The college admissions game has changed. If you’ve noticed more "surprises" in your student’s application portal lately—like sudden essay requests or "on-the-spot" video interviews—you aren’t imagining it.

In Part 2 of our deep dive into the 2026 admissions landscape, host Laura Ollinger continues her conversation with Jenna Schebell, founder of The College Navigators. We move past the senior year "limbo" and dive into the tactical moves parents of middle and high schoolers need to make right now—from mastering the "Five-Four Rule" of course selection to understanding how AI is actually reading (and grading) student essays.

Inside the Episode: The 2026 Admissions Playbook

1. The "Hidden" Hoops: Video Prompts and AI

Colleges are fighting "Application Inflation" by adding surprise steps to the process. Jenna reveals the video prompt trend. Once your student logs into their portal, a question may pop up, and the camera starts rolling. There is no "undo" button.

Why it's happening: With AI making essays more polished (and less personal), colleges are using video to see if the person in the essay matches the person on the screen. It mimics the modern corporate hiring process, making it an essential life skill for today’s teens.

2. The "Five-Four" Rule: The Gold Standard for Course Selection

Is your teen picking high school classes this spring? Jenna shares her "blanket advice" for every student: The Five-Four Rule - take all five core academic subjects (Math, Science, English, History, and World Language) for all four years of high school.

The Calculus Threshold: If your teen is interested in STEM or Business, the goal should be to reach Calculus by senior year. Admissions officers are looking for "Calculus Readiness" as a primary signal of academic rigor.

3. College is a Business (It’s Not Just About the 4.0)

Perhaps the most grounding part of the conversation is Jenna’s reminder that college is a business. Admissions officers aren't just looking for the "best" students; they are building a specific puzzle. Your student is a piece of that puzzle. If they don't fit the school's specific needs this year (major balance, geographic diversity, etc.), a denial isn't a reflection of their worth.

Context is Key: A 1400 SAT or a 3.8 GPA means nothing without the School Profile. Colleges compare your student to the opportunities available at their specific school, not the private school across town.

Your Burning Questions Answered

Q: Should my student use AI to help with their college essays?

A:While some schools (like Virginia Tech) are open about using AI to help triage the massive volume of applications, they are also looking for a "human thumbprint." If an essay feels too "AI-generated," it loses the personal connection that wins over a human reviewer.

Q: Is it okay to drop a World Language after two years?

A: While most high schools only require two years for graduation, competitive colleges want to see three to four. If your student truly struggles with languages, Jenna suggests replacing that slot with another core academic elective (like Economics or Psychology) rather than a "filler" class to maintain your transcript's rigor.

Q: What if my student doesn't get in as a freshman?

A: It’s not the end of the road! Jenna highlights Guaranteed Transfer Pathways. Many elite universities are much easier to get into as a sophomore or junior transfer than as a freshman applicant. The path to your dream school isn't always linear.

Reaching the Goal—No Matter the Phase

Whether you are signing up for courses this spring or your student is currently navigating senior year disappointments, this episode is designed to help you trade "application anxiety" for a clear, manageable plan.

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By sharing this episode, you’re not just passing along a podcast—you’re giving another parent the "insider" roadmap they need to protect their teen’s future options and trade application anxiety for a clear, confident plan. Go ahead and hit forward; because navigating the road to college is always better (and much saner) when we do it together.

Connect with Our Guest:

Jenna Schebell: The College Navigators | Instagram: @thecollegenavigators
The Navigator Network: A month-to-month membership for virtual college counseling and expert webinars—perfect for parents of Juniors and Seniors.

Teen & Parent Resources:
Reach out to Laura Ollinger at Positively Healthy Coaching for teen and parent well-being support.