Parents: Is Your Teen College Ready?

Student Spotlight: Turning Volunteering, Business, and Leadership Into a Standout College Application

Episode Summary

In this powerful student spotlight episode, Shellee Howard of College Ready® interviews a high-achieving high school senior who turned curiosity, service, and entrepreneurship into a compelling college admissions story. The student shares how volunteering with international nonprofits, founding an entrepreneurship group, fundraising for global causes, and participating in a competitive startup program helped her clarify her major, build leadership skills, and create meaningful impact — all while strengthening her college applications. Listeners will hear practical advice for students who feel stuck, including how to explore interests, find mentors, build community, apply for opportunities, and stay motivated without burnout. This episode offers reassurance to parents and inspiration to students navigating college planning with purpose.

Episode Notes

• How purpose-driven volunteering strengthens college applications
• Using entrepreneurship to create real-world impact
• The role of Empower Education as a catalyst for leadership
• Building a focused academic narrative around business and economics
• Why exploration before choosing a major matters
• Turning interests into action through nonprofits and fundraising
• Lessons learned from competitive entrepreneurship programs
• The power of mentors, collaboration, and networking
• Why LinkedIn matters — even for high school students
• Applying strategically to programs, internships, and opportunities
• How College Ready supports students through college lists, essays, and strategy
• Advice for freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who don’t know where to start
• Balancing academics, mental health, and passion projects
• What colleges really look for beyond grades and prestige