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🎥 Mastering Time Management Over the Summer How to Stay Productive While Balancing Fun and

👤 Channel: College Admissions Counselors - egelloC
⏱️ Duration: 44:42
🔗 Watch on YouTube

📚 Video Chapters (11 chapters):

• Welcome and Summer Goal Setting Overview - 0:00
• Why Most Students Waste Summer Without Realizing It - 2:00
• Setting SMART Goals and Avoiding Vague Plans - 4:30
• Energy Management... Finding Activities That Refill Your Tank - 8:00
• The Discovery Zone: Trying New Things Without Pressure - 10:00
• Planning Your Perfect Week... Structure with Flexibility - 13:00
• Avoiding Burnout While Still Being Productive - 16:00
• Making Time for Fun Without Guilt - 18:30
• Accountability Tools and Support Systems - 21:00
• Building a Summer You Can Actually Feel Proud Of - 23:00
• Final Takeaways and Free Resources - 25:00

Overview

Summer break can feel like a crossroads—relax and recharge, or hustle to get
ahead? This video tackles the challenge students (and their families) face: how
to make the most of summer without burning out, all while building experiences
that make you stand out in college admissions. If you want to balance
productivity, passion, and rest, this guide gives you the tools to design a
summer you’ll feel proud of—and actually enjoy.

The Challenge & Why It Matters

The Core Problem: Most students either "waste" their summer by doing little
of value, or overload themselves trying to stack up achievements—often leading
to stress or burnout. The result? Missed opportunities for growth, exploration,
and meaningful experiences that college admissions officers and future employers
care about.

Why You Should Care: Summers are the prime time to differentiate yourself.
During the school year, most students take similar classes and join the same
clubs. Summer is your chance to break away from the pack, show initiative, and
explore interests that align with your future goals. Universities are looking
for students who show curiosity, problem-solving, and initiative—traits you can
develop and demonstrate through intentional summer planning.

Strategic Framework

The presenters share a holistic, actionable framework for summer success,
emphasizing:

• Balance: Productive summers don’t mean all work, no play. The sweet spot is where growth and fun meet.
• Intentionality: Set clear, specific goals (using the SMART framework) and choose activities that genuinely energize you.
• Personal Projects: Focus on "personal projects" or "passion projects" that solve real-world problems and connect to your interests.
• Double Diamond Approach: Borrowed from tech innovation, this method helps you identify a problem area, narrow your focus, brainstorm solutions, and implement them through iteration.
• Energy Management: Prioritize activities that refill your tank, not just your resume.
• Reflection & Iteration: Regularly check in with yourself to reflect, adjust, and keep your summer both productive and restorative.

Implementation Steps & Strategies

1. Assess Your Goals & Interests

• Identify Strengths, Weaknesses, and Gaps: What are your academic or personal areas for growth? Where can you showcase strengths or fill in gaps?
• Align with Major or Career Interests: Choose activities that connect to your future aspirations—even if you’re still exploring.

2. Select Academics and Activities Strategically

Academics:
- Dual Enrollment Courses: Take community college classes to show you can handle college-level work.
- Online AP (UC Scout): Fill gaps in your transcript, especially for majors like engineering or science.
- Enrichment Programs: Attend summer camps, research programs, or university-sponsored events—but focus on what you learn, not just the prestige.
- Standardized Test Prep: Only if you’re applying to schools that require it; otherwise, focus on other growth areas.

Activities:
- Personal Projects: Use the Double Diamond Approach to tackle a problem you care about (see below).
- Clubs, Sports, Volunteering, Internships: Choose activities that genuinely interest and energize you.
- Competitions or Tournaments: Great for demonstrating initiative and passion.

3. The Double Diamond Approach to Personal Projects

1. Discover: Observe, research, and learn about a broad problem area.
2. Define: Narrow down to a specific problem you want to solve.
3. Develop: Brainstorm multiple solutions; consider them all.
4. Deliver: Choose one solution, implement it, and iterate based on results.

Example: You notice litter at your local beach (discover), define the
problem as a lack of awareness about recycling (define), brainstorm clean-up
events, social media campaigns, and more bins (develop), then run a campaign and
refine your approach based on results (deliver).

4. Set SMART Goals

• Specific: What, exactly, do you want to achieve?
• Measurable: How will you track progress?
• Achievable: Is it realistic for the summer?
• Relevant: Does it align with your interests and goals?
• Time-bound: Set deadlines and milestones.

Example: “I’ll review SAT math for 30 minutes every weekday at 10 a.m.”

5. Manage Your Energy

• Audit Your Activities: List daily/weekly tasks and note which energize or drain you.
• Design Your Schedule: Mix energy-generating and energy-draining activities. Batch low-energy tasks and schedule breaks.
• Include Discovery Time: Leave room for new experiences, learning, and reflection.

6. Build in Accountability & Reflection

• Weekly Check-ins: Ask yourself—What went well? What can improve? What will I focus on next week?
• Journaling: Reflect on your progress, feelings, and learnings.
• Iterate: Don’t be afraid to adjust your goals or project based on what you learn.

Expert Tips & Advanced Techniques

• Quantify Your Impact: In personal projects, use numbers to show results (e.g., “Recruited 20 volunteers, removed 50 lbs of trash”).
• Start Early and Iterate: Projects that grow over years stand out more than last-minute efforts.
• Get Others Involved: Leadership and collaboration impress admissions officers.
• Optimize for Your Productive Hours: Schedule the most important work when you feel most energetic.
• Intentional Rest: Schedule downtime and fun as deliberately as you do work.
• Microlearning: Use short, focused blocks (e.g., 25 minutes) to lower the barrier to starting big tasks.

Real-World Examples & Case Studies

• Personal Project Example: A student concerned about beach litter uses the Double Diamond method—researches the problem, defines a specific issue, brainstorms solutions, and leads a successful awareness campaign that quantifiably reduces litter.
• Academic Differentiation: Taking AP Physics 2 online (when your school only offers 1 and C) to demonstrate advanced interest in engineering.
• Internship Success: Joining an 8-week virtual startup internship, even with no prior work experience, to gain practical skills and mentorship.

Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them

• Vague or Generic Goals: Avoid “I want to be productive this summer.” Instead, set SMART goals with specifics.
• Over-scheduling and Burnout: Don’t try to do everything. Prioritize, and keep balance between work and rest.
• “Busywork” Projects: Projects with no clear outcome, reflection, or connection to your interests won’t stand out.
• Copycat Activities: Avoid projects that are too similar to what everyone else is doing. Go beyond your school’s walls.
• Neglecting Reflection: Without reflecting on your progress and energy, you risk repeating the same mistakes or burning out.

