Ep.141 – Holly Markiecki-Bennetts – Study Skills, Self-Advocacy, and Finding the “Right-Fit” College
Did you know that the path to choosing the "right-fit" college for your child could also lead to life lessons in self-advocacy?
I welcome back Holly Markiecki-Bennetts, a high school guidance counselor and college advisor who is also a mom to one + twins! Holly is a testament to thoughtful and intentional educational decision-making. While many high school seniors embark on the nerve-wracking odyssey of college applications, laden with standardized test scores and wide nets, Holly worked with her oldest daughter to choose a different path.
Our conversation focuses on the challenges students face when transitioning from high school to college, from mastering study habits to time management. Holly brings her 20-year experience in education to the table, offering tangible strategies like using physical planners and the importance of study breaks to enhance learning retention.
A few critical takeaways
Don't let the fear of failure creep into your college planning journey
Understand the difference between homework and study and the skills each requires
Self-advocacy is an invaluable lesson to teach kids in middle and high school
This conversation provides a deeper understanding of the emotional impact of the college planning process on students and parents, as well as valuable resources and parenting perspectives.
I hope you can reflect, relate, and rethink how we guide our children through one of life's most transformative passages.
Please enjoy my conversation with Holly Markiecki-Bennetts.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES YOU MAY LIKE
1 Big Idea to Think About
Finding the right college fit involves aligning the student's preferences, values, and goals with the offerings and culture of the institution. Navigating the college application process can be emotionally taxing for both students and parents, requiring dedicated time for conversations and understanding each individual's journey through the process.
1 Way You Can Apply This
Parents and students should establish regular, scheduled discussions about the college application process to avoid overwhelming the student and allow for emotional processing. Limit discussions to specific times to prevent constant stress throughout the week.
1 Question to Ask
How can families create a supportive environment for college applicants that balances guidance with autonomy?
Key Moments From the Show
[00:08:55]: Holly acknowledges the challenge of applying her own advice while guiding her daughter through the college application process.
{00:09:38]: Holly's daughter's intentional approach to selecting test-optional schools with acceptance rates aligned with her GPA.
[00:10:28]: The importance of campus tours in the decision-making process, despite sometimes not meeting all initially desired criteria.
[00:11:43]: Holly's daughter's unexpected choice of Alma College, driven by a personalized connection with the campus.
[00:12:42]: Advice on creating a balanced college application list and managing expectations of acceptance.
[00:13:24]: The impact of societal fear on the increase in college applications and the importance of focusing on individual strengths rather than comparison.
[00:13:55]: Emphasizing depth of commitment over quantity in extracurricular activities to stand out in applications.
[00:15:02]: Holly's changed approach to counseling students and their parents through the college application process, advocating for scheduled discussions and emotional support.
[00:15:02]: Setting aside dedicated times for college application discussions to manage emotional stress.
[00:16:37]: Recognizing the different timelines and emotional journeys of students during the college application process.
[00:23:16]: Encouraging students to write down homework and study tasks physically to engage kinesthetic learning.
[00:36:37]: Empowering students with self-advocacy skills to navigate challenges independently, promoting growth and resilience.
Resources Featured in This Episode:
Funded Contentment: Am I Going to Be Okay?