How Hard is the ACT Test?
Okay. So let's dive right in and talk college admissions. It really can feel like a maze sometimes, wouldn't you say? Especially for parents.
Speaker 2:Absolutely.
Speaker 1:I mean, trying to help your kid through that whole process.
Speaker 2:Yeah. The sources you sent me, it's interesting. They They really highlight how tough it is emotionally Yeah. For families to deal with this. It's like it's not just about filling out the forms and meeting deadlines.
Speaker 2:Right? It's about Right. Parents really wanting the best for their kid and not not knowing how to get them there. Like
Speaker 1:It is. Yeah. And and it feels like there's this pressure, like this invisible pressure cooker almost Yeah. Where everybody's comparing, you know, their kids' achievements and the colleges they're aiming for.
Speaker 2:Mhmm.
Speaker 1:And then you add in the financial worries on top of it. Like, college costs are just astronomical these days. And then there's this sense of urgency Uh-huh. To make sure your kid's prepared for a future. Mhmm.
Speaker 1:Honestly, it feels like it's changing every single day.
Speaker 2:It really does. And that's why you see parents feeling so lost. Like, they're just drowning in information. But they don't know how to actually use it. Totally.
Speaker 2:They need somebody to break it down for them to say, this is what you need to focus on.
Speaker 1:Absolutely. And one source actually goes right to almost the scariest part for a lot of people. That ACT test.
Speaker 2:Oh, yeah.
Speaker 1:It's like the ultimate source of stress for both students and parents.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. I mean, the ACT or any standardized test for that matter, they're like these giant gatekeepers. They determine a kid's future, and the source does a really good job of breaking it down. Like, what's the structure of the test? What does each section actually test you on?
Speaker 2:Right. And how that time crunch can really throw students off.
Speaker 1:You keep coming back to time pressure. It seems like that's one of the biggest things Yeah. For a lot of students.
Speaker 2:And it makes sense because it's not just about knowing the material. Right? It's being able to apply it under pressure quickly. That's a whole other skill set.
Speaker 1:Exactly.
Speaker 2:And that's why this source
Speaker 1:Wow.
Speaker 2:Emphasizes practicing and, like, smart test taking strategies.
Speaker 1:Even simulating the real testing conditions, you know, timing yourself on practice questions to get used to that pace.
Speaker 2:That makes a lot of sense. And, you know, it's interesting because what's hard on the ACT for one student might be a breeze for another. It depends on their strengths, their learning styles
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:Even how much test anxiety they have.
Speaker 1:That is a very good point. Yeah. We can't assume Yeah. That everyone's gonna do well with the same approach. It's recognizing how each student is different and tailoring the approach.
Speaker 1:It's recognizing how each student is different and tailoring the approach. Yeah. That is key. So when it comes to the
Speaker 2:parents then,
Speaker 1:it seems like they're dealing
Speaker 2:with a lot all at the same time. You know, they have to manage their own anxieties. They're dealing with too much information. Yeah. And then they have to help their kids build too much information.
Speaker 2:Yeah. And then they have to help their
Speaker 1:kids
Speaker 2:build all these skills
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:And find the strategies to do well. It's a lot. It's a lot for everyone involved. Yeah. And that's where the idea of personalized guidance comes in.
Speaker 1:Right. Because a lot of families, they're looking for tailored solutions. Mhmm. Right? They're realizing that a generic approach isn't gonna cut it.
Speaker 2:Mhmm.
Speaker 1:So we've got parents who are stressed, kids who are stressed, the pressure of time, the hurdle of these standardized tests, and everybody's looking for help. I'd say that pretty much sums up the whole college admissions landscape. Right?
Speaker 2:That's a pretty good summary, I'd say. Yeah. It really highlights why people are so interested in new ways to approach this, especially ways that use technology to try to make this easier for families.
Speaker 1:Yeah. I was just thinking that because AI comes up a few times in these sources.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:But AI for college admissions, it sounds kinda futuristic.
Speaker 2:I know. Right? But it's real. There are platforms out there that can provide personalized support and guidance through the whole process. They use AI to analyze data to track your progress and to give you custom advice.
Speaker 1:So, like, instead of having to search through tons of information on their own, parents could have something that helps them make sense of it all. That would be huge.
Speaker 2:It would be huge, especially for families who can't afford to hire, like, a private college counselor.
Speaker 1:Yeah. That makes sense. So it sounds like the key here is personalization. It's not just giving the same advice to everybody. These AI systems learn about each student Right.
Speaker 1:Their interests, their strengths, their goals Mhmm. Even their learning style.
Speaker 2:Yeah. And then it tailors the advice to what that student needs.