Tools, Resources & Next Steps

• Journaling: Use a notebook or digital app for weekly reflections.
• UC Scout: For online AP courses.
• SMART Goal Planners: Printable templates or apps for goal-setting.
• Atomic Habits by James Clear: Recommended reading on how environment shapes productivity and identity.
• Coaching & Mentorship: Take advantage of free 15-minute coaching sessions or research/internship programs if offered.
• Community: Surround yourself with supportive peers or mentors who share your drive.

To access notes, replays, or schedule coaching sessions, text the provided
number as described in the video.

Self-Assessment & Reflection

Ask yourself weekly:
- What activities energized me? Which ones drained me?
- Did I move closer to my goals? How do I know?
- What did I learn about myself, my interests, or my working style?
- What’s one thing I’ll change for next week?
- Am I making space for both growth and rest?

Empowering Takeaway

You have the power to design a summer that’s uniquely yours—one that propels you
toward your dreams, builds confidence, and leaves you recharged for the year
ahead. By setting intentional goals, managing your energy, and reflecting on
your journey, you’ll not only stand out to colleges, but also discover what
truly motivates and excites you. Don’t aim for a “perfect” plan—aim for a summer
you can look back on with pride, knowing you grew, learned, and had fun along
the way.

Ready to get started? Pick one actionable step from this guide, and put it on
your calendar today. Your best summer yet is within reach!

🎥 Passion Projects That Impress Turning... Ideas into Impact

👤 Channel: College Admissions Counselors - egelloC
⏱️ Duration: 42:11
🔗 Watch on YouTube

📚 Video Chapters (11 chapters):

• Welcome and why passion projects matter - 0:00
• Myth busting... You don’t need a nonprofit - 2:00
• The real goal... discovering your why and how - 4:00
• Mind mapping your identity, interests, and values - 7:00
• Defining your problem... not your solution - 10:00
• Conducting user interviews and gathering insight - 13:00
• Building a simple MVP that solves a real problem - 16:00
• Measuring success... usage, impact, and feedback - 20:00
• Documenting your process and personal growth - 24:00
• Using your project in essays and scholarship applications - 28:00
• Final tips for students starting from scratch - 30:00

Overview

This webinar, led by college admissions expert Coach Victor, covers how high
school students can create and leverage impactful passion projects to stand out
in college applications. The session demystifies common misconceptions, outlines
a step-by-step approach to designing meaningful projects, and provides
actionable strategies for documenting and showcasing these experiences
effectively in essays and applications.

Main Topics Covered

• The importance of passion projects for college admissions
• Common myths (e.g., needing a nonprofit)
• Discovering your authentic interests and motivations
• Mind mapping identity, interests, and values
• Defining and understanding the real problem
• Conducting user interviews and research
• The Double Diamond approach to problem-solving
• Building a Minimum Viable Project (MVP)
• Measuring project success and impact
• Documenting process and personal growth
• Showcasing your project in college and scholarship essays
• Final practical tips and Q&A

Key Takeaways & Insights

• Why Passion Projects Matter: Admissions officers care more about your motivation (“why” and “how”) than the scale or impressiveness of what you did. Genuine initiative, problem-solving, and real-world skills are highly valued.
• You Don’t Need a Nonprofit: Starting a nonprofit is unnecessary and often seen as parent-driven; small, authentic projects are more impactful if well articulated.
• Discovery is Key: The primary purpose of a passion project is self-discovery—to explore interests and confirm (or reject) potential college majors or career paths before committing.
• Process Over Product: The journey—identifying a problem, researching, ideating, testing, and refining—is more important than the final outcome.
• Impact Over Innovation: It’s less about doing something radically new and more about addressing a real problem with thoughtful intent.
• Document Everything: Careful documentation of your process, learnings, and measurable impact is crucial for application essays.

Actionable Strategies

1. Reflect & Mind Map: Start with a mind map of your interests, values, strengths, and hobbies to identify authentic project ideas.
2. Define a Specific Problem: Focus on a problem you genuinely care about, not just a solution you want to build.
3. Conduct User Interviews: Talk to people affected by the problem to deeply understand their experiences, needs, and pain points.
4. Double Diamond Approach:
5. First diamond: Research and define the problem.
6. Second diamond: Ideate and build solutions.
7. Start Small (MVP): Build a minimum viable project—a simple, testable
   version—rather than a huge initiative.
8. Iterate and Gather Feedback: Test your solution, gather user feedback,
   and make improvements.
9. Measure Impact: Track both quantitative (e.g., number of participants)
   and qualitative (e.g., changed behavior) outcomes.
10. Document Process & Growth: Record your journey, thought process, and
    personal growth for use in essays.
11. Collaborate: Work with peers, mentors, or the target community to enhance
    solutions.
12. Connect to Future Goals: Articulate how the project shaped your
    interests and what you hope to learn in college.

Specific Details & Examples

• Myth Busting: 90% of time, admissions officers know parent involvement drives student nonprofits.
• Major Exploration: 80% of students change their major at least once; those who explore beforehand are less likely to switch.
• User Interview Example: For teachers struggling with grading, ask them about their workflow and pain points to identify real needs.
• User Persona Example: Farm workers with back pain—demographics, motivations, and challenges help tailor solutions.
• Measuring Success: For a mental health awareness event, success might be measured by attendance, engagement, and participant feedback.
• Documentation Example: Include specific numbers and evidence of impact in your application, not just descriptions of your project.

Warnings & Common Mistakes

• Don’t Focus on Solutions First: Avoid building something just because it seems innovative; deeply understand the problem first.
• Avoid Overly Large Projects: Don’t aim for a huge, unmanageable project; small, well-executed projects are better.
• Don’t Skip Sharing: Projects that aren’t shared with the intended community or users lack real-world impact.
• Don’t Ignore Reflection: Failing to articulate what you learned and why you want to pursue further study can weaken your application.
• Don’t Just List Achievements: Applications should tell a coherent story, not just itemize accomplishments.

Resources & Next Steps

• Notes & Replay: Text “notes and replay” to 949-775-0865 for a copy of the session.
• Free Coaching Session: Text “coach” to 949-775-0865 for a complimentary 15-minute coaching session (not a sales call).
• Office Hours: Eagle community members can attend office hours on Thursdays, 4–5 p.m., for personalized help.
• Use Projects in Essays: Passion projects can be featured in personal insight questions, supplemental essays, and personal statements, especially for prompts like “Why our school?” or “How will you contribute?”
• Further Support: Contact Eagle for project reviews or questions about the incubator program.

