Parents: Is Your Teen College Ready?

From Robotics to Cornell: A Father-Son Blueprint for College Success with Aarav & Ritesh Kumar

Episode Summary

What does it really take to earn admission to a top engineering school like Cornell? In this episode, Shellee Howard sits down with incoming Cornell Engineering student Aarav Kumar and his father, Ritesh Kumar, to discuss the college admissions journey from both the student and parent perspective. They share how pursuing genuine interests, staying organized, and starting the planning process early helped Aarav build an authentic application that stood out. Whether your student is interested in engineering, exploring different career paths, or just beginning the college planning process, this episode offers practical advice and encouragement for families navigating today's competitive admissions landscape.

Episode Notes

In this episode, we discuss:

• Aarav's path from a passion for robotics to Cornell Engineering
• Building a college application around authentic interests instead of trying to impress admissions officers
• How parents can support their students while encouraging independence
• The importance of essays, extracurricular activities, leadership, and community service
• Why starting the college planning process early creates more opportunities and reduces stress
• How organization and mentorship can simplify the admissions process
• Lessons Aarav wishes he had known before his senior year
• Advice from both Aarav and Ritesh for families preparing for college admissions