212. Navigating College Admissions with Tim Fields and Shereem Herndon-Brown, Co-Authors of "The Black Family’s Guide to College Admissions"

Show Notes

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In this episode we sit down with Tim Fields and Shereem Herndon-Brown, co-authors of the book The Black Family’s Guide to College Admissions - A Conversation about Education, Parenting, and Race. This conversation dives deep into the nuances of the college admissions process, tackling specific challenges faced by all families and offering advice that is beneficial for students and their families. From understanding institutional priorities to the impact of AI in admissions, this episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone navigating the college journey.

Top 5 Biggest Takeaways for Listeners:

Challenges in College Admissions and Solutions 🎓:

Tim and Shereem discuss the unique challenges students and their families face during the college admissions process. They emphasize the importance of early preparation and leveraging community resources to navigate these challenges effectively.

Impact of the Supreme Court Decision on Race and Admissions ⚖️:

The authors address the recent Supreme Court decision on race in college admissions. They provide advice for families on how to adapt their strategies, emphasizing the need to highlight a student's unique experiences.

Mental Health and the College Process 🧠:

An entire chapter of their book is dedicated to mental health, underscoring its importance during the stressful college admissions journey. The authors share strategies for maintaining mental well-being, such as setting realistic expectations, taking breaks, and seeking support.

Advice for Families with Limited Resources 💡:

Recognizing that not all families have access to strong college counseling, Tim and Sheremme offer practical tips for navigating the process with limited resources. They suggest utilizing free online resources, connecting with community organizations, and being proactive in seeking guidance from school counselors despite high caseloads.

Additional Highlights:

Tim’s Personal College Experience and Advice 🎓:

Tim shares insights from his own college journey at Morehouse College and his wife’s experience at the University of Miami. He reflects on what he would do differently and offers advice for his own children as they approach college.

Insights on Athletic Recruitment ⚾:

Shereem discusses his son’s athletic recruitment process and advises families to thoroughly evaluate schools beyond athletic opportunities, considering factors like campus culture and long-term benefits of the degree.

Role of Artificial Intelligence in College Admissions 🤖:

The authors explore the growing role of AI in the admissions process, particularly in essay evaluation, and discuss its potential impact on fairness and access.

Final Thoughts:

Tim and Sheremme hope their book will foster broader conversations about college access and fairness. They encourage all families, regardless of background, to focus on preparation, perseverance, and leveraging available resources to achieve college success.