id1700331903 - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0YqBBneFsKtQ6Y0ArP5CXJ - RSS: https://feed.podbean.com/nickshow/feed.xml   SUPPORT & CONNECT:- Check out the sponsors above, it's the best way to support this podcast. - Support on Patreon: (coming soon) - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickstandlea/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-standlea-43732573/ - Medium: https://medium.com/authority-magazine/nick-standlea-of-test-prep-gurus-how-to-take-your-company-from-good-to-great-491ef2c53fb9   Ask questions. Don’t accept the status quo. Be curious.