Speaker 1:Okay. I can definitely see how that would be helpful. But what about the human element? Are we talking about replacing counselors with robots here?
Speaker 2:No. No. Not at all. It's not about eliminating human interaction. It's about enhancing it.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:So these AI platforms are developed and overseen by real people, experts in education and college admissions. They bring that human touch, and the AI helps personalize everything and streamline the process.
Speaker 1:So it's about combining the best of both worlds then, like human knowledge with what the AI can do with all that data to give more specific insights.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:Okay. But I'm still kinda curious. How does that actually work? Can you give me some examples?
Speaker 2:Sure. Remember we were talking about the stress of standardized testing earlier?
Speaker 1:Well, some AI platforms can help students prepare for the ACT. Uh-huh. And not just by giving practice questions. It actually analyzes their strengths and weaknesses Woah. And creates a study plan for that student.
Speaker 2:Wow. So instead of just memorizing things or doing practice test after practice test, you could have a tool that figures out exactly what you need to work on.
Speaker 1:Exactly. It's a much smarter approach.
Speaker 2:That's really cool. And it
Speaker 1:can help with the emotional side of things too. Like, if a student's feeling completely overwhelmed by all the parts of the application process, the AI tool can break it down into smaller steps Right. To make it seem more manageable
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:So they don't get so anxious.
Speaker 2:Which is huge Yeah. Because I think we all feel overwhelmed when we have a really big task in front of us. But if you break it down into smaller pieces Mhmm. Pieces Mhmm. It's a lot easier to deal with.
Speaker 1:Exactly.
Speaker 2:What about the financial part, though? Because college is such a big investment.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:That's gotta be really stressful for families.
Speaker 1:Oh, for sure. And that's another area Yeah. Where AI platforms are really helpful.
Speaker 2:They can help you figure out the actual cost of different colleges, like, not just tuition, but room and board and fees, books, travel expenses, all of it.
Speaker 1:Okay. That would've been a life saver for me. I remember feeling so lost Mhmm. When we were trying to figure out financial aid and
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:How we were gonna pay for everything.
Speaker 2:Yeah. It's tough. But these platforms can actually guide you through all of that. Wow. They can explain your different financial aid options, grants, loans, scholarships
Speaker 1:Oh, wow.
Speaker 2:Work study programs. They can even help you make a budget.
Speaker 1:That's amazing. So it sounds like these tools are almost like a safety net, especially for families who don't have, like, a college counselor or financial adviser.
Speaker 2:Yeah. That's the idea.
Speaker 1:That's really cool. But I'm still curious. Are these platforms meant to completely replace human guidance?
Speaker 2:Not really. I mean, it depends on the family, what they need and prefer.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Some families might find that the AI platform gives them everything they need. Other families might still wanna work with a human counselor.
Speaker 1:So it's more about having choices and
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Finding what works best for you. This is really interesting. But before we go too far down this road of AI and college admissions, what's the main thing parents should be thinking about here?
Speaker 2:I think the big takeaway is there's a shift happening in how we approach college admissions.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Technology and especially AI is becoming more and more and that's opening up all these new ways for families to get help and guidance.
Speaker 1:And it sounds like it's not just about getting into college either. It's about making the whole process less stressful
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 1:For everybody.
Speaker 2:Less stressful, more manageable for everyone. That's really the goal
Speaker 1:I like that.
Speaker 2:To empower students and parents, give them the information and resources they need so they can feel confident going through this.
Speaker 1:Absolutely. It's like taking control and finding the right path for your family Yes. Even when it feels like the system is working against you.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:That's a great message. But what can parents actually do right now? What advice would you give them?
Speaker 2:Well, based on these sources, I think the biggest thing is plan early Oh. And talk to your kids. Nope. Don't wait until the last minute to start thinking about college.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:Have these conversations early on. What are they interested in? What are their goals? What are they looking for in a college?
Speaker 1:I think that's such good advice. Yeah. It's so easy to get caught up in the whole application frenzy.
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 1:But if you start talking early
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:It makes the whole thing a lot less scary.
Speaker 2:Absolutely.
Speaker 1:Yeah. And it gives the kids a chance to think about what they really want
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:Not just what everybody else is doing.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:And don't forget about the other stuff too. Right? Like, extracurriculars and Yes. You know, developing those skills that you need to be successful in college and beyond.
Speaker 2:It's about nurturing the whole person, not just focusing on their grades.
Speaker 1:Right. I like that. And probably the most important thing is to remember to take care of yourself.
Speaker 2:Oh, yes.
Speaker 1:This whole college admissions process is so stressful. Make sure you and your kid are taking breaks
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Getting enough sleep. Uh-huh. Finding healthy ways to manage all that stress. That's so important. It is.