This summary provides a clear roadmap for students (and parents) to
conceptualize, execute, and effectively present passion projects in the college
admissions process.

🎥 What to Do If You Missed FAFSA or Got Less Aid Than Expected

👤 Channel: College Admissions Counselors - egelloC
⏱️ Duration: 18:45
🔗 Watch on YouTube

📚 Video Chapters (9 chapters):

• Welcome and why financial aid timing matters - 0:00
• Overview of FAFSA, CSS Profile, and IDOC - 2:00
• What happens if you miss the deadline - 4:30
• How aid is processed... UC versus private colleges - 6:30
• Why early submission can backfire - 8:30
• Real family examples... mistakes and recoveries - 11:00
• What to include in an aid appeal - 13:00
• FAFSA strategy vs. CSS strategy - 15:30
• How asset disclosure changes your package - 18:00

Overview

This video, led by Coach David—a seasoned college admissions and financial aid
expert—focuses on the importance of understanding and strategically navigating
financial aid deadlines for college. It covers the nuances of various forms
(FAFSA, CSS Profile, IDOC), explains how timing and the type of information
disclosed can impact aid offers, and provides actionable tips and real-life
examples to help families maximize their financial aid packages.

Main Topics Covered

• The significance of financial aid deadlines and timing
• Overview and differences between FAFSA, CSS Profile, and IDOC
• How college-specific deadlines vary and why generalizations can be risky
• Strategic timing for submitting financial aid documents
• Differences in aid processing between public (UC, CSU) and private colleges
• The impact of asset and income disclosure on aid eligibility
• Real-life family case studies and common mistakes
• Practical strategies for appealing aid and maximizing eligibility
• Resources and programs for further support

Key Takeaways & Insights

• Deadlines Matter, But Are Not Uniform: Each college sets its own financial aid deadlines, and missing them can jeopardize aid eligibility or delay offers, making it difficult to compare packages before committing to a school.
• Be Strategic with Submissions: Submitting financial aid forms (especially FAFSA and CSS Profile) should be strategic—timing and the level of detail in asset/income disclosure can significantly impact the amount and type of aid offered.
• More Disclosure Can Mean Less Aid: Private schools often require more detailed financial disclosures (assets, home equity, business values), which can reduce aid. Public schools may rely more heavily on income alone.
• Early Isn’t Always Better: Submitting forms on the first available day (e.g., October 1st for FAFSA) can lead to technical problems and may not always be ideal, especially for families applying to a mix of public and private colleges.
• Aid Appeals Are Possible: Families can appeal aid decisions, but knowing what information to include and how to present it is key.
• Professional Guidance Can Help: Expert support or program participation can help families avoid costly mistakes and maximize aid.

Actionable Strategies

1. Research Each College’s Deadlines: Don’t rely on general advice—check each college’s financial aid deadlines on their official websites.
2. Submit Forms Strategically:
3. Align your financial aid submissions with your application deadlines, but be mindful of each college’s unique requirements.
4. For families with complex finances (multiple assets, business ownership, etc.), consider delaying the CSS Profile submission (if possible) until after public university aid offers are received.
5. Don’t Rush for the First Day: Wait a week or two after the FAFSA opens to avoid technical issues and ensure a smoother submission process.
6. Appeal When Needed: If the aid offer is less than expected, gather
   supporting documentation (e.g., changes in income, medical expenses) and submit
   a formal appeal.
7. Consult an Expert: For families with more complicated financial
   scenarios, working with a college financial aid expert can help optimize
   strategies and avoid mistakes.

Specific Details & Examples

• Recent Legal News: A lawsuit involving 40 colleges accused of colluding to limit aid and favor wealthier students is ongoing; past settlements have involved hundreds of millions of dollars.
• UC/CSU Deadlines: Technical deadline is April 1st, but waiting that long risks not having aid offers before the May 1 college decision deadline. The process opens in October; best practice is to submit by late November.
• Case Study 1: Family with $350k income and $1.4 million in assets received $30K–$37K in aid from private colleges.
• Case Study 2: Family with $440k income and $2 million in assets received $42K/year at Baylor.
• Case Study 3: Family with $230k income and $800k in assets received $32K+ at UC Davis.
• FAFSA vs CSS Profile: FAFSA focuses on income; CSS Profile asks for detailed information on assets, including home equity and retirement, which can reduce aid eligibility.

Warnings & Common Mistakes

• Assuming Ineligibility: Don’t assume you won’t qualify for aid because you own a home, have a higher income, or have assets—every situation is different.
• Missing Deadlines: Failing to submit forms on time can result in losing aid eligibility or not having offers to compare by decision time.
• Submitting Too Early: Turning in forms on the first day may lead to technical problems or not be the best move for families applying to multiple types of schools.
• Providing Too Much Information Too Soon: Submitting all financial details (especially to private schools) too early may reduce your aid eligibility at public schools.
• Lack of Strategy: Not understanding the implications of each form and deadline can result in leaving money on the table.

Resources & Next Steps

• Consultation: Coach David offers consultations and a special bonus for live attendees. QR codes and text numbers are provided for sign-up.
• Text Support: Text "money" to 949-775-865 for financial aid programs, or "college" for application/intensive coaching.
• Self-Paced Kickstart Program: For students not yet in the application accelerator, a self-paced starter program is available.
• Family Support Programs: Ongoing support and coaching are available through Eagle Lock and associated programs.
• Stay Informed: Attendees are encouraged to reach out with specific topics for future presentations or to ask questions.

This summary captures the essential insights, strategies, and practical advice
from the video, equipping families to navigate college financial aid with
greater confidence and success.

🎥 Ask Coach Tony Anything

👤 Channel: College Admissions Counselors - egelloC
⏱️ Duration: 58:24
🔗 Watch on YouTube

Overview

This video features Coach Tony from Eagle Lock conducting a live Q&A session
across multiple platforms for students and parents navigating the college
admissions process. Drawing on his experience as a former UC Berkeley admissions
reader and UCLA director, Coach Tony addresses common questions about college
applications, course selection, testing strategies, and more, offering practical
tips and real-world examples.

