Stars, Stress, and Standardized Tests: Guiding Teens Through the College Maze | Episode 227

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Finding the perfect college match is about much more than rankings and acceptance rates. Kristina Dooley knows this firsthand – as a first-generation college student who changed her major after discovering unexpected passions, she understands the complexity of educational decisions facing today's teenagers.

Navigating the college planning process requires balancing academic preparation, social fit, and financial reality. Kristina founded Estrela Consulting to guide students through these critical choices, creating a curriculum that helps them identify their interests and aptitudes before determining which schools might be their best match. What started as entrepreneurial networking in São Paulo, Brazil has grown into a thriving team of consultants who maintain relationships with families long after acceptance letters arrive.

The mental health implications of college planning cannot be overlooked. One-third of college students transfer from their first institution, typically because they didn't find the right social environment. Through her work with Estrela and State of Mind Hudson, Kristina addresses the immense pressure teenagers face to excel in every area while still maintaining their wellbeing. As she poignantly asks, "Parents want their kids to shoot for the stars, to have an Ivy League education – but at what cost?"

Standardized testing presents another challenge in this landscape. While many institutions have adopted test-optional policies since COVID, selective schools still require ACT or SAT scores. Kristina provides practical guidance on test preparation while maintaining perspective on their importance in the broader admissions process.

Kristina Dooley, Certified Educational Planner and founder of Estrela Consulting, shares her journey from first-generation college student to educational consultant helping students find their perfect college match. Drawing from her experience in college admissions and working internationally, she discusses how her passion for guiding teenagers through pivotal life decisions shaped her career path.

• First-generation college student who discovered her passion for helping teenagers navigate education decisions
• Founded Estrela Consulting in 2008 while living in Brazil, working with international families on college planning
• Uses academic, social, and financial factors to determine college fit, noting one-third of students transfer from their first college
• Passionate about student mental health through her work with State of Mind Hudson
• Helps students as early as 8th grade with career exploration and course planning
• Provides guidance on standardized testing realities in the post-COVID landscape
• Takes pride in students feeling confident about their application work, regardless of outcomes

Families can learn more about Estrela Consulting's services through their free monthly e-newsletter, webinars available on their YouTube channel, or by scheduling a free consultation at estrelaconsulting.com.

#CollegePrep #TeenStress #StandardizedTests #CollegeMaze #HighSchoolLife #ParentingTeens #EducationTips #CollegeApplication #StudentSuccess #EducationMatters #CareerGuidance #FuturePreparation #CollegeTransition #TeenGuidance #StudentSupport

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