Speaker 1:Speaking of support, though, what about those AI platforms we're talking about? Are there any specific ones that parents should know about?
Speaker 2:There are. One that stands out is called College Journey. Okay. And they've developed an AI powered guide named Alice.
Speaker 1:Alice. That's interesting.
Speaker 2:Yeah. She's basically like a personalized college counselor
Speaker 1:Oh, wow.
Speaker 2:Who's available 247.
Speaker 1:Really?
Speaker 2:Yeah. She uses AI to get to know your child, like, what are they interested in, what are their grades, what are their goals, and then she can help them find colleges that would be a good fit.
Speaker 1:That's great.
Speaker 2:She'll also keep track of deadlines Okay. Help manage applications, even get into the world of financial aid and scholarships.
Speaker 1:Wow. So she really takes a lot of the guesswork out of it Yeah. Which will be huge for busy parents Yeah. Who don't have the time to become experts on college admissions.
Speaker 2:That's exactly the point.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:It's about empowering parents, giving them the tools and the information they need to support their kids.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:And it's about giving the students a plan Yeah. A road map to help them stay organized and motivated.
Speaker 1:I like that. And this kinda goes back to what we were talking about before about how important the emotional side of this is. It's not just about getting into any college.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:It's about finding the right place for your kid
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:And helping them get through the whole process
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:Without feeling completely overwhelmed.
Speaker 2:Yeah. And platforms like College Journey are incorporating features that are specifically designed to do that, like reduce stress and improve communication within the family, for example. They might have tools that help students break down big tasks into smaller steps. Right. That can be a really effective way to manage anxiety Yep.
Speaker 2:And get more done.
Speaker 1:Yeah. Because sometimes just having a plan and knowing where to start can make all the difference.
Speaker 2:I agree.
Speaker 1:But what about the financial stuff? College is so expensive. I know that's a big worry for a lot of parents.
Speaker 2:Of course. And College Journey has some pretty great tools for that too. They can help you understand the real cost of college, explore all the different ways to pay for it, and even search for scholarships that fit your child's profile.
Speaker 1:Mhmm.
Speaker 2:Like, imagine having a tool that could compare financial aid packages from different schools
Speaker 1:Wow.
Speaker 2:Or find scholarships that your kid didn't even know about. That can make a huge difference in making college affordable.
Speaker 1:Yeah. It really could.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:I wish I'd had something like that.
Speaker 2:Yeah. It would have been so helpful.
Speaker 1:Absolutely.
Speaker 2:And that's what's so exciting about these new technologies. They can make things more fair
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Give all families access to this kind of support and information.
Speaker 1:That's great. So as we're wrapping up here, what's the one message you'd like to leave with parents who are just starting out on this whole college admissions journey with their kids?
Speaker 2:I'd say the most important thing to remember is you are not alone in this.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:There are resources out there to help you every step of the way. K. Whether it's exploring platforms like College Journey, connecting with other parents
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:Or just taking the time to talk honestly with your kid. You don't have to figure this all out by yourself.
Speaker 1:I love that. And remember to breathe.
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 1:It's a journey, not a race. Take it one step at a time, celebrate the little wins, and remember that the goal is to help your child find their path
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 1:And start their adult life with confidence and a sense of purpose.
Speaker 2:That's beautiful.
Speaker 1:Thanks for joining me on this deep dive.
Speaker 2:It's been a pleasure.
Speaker 1:It's given us all a lot to think about.
Speaker 2:It has. Until next time. It really does feel like a tough landscape out there.
Speaker 1:Doesn't it? Yeah. Okay. So we were talking about AI, and I'm curious. Like, what role does it play in all of this?
Speaker 2:Well, it seems like there's a lot of interest in these new approaches Using technology
Speaker 1:Uh-huh.
Speaker 2:To help families figure all this out.
Speaker 1:And you're talking about AI specifically because that comes up a few times in these sources. Exactly. But using AI for something like college admissions
Speaker 2:Yeah. It sounds absolutely.
Speaker 1:Kind of
Speaker 2:futuristic. Right?
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:But it's actually becoming more and more common. Yeah. There are platforms out there that are using AI to provide support and guidance through the entire admissions process.
Speaker 1:So instead of parents having to do all the research themselves and try to make sense of all this information, they could have a tool that does some of that for them.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:That would be amazing.
Speaker 2:Especially for families who can't afford a private college counselor
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:It can really level the playing field.
Speaker 1:And the key here, you said, is personalization.
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 1:So it's not just giving everyone the same generic advice.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:These AI systems actually learn about each student.
