Is college still worth it—and what does it actually take to get in today?

On this episode of The Tudor Dixon Podcast, Tudor shares a deeply personal look at navigating the modern college admissions process as her daughter prepares for senior year. What should be a straightforward path has become a confusing maze of test-optional policies, expensive consulting services, and growing pressure for students to showcase activism on their applications.

Tudor is joined by Josh Weiner of the North American Values Institute for a powerful conversation on what’s really happening inside K–12 classrooms and universities across the country. From grade inflation and the erosion of academic standards to the rise of political ideology in education, they unpack how today’s system is reshaping both student outcomes and campus culture.

The discussion dives into:

• The truth behind “test-optional” admissions and why standards are shifting

• How grade inflation is making it harder to measure real achievement

• The increasing role of activism in college applications

• Whether college is still worth the skyrocketing cost

• The impact of ideology and identity politics in K–12 education

• Concerns about antisemitism and bias in schools

• How parents can stay informed and take action locally

Tudor and Josh also explore a bigger question: Are schools preparing students for success in the real world—or failing them at a critical moment of change driven by technology and AI?

If you're a parent, student, or anyone concerned about the future of education in America, this is a must-listen episode.