Episode Description

Michelle shares her journey from being a school counselor to an independent educational consultant. She emphasizes the importance of gaining experience in working with students and pursuing a master's degree in education or school counseling. Michelle explains the difference between a school counselor and an educational consultant, highlighting her transition from one role to the other. She discusses the gap between where students are and where they should be in terms of achieving their aspirations, and the various factors that contribute to this gap. Michelle also talks about the evolution of her services, the scalability of her business, and the importance of content marketing and word-of-mouth referrals. The conversation covers various topics related to college admissions, including standardized testing, choosing the right college, and writing college essays. Michelle emphasizes the importance of understanding the role of standardized testing and helps families decide whether to take the tests or go for test-optional admissions. She also provides guidance on when to take the tests and which test to choose. Michelle discusses the misconception that selectivity equates to a better education and highlights the importance of finding a college that is the right fit for the student. She also addresses the decision-making process when choosing between Ivy League colleges and other schools that offer full scholarships. Michelle shares insights on college visits and advises students to focus on personal qualities and characteristics in their essays rather than academic achievements.