Speaker 2:They do.
Speaker 1:Like, their interests and strengths, their goals, and even their learning style.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And then they tailor the advice to that specific student.
Speaker 1:Okay. That makes a lot of sense.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:But I have to ask, where does the human element fit into all of this? Are we talking about replacing human counselors with robots?
Speaker 2:No. No. Not at all. Okay. The idea isn't to get rid of human interaction.
Speaker 2:It's to make it better, more effective. These AI platforms are still developed and overseen by real people, experts in education and college admissions. Okay. They provide the human expertise. And then the AI helps to personalize and streamline the process.
Speaker 2:So it's more about combining the best of both worlds, human
Speaker 1:wisdom and AI's ability to analyze all that data.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:To give more personalized insights. Yeah. Okay. That makes sense. But how does it actually work in practice?
Speaker 1:Can you give me some examples?
Speaker 2:Sure. We were talking earlier about standardized testing and how stressful that can be.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:Well, some of these AI platforms are designed to help students prepare for tests like the ACT.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:But they don't just provide practice questions.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:They actually analyze the students' strengths and weaknesses
Speaker 1:Wow.
Speaker 2:To create a personalized study plan.
Speaker 1:So instead of just blindly working through practice tests, they could have a tool that tells them exactly what they need to focus on.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:That's so much smarter. It is. That's pretty amazing.
Speaker 2:And it can help with the emotional side of things too.
Speaker 1:Really?
Speaker 2:Yeah. Like, imagine a student is feeling completely overwhelmed by the whole application process.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:An AI powered tool could help them break down those tasks into smaller, more manageable steps
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:Which can really reduce their anxiety.
Speaker 1:Right. Because we've all been there.
Speaker 2:Mhmm.
Speaker 1:Feeling overwhelmed by a huge project or task
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:And breaking it down into smaller pieces makes it so much less daunting.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:But what about the financial piece of the puzzle? College is such a huge investment these days. It is. And that can be a major source of stress for families.
Speaker 2:Absolutely.
Speaker 1:So how do these AI platforms address that?
Speaker 2:Well, a lot of them are starting to incorporate financial planning tools that can help families estimate the true cost of different colleges Mhmm. Taking into account tuition fees, room and board, even things like books and travel expenses.
Speaker 1:That alone would be so helpful. I remember when I was applying to college, trying to figure out financial aid and how we were gonna pay for everything. It felt impossible.
Speaker 2:It's really complex.
Speaker 1:Like a maze.
Speaker 2:Yeah. And these platforms can help guide families through that maze Oh, wow. By explaining the different financial aid options, like grants, loans, scholarships, work study programs.
Speaker 1:Oh, that's great.
Speaker 2:They can even help you create a budget and a long term financial plan.
Speaker 1:It really sounds like these tools can be a lifeline for families, especially those who might not have access to a traditional college counselor or a financial adviser.
Speaker 2:That's the goal.
Speaker 1:That's incredible. But I'm still curious about the human touch. Are these platforms meant to replace human guidance entirely?
Speaker 2:Not necessarily. Okay. It really depends on the individual family Uh-huh. Their needs and preferences. Right.
Speaker 1:Some families might find that an AI
Speaker 2:platform is all they need. Others might still want the personal attention of a human counselor. So it's more about having options and finding the right fit
Speaker 1:for your family's situation. Smell really fascinating. But before we get too carried away talking about the future of college admissions, let's bring it back to the parents who are listening right now. What's the key takeaway for them? What should they be thinking about after hearing all of this?
Speaker 2:Well, I think the biggest takeaway is that there's a real shift happening in the college admissions landscape.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Technology, especially AI, is becoming more and more important. And it's creating new opportunities for families to get personalized support and guidance.
Speaker 1:And it sounds like these tools aren't just about getting into college.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:They're about making the whole journey less stressful and more manageable Exactly. For everyone involved.
Speaker 2:For everyone.
Speaker 1:That's a really important point.
Speaker 2:It's about empowering both students and parents, giving them the information and resources they need to navigate this process with confidence.
Speaker 1:That's a powerful message. Yeah. It's about taking control and finding the right path for your family even when it feels like the system is working against you. So what are some concrete steps parents can take right now based on what we've talked about?
Speaker 2:Well, one thing that stood out to me from these sources was the emphasis on early planning Okay. And open communication. Come again? Don't Don't wait until the last minute to start thinking about college. Start having conversations with your child early on
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:About their interests, their goals, what they're looking for in a college experience.
Speaker 1:I think that's such good advice. It's so easy to get caught up in the frenzy of applications and deadlines.
Speaker 2:It is.
