As college admissions become increasingly competitive, understanding the role of standardized testing can give students a crucial edge. 

In this episode of the Cultivating Excellence podcast, Jared Friedland, founder of The Playbook, discusses the evolving role of standardized testing in college admissions and how students can strategically navigate the process to improve their chances of acceptance. He helps students navigate the challenges of standardized tests like the SAT, ACT, and PSAT while also guiding them in finding colleges where they can thrive academically, socially, and culturally. With two decades of experience, Jared has worked as an admissions reader at Dartmouth and UCLA, gaining deep insights into how colleges evaluate applicants holistically rather than simply rejecting them based on numbers. He emphasizes that the admissions process, though often stressful, doesn't have to be overwhelming and that strategic planning can significantly improve students' chances of success. Jared highlights that a strong application involves more than just grades or test scores, it requires showcasing a student’s character, achievements, and potential fit for a school’s unique academic and cultural environment.

Tune in for expert insights on how students can strategically approach standardized testing to maximize their college acceptance chances!