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Beyond The Balance Sheet Podcast


Mar 2, 2022

Hanna Stotland flunked out of high school, got a G.E.D., and went on to graduate from Harvard College and Harvard Law School. Since then she has helped countless families as an independent admissions consultant specializing in educational crisis management. Diana and Hanna talk about the rise in Title IX cases, how she helps students move forward after sexual misconduct allegations, and how parents can help children who are heading down the wrong path.  

 

IN THIS EPISODE: 

 

  • [01:20] Hanna shares how she went from high school dropout to Harvard Law School graduate to a successful admissions crisis management consultant 
  • [03:60] Hanna details the types of crises that her clients are dealing with, including mental illness, substance abuse, disciplinary troubles and more 
  • [05:52] At what stage in a child’s crisis or recovery is it best to seek out professional support for students
  • [09:53] Hanna shares about her single largest group of clients: students with sexual misconduct allegations
  • [14:35] How often is alcohol or substance abuse involved in the sexual misconduct allegations and advice for how to move forward after this type of catastrophe
  • [21:40] How parents can build trust and intervene in their child’s life who is heading down a difficult path

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

 

  • In Hanna’s experience, it is difficult to completely ruin your educational prospects in the US. She reminds students that no matter the crisis there is still the hope of rebuilding your life. 
  • The number one principle for addressing a negative allegation or situation in your college application is not to shy away from the truth. It’s better to be up front and own your past choices and behaviors.
  • Parents, it’s important to set up a clear line of communication and trust with your children, especially those that may be going down a difficult path. Let your child know that if they ever get into a bad situation that you will help them navigate it, no matter how bleak it seems.

 

 

RESOURCE LINKS

 

Hanna Stotland Website

 

https://oconnorpg.com/podcasts/building-from-the-ground-up-with-hanna-stotland

 

BIO:

 

Hanna Stotland flunked out of high school, got a G.E.D., and went on to graduate from Harvard College and Harvard Law School. Since 1999, she has been an independent admissions consultant specializing in educational crisis management, including Title IX, substance abuse and mental illness. She frequently presents at professional conferences and has also been featured in the New York Times, Newsweek, CBS News, PBS, and WNYC.