College Admissions: Messaging, Money, and Mindset with Jen McKenzie

02/21/25 • 42 min

Jen McKenzie, a Boca Raton native with a BA in English, founded Milestone in 2004 to provide SAT/ACT prep and college admissions guidance. Over 15 years, Milestone has become a leading agency in Boca. Jen is a member of the IECA, holds a UCLA Counseling Certificate, and teaches at UC-Berkeley Extension. She also continues her professional development through IECA and SACAC.

Jen talks about the complexities of college admissions, especially in the current climate. She offers invaluable advice on how parents can navigate the admission process and support their high schoolers in making informed choices. From the role of college rankings to the importance of authentic student engagement, Jen and Carrie delve into the evolving landscape of higher education.

With personal anecdotes and a wealth of experience, Jen helps demystify the college selection process, addressing the challenges faced by students and parents alike.

Takeaways

Fuel student interests for standout college applications
Colleges seek well-rounded student bodies, not individual students
Your messaging to your child matters

Timestamps

00:00 UF Admission Outcomes Uncertainty
07:07 State Universities Favor In-State Students
09:56 Choosing In-State Over Out-of-State
12:06 Educating Parents on College Costs
17:12 College Admissions: Navigating Expectations and Control
20:58 Navigating Modern College Admissions
24:23 College Transition Coaching Initiative
25:40 Gap Year Options and Benefits
29:24 Depth Over Quantity: Meaningful Engagement
35:00 Balancing Academics and Extracurriculars
37:32 Balancing ACE and AP Courses
39:56 Free College Advising Consultations

🔗 Connect with Jen McKenzie:

Website: https://www.milestonecollegeprep.com

🔗 Connect with Jessica Anger and Carrie Wiesenfeld:
Instagram | [email protected]Soaring Hawk Life Coaching | Ocean Waves Parenting

Send us an email @ [email protected]

With personal anecdotes and a wealth of experience, Jen helps demystify the college selection process, addressing the challenges faced by students and parents alike.

Takeaways

Fuel student interests for standout college applications
Colleges seek well-rounded student bodies, not individual students
Your messaging to your child matters

Timestamps

🔗 Connect with Jen McKenzie:

Website: https://www.milestonecollegeprep.com

🔗 Connect with Jessica Anger and Carrie Wiesenfeld:
Instagram | [email protected]Soaring Hawk Life Coaching | Ocean Waves Parenting

Previous Episode

February 14: A Day of Love, Reflection, and Rememberance

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On this episode, Carrie and Jessica open their hearts to share their experiences from February 14, 2018—the day that forever changed their lives. As mothers of children who were at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School during the tragic shooting that claimed 17 lives, they reflect on what they’ve learned in the years since.

They discuss the importance of therapy, the power of telling the people you love that you love them, and the necessity of giving others the time and space they need to heal. While February 14th is a day of remembrance for the community, it is also a day of love—an opportunity to honor those we’ve lost by embracing kindness, connection, and resilience.

Join us for this heartfelt conversation about grief, healing, and the enduring strength of love.

🔗 Connect with Jessica Anger and Carrie Wiesenfeld:
Instagram | [email protected]Soaring Hawk Life Coaching | Ocean Waves Parenting

Next Episode

Let Them – A Deep Dive into Mel Robbins' Game-Changing Theory Part 2

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In this episode, Carrie and Jessica take a deep dive into the second half of The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins, unpacking its powerful message about letting go of control and embracing acceptance. They explore the challenges of making meaningful friendships as adults, the struggles parents face when trying to let them—whether it’s our kids, our partners, or even ourselves—and how comparison and control can hold us back from true happiness.

Throughout the conversation, Carrie and Jessica share personal stories, react to examples Mel Robbins references in the book, and discuss how shifting your mindset can bring more peace and freedom into our lives. Whether you’re a parent trying to navigate the teenage years, someone struggling with friendships in adulthood, or just looking for ways to stop feeling responsible for everyone else’s choices, this episode is packed with relatable insights and real talk.

Tune in to listen to them break down The Let Them Theory and explore how we can all start living with more ease, trust, and confidence!

🔗 Connect with Jessica Anger and Carrie Wiesenfeld:
Instagram | [email protected]Soaring Hawk Life Coaching | Ocean Waves Parenting