I am so happy to continue our 3-Part Insider Guide to the College Admission Process with my guest, Alyse Levine, one of the country's most prominent college counseling experts. Today we're focusing on a grade-by-grade guide to supporting our kids on the path toward college applications. Some of the topics we cover: Why middle school should be about focusing on healthy work habits How and when to make the most of clubs and after-school experiences Plotting out high school courses like a decision tree Why Alyse calls 10th grade "a pivotal year" What “demonstrated interest” is, and why it matters Different ways to visit colleges and when to start How and when to start creating your college list How to frame the (dreaded) personal essay to take off pressure Why there are no limits to essay topics (contrary to popular belief) How to decide whether to apply Early Decision Putting mental health first, always. Spoiler: Even if you start late, it may not be late. Just breathe! A special offer from Premium Prep: Mention Spawned for a free 30-minute college counseling session with a best-fit counselor at Premium Prep, who will be matched to your student. They've helped guide 93% of their students into one of their top three choices, so take advantage! She also describes on the podcast just what the team can do for you in those 30 minutes. Follow Spawned: Apple, Spotify, Amazon Join: Spawned Podcast FB Community Find Cool Mom Picks: Instagram, Facebook, Threads Find Liz Gumbinner: Instagram, Facebook, Substack, Threads Find Alyse Levine: Website, Facebook, Instagram Shownotes from today's episode: Cool Mom Pick Podcast Pages Subscribe to get cool picks, deals + helpful info in your inbox: coolmompicks.com/subscribe/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices