College Smart Start
College Smart Start
Jodi Furman
Overwhelmed by the college admissions process? We've got you. Whether you're aiming for the Ivies or hoping for a local or state school– or anything in between, you're in the right place. Welcome to College Smart Start, powered by Enlightened Admissions. I'm Jodi Furman, I'm both a seasoned college counselor and a mom of three. I have helped thousands of high schoolers and their families navigate the entirety of the college admissions process– and can make it accessible, understandable, and accomplishable. 

I have my finger on the pulse of admissions and have a deep understanding on how schools evaluate and decide who to admit and who to deny. I've developed an effective approach that provides some welcomed sanity in the insane world of admissions. My goal is to educate, motivate, and help you know what to do, when to do it, and how to do it well– whether you're a freshman in high school or a senior in the throes of college admissions. 
 Using a winning combination of data, insight and creativity– I'm excited to share innovative– and ethical– strategies that will help students gain admission to the college of their dreams without losing their minds along the way
Ep. 46 -  How to deal with disappointment
Allowed to wallow, but just for a moment, please do not say "it'll be okay"-- because in the moment it does NOT feel like that.   While I genuinely believe that it's not a rejection, but a redirection– and that students genuinely do end up where they belong, that's about the last thing that a disappointed student or parent wants to hear, understandably so.    Can you reapply? NO Can you petition for reconsideration? MAYBE, but only with reason– schools RARELY overturn decisions without new info (medical, learning challenges, extenuating circumstances)-- oftentime, even new grades won't be considered– but it's worth a call, but don't count on it.    Wallow– and then dust yourself off. This is why dream schools can be nightmare-ish.   Where you go isn't who you are– and there's always the opportunity to transfer, apply for grad school, etc if you're still hoping for that ONE schools  
Jan 2, 2024
8 min
Ep. 45 - How to respond to a DEFERRAL of admission
A deferral isn't a no– it can be a NOT YET. It can also be a way for schools to 'kick the can' down the road or a "soft no".    Look at their stats– did they defer 10% or 100% of the non-accepted students?    How is a deferral different from a waitlist?    First, see what the school wants from you– typically: Update on grades Possibly an update on scores, if you have new ones to share And if schools allow you to update them on your activities, DO SO.    Headspace MATTERS. Can't be angry/disappointed. Think of this as another shot at it– and if you haven't 'improved yourself', DO SO NOW– take a course, volunteer more.   But you ABSOLUTELY want to ensure that you have some backup plans ready to go in case that this doesn't happen.  
Dec 26, 2023
9 min
Ep. 44 - Senior Year Grades– do they matter? And if so how much?
Senior grades might barely matter or they might be a very important part of your application– like most things in admissions, it's very much an "it depends". Students should be aware that all acceptances are conditional– and having a change to one's grades might have an impact on admissions, merit awards, and more.    It's a Maybe.   If applying EA/ED/rolling and accepted before January, it's possible that just remaining academically eligible is enough/not falling off of a cliff   If applying RD or after January or are DEFERRED, then first trimester or semester grades likely will matter- A LOT.    You CAN lose your admission AND your scholarships. You're not done until you're done– all acceptances are conditional.    Changes in schedule might also impact acceptance and/or merit.  
Dec 19, 2023
7 min
Ep. 43 - What does Early Decision entail– and is it a good option for you?
Early Decision can provide a boost– sometimes a VERY significant one– to student's chances of admissions. In today's episode we detail how to determine whether Early Decision provides an advantage— and if so, how much of one– as well as what are the conditions and considerations of an Early Decision application.
Dec 12, 2023
10 min
Ep. 42 - OPT OUT OF THE INSANITY WITH GUARANTEED ADMISSION and MERIT
 There are a number of schools that will GUARANTEE admission with a certain GPA and/or SAT/ACT score– and many of those schools also guarantee merit scholarships. Even without a stellar resume and essay, you can have great options at a reasonable cost.   Guaranteed admission   Kansas Arizona Arizona State SD School of Mines Nebraska Iowa Iowa State GUARANTEED MERIT WVU Alabama Troy University Arizona FAU USF Guaranteed admission   FRIDAY: ED ROCKETSHIP vs NUDGE https://www.collegeconfidential.com/lists/best-colleges-to-apply-early-decision-2023/?utm_source=sendgrid&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=102023
Dec 5, 2023
12 min
Ep. 41 -  THERE'S ALWAYS AN OPTION, YOU'RE NEVER A "LOST CAUSE"
There are SO many options, beyond just community college (though that can be a great option, too!) for students that are (sometimes far) less than perfect.  GED to AA to top school
Nov 28, 2023
11 min
Ep. 40 - Differences between AP, IB, and Dual Enrollment, Which One Is Right For You?
AP (Advanced Placement), IB (International Baccalaureate), and Dual Enrollment are all considered to be rigorous courses– something that colleges like to see in their potential students' transcripts. But not all options are created equal, learn more about each option and how to determine which might be best for you.
Nov 21, 2023
13 min
Ep. 39 - Paying For College: Finances, Part 2
While it is often difficult, if not impossible, to make any one specific school more affordable, but it is VERY possible to find ways to make school more affordable. Rather than focusing only on one, specific school, fall in love with criteria– and find schools that have similar qualities at a lower price point
Nov 14, 2023
7 min
Ep. 38 - Paying For College: Finances
The cost of college can be daunting and overwhelming, but there are ways to potentially make it more affordable either through merit and/or financial aid. Learn the differences between the different types of aid and scholarships and how to determine which type of school will be the best value/most affordable.
Nov 7, 2023
13 min
EP. 37 - Your Goals Should Dictate Your Path
Not all students and careers demand top ranked schools, in today's episode we'll delve into how to best navigate and determine which type of school might work best for your future.
Oct 31, 2023
10 min
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