Getting In: A College Coach Conversation

2025 Resolutions; Go-Time for Juniors; Parent Tips for Letting Go Dec 26, 2024

The New Year is almost here, and host Sally Ganga will be talking with College Coach admissions counselor Julia Jones about resolutions for 2025 related to the college admission process and education in general.

High school juniors, are you ready to start your college search process? College admissions coach Lisa Albro will be joining Sally to chat about the college search kick-off for juniors.

And parents, are you struggling to let go of your current or soon-to-be college students? College Coach finance expert Michelle Smoley has some tips for parents in this situation.

ED Deferrals/Denials; Gap Year Considerations; More Finance FAQs Dec 19, 2024

Did you apply Early Decision to a college? Were you deferred or denied? If so, you may be wondering what to do next. Host Ian Fisher will be talking with College Coach admissions counselor Brian Swann, formerly of Carleton College, about next steps. Seniors, are you considering a post-graduate or gap year? Either can be a wonderful option, but it’s important to plan carefully. Listen in when Ian talks with Jay Bonham, college admissions coach from Hamilton College. In addition, finance colleague Dina Birmingham will be answering the top finance questions from high school underclassmen and parents right now.

Landmark College; Researching Support Services; Finance FAQs Dec 12, 2024

Does your student have an IEP or 504 in high school? Is it possible they may use accommodations in colleges, for learning disabilities or health conditions? If so, you may find this episode very helpful. In segment one, host Sally Ganga will be interviewing Sydney Ruff, Senior Assistant Director of Admissions at Landmark College about how her institution assists neurodiverse students to succeed in college, either through a four-year Bachelor’s degree at Landmark or through one of their transitional programs. Then, Sally will be joined by Sara Calvert-Kubrom, College Coach admissions consultant, and they will discuss how to research accommodations at colleges that don’t have specialized support structures. Last, Sally will be joined by Laurie Peltier, College Coach finance consultant, who will answer some of the top questions her team is hearing about paying for higher education right now.

All About Trinity College; Time to Repay Student Loans Dec 05, 2024

Interested in liberal arts colleges? Or, maybe unsure of what liberal arts colleges have to offer? Listen in as host Ian Fisher does a deep dive into Trinity College, a small liberal arts college in Connecticut. He interviews Matthew Hyde, Dean of Admissions and Financial aid, and Joseph Catrino, Executive Director of Career, Life and Design. They’ll answer the question of what you can do with a liberal arts degree! Ian will also be talking with College Coach finance expert Jennifer Willcox about federal loans; yes, the grace and on-ramp periods are over, and it’s time to start repaying them!

FairTest.org; Mentally Preparing for Decisions; Apprenticeships Nov 21, 2024

Host Beth Heaton is so pleased to be welcome Harry Feder, the Executive Director of Fair Test, the organization that has been advocating for test optional admissions for students for many years. Feder will be talking about the organization itself as well as the state of testing in undergraduate admissions today. In addition, seniors will soon be receiving decisions from many colleges if they applied early decision or early action. College Coach admissions consultant Christine Kenyon will discuss how to be intentional when you open your admission decision. It’s important to consider how to be kind to others when doing so! Last, did you know that November 18 through the 24th is National Apprenticeship week? College Coach finance expert Jan Combs will be joining Beth to discuss how to earn while you learn through an apprenticeship.

All About Drexel; Interview Tips; Holiday Spending Tips for Gen-Z Nov 14, 2024

Have you thought about attending a college with a co-op program? Host Beth Heaton will be interviewing College Coach admissions consultant Kennon Dick about Drexel University where he formerly worked as an admission officer. In addition, College Coach admissions consultant Kristine Sawicki, formerly of Reed College and Stanford University, will share college interview strategies. College finance expert Michelle Smoley joins us to provide personal finance tips for young adults regarding shopping on holidays like Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

All About Carnegie Mellon & Georgetown; SAVE Plan Updates Nov 07, 2024

Applying to Carnegie Mellon? Or Georgetown? You’re in luck, as our host Ian Fisher will be interviewing former admission officers from both those institutions. We’re very lucky to have Lauren Savage, previously an admission officer at Carnegie Mellon, on our show. College Coach Lauren Randle, previously an admission officer at Georgetown, joins us as well. In addition, College Coach finance expert Michelle Clifton will be addressing federal student loans by providing updates on the SAVE plan and the federal court injunction regarding it.

What’s Supp: UChicago & UVM Essays; In-State/Out-of-State Tuition Oct 31, 2024

Continuing our series on college application supplements, we are addressing a doozy today! Beth Heaton will be joined by College Coach colleague Jonathan Wickremasinghe-Kuhn to discuss the University of Chicago’s supplemental essays. These are challenging, so if you’re thinking about applying, listen in. Colleague Nial Rele, resident of Vermont, will be there for another segment to discuss the thankfully more straightforward University of Vermont supplemental essays, and College Coach Finance expert Chrissy Foran will be joining Beth to discuss the reality of paying in-state tuition as an out-of-state student.

What’s Supp with Supplemental Essays: BC & Cornell; College Lists Oct 24, 2024

Applying to Boston College? Cornell University? Host Shannon Vasconcelos will be joined by College Coach colleagues Blair Dixon, to discuss Boston College’s supplements, and then Mary Sue Youn to cover Cornells’. In addition, college finance expert Beth Feinberg-Keenan will be there to talk about the financial benefits of a well-considered list of colleges.

What’s Supp with Supplemental Essays: Yale & UMichigan; Merit Aid Oct 17, 2024

Working on your Yale University supplemental essay? Host Beth Heaton will be joined by Amy Alexander, College Coach colleague and former Yale admission officer, to discuss their supplement. In another segment, Karen Spencer, another colleague, will be there to go over the University of Michigan supplement. Then Stacey MacPhetres, College Coach Finance Expert, will go over the Who, What, and Why of merit scholarships.

Tackling the UC PIQs; Celebrating Financial Aid Day Oct 10, 2024

Are you applying to the University of California system? If so, you probably already know that they have their own application and require four essays. And those essays are a very important piece of the application evaluation! Host Sally Ganga will be joined by College Coach colleagues Steve Fernandez-Brennan and Alexandra Rendon to discuss how to approach them. Both have extensive experience advising students on this application, and Alex even worked for UC San Diego! So tune in. In addition, College Coach Finance Expert Zach Gries will be helping us celebrate Financial Aid Day, coming on October 16th, by explaining what financial aid actually is.

A.I. in College Admissions; Cyber Security Tips for Young Adults Oct 03, 2024

Curious how Artificial Intelligence is impacting college admissions? Host Ian Fisher will be chatting with College Coach colleagues Zaragoza Guerra and Nial Rele about what the short term and long term impacts might be. Continuing with the tech theme, he’ll be joined by Michelle Smoley, College Coach Finance Expert, who, in honor of Cyber Security Awareness Month, will provide tips for young adults on protecting their personal and financial information online.

