Julia: Helping Pre-College Students Be the Best They Can Be

Julia's a coach who created The Road to College Index after working with enough stressed-out students going through the application process. It's a tool to help them stay organized instead of drowning in deadlines and requirements.

We talk about how she approaches the hard parts such as essay writing, building résumés, understanding financial aid, keeping track of everything. She works with dozens of students each season and has learned what helps versus what just sounds helpful.

Takeaways

• The Road to College Index was developed from Sandra's certification process.
• It includes a detailed checklist for students and parents.
• The index covers various aspects of college preparation, including academics and career assessments.
• Essay writing is a critical component of the college application process.
• AI tools can assist in writing but should not replace a student's voice.
• Building a strong resume and LinkedIn profile is essential for students.
• Letters of recommendation should come from teachers who know the student well.
• Financial literacy is important for students transitioning to college.
• Application tracking helps students stay organized and meet deadlines.
• The index is designed to simplify the overwhelming college preparation journey.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to the Road to College Index

02:52
Building the Index: Concept and Development

05:46
Navigating College Essays and AI Tools

09:09
Crafting Resumes and LinkedIn Profiles

11:40
Letters of Recommendation and Scholarships

14:49
Financial Literacy and Budgeting for Students

17:33
Application Tracking and Parental Involvement

20:51
The Journey of College Preparation

Transcript

SPEAKER_01 0:35

Julie, I wanted to talk to you because you're doing such amazing work in respect to careers and helping people along their journey. And you have a lot of really great tools, not to mention the Road to College Index. So I wanted to spend some time today to talk about that. And I thought maybe right now you could start off with how on earth did you even come up with this concept?

SPEAKER_00 0:55

Well, um, it started with the when I was taking my certification, become a certified career service provider for the National Career Development Association. And I had two assignments that I had to submit as my final. And so I built this from basically August, September all the way through the end of the year, like a checklist, very detailed with boxes digitally, you can check, um, that you completed them. So that turned out great. And I had my logos and everything on it. So it was just, it was great to see that. And then I submitted um, as another final, an article. And so I was selected and ended being printed in their April of this year's magazine. So that was pretty cool. It's a on it's an online magazine. So that kind of prompted me when I started college advising. I've got to get this information to them. So it's not just, you know, this timeline starting in September when they go back to school, that they really needed so much more information. So I went with the checklist and then started just going into academics, your you know, your senior year. It's like senioritis, it's a real thing, you know, try to put it with grades up and things like that, which I know it seems so simple that those should be standard things that they should be um paying attention to, but not necessarily, right?

SPEAKER_01 2:15

Right. What I mean, if I think about all the things that are to do, my mind just gets overwhelmed. Like if I was a parent or even if I was in my senior year, just thinking about going to college. So, how did you organize your thoughts into the different phases and then all the different things, the steps, so to speak, that would go into this index?

SPEAKER_00 2:35

So it started again with this timeline. And so then I kind of had to back it up to say, okay, well, let's start with like next steps. What do I want to do? So that's kind of the career aspect of it where I do assessments with them. Should they choose to do that? So from there, I kept building it and building it and just adding more content. Um, I was particularly involved with finding links to resources. So that was a big part of building this.

SPEAKER_01 3:04

Oh, but I don't think it's taking forever.

SPEAKER_00 3:07

Yes, no, it did. It took a very long time to put this together. So let's say, for instance, um, in the beginning part, you know, there's you know like the California prep testing, which is a which is a side for SAT testing. So there's links to there to help them study. So it's like literally in you know, a guide to get you through the entire year. And it's not just geared towards the student, but it's for the parents to follow along with as well. So they kind of know what their what their students should be doing and following along with checklists and things like that. So great, wonderful.

SPEAKER_01 3:40

Um, and it's a question. Some of the links and things that you send them are obviously uh like these aren't just articles and stuff like that, they're actually like practical steps and tools that they need to be able to use. Absolutely. Yes. Okay, got it. Okay, and then so you went through those steps and then you were supplementing things to do. And then when you're thinking about this index, like you've actually shown it to some people, and some people are using it. What's some of the feedback or intentions, and how do you walk people through what it is and how to go about leveraging it?

