Beyond the Bell

Interview: College Counselor Dan Gin

Evelyn Lauer sits down with Dan Gin, a college counselor at a suburban high school in the Chicago area. They discuss college application trends, including what colleges are looking for in 2024 as well as college essay tips. Gin also provides advice for parents who are supporting their teenagers through the process. 
 
Beyond the Bell is a college-and-career counseling podcast designed to provide students with tools and tips to look beyond the bell of their high schools into their futures (be it, college, careers, trade schools, or gap years) where bells do not exist. Beyond the Bell is hosted by Lauer, who has worked in education for nearly 25 years, serving primarily as a high school English teacher, but also assuming roles as an instructional coach, college writing instructor, workshop leader, and journalism/media advisor. Lauer is also currently a graduate student at Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago where she is studying school counseling. She is a mother to two sons, who are in 10th and 7th grade. She also serves on the board of Friends of Amundsen High School. Topics discussed will include: college admissions, college essays, trade schools, gap years, finding one’s passions and future careers.