UTexas Application; SAT & ACT Advice; Financial Impact of EA & ED Sep 26, 2024

Wondering whether you should apply Early Decision or Early Action and trying to understand the financial implications of both? Host Beth Heaton will be interviewing College Coach finance expert Chrissy Foran to help you answer those questions. In addition, College Coach admissions counselor and Texas resident Zaragoza Guerra will be discussing the University of Texas at Austin application. And last but not least, Megan Stubbendeck of the test prep organization Arborbridge will be joining Beth to go over all things standardized testing!

Exploring the Colleges that Change Lives; What is the FSAID? Sep 19, 2024

Are you applying for financial aid? Can’t figure out what the FSAID is? College Coach finance consultant Jess Mosley will be joining host Shannon Vasconcelos to answer that question and explain how to sign up for it. Shannon will also be interviewing Ann Marano, Executive Director of the Colleges That Change Lives, a non-profit organization that champions colleges that might not be name brands but provide a transformational experience for students.

How College Counselors Guide Their Own Kids; CSS Profile Prep Sep 12, 2024

Have you ever wondered how college admission officers and counselors guide their children in their college search? If so, listen to this show! Host Sally Ganga will be interviewing a whole panel of College Coach admissions counselors who have already sent or are about to send kids to college; they are happy to talk about and give advice based on personal experience. In addition, College Coach finance expert Jess Mosley will be explaining how to prepare now to complete the CSS Profile on October 1st.

Common App Tips; 10th & 11th Grade Goals; Co-Signed Loan Advice Sep 05, 2024

Seniors, are you working on your Common Application? Host Ian Fisher will be interviewing colleague Kristine Sawicki, formerly of Stanford University, about how to make your Common Application shine. We have something for your sophomores and juniors too! You may be wondering how to make the most of high school. We’ll be addressing purposeful goal setting instead of just wish making. And parents, are you looking for an out in repaying Parent PLUS or cosigned private loans? It’s not easy…but we’ll talk about the few ways it might be possible.

How to Start a Club; Applying to College Abroad; Tuition Prep Aug 29, 2024

Are you sending your senior to college in the fall? If so, join host Sally Ganga to hear Jan Combs, college finance expert at College Coach, give tips on what you should be doing right now to prepare for that tuition bill. Then, former college counselor at the American School of Madrid Marj Southworth will be discussing applying to colleges outside of the United States. (Hint: there’s more than just study abroad!) Interested in getting more involved at your high school? Considering starting your own club? College Coach admissions counselor Jen Simons and host Sally Ganga will be offering advice on how to make it happen.

What is the Coalition Application; Financial Aid ABCs Aug 22, 2024

Have you heard of the Coalition for College? Curious to learn more? Host Ian Fisher will be joined by Liz Cheron, CEO of Coalition for College, to discuss the application's role in the college admission landscape. Then, he and College Coach education finance expert Beth Feinberg-Keenan will discuss the ABCs of applying for financial aid; in other words, what do all those acronyms stand for?

Supplemental Essays; Activity Lists; Loan Repayment Updates Aug 15, 2024

Host Sally Ganga is lucky enough to welcome Kimberly Ortiz, who came to College Coach from Harvey Mudd College, and previously, Cal Tech, to discuss college supplemental essays. Sally will also be joined by colleague Alex Rendon, formerly of UC San Diego, to discuss the application activity list, and Michelle Clifton, to give us a very important update on student loan repayment.

High Loan Interest Rates; Common App; Naviance & Other Trackers Aug 08, 2024

Paying for college has been tough for a while now, but high interest rates are making it even tougher. Host Ian Fisher is joined by College Coach finance expert Alex Bickford to discuss what your options are. In addition, he will be digging into the details of rolling over your Common Application account if you opened it before the official August 1 start date for the 2024-2025 year with colleague Mary Sue Youn, and discussing the various college application process trackers used by high schools, such as Naviance, Scoir, and Maia. They all offer different functionalities that can help with the college application process, so listen in.

Financial Wellness for College Students Aug 01, 2024

Did you know that August is Wellness Month? And that financial wellness is a thing? Our colleague Michelle Smoley, college finance expert, is here to discuss financial wellness tips for those heading to college with host Shannon Vasconcelos. Shannon will then be answering listener questions with College Coach colleague Kara Courtois. We answer listener questions regularly, so remember to submit yours to us; you can find us on social media platforms.

A Chat with the Dean at Dartmouth; Summer Scholarship Search Tips Jul 25, 2024

Interested in Dartmouth? We’re lucky enough to welcome Lee Coffin, Vice-President and Dean of Admission and Financial Aid, here to discuss all things about the College. He previously worked in admissions at Tufts and Connecticut College, and has served as an adjunct lecturer at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, so his perspective is both broad and deep. Host Ian Fisher will also be talking with Alex Gonzalez, College Coach Finance expert, about searching for scholarships during the summer.

Colleges in Portland ME; Jesuit Colleges; Paying Tuition Jul 18, 2024

Parents, do you have a student heading off to college in the fall? Your tuition and fees are likely due! Listen in to find out more about paying that important bill. You’ve probably heard of Georgetown, but did you know there are other fine Jesuit colleges in the US? College Coach colleague Nicole Doyle, alumna and former admission officer at the College of Holy Cross in Massachusetts, will be talking about the values that Jesuit schools are known for and the Jesuit college experience. Last, brand new College Coach colleague Scott Alexander, former admission officer at Bates College, will be discussing colleges in and near Portland, Maine. (Be sure to catch our Portland, Oregon colleges episode from last week, July 11th, if you want to hear about both coasts!)

Exploring Colleges in Portland OR; Listener Q&A Jul 11, 2024

Do you like Portland, Oregon? Thinking you might like to go to college there? If so, listen in, as host Shannon Vasconcelos will be interviewing colleague Sara Calvert-Kubrom, alumna and former admission officer at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, about the institutions in the area. There many fine ones, not just Reed, Lewis & Clark, and the Oregon publics! Then, Shannon, Sara, and Zachary Gries, college finance expert at College Coach, will be answering listener questions. We address listener questions about once every two months, so feel free to submit your own on one of our social media pages or on our website, coll.coach/gettinginquestions.

A Deep Dive on Skidmore College Jul 04, 2024

Join our host Sally Ganga as she speaks with several special guests for a deep dive on Skidmore College. Sally talks with Janessa Dunn, the Director of Admissions, and Maggie Besthoff, a Skidmore student, about what life is like at Skidmore. Finally, Sally is joined by special guest Klaudia Wiacek to discuss possible career pathways for English majors. Tune in!

Questions to Ask and What to Do on College Visits Jun 27, 2024

Does the idea of touring every college on your list overwhelm you? Listen in to this episode, as host Beth Heaton will be joined by College Coach admissions consultant Marissa Salazar who joined us from the Colorado College admission office. She will be bringing the most up to date tips of questions you should ask and what to look out for during your visit. In addition, educational finance expert Beth Feinberg-Keenan will be there to discuss what to ask when you’re trying to figure out how to pay for it all!