SPEAKER_00 4:12

Um so I do start at the beginning, I walk through it with them from the you know, the very beginning. And some of my students actually know what they want to do in a career, so necessarily they wouldn't want to be doing any kind of assessments to you know select a different career. Um but so when I walk through it with them, I I try to you know like get them through. I know it's a lot of data to go through, right? So I just kind of walk them through this is where this is, this is what this chapter involves. And the big one is essay writing. So because one of the first things you start to do is you choose your college, is the essay writing. And there's also for the University of California, they call them personal interest questions. So they call it a UCPIQ. Okay. So that seems what like most students are really, really focused on right now. So I just give them the tips and tools, and then they've got information where they can links where they can go to practice essays. I've built in um like tips that I created on narrative, or if it's a montage, you know, how do you want to approach your essay? So it's it's very in-depth and very detailed.

SPEAKER_01 5:20

Okay, here's a question that I'm sure well, maybe other people aren't thinking, but it comes to my mind because I'm a writer. How does Chat GPT and what's your guidance to students on using Chat GPT when writing an essay? Can they or can they not?

SPEAKER_00 5:33

Um, they're not supposed to, and it can get flagged. So let's say, for instance, there's with a UCPIQ, there's maybe three or four questions in there, and they're only 350 words max. So it's not too, too lengthy, unlike an actual common app essay, which is around 650 words. So what I when I work with them for revisioning is I they can brainstorm first, then they can start up, you know, answering the questions, building out something that's in-depth because they ask really personal questions, like how has something affected you? Have you encountered any failures and things like that? How'd you overcome them? So it's really their voice. I then take the essay and then try to like fix any grammar, is everything flow properly, and then give them advice back on correcting it. So it that's a process in and of itself. Using AI is not because you can put it into like an AI checker and it will be flagged as AI, and you really don't want that.

SPEAKER_01 6:31

Um, interesting. Okay. I think that in a way it's almost teaching them old school real life how to think and write in your own voice.

SPEAKER_00 6:39

Absolutely. Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 6:41

Yeah. Okay.

SPEAKER_00 6:41

And you can you can scan it through AI. Like I do some double checks just to see if um everything flows properly. And are they missing anything that was in that question that I may have not picked up?

unknown 6:54

Okay.

SPEAKER_00 6:55

So it is a tool, but it's not to be written for your essays.

SPEAKER_01 6:59

Okay, got it. So that's essays, writing essays. Uh, what other what other key things are in the index?

SPEAKER_00 7:04

So I one the article that I submitted and then it was published, was five tech tips for students. And it's based on a counselor or career practitioner educating the student on these. And again, so that's how I started incorporating those into the manual. So then I built a sixth, the sixth tech tip. Um, just like virtual career exploration tools, college applications and writing tools. And again, there's there's just so many links that I researched that are beneficial for for them to learn too. So it's not just like the manual gives you everything, but they've been a little bit of digging themselves. That's good. One of my favorite ones is um teaching them how to do a LinkedIn profile, a resume and a portfolio, depending on what college you go to. Let's say your Ivy League, they want um a profile. So it's almost like a business plan. Yes. It's a and it's a heavy-duty resume. Um, the couple of students I have right now, their resumes look really great that they even provided to show me. So with the um LinkedIn, I have a whole two-page sheet on that, on how to appropriately build it for someone that's your age group.

SPEAKER_01 8:24

Wow. I have seen some testimonials about people raving about the services that you've offered in this area, talking about the clarity and the structure and the process that you've taken them through and how incredible it's given people a boost up and opportunities. Can you share about how the approach would be different when you're approaching a resume and a LinkedIn profile for, say, somebody with a little bit of experience and somebody with not as much versus like the high school student?

SPEAKER_00 8:51

Well, if I'm doing career counseling with someone, I like to see their resume first because it depends on am I gonna have to rewrite a whole bunch of this, or is it just adding to it because their resume looks, you know, pretty good already in that's in that state. From there, I do an actual interview with that person because I want to learn more about them, not just what a piece of paper says, because there could be things that are missing. As an example, I had a client who wanted, she was administrative assistant, let's say worked as an office manager, and wanted to get into accounting, but her nothing on her resume said accounting. So, how could we get her into an accounting position? Well, after interviewing her, I learned that she does accounts payable, receivable, she's posting checks, she's doing all this stuff that's and using QuickBooks, which is all accounting related and related software. So I was able to build her resume, add those things to it, so then she can then apply for jobs where she has this proper skill set. So that's one example of how I work with one that's kind of more established.

SPEAKER_01 9:54

You go the extra mile because I I I don't know a lot of coaches, but there are a lot of people like to specialize in LinkedIn and resumes. And the fact that you actually integrate it in and it's something that you use based on the interviews and the stuff that you're taking in to make it more robust is extra special. So that's really cool. How long is that process typically?