Main Topics Covered

• How many colleges students should apply to and how to categorize choices (reach, target, safety)
• Recommended science and math courses for students interested in medical fields
• Extracurricular activities: choosing between passion and perceived admissions value
• Dual enrollment, AP credits, and transfer vs. first-year status
• Pathways and requirements for transferring from community college to four-year universities
• SAT/ACT testing strategies and timelines, including test-optional and test-blind policies
• Maximizing the value of internships and summer experiences for applications
• Filling out the UC activities section strategically
• Differences between UC and Cal State applications (essays, activities, requirements)
• The significance of being in the top 9% (ELC) of your high school
• How to select classes each year of high school for competitive college admissions

Key Takeaways & Insights

• No Set Number of Colleges: While there is no strict limit, most students apply to 10–15 colleges, ensuring a balanced mix of reach, target, and safety schools.
• Categorizing Schools: Use your GPA and test scores relative to college averages and look at acceptance rates to classify schools as safety, target, or reach.
• Course Recommendations: For medical fields, prioritize AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, and advanced math (at least Calculus BC, ideally higher).
• Extracurriculars: Choose activities based on genuine interest, not just for college applications. Colleges care more about “why” you pursue something than “what” you do.
• Dual Enrollment & AP Credits: Understand the distinction between transfer and first-year status based on when you take college courses relative to high school graduation. Double-check how AP and dual enrollment credits are applied at each institution.
• Testing Strategies: SAT/ACT prep should be timed according to your target schools’ policies (required, optional, or blind). Focus your study efforts only if your scores could significantly impact your application.
• Strategic Application Filling: Use UC’s 20 activity slots creatively, breaking down roles or achievements into different categories (extracurriculars, awards, volunteering, etc.).
• Transfer Pathways: Transfers from community college are more common and feasible than four-year-to-four-year transfers, which are more challenging.
• Class Selection: Maximize rigor each year, especially in subjects aligned with your intended major. Dual enrollment can help accelerate your progress and potentially save on college tuition.
• Top 9% (ELC): Being in the top 9% of your high school (California) may guarantee UC admission, but not to top campuses. It’s a safety net, not a golden ticket.
• Internships/Summer Activities: Value is derived from what you learn and how you contribute, not just the prestige or duration of the opportunity.

Actionable Strategies

• Balance School List: Apply to a mix of reach, target, and safety schools. Use your GPA/test scores and college statistics to guide your categorization.
• Course Planning: Work backward from your goals. If aiming for selective colleges and STEM fields, plan to reach advanced math and science courses by senior year, using summer classes if necessary.
• Activity Selection: Focus on activities you enjoy and those related to your potential major. Don’t force yourself into activities solely for admissions.
• SAT/ACT Prep: Take the PSAT without studying to gauge your baseline. Only invest in SAT/ACT prep if your target schools require or highly value scores and if you can realistically reach their average range.
• UC Activities Section: Divide your involvement in a club into leadership, awards, service, etc., to maximize your activity slots.
• Internship Engagement: Be proactive—reach out to professionals, ask for more responsibilities, and document what you learn for application essays.
• Dual Enrollment: Start early to accumulate college credits, potentially saving on tuition and accelerating your college timeline.
• Compare Locally: When assessing your competitiveness, compare yourself primarily to the top students at your high school, as admissions readers do.

Specific Details & Examples

• Student Case: One student applied to 47 colleges in a year—Coach Tony does not recommend this due to the immense workload (essays, applications).
• AP vs. College Courses: AP classes are year-long with an exam for potential credit; college courses are semester-long with guaranteed credit upon passing.
• SAT Benchmarks: You can typically improve about 100 points per month of focused study. High PSAT (1450+) justifies more investment in prep for National Merit.
• UC Activities Example: A Key Club member could list leadership under extracurriculars, volunteering under community service, and awards from competitions under honors.
• ELC Identification: After submitting the UC app, you can check if you qualify for ELC by looking for a checked box in your application review screen.
• Summer Acceleration: Taking dual enrollment classes each semester from 9th grade could allow a student to enter college with sophomore standing or even graduate early.

Warnings & Common Mistakes

• Don’t Overapply: Applying to too many colleges leads to burnout and excessive essay writing.
• Don’t Do Activities Just for Admissions: Pursuing activities solely for their perceived value to colleges can result in unhappiness and lackluster applications.
• Misunderstanding Transfer Status: Taking college classes after high school graduation can change your status to transfer, which has different requirements.
• Ignoring School-Specific Policies: AP and dual enrollment credits are not universally accepted—always confirm with each college.
• Neglecting Rigor in Senior Year: Slacking off in 12th grade can hurt your application, especially for selective schools.
• Test Prep Overinvestment: Don’t spend excessive time on SAT/ACT if your target schools are test-blind or your score won’t reach the competitive range.

Resources & Next Steps

• Eagle Lock Platform: Submit questions at eaglelock.com/asktony for future Q&As.
• YouTube Channel: Past student interviews and breakdowns of UC PIQs and other admissions strategies.
• Last Week's PIQ Breakdown: Request access to previous sessions for detailed essay strategies.
• Follow Weekly Q&As: Participate in live sessions or submit questions in advance.
• School Websites: Always verify AP/dual enrollment credit policies and transfer requirements.
• National Merit Information: For high PSAT scorers, research the requirements for scholarships.

🎥 The Digital Portfolio That Gets Students Accepted to Top Art, Engineering, and Business Programs

👤 Channel: College Admissions Counselors - egelloC
⏱️ Duration: 21:45
🔗 Watch on YouTube

📚 Video Chapters (15 chapters):

• Welcome and who this training is for - 0:00
• Majors that usually require a portfolio - 2:00
• Majors that usually do not - 4:00
• How the digital portfolio process works - 5:30
• Why recommended portfolios are not really optional - 7:00
• Who reviews your portfolio and what they look for - 8:00
• The impact of portfolio strength on admission outcomes - 10:00
• Real examples... 4.0 GPA student rejected vs. B student admitted - 11:30
• Strategy 1... Quality over quantity - 13:00
• Strategy 2... Tell the story behind the work - 14:00
• Strategy 3... Follow the format and deadlines for each school - 15:00
• Technical tips for file formats, links, and uploads - 17:00
• Why you should get feedback early—but stay true to your voice - 18:00
• How to start building your portfolio this summer - 19:30
• Final takeaways and student Q&A - 20:00

Overview

This video, led by Coach Tony, provides a comprehensive guide on preparing and
submitting digital portfolios for college admissions, specifically targeting
students applying to majors that typically require portfolios. It covers which
fields need portfolios, how the process works, key strategies for creating a
strong submission, common pitfalls to avoid, and actionable steps for high
school students.