Pros and Cons of AP, IB, and Dual Enrollment Programs Jun 20, 2024

Confused about the differences between Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and Dual Enrollment? Curious about whether one is better in terms of admission or receiving credit once you’re enrolled in college? Each one is a little different and has pros and cons, so host ian fisher will be joined by College Coach admissions consultants Kristine Sawicki, formerly of Stanford University’s admission office, Michael Yager, former high school private counselor, and Zaragoza Guerra, previously of MIT and Cal Tech’s admission offices, for a full discussion.

A Deep Dive on Hamilton College Jun 13, 2024

In the continuation of our Deep Dives series, host Sally Ganga speaks with representatives from Hamilton College, a private liberal arts college in New York, to learn more about life at Hamilton.

True or False? Debunking Admissions and Financial Aid Rumors! Jun 06, 2024

Does most of what you know about college and the college admission process come from friends, neighbors, and acquiantainces? Does the college admission process and higher education in general seem a bit scary as a result? If so, please listen to this podcast. Our host, Elizabeth Heaton, will be talking with colleagues Julia Jones and Blair Dixon regarding rumors about the application process and colleges in general. In addition, College Coach Financial Aid consultant Alex Gonzalez will be addressing rumors about saving and paying for college. Hint: most rumors you hear are very, very incorrect!

Helicopter Parenting; Engineering at MSU; Loan Repayment Updates May 30, 2024

We have an exciting guest today: our host Shannon Vasconcelos will be joined by Sean Fochtman of Michigan State University. He’ll discuss his insights from working with students in the College of Engineering as well as his current role as Director of Alumni Venture Support within MSU’s Burgess Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. In addition, Shannon will be chatting with College Coach expert and parent of high school students Karen Spencer about whether there is ever a time to be a helicopter parent. Finally, college finance expert Michelle Clifton will be providing a student and parent loan repayment update.

How Social Media is Used in the College Admissions Process May 23, 2024

How does college admissions and paying for college intersect? Listen to this show to find out. Host Ian Fisher will be talking with colleague Gabbi Tobias about how to use social media to research colleges. It can be a very handy tool for this! He will also be talking with colleague Kyra Tyler about whether colleges look at the social media accounts of applicants. In addition, College Coach finance expert Jennifer Willcox is going to discuss how social media outlets and groups may be a good place for families to obtain paying and saving for college information.

Questions NOT to Ask Admissions; Prep for the College Transition May 16, 2024

Will you be attending a reception or a college campus and have a chance to meet with an admissions officer? Have you heard that all questions are good questions? Well, maybe not. Our host Beth Heaton will be talking with former admissions officer and high school college counselor Lisa Albro about questions not to ask. For the seniors, College Coach colleagues Kennon Dick and Jan Combs, of our admissions and college finance teams respectively, will be reviewing what to expect when transitioning to college. There will be paperwork and deadlines and we’re here to help you get ready!

Pros and Cons of Studying Abroad; Listener Q&A May 09, 2024

Are you considering studying abroad in college? Listen in as our host Shannon Vasconcelos chats with colleague Elyse Krantz about the pros and cons. Then, Shannon with be answering listener questions with College Coach colleagues Alexandra Rendon of the admission team and Zachary Gries of the college finance team.

All about Working with College Admissions and Finance Counselors May 02, 2024

Are you considering hiring help for college admissions and/or scholarship applications? Listen in, as host Sally Ganga, formerly a high school college counselor, will be joined by her colleagues Michael Yager, another former high school college counselor, and Mollie O’Connor, Director of Client Services at College Coach. They will discuss all aspect of working with independent college advisors, including whether you should disclose to your high school counselor and busting myths about what they actually do. Hint: if an independent counselor promises they will “get you in” to a given school, run the other way.

Types of Institutions: Liberal Arts & Polytechnic; Loud Budgeting Apr 25, 2024

Confused by some of the terms you hear that describe colleges? Host Ian Fisher and his guests, College Coach colleagues Serena Frisina, formerly of Lewis & Clark University, and Zaragoza Guerra, formerly of Cal Tech and MIT, will be diving into what is meant by the descriptors “a liberal arts education” and “a polytechnic institute.” You may be surprised by the explanation. And do you know what loud budgeting is? Michelle Smoley, College Coach finance expert, explains.

College Recommendation Letters; Focusing on Best Fit Colleges Apr 18, 2024

Juniors, this episode is for you! Host Sally Ganga will be addressing how to ask for letters of recommendation with guest and college admissions counselor Karen Spencer as well as chatting with admissions advisor Christine Kenyon about how to find your best fit college. Hint: tune out the noise of other people’s opinions and focus on your own needs and wants. In addition, Sally will be chatting with college finance expert Beth Feinberg-Keenan about how to look at financial fit when selecting a college.

Unhappy with Acceptances? Late Applicant Tips; Saving for College Apr 11, 2024

Seniors, are you unhappy with the colleges that have admitted you? Or, have you not yet applied? For this episode, our host Ian Fisher will be talking with College Coach admissions counselor Brittany Preston about what to do when you aren’t excited about your admits, and Nicole Doyle about colleges that are still taking applications. For those with younger students, College Coach finance colleague Laurie Peltier will be joining him to discuss options for saving for college.

Acceptance by Emi Nietfeld; Why You Should Fill out the FAFSA Apr 04, 2024

What an exciting episode today! Our host, Shannon Vasconcelos, will be talking with author Emi Nietfeld about her memoir, Acceptance, in which she discusses growing up with a troubled mother and eventually in the foster care system, but still managing to gain admission to Harvard. She goes beyond the typical triumphant narrative, however, and discusses the personal cost of portraying herself as someone who has “overcome” these obstacles when, in important ways, she hasn’t. So tune in! Zachary Gries will also be joining Shannon to discuss why to fill out the FAFSA.

All About Community Colleges Mar 28, 2024

Are you considering attending a community college? Listen in, as we will be spending the full episode discussing the wonderful opportunities they provide and, of course, what to know to be a successful transfer, from admissions, educational, and financial points of view.

A Deep Dive on Union College Mar 21, 2024

Go Union! This show is all about Union College in Schenectady, New York. We are lucky enough to have Matthew Maltesta, Vice-President of Enrollment, Ashok Ramasubramanian, Dean of Engineering and Co-Director of the Templeton Institute, and Linda Parker, Director of Financial Aid, on the show today. Host Ian Fisher will be interviewing all three about their roles and insight on Union. Tune in, as it’s a wonderful college that we recommend frequently to prospective students!

Should I Attend Admitted Student Day; Listener Q&A Mar 14, 2024

This will be a fun show, as College Coach admissions expert Tova Javetz will be here to answer listener questions with our host Shannon Vasconcelos. Seniors, are you considering attending some admitted student programs? College Coach veteran admission expert Steve Brennan is here to discuss the pros and cons (hint: mostly pros) with Shannon.

Standardized Tests; Choosing Your College; Financial Aid Appeals Mar 07, 2024

Juniors, are you confused about whether or not to take the SAT or ACT? You’re not alone. There have been lots of changes in recent months, and our host Beth Heaton will be joined by Megan Stubbendeck, CEO of ArborBridge, an online test prep service and one of College Coach’s trusted partners, to discuss everything you should know about standardized testing. For our seniors, we know many of you have heard from colleges or are anxiously awaiting your decision, so we’re here to help with a segment on how to choose the right college as an admitted student and what to do if you’ve been waitlisted. College Coach admissions expert Jen Simons will be talking over all of this with Beth. And we haven’t forgotten finance concerns! Our colleague Aimee Yorsaner will be here to answer questions about when it makes sense to appeal your financial aid package.

College Auditions; Becoming a Musician; Negotiating Scholarships Feb 29, 2024

Are you interested in studying music or musical theater in college? This is a great show; host Sally Ganga interviews experts in applying to college programs in each field. First, she will be joined by Charlie Murphy, Director of the organization Musical Theater College Auditions, or MTCA. He’s using his own experience as a graduate of Carnegie Mellon’s BFA program in musical theater and as a current actor to help students who want to study Musical Theater, and is happy to provide some tips for us! Sally also talked with Kurt Isaacson, College Coach colleague, musician, and former admission officer at California Institute of the Arts, about pursuing a Bachelor’s in Music. And for the finance segment, College Coach expert Alex Bickford will discuss how to ask for more scholarship money.

The Cal State System; Pre-Med Post-Bacc; Not Enough Financial Aid Feb 22, 2024

Do you know that California has great universities that are not UC schools? Listen in when host ian fisher interviews College Coach colleague Gabbi Tobias about the California State University system, typically called the Cal States. Considering medical school but you’ve already graduated from college and didn’t take any of the required classes? It’s not too late! College Coach expert Lauren DiProspero, former admission officer at both Stanford and Columbia medical schools, will talk about options for taking those courses so you can still apply successfully! In addition, Chrissy Foran, College Coach finance expert, will be reviewing what to do when you don’t receive enough financial aid.

Campus Safety; Homeschooled Students; Financial Aid Packages Feb 15, 2024

While college campuses are, by and large, very safe places, we know that crime can happen anywhere. Host Sally Ganga will be joined by Jessica Mertz of the Clery Center, an organization dedicated to helping colleges create the safest possible environment on campus and to advising families on campus safety. Jessica will be giving Sally some tips about students should be concerned about. Hint: it isn’t what most people think about! Have you been homeschooled? Nicole Doyle, College Coach colleague, will be jumping on to discuss what homeschooled applicants and their parents need to know, not just during the application process but while they are planning their high school curriculum and extra-curricular activities. And, College Coach Finance expert Beth Feinberg-Keenan will be starting the podcast with a discussion of how to interpret your financial aid package.

All about Transferring; Day in the Life of Financial Aid Officers Feb 08, 2024

Have you invested yourself at your current college, working hard in your classes and trying out a few extra-curricular activities, but you still feel like it isn’t the right place for you? Or maybe you’re at a community college and it’s time to move on? If so, listen in. Host Shannon Vasconcelos will be discussing the transfer process with colleague and former Hamilton College Admission Officer Jay Bonham. Shannon will also be joined by Alex Rendon, who, previous to coming to College Coach, worked in admissions at the University of California at San Diego, to discuss how to transfer into the University of California system. It’s a fairly complex process, so don’t miss this one! In addition, Shannon will be talking with Helen Faith, Director of the Office of Student Financial Aid at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, about the role of a financial aid administrator. Folks who work in financial aid offices have a tough job that is worth understanding. We hope you’ll join us!

Parent Support; Engineering Nuts & Bolts; Financial Aid Awareness Feb 01, 2024

Parents, do you have a high achieving student and are concerned about how to best support them in high school and the college process? Listen in as our host, Ian Fisher, will be talking with colleague DJ Meehan, former high school counselor, about what to do. In addition, Ian will be joined by colleague Joy Biscornet, who in a previous life was an engineering major and worked in admissions at top engineering school the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign to discuss engineering nuts and bolts (yes, pun intended!) And of course you all know already that February is Financial Aid Awareness month, but maybe you don’t know exactly what financial aid is and how families can access it. Laurie Peltier, college finance expert at College Coach and former financial aid officer will be reviewing the above with Ian.

The Athletic Recruitment Process; College Research Jan 25, 2024

Are you a student-athlete planning to compete in college? If so, tune-in to hear our host, Beth Heaton, talking with college finance expert and parent of a college athlete Stacey MacPhetres. They will be joined by Michael Yager, College Coach admissions expert, who will be covering the athletic recruitment process and athletic scholarships in their discussion. Ian Fisher, Getting In co-host, will be playing the role of guest in a separate segment to discuss how students can research colleges.

College List Building; Campus Visit Tips; FAFSA Rollout Jan 18, 2024

Juniors, and to a lesser degree sophomores, this is a great time to start thinking about the colleges where you’ll be applying! Our host, Shannon Vasconcelos, will be chatting with College Coach admissions expert Nial Rele about how to build your list. One important item on your to dos when doing so is to visit some colleges, and College Coach admissions expert Serena Frisina will join Shannon to talk about how to get the most out of those visits. And we’re very excited to have college finance expert Jess Mosley, in her first Getting In appearance, to discuss the challenging rollout of the new “simplified” FAFSA.

Senior Grades Matter; Job Search for College Seniors; Loan Debt Jan 11, 2024

Seniors, have you heard the rumor that colleges don’t care about senior year grades? Well, that’s incorrect, and even if a student has been admitted, colleges can rescind admission offers if grades drop. Listen in as host Ian Fisher discusses how and when this happens with Tova Javetz, college admissions counselor and former admission officer at Barnard, Columbia, Fordham, and Montclair State. Ian also welcomes Amanda Cuttler, former head hunter for Tory Burch and current consultant in talent acquisition. She’ll address the job search process for college seniors. Lastly, and this is one you won’t want to miss if you’re considering taking out student loans, college finance expert Michelle Smoley discusses the ripple effect of student loan debt on personal finances.

Having the Paying for College Talk; Summer Plans; 11th Grade Tips Jan 04, 2024

Have you and your student discussed who is paying for college, and how? Are you hesitant to do so because you don’t want to disappoint them? You aren’t alone! Listen in as we’ll be addressing that topic in our first segment with a conversation between host Sally Ganga and College Coach finance advisor Aimee Yorsaner. Then, Landis Fryer, College Coach admissions expert and former admission officer at Dartmouth, will join Sally to discuss summer programs—no, it’s not too early to think about those! Last, Sally and Mary Sue Youn, another College Coach admissions expert and former admissions officer at Barnard College, will be talking about what juniors can do now to start the process.

College Admissions Resolutions; Student Loan Repayment Updates Dec 28, 2023

Happy (Almost) New Years! Our host Shannon Vasconcelos will be discussing New Years resolutions with College Coach colleague and guest Kyra Tyler. Then, Michelle Clifton of College Coach’s Finance Team will be joining Shannon to give updates about Student Loan Repayment and the federal SAVE (Saving on a Valuable Education) plan.