SPEAKER_00 10:13

Let's see. I usually interview somebody for a hat for like a good 45 minutes, then the resume can take a good couple of days. I also typically that same individual, LinkedIn, needs to be updated. So I create engaging headlines for them, the about me section, and um, and make sure their skills they have to have all their skills in there because that's what employers will look for. Yeah. So it could be about four up to four sessions is about average.

SPEAKER_01 10:45

Okay. If I think about we've done the essays, the LinkedIn profile and resume, and then what will be another practical next step?

SPEAKER_00 10:52

I think letters of recommendation is important because it depends on the high school itself. So they have a particular format. So ask your counselor is this the appropriate way to ask for a recommendation? I have samples in my book, but it's still always wise to ask the school what particular format that they want that in. People might have great relationships, um, you know, with their teachers. And some of the other big things in the book speak to grants and scholarships. There's, let's say, going merry is a um is a tool that can be used for scholarships.

SPEAKER_01 11:32

It's kind of a silly question, but I would think a letter of recommendation, I mean, Word doc, no? Or that's just that what are the different formats that different colleges might want?

SPEAKER_00 11:43

Well, they're they're pretty standard, but they really let's say, for instance, I have a uh student right now who wants to be an astrological engineer, which is a very interesting field. Only so many colleges like MIT, Cornell, and other colleges that have this. So you really want to select a teacher that has seen you maybe um doing space club or doing um that type of work. In other words, what do they have to offer the school that a teacher would recommend?

SPEAKER_01 12:19

Okay, okay, I see.

SPEAKER_00 12:21

Typically, I mean you could have your English teacher as well, but particularly if you have um like clubs or activities that you do, and if they're related to your degree, that is is key.

SPEAKER_01 12:34

Okay, no, that makes sense. What else? The index is pretty meaty, and I know we don't need to go through every single section of it, but some other highlights. Budgeting.

SPEAKER_00 12:43

When when they're in high school or when they moved on to college and they're on their own for the first time, so I have budgeting apps and tools for them to use to create those. What are the best, like mint, let's say, or if you need a budget that helps them create that? And so then it it gives them skills, even in high school, to start looking at financial wellness.

SPEAKER_01 13:08

Wow. I mean, this I would never even think that somebody would do something like that, just even helping them on that level.

SPEAKER_00 13:16

Yeah. So let's appreciate that because it really helps them too. Like how much you know is room and board, how much your groceries each week, or you know, if you're not eating, let's say at the dorms and things like that for your first couple of years.

SPEAKER_01 13:29

So the apps, are there a handful of apps that you kind of check out that are tried and true, or there's certain ones more towards?

SPEAKER_00 13:36

There's probably two of my favorites that I inserted into the manual that I thought seemed to be um not generic, but just easy enough to follow, like a really good app that was intuitive. All that you continue on that. So then I do have parent resources as well. It's I called it College Parent Central, and they're links to other this other company that created them. I didn't actually create them myself, but they're really good tips and tools because it was out of my wheelhouse by that type of data or that much data for them to um what they want to, you know, look up or read. Is it a community or a database? What is it? College Parent Central, it's it's a website and it's it's kind of a database. Okay. But yeah, so the the parents can, you know, it's it's like I said, the the manual's built for parents as well as students. So they so they kind of follow along too. Some just want to be totally hands-on, some want to be hands-off, but if they want to see what their student is doing, besides showing them the work that we do, they can follow along in the manual and the the checklist.

SPEAKER_01 14:49

Oh wow, all around just full-white support. How long has that been around? College Parent Central?

SPEAKER_00 14:55

I'm not sure exactly. Probably several years. Something that I do extra have the student client. Once they have selected colleges that they want to go to, I build an application tracker that has, let's say, for instance, not just the application itself, a quick task tab, but tabs for each school, MIT, Cornell, University of Washington, et cetera. So then I back in dates. Let's say, for instance, the application due date is November 1st. I need to have the, well, for early action, let's say early decision versus regular decision. So that backs up that time frame of getting these essays written because they all require that, or most colleges require them. Okay. So this enhanced tracker, I have built in dates that you know, I need your rough draft by this date. It has to be finalized by this week, you know, this date, you know, like either two weeks or four weeks before. So again, we're staying on track. This tool is for them, and there's some columns for the parents if they want to follow along or check too. And then I put drop downs into the spreadsheet where it's like, are we on track? Is it in progress?