Main Topics Covered

• Identification of majors that require digital portfolios
• Explanation of the digital portfolio process in college admissions
• Differences between required, recommended, and optional portfolios
• Who evaluates portfolios and what they look for
• The impact of portfolio quality on admissions outcomes
• Common mistakes and technical requirements
• Strategic advice for building and submitting portfolios
• Timeline management and deadline planning
• Importance of feedback and staying authentic
• Q&A addressing the selection of works by year

Key Takeaways & Insights

• Portfolios are essential for certain majors: Students applying to creative, design, performance, and select technology fields often need to submit digital portfolios as part of their application. For other majors, portfolios are neither required nor considered.
• Portfolio strength outweighs academic stats: In portfolio-based admissions, the quality of your portfolio can be the deciding factor, sometimes even outweighing GPA or test scores.
• Recommended portfolios are not really optional: If a school "recommends" a portfolio, treat it as required for competitive applicants.
• Every school has different requirements: Tailor each portfolio to the specific school and major; do not submit the same content everywhere.
• Quality and story matter more than quantity: A well-curated portfolio showing growth, skill development, and personal story will stand out.
• Deadlines and technical compliance are critical: Missing deadlines or failing to follow technical specifications can result in automatic disqualification.
• Start early and seek feedback: Begin building your portfolio in advance, get input from experts, but ensure your authentic voice remains.

Actionable Strategies

1. Identify Portfolio Requirements Early: Research each school and major to determine if a portfolio is required, recommended, or optional.
2. Create a Tracking Spreadsheet: List each school's portfolio requirements, formats, deadlines, and specific instructions.
3. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity: Select 10–15 of your best and most representative works (or as required by each school), focusing on growth and range.
4. Tell Your Story: For each piece, describe the context, challenges, your
   creative process, and personal growth. Treat your portfolio like a narrative of
   your development.
5. Customize for Each School: Follow each school’s instructions exactly
   regarding number, format, and type of works.
6. Manage Deadlines Strategically: Submit portfolios well before the
   deadline (e.g., 1–2 weeks early) to avoid last-minute issues.
7. Ensure Technical Perfection: Use the correct file types, sizes, and links
   as specified; test everything before submitting.
8. Seek Early Feedback: Consult teachers, professionals, or college students
   in your field for constructive criticism.
9. Stay Authentic: Incorporate feedback, but make sure the final product
   reflects your unique voice and style.
10. Start Gathering Works Now: Begin collecting and organizing potential
    portfolio pieces throughout high school.

Specific Details & Examples

• Majors That Usually Require Portfolios: Graphic design, fashion design, interior/industrial design, photography, film, animation, architecture, creative writing, theater, music, dance, media studies, journalism, and some technology fields like game design and digital media.
• Majors That Do Not Require Portfolios: Premed, biology, chemistry, physics, math, history, psychology, business, engineering, law, nursing, accounting, etc.
• Portfolio Reviewers: Faculty and experts in the specific field, not general admissions officers.
• GPA vs. Portfolio Example: Cases cited where a 4.0 GPA student was rejected due to a weak portfolio, while a B student with a strong portfolio was accepted.
• Typical Submission Range: 10–15 works is average, but always follow the specific school's requirement.
• Timeline Tips: Early action schools—apply by October 1st; UC schools—by November 1st; private schools—by December 1st.
• Technical Tools: Free online tools are available to compress or convert files as needed.

Warnings & Common Mistakes

• Do not submit a portfolio if your major doesn’t require it—it won’t help and wastes your time.
• Missing deadlines is fatal—late submissions are not considered due to competitiveness.
• Ignoring instructions (e.g., wrong file type/size, too many or too few works) can lead to automatic rejection.
• Using a one-size-fits-all portfolio—each school has unique requirements; failure to customize can hurt your chances.
• Overloading with quantity over quality—including too much can dilute your impact.
• Relying entirely on feedback and losing your voice—make sure the work still represents you.
• Submitting outdated work without recent examples—most schools prefer high school work.

Resources & Next Steps

• Create an organizational spreadsheet to track requirements and deadlines for each school.
• Gather and curate works starting now, not just in senior year.
• Use free online tools for file conversion and compression.
• Seek out mentors and teachers for feedback on your portfolio.
• Contact admissions offices if portfolio requirements are unclear.
• Ask for the session’s reference document from the team if attending live or via replay.
• Future training and support: Join additional sessions or reach out to Coach Tony’s team for more personalized help.

Overview

This video, led by Coach David, is a comprehensive training session for parents
of college-bound students, focusing on how parents can best support their
children through the college admissions and financial aid processes. The session
covers the latest updates in financial aid, actionable strategies for parents,
common pitfalls to avoid, and resources for further support. The emphasis is on
fostering student independence, staying informed, and maintaining healthy family
relationships during this pivotal time.

Main Topics Covered

• The parent’s role in the college admissions process
• Latest updates and changes in financial aid (including breaking news)
• Importance of student ownership and independence
• Practical organizational strategies for families
• Healthy communication and relationship dynamics between parents and students
• Understanding and planning for college costs
• Resources, events, and programs for additional support

Key Takeaways & Insights

• Students, not parents, are going to college: It's essential for students to take ownership of their application and admissions journey, marking a significant step toward adulthood.
• Parents should be informed supporters, not overbearing managers: Parents play a critical support role but should avoid micromanaging or projecting their own preferences onto their children.
• Stay up-to-date with admissions and financial aid changes: Requirements, deadlines, and even essay prompts can change, sometimes as late as August 1st prior to the application cycle.
• Open, honest conversations about finances are crucial: Families should discuss realistic college budgets and financial expectations early on, rather than making vague or unsustainable promises.
• Recent financial aid news: As of May 5th, the government may begin involuntarily collecting defaulted student loans, affecting millions.
• Organization is key: Shared calendars, checklists, and clear communication about tasks help keep everyone on track and reduce stress.

Actionable Strategies

• Stay Informed: Regularly research and stay current on college requirements, deadlines, and financial aid updates.
• Organizational Tools: Use shared calendars and Google Sheets to track tasks, deadlines, and application statuses.
• Task Division: Clearly outline which tasks are for parents (like financial aid forms or signing agreements) and which are for students (like essays and application submissions).
• Support, Don’t Control: Serve as a sounding board for college choices and essay ideas, but let the student make final decisions and do the core work.
• Budget Planning: Calculate and discuss what the family can realistically afford for college and use this to shape the college list.
• Early Tax Filing: For families with students graduating in 2026, complete 2024 taxes early to streamline financial aid processes.
• Password Management: Maintain a secure, accessible list of login information for various application and financial aid portals.
• Attend Events: Participate in college application intensives and summits for guided support and updated information.