Canadian Admissions; Who Gets into Highly Selective Colleges Dec 21, 2023

Have you been considering attending a Canadian University? Listen in, as Meghan Thompson, Student Recruitment Officer from the University of Victoria in British Columbia, will be joining us to discuss Canadian admissions, a very different animal from U.S. admissions. Our host, Beth Heaton, will also be talking with College Coach colleagues Amy Alexander, formerly of Yale admissions, and Zaragoza Guerra, formerly of Cal Tech and MIT admissions, about who gets into highly selective, perhaps most accurately known as highly rejective, colleges, and how.

Apps Are In: Now What?; Post-Decision Etiquette; Borrowing Basics Dec 14, 2023

Getting In host Sally Ganga will be interviewing College Coach educational consultant, Elyse Krantz, our go-to person for the nuts and bolts of the application process regarding what to do now that you’ve submitted your applications. If you are concerned you might miss something important after you submit, tune in! Then, our colleague Lauren Randle, former high school counselor, will be going over the post-admit decision etiquette and kindness pointers. Finally, Jennifer Wilcox of the College Coach Finance team will be discussing the basic rules of borrowing money to attend college.

Early Application Results & Decision Time; Listener Q&A Dec 07, 2023

Seniors, did you apply Early Decision or Early Action to college? If so, you should be hearing from the college or colleges soon, in which case, it may be time to make some decisions! Michael Yager, College Coach Educational Consultant, will be joining host Shannon Vasconcelos to discuss what students should be thinking about now. Then, they will be joined by College Coach finance expert Beth Feinburg-Keenan to answer Listener Questions. If you want to submit your own, you can do so via any of our social media pages, including Instagram and Facebook, or email us at: gettingin.voiceamerica@gmail.com.

Men’s Colleges; State Department Youth Programs; Transferring Aid Nov 30, 2023

If you weren’t aware there are all men’s colleges, you’re not alone! Ed Devine, Director of Admission at Hampden Sydney in Virginia will be here to discuss them with our host, Shannon Vasconcelos. Then, College Coach colleague Brian Swann will be joining to tell us about US State Department sponsored pre-college programs for youth, and College Coach Finance colleague Laurie Peltier will hop on to talk about how to transfer financial aid when you transfer schools in spring semester.

New Ways of Evaluating College Applications; Listener Q&A Nov 16, 2023

This is a particularly exciting episode, as we’ll be joined by Benjamin Baum, the Vice-President of Enrollment at St. Johns College of Annapolis, Maryland. He and host Beth Heaton will be discussing new ways of evaluating applications. Then, Beth will be responding to listener questions along with college coach finance expert Michelle Smoley.

What 9th, 10th & 11th Graders Can Do to Prepare for Admissions Nov 09, 2023

Are you a 9th, 10th, or 11th grader in high school, or the parent of one? We’ve got you covered in this episode! College Coach colleague, and parent of high school students, Kara Courtois, will be talking with host Ian Fisher about what 9th and 10th graders should be preparing for in the upcoming months, and Nicole Doyle, another colleague and parent will be covering the same topic with Ian but about high school juniors. Alex Bickford, college finance expert, will be covering the financial side of things for us.

Gap Years; High School Resumes; Aid Timeline for Early Applicants Nov 02, 2023

Have you ever thought about gap year, or even another year of high school? Host Beth Heaton will be discussing who and why should consider those options with colleague Zaragoza Guerra. Then, Jen Simons, formerly of the admission offices of Tufts, Northeastern, and more, will address whether applicants should create a resume. Hint: in most cases, no! Also, Beth will be joined by college finance expert Zachery Gries to talk about financial aid notification timelines for early admission applicants.

Public University VS Liberal Arts College; Student Visa Holders Oct 26, 2023

Today’s battle: public universities versus liberal arts colleges! We kid; each institution type has its pluses and minuses, and on today’s podcast, host Sally Ganga interview guests representing both. Our colleague Brittany Preston, formerly of the University of Colorado at Boulder and Oregon State University-Cascades, shares her experience at public universities, and our colleague Nial Rele, formerly of Middlebury College, relates his experience at a small liberal arts college. In addition, if you are an international student in the US on a visa, listen in as finance expert Robyn Stewart discusses how this may affect what you pay for college.

College Essay Tips: Overcoming Writer’s Block; Listener Questions Oct 19, 2023

Are you struggling to write those essays? Dismissing every idea as bad, or just staring at a blank screen? College Coach admissions expert Steve Brennan shares advice on how to overcome writer’s block. So, tune in, and know that you aren’t alone. In addition, host Shannon Vasconcelos and our very own admissions vet Jen Simons answer listener questions.

Senior Grades; Financial Impact of Early Decision; Stress Tips Oct 12, 2023

Students: Have your older friends, or even your parents, told you that your senior grades don’t matter? Well, they’re wrong! Tune in to today’s episode to hear host Ian Fisher and colleague Brian Swann discuss how senior year grades can impact admission to colleges. In addition, finance expert Alexander Gonzalez weighs in on the financial implications of applying Early Decision. Finally, as we enter peak stress time in the college application process, College Coach Karen Spencer helps us remember to take a deep breath and relax.

Supplemental Essays; Activity Lists; FAFSA Updates Oct 05, 2023

What in the world are supplemental essays? Unfortunately, many colleges require these additional short essays alongside the Common and Coalition Application personal statement. Tune in to this episode as host Beth Heaton talks with College Coach admissions counselor Lisa Albro about how to approach these supplements. In addition, admissions counselor Brittany Preston explains the activity list that’s part of many college applications, and Chrissy Foran, college finance expert, provides an overview of the Free Application for Federal Student aid (FAFSA) changes for 2024-2025.

Race Conscious Admissions; University of Florida; Loan Repayment Sep 28, 2023

We first addressed the Supreme Court’s decision on affirmative action in undergraduate admissions in our July 13 podcast episode. This week, College Coach admissions expert Kyra Tyler returns with the additional perspective of three months having passed since that episode. Host Ian Fisher then welcomes colleague Aysha Wong to fill us in on the University of Florida, where she previously worked as an admissions officer, and later gets an update on the Federal Student Loan Repayment policy from finance expert Michelle Clifton.

Deadlines; Parents Role in Admissions; Financial Aid Timeline Sep 21, 2023

Host Beth Heaton talks with college admissions counselor Becky Leichtling about the assortment of application deadlines. For everyone confused about the difference between early decision, early action, and regular decision, this is for you! College consultant Lisa Albro also joins Beth to discuss what role parents should play in the application process. (Hint: It’s not your job to write the essays, but there are other ways you can help!) In addition, college finance expert Beth Feinberg-Keenan talks when and how to apply for financial aid.

What are Honors Colleges & Should I Apply?; Listener Questions Sep 14, 2023

During this episode of the Getting In podcast, host Shannon Vasconcelos fields listener questions alongside admissions expert Sally Ganga. (Don’t forget to submit your questions to be included in a future episode!) Julia Jones then joins Shannon to discuss honors colleges, which are a great option if you’re looking for the relative affordability of a public university alongside smaller classes, more faculty interaction, and rigorous coursework.

Application Docs; Finalizing the College List; Tuition Discounts Sep 07, 2023

In the college admission process, most students know about the importance of essays and the application, but what they might forget are all the supporting documents that make up an application. For example, the vast majority colleges can’t make a decision without your transcript! Host Ian Fisher is joined by colleague Abigail Anderson to discuss what these documents are, why they are important, and most crucially, who is responsible for making sure they are submitted. Ian is also joined by colleague Zaragoza Guerra to discuss how to finalize your college list, and our finance colleague Aimee Yorsaner is here to discuss the two kinds of tuition discounting: merit and need-based.

Niche Colleges: PA College of Technology; Goal Setting; Repayment Aug 31, 2023

On this episode, we continue our “niche colleges” series as host Sally Ganga interviews Stephanie Golder, an admission counselor from the Pennsylvania College of Technology. PCT offers many traditional majors as well as a variety of trades, from construction to culinary arts. Sally also chats with admissions expert Nial Rele about how students can set goals for the school year, and hears from finance expert Jenn Wilcox with an update on federal student loan repayment.

Using Naviance; How to Handle Move-In Day; College Refunds Aug 24, 2023

Host Sally Ganga interviews her fellow College Coach admissions consultant, Mary Sue Youn, about how to use Naviance in your college search and application process. Not all high schools offer this online platform, but if yours does, be sure to listen in! Parents will also be glad to hear from College Coach Jay Bonham, parent of a recent high school graduate, on the dos and don’ts for move-in day and beyond. We close this episode with our finance expert Beth Feinberg Keenan, who explains how college refunds work.

Large Research Universities: University of Rochester; Q&A Aug 17, 2023

We’re delighted to welcome back Dr. Robert Alexander, Director of Admission and Financial Aid at the University of Rochester! Host Shannon Vasconcelos talks with our guest about the benefits of attending a large research university. She then welcomes College Coach admissions expert Nial Rele to answer listener questions. Remember that you can submit questions to us using our social media accounts!

Researching Majors; Competing Financial Priorities; Listener Q&A Aug 10, 2023

In this week’s episode of Getting In, we talk with college admissions consultant Elyse Krantz about how to research college majors, answer your listener questions, and college finance expert Michelle Smoley joins to discuss how to navigate competing financial priorities for high school and college students.

Colby-Sawyer College; On-Campus Jobs; Listener Q&A Aug 03, 2023

On this week's episode, host Beth Heaton welcomes president of Colby-Sawyer College, Sue Stuebner, to discuss the future of the small liberal arts college. College finance expert Alex Bickford joins us to talk about the perks of on-campus jobs for college students. Plus, we answer your admissions and college finance questions!

Early Childhood Educators; Hiring a College Advisor; FAFSA Tips Jul 27, 2023

We regularly talk to students who want to help others. One amazing pathway towards that is to become an early childhood educator. Host Sally Ganga interviews Rachel Robertson, Vice-President of Bright Horizons, about how to work with preschool age students. Sally also talks with Mollie O’Connor of College Coach about why you might want to hire an independent counselor to help your student in the college process. And last, Jennifer Wilcox answers Sally’s questions about whether the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) simplification will really make completing the form easier for families applying for need-based aid to attend college.

Niche Colleges: Colorado College; Listener Questions Jul 20, 2023

We’re continuing our Niche College series on the podcast this week. Our host, Shannon Vasconcelos, interviews Karen Kristof, Dean of Admission at Colorado College. She’s here to describe their Block plan; students take one class at a time and each class lasts three and a half weeks, enabling full immersion into that class’s work. In addition, Shannon will be joined by Kyra Tyler, College Coach admissions consultant, to answer questions from our listeners. Remember to submit your own questions! Send us your questions through Facebook or Instagram for our next Q&A segment.

Supreme Court Decisions Jul 13, 2023

As most people know, the Supreme Court of the United States recently released some controversial and important decisions regarding higher education. In this episode, we explain those decisions and give our perspective on them. First, host Sally Ganga hears from finance expert Michelle Clifton with an update on the status of student loans. Then admissions expert Kyra Tyler joins Sally to discuss the Court’s decision on race-conscious admission in higher education.

Honors Colleges; SUNY System; Last Minute College Payment Options Jul 06, 2023

Do you know that many large public universities have Honors Colleges for their strongest students? Host Ian Fisher interviews Tim Matthews, Senior Assistant Director of the Honors College at the University of Buffalo. Ian will be continuing the State University of New York (SUNY), theme in his discussion with Ryan Creps, a former Bright Horizons College Coach colleague and doctoral student at Boston College’s Lynch School of Education and Human Development. Finally, Zachery Gries, Bright Horizons College Coach finance expert, will suggested some last minute options to pay for college this fall.

Niche Colleges: Embry-Riddle & George Fox; College Paperwork Jun 29, 2023

Host Sally Ganga interviews Sara Boferding, Director of Admissions at Embry-Riddle University, to learn more about aeronautics, aviation, engineering, and business. In addition, we’ll learn about life at a Christian college from, Joy Brown, Senior Director of Admission at George Fox University. Lastly, College Coach finance expert Jan Combs fills parents in on all the paperwork they need to complete when sending their student to college.

Niche Colleges: The Webb Institute; Listener Questions Jun 22, 2023

Interested in a Bachelor of Science in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering? Host Shannon Vasconcelos interviews Lauren Carballo, Direct of Admissions and Students Affairs at The Webb Institute, where students attend tuition-free! College Coach veteran Kyra Tyler is also present to answer listener questions.

Summer Tips for Students: College Visits; Exploring Interests Jun 15, 2023

While visiting colleges during the academic year is the ideal, it isn’t always possible. And summer visits are still well worth it! Bright Horizons College Coach admissions consultant Nial Rele and finance expert Alex Gonzalez join host Beth Heaton to discuss what to ask during those visits. We also have the great fortune of chatting with Audrey Wisch, founder and CEO of Curious Cardinals, about how students can use the summer to explore their interests and invest in their own learning.

Executive Function Coaching; Insurance for College Students Jun 08, 2023

Parents of students with ADHD or executive function issues will be particularly interested in this episode, when our host, Beth Heaton, talks with Hannah Choi, Executive Function Coach for Beyond Book Smart and host of the podcast, Focus Forward: An Executive Function Podcast. As a coach, she supports college and adult clients in challenges like time management, planning, prioritizing, organization, and metacognition. Beth also hears from Michelle Smoley, College Coach Finance Expert, about what types of insurance should be considered for college.

Dartmouth versus Princeton; How to Spend Money from a 529 Jun 01, 2023

Interested in finding out more about Ivy League colleges? While they are part of the same football league, they are not all the same. Matt Alander, Director of Princeton Undergraduate Admissions, and Isabel Bober, Senior Associate Director of Dartmouth Undergraduate Admissions join us for a spirited debate about which college is better! We also talk with Bright Horizons College Coach finance expert Alex Bickford about how to use money saved in a 529 plan.

The Athletic Recruitment Process May 25, 2023

On this episode, we welcome Bright Horizons College Coach finance expert Stacey MacPhetres and her daughter, a DIII basketball player at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, to discuss their experience with the athletic recruitment process, from both the parent and student perspective. We’ll also answer questions from listeners. If you want to have a question answered on a future podcast episode, be sure to post it to our Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter!

