Is Your Teen Calculus Ready? The 'Five-Four' Rule for College Prep

Are you sitting at the kitchen table with your teen this week, staring at a course registration sheet and wondering, "Does this actually matter for college?" In Part 2 of our deep dive into the college admissions landscape, host Laura Ollinger continues her conversation with Jenna Schebell, founder of The College Navigators. While our last episode focused on the "limbo" of senior year, today we’re looking at the strategic foundation every student needs to build long before they hit "submit" on a college application.

The "Five-Four" Rule & The Calculus Goal

Jenna breaks down the gold standard for high school course selection: The "Five-Four" Rule. We discuss why staying in the five core academic subjects—Math, Science, English, History, and World Language—for all four years is the secret to a competitive transcript. Plus, we tackle the big question for future STEM and Business majors: How do we get to Calculus?

Admissions are Evolving (AI & Video Prompts)

The game is changing. As AI begins to influence (and read) college essays, universities are fighting back with high-tech "hoops." Jenna reveals a new trend: on-the-spot video prompts in student portals. We discuss how these interviews are becoming the new trend for admissions officers and how they mirror the modern corporate hiring process.

Why This Matters for Parents of ALL Ages

If your student is still in middle school or just starting high school, this episode is for you. Understanding the "math trajectory" and the business mindset of admissions early on allows you to help your child reach their goals without the last-minute panic of senior year. Whether you are signing up for courses this spring or just beginning to think about the future, Jenna’s insights will help you trade "application anxiety" for a clear, manageable plan.

Inside This Episode:

• The Five-Four Rule: Why consistency in core classes beats "niche" electives every time.
• Calculus Readiness: How to map out a math path that keeps elite colleges interested.
• AI vs. The Human Factor: How video prompts are replacing (or supplementing) the traditional essay.
• The Business Puzzle: Why a 3.8 GPA looks different depending on your specific high school "profile."
• Comparison Trap: How to help your teen "stay in their lane" and focus on personal fit over prestige.

Connect with Our Guest:

• Jenna Schebell: The College Navigators | Instagram: @‌thecollegenavigators
• The Navigator Network: Join Jenna’s month-to-month membership for virtual college counseling and expert webinars.

Connect with Your Host:

• Laura Ollinger: Positively Healthy Coaching | Instagram: @‌positivelyhealthymom