Worried about what major you should pick now when AI seems to be affecting every industry? Join Anna and Mark as they sit down with Dr. Jennifer Stephan—founder of Lantern College Counseling —to demystify AI as an academic path and career field. Dr. Steven defines AI, distinguishes it from adjacent disciplines like computer science and machine learning, and discuss developing future-proof, transferable skills (critical thinking, communication, quantitative reasoning, ethics) over narrowly chasing majors, noting that only a few top programs offer undergraduate AI degrees while many CS programs can prepare students well through electives, tracks, and research.

Dr. Jennifer Stephan has held various roles across top colleges and universities, including professor, academic dean, and board of admissions member. She holds a BS degree in electrical engineering from Johns Hopkins University and an MS and a PhD in electrical and computer engineering from Carnegie Mellon University.

Jennifer is the founder and owner of Lantern College Counseling, an educational practice offering college admissions services, college success coaching services, and expert support for students facing serious disruptions to their education

Lantern's college admissions services are based on a proprietary Deep-Fit™ approach, an innovative paradigm for the college search and application process centered on thriving as a foundation for lifelong success, developed through Jennifer's decades of experience supporting college students.

To learn more and connect with Jennifer, please visit https://www.lanterncollegecounseling.com/

In this episode of the College Admissions Podcast with Mark and Anna, we’re joined by Brandon Mack, former Associate Director of Admission at Rice University and current independent educational consultant. Brandon pulls back the curtain on how applications are actually read today—debunking common myths about grades, test scores, and competitions, and explaining why essays, short answers, and authentic fit matter more than ever. We discuss how to build a balanced college list, what really makes a strong “Why School” response (including at Rice), how admissions officers evaluate summers, research, and activities, and why depth, humility, and self-awareness consistently stand out in competitive pools. A must-listen for students and families navigating today’s rapidly evolving admissions landscape.

Learn more and connect with Brandon Mack at https://bmackstrategies.com/

This week on The College Admissions Podcast, Anna and Mark sit down with Sam Joustra from Collegewise for an inside look at how college admissions officers actually review student activities and resumes. Sam shares firsthand insights from her time as an admissions officer at Vanderbilt and University of Michigan, on what stands out (and what falls flat) when admissions teams scan your extracurriculars, leadership roles, and project experiences. Together, Mark, Anna, and Sam break down the myths around “perfect” resumes, offer actionable tips for making your activities shine authentically, and discuss how students from all backgrounds can highlight their unique stories—even if they don’t have a long list of awards or leadership titles.

Whether you’re a student building your resume or a parent helping your teen navigate the process, you’ll walk away with practical advice on showcasing real impact, passion, and growth. Tune in for a candid, empowering conversation that demystifies the activities section and helps you tell your story with confidence.

Sam Joustra brings an extensive background in college admissions, serving as an admissions officer at both the University of Michigan and Vanderbilt, and as a school counseling intern at Bryn Mawr School for Girls before joining Collegewise. Learn more about Sam and connect with her by visiting: https://collegewise.com/counselors/sam-joustra.