European Universities Consortium; Military Education Benefits May 18, 2023

Interested in learning more about earning your college degree in Europe? On this episode, our host, Beth Heaton, interviews Ioana Benea (Bocconi University) and Juan Carlos Ruiz (Brussels School of Governance) about the European Universities Consortium (EUC). The EUC is a group of eight universities throughout Europe whose goal is to promote internationalization of higher education and provide educational opportunities in Europe to non-Europeans. Each member university offers programs taught entirely in English so they provide realistic opportunities for any English speaker. Additionally, since May is Military Appreciation Month, our college finance expert Laurie Peltier joins us to discuss the GI Bill and maximizing military benefits.

Teaching & Architecture Pathways; Teens & Financial Independence May 11, 2023

For students who are career minded, we have another Pathways episode. Are you considering being a teacher? College Coach admissions consultants Kara Courtois (a former elementary and high school teacher) and Brian Swann (former program director for the Center for Excellence in Urban Teaching at Hamline University) join us to talk about the ins and outs of the profession. We also have something for future architects! College Coach admissions consultant Kyra Tyler and her husband, Scott Whitebone, architect at HED and graduate of Wentworth Institute of Technology, will discuss various architecture career pathways. They’ll touch on architecture, interior architecture, and landscape architecture, as well as degree and licensure nuances. Finally, College Coach finance consultant Chrissy Foran will give some tips for your teen to achieve financial independence.

Healthcare Career Pathways; Finance Options for Nursing Education May 04, 2023

It’s Nurses’ Week! So, to honor nurses, we’ll discuss careers in the healthcare field, from physical therapy to, yes, nursing, with a little information about athletic training thrown in. We’ll share information about pathways to those careers as well as financial assistance for nurses in the form of loan forgiveness and scholarships.

The IB Program; What to Do after You’ve Committed to a College Apr 27, 2023

What do colleges think of the International Baccalaureate program? Is it a good option for high school students to pursue? Tune in to this week’s show when we talk with Marie Vivas, Senior Development Manager of the International Baccalaureate organization. We’ll also discuss how to get ready to pay for college now that you’ve committed to enroll.

Choosing Letter of Recommendation Writers; Listener Questions Apr 20, 2023

If you’re a high school junior, now is the time to decide which teacher(s) to ask to write your recommendation letter(s). We’ll be discussing what to consider when you make that choice. In addition, we’ll respond to questions from listeners. Anything related to college admissions or paying for college is fair game, so tune in to hear as many answers as we can fit in during our show.

2023 Outcomes; Building a College List; What to Know about Loans Apr 13, 2023

Admission decisions are out! What happened? We talk about this year’s admission landscape, giving high school seniors some of the context of the admit, waitlist, and deny decisions they’ve received from colleges. We’ll also help high school juniors choose colleges for their application list in a balanced and thoughtful way. We’ll also discuss what parents and students need to know when considering using loans to pay for colleges.

The Benefits of Attending Community College Apr 06, 2023

This week we’re talking all things community college. We’ll hear about the financial and academic benefits of starting at a two-year college, things to think about if you’re a transfer student, and how dual enrollment programs work. We’ll also talk to a current community college student and a staff member to hear about their experiences on campus.

Summer Plans for High School Students; Creating Your Own Project Mar 30, 2023

Even though it still feels like winter, it’s time to start planning for summer! From getting a job or taking a class to pursuing an internship or working on applications, summer offers a unique opportunity to focus on your interests for a few months. And don’t forget about saving any earnings to help pay for college. We’ll discuss all of this and more in today’s show. We’ll also welcome a current student to share how she created her own project while still in high school.

Admission Tips for Students with Physical Or Learning Differences Mar 23, 2023

This week’s show is for students with physical or learning differences. Sasha Manus, who has CP and uses a service dog, will join the show to share advice on navigating college with a physical disability. We’ll also offer application and admissions tips for students with learning differences and discuss financial aid for students with physical and learning differences.

Appealing and Negotiating Financial Aid; Standardized Testing Mar 16, 2023

Tis the season for financial and merit aid packages, which are landing in students’ emails and mailboxes right now. We’ll be discussing the difference between appealing for more financial aid and negotiating for more merit aid and offering tips on how to go about each. We’re also talking all things standardized testing in today’s show, from the state of testing today to the new digital SAT.

Getting Started on College Essays; Planning to Pay for College Mar 09, 2023

Calling all juniors: it’s time to get started! Too early to think about essay writing? Of course not! Too early to think about how to pay for college? No way! With the heart of the college process right around the corner, we’re sharing advice to help students get started on essays and parents to get started on their financial plans. And in a second essay-related segment, we’ll look at essays centered on a trauma and talk through both when to proceed with what can be a tricky topic and how much to disclose.

Academic, Social, and Finance Advice for Middle School Students Mar 02, 2023

College prep does not begin in middle school, but these years offer students a chance to explore their interests and develop some skills that will help them be more successful in high school. We’ll talk through the academic, social, and personal opportunities available to middle school students. We’ll also offer suggestions for helping your middle school students learn more about personal finance topics and to take on some of their own fiscal responsibility.

How To Transfer; Education Tax Breaks; Listener Q&A Feb 23, 2023

Does your student want to transfer? We’ll break down the basics of the process. We also have information on education tax breaks just in time for tax season, and we’ll answer your college finance and admissions questions in our listener Q&A.

Decoding Financial Aid Awards; Becoming a Vet; College Visits Feb 16, 2023

Financial aid award notifications are coming—are you ready? (Is anyone?) We have insights on how to understand these often confusing documents to determine what exactly you’ll pay, what discounts you’re receiving, and what debt you’ll be expected to take on. In other segments, our own Serena Frisina shares what she loves about visiting colleges, and a veterinarian joins the show to tell us about her journey to her current career.

College Coach Team Together Again: The Latest Admissions Trends Feb 09, 2023

Twice a year the College Coach team comes together for professional development and team building, and it’s our favorite time of the year! This year we’re bringing the podcast along for the ride, as Beth, Ian, and Sally sit down in the same room to host the podcast. We’ll give you a peak into our conversations and what we’ve learned at our most recent meeting.

Eight Years of Getting In! Feb 02, 2023

Co-hosts Sally Ganga and Ian Fisher and regular guest Shannon Vasconcelos join today’s anniversary show celebrating eight years of weekly Getting In podcasts. We’ll discuss some of the big changes we’ve seen in our time hosting the show, and some of the things that have remained the same. Tune in and celebrate with us—we’re still sharing helpful tips and information alongside some pretend cake and champagne!

CSU Overview & Updates; State Teacher Loan Forgiveness Programs Jan 26, 2023

The first half of today’s show is all about the Cal State University system. We’ll provide an overview of options, updates on new programs, and important things to know related to admissions. Then we’ll welcome two alums from the system to share their own experiences at CSUs. In our final segment, we’ll cover state teacher loan forgiveness programs—a must listen for anyone working as a teacher.