Speaker 1:But if you start those conversations early Yeah. It can make the whole process feel a lot less overwhelming.
Speaker 2:And it gives your child a chance to really think about what they want, not just follow the crowd.
Speaker 1:Exactly. And it's not just about academics either. Right? Right. Like, encourage your child to explore their passions.
Speaker 2:Mhmm.
Speaker 1:Pursue extracurricular activities. Develop those soft skills that are so important for success
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 1:In college and beyond.
Speaker 2:It's about nurturing their whole selves, not just focusing on their grades.
Speaker 1:Absolutely. And I think probably the most important thing is to remember to take care of yourself.
Speaker 2:Oh, yeah.
Speaker 1:This whole college admissions process can be incredibly stressful. It can. So make sure you and your child are taking breaks Yeah. Getting enough sleep, and finding healthy ways to manage that stress.
Speaker 2:It's essential.
Speaker 1:It really is. And speaking of support, I'm curious about these AI powered platforms we were talking about. Are there any specific tools out there Mhmm. That parents should be aware of?
Speaker 2:There are. One platform that really stands out is called College Journey. College Journey.
Speaker 1:Okay. It's
Speaker 2:called College Journey, and they've developed this AI powered guide named Alice.
Speaker 1:Alice. Yeah. K. Tell me more about that.
Speaker 2:Well, she's, like, having a personalized college counselor What? But available 247.
Speaker 1:Oh, wow.
Speaker 2:She uses AI to get to know your child, their interests, their grades, their goals, and then she can help them find colleges that would be a good fit.
Speaker 1:Wow. So she really does take a lot of that pressure off of parents, the pressure of having to become an expert on all things college admissions Ex especially for busy parents who don't have a ton of time
Speaker 2:That's exactly the point.
Speaker 1:To research all this stuff.
Speaker 2:Yeah. It's about giving parents the tools they need so they can really support their kids in the best way possible.
Speaker 1:And it's about giving the students a road map so they know what to do and when to do it.
Speaker 2:And to help them stay motivated throughout the whole process.
Speaker 1:Right. Because it can be such a long and overwhelming process. And this really ties back to what we were talking about earlier, about the emotional side of college admissions. It's not just about getting into any college. It's about finding the right place for your child
Speaker 2:Mhmm.
Speaker 1:And helping them manage all the stress that comes with it. Absolutely. And it sounds like College Journey is really paying attention to that.
Speaker 2:They are they're incorporating features that are designed to reduce stress and improve communication within the family.
Speaker 1:Okay. So for example?
Speaker 2:Well, they might have tools that help students break down those overwhelming tasks
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:Into smaller, more manageable steps, which can really help with anxiety and help them get more done.
Speaker 1:Right. Because sometimes just having a plan Mhmm. Knowing where to start can make a huge difference.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:What about the financial side of things? College is such a big investment these days, and I know that's a huge concern for a lot of parents.
Speaker 2:It is. And College Journey has a really comprehensive approach to financial planning.
Speaker 1:Oh, good.
Speaker 2:They offer tools that help families understand the true cost of college
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Explore different financing options Mhmm. And even search for scholarships that match your child's profile.
Speaker 1:Wow. So you could have a tool that compares financial aid packages from different schools Mhmm. Or helps you find scholarships that you didn't even know existed.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:That can make a huge difference
Speaker 2:It really could.
Speaker 1:In making college more affordable.
Speaker 2:Absolutely.
Speaker 1:I wish I had had something like that when I was applying to college.
Speaker 2:I know. It would have been so helpful. Seriously. And that's what's so exciting about these new technologies. They have the potential to make things more equitable Right.
Speaker 2:And give all families access to this kind of support and information.
Speaker 1:That's a great point. So as we wrap up this deep dive, what's the one message you wanna leave with parents Yeah. Who are just starting out on this college admissions journey with their kids?
Speaker 2:I would say the most important thing is to remember that you're not alone in this.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:There are resources available to support you every step of the way. Good. Whether it's exploring platforms like College Journey, connecting with other parents, or or just taking the time to have honest conversations with your child.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:You don't have to figure this all out by yourself.
Speaker 1:That's such a great message. And remember to breathe. It's a journey, not a race.
Speaker 2:That's right.
Speaker 1:Take it one step at a time. Celebrate the small victories. And remember that the ultimate goal is to help your child find their path and launch into adulthood with confidence and a sense of purpose.
Speaker 2:Well said.
Speaker 1:Thanks for joining me on this deep dive. It's given us all a lot to think about.
Speaker 2:It's been my pleasure.
Speaker 1:And to all of you listening out there, thanks for tuning in.
Speaker 2:Until next time.
