In this week’s episode…

In the News (1:50): Student advocacy groups are pushing to eliminate a question on the FAFSA application that is causing students each year to lose access to federal funding because of a drug related conviction and that has disproportionately affects students of color.

This article titled “New Push to Drop Drug Offenses as Barrier to Student Aid”, was written on March 7th, 2018 by Andrew KreighBaum and published in Insider Higher Ed.

In this week’s book discussion (8:52): of Chapter 9 of 171 Answers: to the Most-Asked College Admissions Questions, Mark brings a forward-thinking perspective by highlighting the projection of employment experts.

The projection states that for pre-kindergarten students right now, two-thirds of the jobs that will exist when they enter the workforce are not even on the radar today. What are the skills that will be absolutely required for these jobs of the future? What can you to ensure that your child is developing the job skills employers are looking for in the future? (Length 8:47)

This week’s question (17:39) was posed by a college counselor from Danville, Virginia.

He sought Mark’s advice about what she should be telling her students is the maximum amount of undergraduate college debt a student should acquire?. Mark shares his formula. Here is a hint; it is very customized to each unique situation. (Length 8:50 minutes)

We’re excited to have our first interview with Stephanie Espy (26:29) a leading test prep and STEM expert, an author, speaker and an entrepreneur.

Stephanie Espy is a leading test prep and STEM expert. Stephanie is the founder of the test prep and tutoring company, MathSP. Stephanie discusses opportunities that exist for students who select STEM careers. Stephanie also talks about the distinguishing features of MathSP. Stephanie shares what parents should look for in a test prep company. She discusses how she helps students decide whether to take the ACT or the SAT. She talks about the pros and cons of private test prep vs group test prep. She discusses her book clubs and her book, “Stem Gems” that features 44 leading women in 44 different STEM careers (http://stemgemsbook.com). To hear this interview go to 26:29 (47 minutes long).

Every episode of Your College-Bound Kid will align with a chapter from the book 171 Answers to the Most-Asked College Admission Questions. To get a copy visit 171answers.com and if you want to see what future episodes will cover just click the red button “See exactly what 171 Answers covers”.

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