Specific Details & Examples

• Financial Aid News: Starting May 5th, the government may begin collecting from tax returns or government benefits for those in student loan default, impacting 5 million people.
• Cost of Attendance Estimates (CA-based):
• CSU: ~$30,000/year (website states $32,000)
• UC: ~$45,000/year (website states $46,000)
• Private Colleges: ~$90,000/year (range $60,000–$105,000)
• Admissions & Aid Success Stories: Students have gained acceptance to top schools (e.g., NYU, Penn, Notre Dame, UCLA, MIT, USC) and families with high incomes have received substantial aid (e.g., $30,000 at Chapman for a $347k income, $39,000 at UC Davis for a $230k income, $42,000 at Baylor for a $437k income).
• Parent Tasks: Early decision agreements, providing and filling out financial information, monitoring applicant portals for additional forms.
• Student Tasks: Brainstorming and writing essays, managing their application list, direct communication with schools as needed.

Warnings & Common Mistakes

• Overbearing or controlling behavior: Parents trying to relive their college experience through their children or dictating college lists and essay topics can damage relationships and reduce student motivation.
• Assuming requirements don’t change: Deadline and requirement changes are common; failing to check for updates can lead to missed opportunities.
• Unrealistic financial planning: “We’ll figure out how to pay for it later” is not a viable strategy. Avoid risking retirement savings or home equity without a clear plan.
• Missing tax deadlines: Waiting too long to file taxes can delay financial aid applications and reduce options.
• Not having open financial conversations: Students should be aware of family constraints and make informed choices accordingly.

Resources & Next Steps

• College App Intensive: One-day (Kickstart) and two-day (Accelerator) events for jumpstarting and completing college application essays. More info at collegeappintensive.com.
• College Admissions Summit 2025: One-day virtual event on May 10th, 9am–1pm PT, covering UCs, private schools, essays, financial aid, and activities. Open to all; register at eagleok.com/summit.
• Coaching & Consultations: Text “money” to 949-775-0865 for a financial aid edge consultation; text “college” to the same number for information on intensives, summits, and coaching programs. QR codes are also available for quick booking.
• Ongoing Support: Replays available in private YouTube and Facebook groups for coaching families.
• Contact Options: Email, Facebook Messenger, Discord, and text for direct communication with Coach David and his team.

This summary encapsulates the video’s key guidance for parents: be informed,
stay organized, foster student independence, communicate openly (especially
about finances), and use available resources to navigate the college admissions
and aid process confidently and collaboratively.

🎥 UC PIQ Breakdown - How to Write Your UC Essays

👤 Channel: College Admissions Counselors - egelloC
⏱️ Duration: 60:18
🔗 Watch on YouTube

Overview

This video, part of the "College Admissions Secrets" series, focuses on the
University of California (UC) Personal Insight Questions (PIQs) required for
undergraduate admissions. Coach Art provides detailed guidance on how to
approach, develop, and write strong PIQ responses, including actionable
strategies, common mistakes, and case studies from real students.

Main Topics Covered

• Introduction to UC PIQs: What they are and their purpose in the application.
• The PIQ Writing Process: Step-by-step approach to developing and refining responses.
• Breakdown of Each PIQ: Explanation and strategies for all eight UC PIQ prompts.
• Key Principles for Effective PIQ Responses: The “what” vs. “why,” and how to showcase personal qualities.
• Case Studies: Analysis of real student PIQ responses to illustrate best practices and pitfalls.
• Common Mistakes and Warnings: What to avoid when writing PIQs.
• Resources and Support: Information on workshops, free assessments, and additional materials.

Key Takeaways & Insights

• PIQs are not essays: They are "Personal Insight Questions" designed to reveal who you are, not just what you've done.
• Focus on yourself: Every response must be about you—your experiences, insights, and growth—not just describing events or others.
• Answer the question directly: Many students fail by not directly answering the prompt.
• Prioritize the “why”: Successful PIQs should be about 35-40% “what” (the context or activity) and 60-65% “why” (motivation, impact, growth).
• Specificity and depth matter: Generic or overlapping topics weaken your application; each PIQ should focus on a distinct, meaningful aspect of your identity or experience.
• Editing is strategic: Limit the number of editors to avoid conflicting advice, and make sure every sentence is necessary and impactful.
• Grammar and spelling are less important than clarity: As long as your writing is readable and clear, perfect grammar is not essential.
• Avoid the “catch-all” PIQ (#8) unless necessary: The open-ended nature makes it difficult to answer effectively; stick with more structured prompts unless you have a truly unique story.

Actionable Strategies

1. Do not read the PIQs first: Instead, start by identifying four specific, non-overlapping passions, interests, or experiences that define you.
2. Draft details for each passion: For each, jot down specifics and high-level thoughts, focusing on why it matters to you.
3. Match passions to PIQs: After brainstorming, pair your unique topics to the prompts that fit best.
4. Write freely at first: Create a lengthy, detailed first draft (500-1000
   words) for each topic without worrying about word limits.
5. Revise strategically: Cut down to the 350-word limit, ensuring you
   directly answer the prompt and maintain focus on impactful details.
6. Limit editors: Choose just one or two trusted reviewers for feedback to
   keep your voice and direction clear.
7. Check for “what” vs. “why”: Make sure your final draft prioritizes your
   motivations, insights, and growth, not just a list of activities.
8. Finalize for clarity and impact: Only after the content is strong, polish
   for readability, grammar, and spelling.

Specific Details & Examples

• PIQ Structure: 4 responses out of 8 possible prompts; each response is 350 words (recommended minimum 340).
• Coach Art’s background: 30 years in tech, seven years in admissions, personal experience as a parent of UC students.
• Coach Tony’s background: UC Berkeley graduate, admissions reader, founder of a high school, 15+ years in admissions.
• Case Study #1 (Missed Opportunity): Overly flowery, lacking specifics about actions or growth—sounded like an English paper.
• Case Study #2 (Value Add): Clear, direct leadership example with specific actions, teamwork, problem-solving, and personal learning.
• Case Study #3 (Value Add): Dance student’s journey from competitor to mentor, showing evolution, struggles, and meaningful impact.
• Statistics: 98% of coaching families admitted to a top 10 college; 93% to a top 5 college.
• Successful students’ topics: Not always related to their intended major (e.g., beatboxing, anime, helping others).

Warnings & Common Mistakes

• Don’t repurpose English essays: School essays tend to lack the personal focus and directness needed for PIQs.
• Don’t just list activities: Avoid repeating content from the activities section; focus instead on personal insights and growth.
• Don’t use too many editors: Too much input leads to confusion and a loss of your authentic voice.
• Don’t pick overlapping topics: Ensure each PIQ covers a completely different part of your identity.
• Don’t start with the prompts: Reading the prompts first can box you into generic answers.
• Avoid the open-ended PIQ (#8): Unless you truly have unique content that doesn’t fit elsewhere.
• Don’t worry excessively about grammar: As long as your meaning is clear and the writing is readable.

