Robert Franek Website
The Princeton Review
In this episode, John Durante interviews Robert Franek, the editor-in-chief at the Princeton Review, about the college admissions process. They discuss various topics, including the biggest worries for college-bound students, the rise of test-optional admissions, the transition to digital SAT and ACT exams, the increasing popularity of AP tests, the key components of a strong college application, the value of a college education, the use of artificial intelligence in college admissions, and advice for students and families navigating the college selection process.
Takeaways
- The biggest worries for college-bound students are assuming too much debt to pay for college and not being able to afford their first-choice schools.
- Test-optional admissions are becoming more common, but submitting test scores can still be beneficial for scholarships and certain programs.
- The transition to digital SAT and ACT exams offers time-saving benefits but also introduces adaptive testing, which requires a different test-taking strategy.
- AP tests are gaining popularity as an alternative to SAT and ACT scores, but access to AP courses and exams can vary among schools.
- The key components of a strong college application include academic fit, campus culture fit, financial aid fit, and career service fit.
- A college education is worth the investment due to the potential for higher lifetime earnings, lower unemployment rates, and better access to healthcare.
- Artificial intelligence is being used in college admissions for tasks such as providing feedback on college essays.
- To find the right colleges, students should gather information from current college students, visit campuses, and consider factors such as academic fit, campus culture, financial aid, and career services.
- Advice for students and families includes embracing the college admissions process, gathering as much information as possible, and making confident decisions based on fit.
Chapters
00:00
Introduction and Background
03:00
Biggest Worries for College-Bound Students
05:36
Test Optional Admissions
09:54
Digital SAT and ACT
13:36
Rise in Popularity of AP Tests
18:45
Key Components of a Strong College Application
22:53
Is College Worth the Investment?
25:08
Artificial Intelligence in College Admissions
28:06
Assisting Students in Finding the Right Colleges
32:09
Final Advice for Students and Families