What colleges really want — and how to stand out

Applying to college has always been stressful, but for today’s students and families, the process can feel more overwhelming than ever. Acceptance rates are shrinking, expectations are shifting and the pressure to stand out — academically and personally — starts earlier than many realize. For parents in Charlotte and beyond, it can be hard to know when to step in, when to step back and how to help their child navigate it all without burning out.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Lee Shulman Bierer of Bierer College Consulting and Ashley Ausman of The Essay Architect break down what’s really driving the stress behind today’s admissions process — from the surge in applications to the growing emphasis on “spike” interests over well-rounded resumes. They share practical advice on everything from course selection and extracurriculars to summer planning and campus visits, along with candid insights into what colleges are actually looking for.

The conversation also dives into some of the most important — and often misunderstood — parts of the process:

How students can tell authentic, compelling stories that go beyond grades and test scores
Why specificity matters more than topic and how to uncover meaningful personal stories
How tools like AI are complicating essay writing — and why authenticity still matters most
How to identify strong-fit schools, including overlooked and in-state options
Strategies for keeping both students and parents grounded throughout the process

Today’s episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is sponsored by Child Care Search, a service of Child Care Resources Inc. Looking for child care? Our team provides guidance every step of the way! Search online at www.FindChildCareNC.org or call 1-888-600-1685 for live assistance and free, customized referrals.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, go to TheCharlotteLedger.com.

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