Resources & Next Steps

• College Application Intensive: Two-day on-site workshops covering UCs, CSUs, Common App, and supplements; small group setting.
• For information, text “WEEKEND” to 415-938-8721.
• Free 15-Minute Assessment: Book a call to get personalized feedback.
• Text “BOOK” to 415-938-8721 or use the provided booking link.
• Free PIQ 101 Guide: Summary of strategies and the PIQ writing process.
• Type “PIQ” in the chat/comments to receive it.
• Follow-up sessions: Additional Q&A and support in future webinars.

This summary captures the key educational content, strategies, and advice from
the video, equipping students and families with a clear roadmap for mastering
the UC PIQs and avoiding common pitfalls.

🎥 How to Write Supplemental Essays That Make Admissions Officers FIGHT to Accept You

👤 Channel: College Admissions Counselors - egelloC
⏱️ Duration: 52:49
🔗 Watch on YouTube

📚 Video Chapters (11 chapters):

• Why supplemental essays are more important than students realize - 0:00
• What makes supplementals different from personal statements - 3:00
• Three things colleges look for in every response - 6:00
• Overview of the three most common prompts - 9:00
• What not to do on a Why Us essay - 11:00
• How to use the Core Paragraph method to save time - 14:00
• Examples for the Community and Belonging essay - 18:00
• Building a compelling Why Major essay - 21:00
• Modular content blocks, research vaults, and reuse strategies - 25:00
• The five question final checklist before submitting - 28:00
• Common mistakes and how to avoid sounding generic - 30:00

Overview

This video, led by Coach Art from Eagle, provides an in-depth exploration of
supplemental essays in the college admissions process. It explains why these
essays are more important than many students realize, details the key
differences between supplemental essays and personal statements, and offers
actionable strategies for writing standout responses. The session is
interactive, practical, and designed for both students and parents navigating
college applications.

Main Topics Covered

• The significance of supplemental essays in admissions
• Key differences between personal statements and supplementals
• The three main types of supplemental essay prompts:
• Why This College
• Community, Belonging, and Diversity
• Why This Major
• Common mistakes and pitfalls to avoid
• Time-saving techniques for drafting and customizing essays
• A final checklist for reviewing essays before submission
• Q&A on special essay topics (e.g., roommate essays, dual majors, UC/CSU specifics)

Key Takeaways & Insights

• Supplemental essays are critical: They provide a unique opportunity to demonstrate fit, authenticity, and voice beyond what’s shown in the personal statement or application stats.
• Personal statement vs. supplementals: The personal statement is a broad, 650-word essay sent to all schools, focusing on your overall story and values. Supplemental essays are shorter (usually 100-300 words), highly targeted, and tailored to each school’s specific questions.
• Colleges look for three things: Fit (how you align with the school), voice (concise, authentic self-expression), and authenticity (genuine insights, not just what you think they want to hear).
• The three most common supplementals:
• “Why This College” — why you and the school are a mutual fit
• Community/Belonging/Diversity — how you engage with and contribute to communities
• “Why This Major” — your journey and passion for your intended field
• Depth and specificity matter: Avoid generic statements, flattery, or surface-level research. Focus on specific programs, traditions, or experiences that genuinely excite you and demonstrate a researched, personal connection.
• Time-saving modular strategies: Build core paragraphs for each prompt type and customize details for each school. Never submit a generic or copy-pasted essay.

Actionable Strategies

• Create a “core paragraph” for each major essay type (Why College, Why Major, Community/Belonging). Use these as templates, customizing specific details for each school.
• Develop a “research vault”: For each school, collect information on relevant programs, clubs, initiatives, and values in a document or spreadsheet. Pull from this research to add depth and specificity to your essays.
• Track reused phrases and content: Use a spreadsheet to monitor which content blocks are used for which schools and prompts.
• Frameworks for each essay type:
• Why This College: Connect your goals with specific school offerings (programs, clubs, traditions).
• Community/Belonging: Describe a community you value, reflect on how it shaped you, and connect this to how you’ll engage on campus.
• Why This Major: Articulate your aspirations, describe experiences that led you to this field, and explain why this school is the best place for your academic growth.
• Final checklist before submission:
• Did you answer the full prompt?
• Is it uniquely yours (could only you write it)?
• Did you show how you’ll contribute and benefit from the community?
• Is it free of clichés and generalities?
• Did you reflect, not just describe?

Specific Details & Examples

• Word limits: Supplementals are typically 100–300 words (sometimes as short as 50, rarely up to 500).
• Example pitfalls: Mentioning weather, campus beauty, rankings, or using general terms like “prestigious” make essays generic and unimpressive.
• Example strategies:
• For "Why College," if your goal is microbiology research, detail how a specific program, club, or initiative at the target school supports that goal.
• For Community/Belonging, use specific communities (sports teams, theater, orchestra) and show how these shaped your values and how you’ll contribute to campus life.
• For "Why Major," connect your personal journey (e.g., a friend’s medical emergency inspiring a passion for medicine) to the school’s offerings in that field.
• Stanford Roommate Essay: Should be conversational, authentic, and show personality—use humor and specific quirks or interests to stand out.

Warnings & Common Mistakes

• Copy-pasting essays: Don’t submit the same essay to multiple schools; admissions officers can spot generic responses easily.
• Over-flattery: Excessive praise of the school without substance shows a lack of depth and self-awareness.
• Failing to reflect: Simply describing experiences or the school without personal analysis or connection weakens your essay.
• Using generalities/clichés: Generic statements like “prestigious” or “highly ranked” are unoriginal and tell the reader nothing new.
• Focusing on others: For “Why Us” essays, don’t make the essay about a family member’s experience at the school—focus on yourself and your goals.
• Listing courses: For “Why Major,” don’t just list classes you’ve taken; instead, describe your academic journey and growth.

Resources & Next Steps

• Upcoming working session: Future video/workshop where Coach Art and a colleague will demonstrate researching a school and writing a supplemental essay live.
• Free 15-minute assessment: Text “B” to 949-775-0865 to schedule a free consult with a college advisor.
• No supplementals for UC/Cal States: University of California and California State University systems don’t use supplementals; UC uses four PIQs (Personal Insight Questions) instead.
• Roommate and other unique essays: Treat these as opportunities to show personality and quirks in a conversational tone.
• Use modular content blocks, research vaults, and tracking spreadsheets to streamline your essay writing and ensure quality, customization, and efficiency.