SPEAKER_01 16:06

Does this well you are spoiling people with this index? Like that is for the nth degree detail. Also, it also teaches it teaches people, the parents and the student, that the different steps that go into planning. If this happens, then this. And it's a really good lesson just in general for being successful as a career, like when you have a career.

SPEAKER_00 16:26

Exactly. Staying on task, meeting deadlines. So those are those are critical skills to have in life, not just while you're trying to get to college. It's an overlooking journey for them.

SPEAKER_01 16:43

No, I like that. There's so many details in it. If you had to the the index is available digitally and physically, right? Yes. Okay. And if somebody wanted to get one from you, they just they can go to their website and request one.

SPEAKER_00 16:58

I don't have it, and I probably could, I suppose, put it on my website as an item for sale. But if they go into the questionnaire that they want to inquire about something, they can do it that way. Anytime somebody becomes a client right away, they get the manual. And I and I pare it down for someone who's in 11th grade. Um, they should start the college process as well. I even work with ninth graders. Yes, trying to choose career pathways. So they may not know what they want to do, and you know, the they're a little stressed about what the future holds, they're not really sure what career to get into.

SPEAKER_01 17:35

I wouldn't know either.

SPEAKER_00 17:39

It's like, what do I want to do be when I grow up and I'm, you know, at my age, right? Yes. So it helps them build um these career pathways. In other words, if somebody is gonna go for a profession that's very science related, very heavy, then they've got to take chemistry. If they don't like chemistry, you might want to choose a new career. Exactly. So you have to, it's just a guide for them, an early guide. Um then 11th grade should start doing some of the pre-prep too. And then, of course, you're um over the summer, even before you get into um your senior year, because again, students who want to apply early to schools to get that early decision, they need to be working on it ASAP.

SPEAKER_01 18:24

So there is a lot of information, great stuff in it. I'm gonna close out, but I want to ask you this. So, because it can be stressful to decide what you want to do, if you were to prep and you say you're going into one field and then you think I'm gonna like definitely change in a year, it's not wasted energy or effort, right? I mean, it gets you on a path, but the path can be segued.

SPEAKER_00 18:45

Exactly. So taking your undergraduate courses, and so you'll have some electives, of course, that you want to start taking, let's say the aeronautical engineering, he's got to start taking some of those courses to see you know if he can if he actually likes it, even though he may have studied that and joined clubs in high school. I do some research for students as well on internships, because that's critical. So if in their area, let's say they were in New York or something, or like I had a client in UC Irvine. So in the Irvine area of these different professions, as she was looking at, what kind of internships are available to her? Because you really need a day in the life of this profession.

SPEAKER_01 19:21

Yes, and to have that opportunity is incredible. That's amazing. Wow. Okay, in closing, if you had to summarize the road to college index and that value for any client, what what's what comes to mind?

SPEAKER_00 19:35

I would say the journey, the journey itself is, you know, although it's overwhelming, you know, I can simplify it in this index. So it's they can digest it easy, which is why I wanted to create it in the first place. And although it's 122 pages, it's well worth the material that you're going to read.

SPEAKER_01 19:56

And you can jump to any part of the index, which I like because you exactly.

SPEAKER_00 20:00

It's it's robust for some it might be a little overly detailed, but that's okay. I'd rather give them more than than not enough.

SPEAKER_01 20:07

Yes, Julia, this is completely amazing. I think the detail, the effort, the thought, the proactive things that you've done, the like logistics and the plan B, like getting an internship and learning how to budget, all those things are wonderful. Thank you for sharing everything about this. I can't wait to tell people a little bit more about it. I've seen so many testimonials on your planning and everything. Now I understand why and where they're coming from because your mind is completely strategic. Yes.

SPEAKER_00 20:36

Yes. I'm very detailed. That comes from being a former accountant.

SPEAKER_01 20:41

Yes, that's correct.

SPEAKER_00 20:42

Dotting the I's, crossing the T's. Everything needs to balance. You can't be out of balance.

SPEAKER_01 20:48

No, and you're creative at the same time. So that does balance you out. You've got both, which is really incredible. Thank you. Great. Thank you so much for your time today, and thanks for going over the Road to College Index.

SPEAKER_00 20:59

You're welcome. Thank you so much. Have a great day.

SPEAKER_01 21:01

You too. Bye.