455. The New Blueprint for College Success with Ana Homayoun

In this episode of Psychologists Off the Clock, host Dr. Debbie Sorensen welcomes Ana Homayoun, founder of Green Ivy Educational Consulting and author of the newly released book *Getting In Is Not Enough: The New Blueprint for Success Beyond Grades, Test Scores, and College Admission*. Homayoun challenges the high-stakes, comparison-driven culture surrounding college admissions, arguing that success is not defined by elite institutions but by the development of core life skills like executive functioning, adaptability, and emotional regulation. She emphasizes the importance of helping teens build personalized blueprints for success through structured routines, energy management, and meaningful social connections—especially through mentors, supporters, and mixed-age friendships. The conversation also critiques the overemphasis on prestige and the harmful impact of youth sports culture, advocating instead for a balanced, health-first approach to development. The co-hosts reflect on the emotional toll of the college admissions process on parents and teens alike, underscoring the need for autonomy, psychological safety, and self-determination in parenting and education. Key takeaways include: (1) Prioritize executive functioning and energy management over rigid time management, especially for neurodivergent youth; (2) Foster multiple non-overlapping social connections to build resilience and belonging; (3) Encourage teens to explore their own interests rather than curate a competitive resume; (4) Shift from a scarcity mindset to one of shared social capital; (5) Support teens in developing systems that work for them, not ones imposed by parents or peers; (6) Re-evaluate the role of youth sports and extracurriculars in favor of sustainable, joyful engagement; (7) Recognize that long-term success is driven by relationships, adaptability, and well-being—not just college name; and (8) Parents should model healthy boundaries, self-compassion, and emotional regulation to create a supportive home environment.