Moira McCullough joined Lynn and Vicki in this episode to talk about how to reduce the time, money and stress that can go into planning college visits with your student. Moira’s advice about how to communicate with your student will help them discover what matters to them as they begin the college choice process. She shared ideas about how to help your student get beyond the official college message to find the information they need to help them with their admissions decisions. Moira established College Scoops to provide information through podcasts, blog posts and interactive guides for both families and students to get the “real” view of over 100 colleges. After listening to this conversation, you and your student will be able to make the most of your college visits.
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We had a wonderful conversation in this episode with Moira McCullough, founder of College Scoops, a resource that helps parents of college-bound students with resources for planning college visits. As part of the admission process many families spend time, resources, and emotional energy visiting colleges and may come away feeling they know little more than they knew after looking at the college website.
Moira shared with us what she has learned in the past few years about how to get more of the information that your student needs to make a decision – and how to make college visits more fun!
One of the key insights that Moira shared was to check in with your student about when they are free to make these important visits. If your student (and you) are busy, planning these visits strategically is essential. There may not be as much time as you think!
Check in with your student about what they really want to check out on a campus so they have the information that is important to them.
Help your student “flip” their attitude to remember they are in the driver’s seat and they are choosing a college as well as the college choosing them. This shift in role helps your student gain confidence.
Moira also suggested taking time to explore the surrounding community as well as the campus itself.
Social media can be an ideal way for students to connect with others students already at a school. Moira suggested students think about those activities they are interested in and find current students involved in that activity to find out more. Students can also use their own networking of friends, family, and other students who may know someone on campus.
All of these suggestions are only the tip of the iceberg! Moira shared SO many more.
As we usually do, we asked Moira if she had any books for resources she would share with parents. She shared two of her favorite books.
Where You Go is Not Who You’ll Be by Frank Bruni
Atomic Habits by James Clear
You can also listen to our interview on the College Scoops podcast!
Episode 141: How Best to Support Your College Freshman
Find more about College Scoops and the resources they share at their website – collegescoops.com
You can also find Moira McCullough on LinkedIn
If you’d like to follow up with more college visit info, check out these College Parent Central articles:
Why Your Student Should Visit Colleges They’re Not Interested In
25 Admission Questions You May Not Have Thought to Ask
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