Summary:
Approach supplemental essays as a chance to go beyond your grades and test
scores to show why you’re a great fit for each school. Use frameworks and
modular writing to save time, focus on specific, well-researched connections,
and always reflect personally. Avoid common pitfalls, use checklists, leverage
available resources, and don’t hesitate to seek expert help as needed.

🎥 Creating a Career-Focused Summer: How to Turn Your Interests Into College-Worthy Experiences

👤 Channel: College Admissions Counselors - egelloC
⏱️ Duration: 44:28
🔗 Watch on YouTube

📚 Video Chapters (12 chapters):

• Welcome and Why Career-Focused Summers Matter - 0:00
• The 3 Phases: Shadow... Project-Based Learning... Internships - 1:00
• Choosing a Career Field Based on Real Interests - 4:00
• Active vs. Passive Summer Activities - 7:00
• Sample Projects for Medicine... Law... Business... Engineering - 10:00
• How to Build a Project from Scratch with the Problem Framework - 13:00
• Building a Professional Network... Who to Contact and How - 17:00
• Using LinkedIn and Informational Interviews - 21:00
• How to Turn Conversations into Opportunities - 25:00
• Communicating Your Summer Growth on Applications - 28:00
• STAR Framework for Writing About Your Summer - 32:00
• Final Examples... Next Steps... and Free Resources - 36:00

Overview

This video, led by Coach Victor from Eagle, guides high school students through
designing a career-focused summer that stands out to college admissions
officers. It explains how to explore career interests, build practical skills,
develop a professional network, and communicate summer experiences compellingly
in college applications. The workshop also provides actionable strategies,
frameworks, and resources to help students maximize their summer for both
personal growth and college readiness.

Main Topics Covered

1. Importance of Career-Focused Summers for College Admissions
2. Three Phases of Career Development: Shadowing, Project-Based Learning, Internships
3. Aligning Summer Activities with Real Interests and Future Goals
4. Examples of DIY Projects in Medicine, Law, Business, and Engineering
5. Active vs. Passive Summer Engagements
6. Framework for Building Projects from Scratch
7. How to Build and Utilize a Professional Network (including LinkedIn)
8. Conducting Informational Interviews
9. Turning Conversations into Opportunities
10. Communicating Summer Growth on College Applications
11. Using the STAR Framework to Write About Experiences
12. Case Studies and Specific Project Examples
13. Available Resources and Next Steps

Key Takeaways & Insights

• Intentional summers are highly valued by colleges as they demonstrate self-awareness, initiative, and commitment to a field of interest.
• Not all work experiences are equal—students should progress from shadowing to project-based learning before seeking internships, building both skills and confidence.
• DIY projects and self-initiated learning are just as valuable (if not more) than formal roles, especially when internships are hard to secure.
• Connecting summer activities to genuine interests and future goals is critical; admissions officers look for relevance, initiative, and growth, not just resume padding.
• Effective networking and informational interviews can uncover hidden opportunities and provide valuable industry insights, sometimes more efficiently than formal classes.
• Clear communication of experiences using frameworks like STAR helps applications stand out by focusing on impact, learning, and future aspirations.

Actionable Strategies

1. Follow the Three Career Phases:
2. Start with shadowing professionals to understand the field.
3. Move to project-based learning—create and apply relevant skills.

4. Pursue internships only when you have foundational experience and skills.

5. Build DIY Projects:

6. Identify a real problem (often from your own life or observations).
7. Research solutions, create a project, document your process, and share your results.

8. Examples: health blogs, mock trials, starting a small business, engineering prototypes.

9. Network Effectively:

10. Begin with family, friends, neighbors, and school alumni.
11. Use LinkedIn to find and connect with professionals, focusing on first- and second-degree connections.

12. Reach out for informational interviews, targeting approachable professionals (not CEOs).

13. Conduct Informational Interviews:

14. Prepare thoughtful, open-ended questions.
15. Focus on learning about the person’s pathway, field insights, and advice—not just asking for favors.

16. Follow up with gratitude and maintain relationships.

17. Communicate Summer Experiences Using STAR:

18. Situation: Brief context.
19. Task: Specific challenge or goal.
20. Action: Steps you took.

21. Result/Reflection: Outcome and what you learned, tying it to future goals.

22. Combine Interests for Unique Projects:

23. Find intersections (e.g., business + sustainability, engineering + healthcare) to create niche, standout experiences.

Specific Details & Examples

• Medicine: Start a health blog, volunteer at local clinics (not large hospitals), interview healthcare workers, collaborate on research with local professors.
• Law: Join mock trial programs, read landmark cases, shadow public defenders.
• Business: Start a small venture (selling products, offering services), no need for formal business registration; focus on learning and iteration.
• Engineering/Tech: Build software/hardware, contribute to open source, create an app, document and share process/results (e.g., 10,000 downloads, open source contributions).
• Project Framework Example: Identify a user/problem (e.g., seniors’ loneliness), research existing solutions, create and document your own solution, and share with others.
• Networking Example: Using LinkedIn to reach out via first and second connections, leading to job referrals or deeper industry insight through conversations (as in Coach Victor’s own story).

Warnings & Common Mistakes

• Skipping foundational phases: Jumping straight to internships without shadowing or project experience can lead to poor performance and missed learning.
• Focusing on passive or irrelevant experiences: Don’t just observe—actively create, contribute, and ensure activities align with your future interests.
• Writing too much about the context in applications: Focus descriptions on your actions and learning, not on explaining the company or organization’s mission.
• Being transactional in networking: Avoid treating people as stepping-stones; build real relationships and show genuine engagement.
• Approaching only high-level professionals: Target those closer to your own career stage for more approachable and fruitful conversations.
• Neglecting to tie experiences to future goals in essays.

Resources & Next Steps

• Free Networking Guide & Notes: Text “network guide” or “notes” to 949-775-0865 for worksheets and a replay of the webinar.
• Free 15-Minute Coaching Session: Eagle offers complimentary sessions to discuss application strategy, academics, and activities.
• LinkedIn: Set up a profile and begin connecting with alumni and local professionals.
• Office Hours: Weekly Q&A with Coach Victor, Thursdays, 4-5 pm.
• STAR Framework: Use for drafting application essays and interview preparation.
• Further Guidance: Eagle coaches provide ongoing support and strategy advice for maximizing college admission chances.

This comprehensive approach helps students maximize their summer, making them
more competitive applicants and more self-aware future professionals.