Education Debt Management Tips; Conservatory Student; UX Designer Jan 19, 2023

Ever wonder what a conservatory education is all about? We’re welcoming a current conservatory student to the show to share! We’ll also hear from BHCC’s own Nick Mayernik about the path to his current position as our UX designer. Finally, we’ll share tips for education debt management.

Inside the Review Process; How to Get a Job; College Saving Goals Jan 12, 2023

Curious about what happens to your app once it’s in the hands of the admissions office? One of our former admissions officers, a veteran of four different admissions offices, will share more on the process. New year, new you? Or maybe just a new college savings plan. We have ideas! Finally, most college students have their sights set on a job post-graduation. We’re welcoming the former head of global recruitment for Bank of America to the show to share his tips for starting the process while you’re still in college.

College Applications Are In: Now What? Jan 05, 2023

Hopefully seniors everywhere are breathing a sigh of relief—applications are in! Today’s show is entirely focused on next step, whether admissions or finance related or keeping your counselors and teachers updated on your college results and decisions.

Summer Plans; Transfers; In-State Tuition/Out-of-State Students Dec 29, 2022

College student home for the holidays and already talking about transferring? We’ll talk about how to think that through and what the next steps should be. It’s never too early to start thinking about summer activities for high school students, so we’ll finish off the year discussing those. And in Tuition Tidbits #2, we’ll cover the reality of getting in-state tuition as an out-of-state student.

Common Data Set and Occupational Outlook Handbook Dec 22, 2022

Ever seen info from the Common Data Set or stumbled onto BLS.gov? Whether you’ve never heard of these information sources or have some passing insight, you’ll want to listen to today’s show. We’ll unpack what the CDS is and share how to best use it, and look into the wonders (our opinion!) of the Occupational Outlook handbook found at BLS.gov.

Early Decisions; Student Loan Repayment Update; Boston University Dec 15, 2022

Early admissions decisions are in—what’s next? Whether you were admitted, deferred, or denied, we have information on how to handle each option. We’ll also update listeners on the federal student loan repayment options and when we anticipate repayment starting up again. Finally, we’ll welcome Anne Corriveau from Boston University to share insight on the BU supplement and what’s new at the university.

Tuition Reciprocity/Exchange Programs; Niche Colleges: Hampshire Dec 08, 2022

There are a number of interesting options out there for tuition costs. We’re going to cover them in a new college finance series, Tuition Tidbits. Segment one does a deep dive on tuition reciprocity and exchange programs. In the second segment in our Niche Colleges series, we’ll welcome Fumio Sugihara from Hampshire College to share what’s new with the Amherst, MA-based institution.

Niche Colleges: St. John’s College; Listener Q&A Dec 01, 2022

Ever wonder about the more unique colleges that are out there, especially why they do what they do and who they’re designed to serve? In our new series, Niche Colleges, we’re exploring some of the different options available to students. We kick things off with a visit from Ben Baum of St. John’s College, which focuses on a Great Books curriculum for all. Tune in to learn more. We’ll also answer your admissions and college finance questions.

College Interview Tips; Seniors Getting Started; Higher Ed ROI Nov 10, 2022

Wondering if college is worth it? We’ll help you think through how to evaluate the return on investment and avoid some pitfalls that might decrease your ROI. Are you a senior or the parent of a senior who hasn’t yet done anything on the college process? We have some to dos and timelines to get you going! We’ll also discuss the who, what, where, when, and why of college interviews—tune in for some tips.

Emergency Fund Benefits; Pitzer College Essays; NESCAC Schools Nov 03, 2022

What’s a NESCAC anyway? Bates College admissions officer Scott Alexander joins the show to share a current view of his college and other NESCAC schools. Pitzer College admissions officer also joins the show to discuss the Pitzer essay supplements. And in our latest Personal Finance segment, we’ll go over the benefits of establishing an emergency fund.

Ithaca College & Notre Dame Essays; National Merit Semifinalists Oct 27, 2022

As you know, we are in the season of supplements. We’ll look at both Ithaca College and Notre Dame while also tackling those pesky major of interest and why this college questions in general. In other news, we look at what’s next from a financial perspective for National Merit Scholarship semifinalists.

Ten Days Until November 1 college deadlines!; Updates from NACAC Oct 20, 2022

Ten days to November 1—yikes!! We have advice for what to focus on now as we inch closer to those November 1 deadlines. We’re also sharing our takeaways from the annual conference for National Association of College Admissions Counselors—NACAC for short.

Net Price Calculators; UVM; Atypical Deadlines & Applications Oct 13, 2022

What the heck is a net price calculator and why should you use one? Glad you asked—we’ll tell all in today’s show! We also welcome Chris Perlongo from the University of Vermont to talk early action, early decision, and supplemental essays about Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. Finally, we’re also sharing colleges with atypical deadlines and applications.

Top 10 FAFSA Questions; College Locations: City or Country? Oct 06, 2022

The FAFSA is live, and many of you have questions. We’ve assembled our list of the top 10 FAFSA questions along with the answers, and we’re sharing them with you! Three of our college admissions consultants will also share their experiences attending colleges in the “middle of nowhere” and in the heart of the city.

Undecided Majors, Unknown Major, CSS Profile Sep 29, 2022

Majors, majors, majors. Is it okay to be undecided? What about choosing something you’ve never studied before? On this week’s show, we’re exploring majors: how to think about them, how to choose them, when to wait (and whether or not that is a problem when it comes to admissions), and how to know that a major is right for you—even if you’ve never taken one course in the subject. We’ll also explain what the CSS Profile is, who requires it, and who needs to complete it.

Naviance; Supplemental Essays; Student Loan Program Updates Sep 22, 2022

Seniors completing the Common App and looking at a long list of supplemental essays may be asking, “but why do I have to write more essays?!” right about now. Becky Konowitz, dean of admissions at Santa Clara University joins the show to answer that question and dig into her own schools supplemental questions. In other segments, we’re breaking down recent updates re: Federal Student Loan Forgiveness and sharing insight on how to maximize Naviance.

Too Late to Save for College?; Working Parents; Listener Q&A Sep 15, 2022

If you’ve been looking at college price tags and wishing you’d started saving earlier, you might want to tune in to today’s show. Guest Yvette Haring of TIAA-CREF will be talking about 520 college savings programs and whether or not it’s too late to open one (hint—probably not!). In other segments, we’re talking to working parents to find out how they make time to support their students (it’s Working Parents Day!), and answering listeners’ admissions and finance questions.

Latino-Hispanic Serving Institutions, Majors, and Scholarships Sep 08, 2022

If you’re interested in attending a Hispanic-Serving Institution, intrigued by Hispanic Studies, or want to learn more about Latino-Hispanic Scholarships, today’s show is for you! We’ll hear from a representative from University of New Mexico, a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), offer insight into what it means to major in Hispanic Studies and other interdisciplinary majors, and share details about some of the many Latino-Hispanic Scholarships available to students.

First Generation Students; Wily Network; Financial Aid Refunds Sep 01, 2022

Imagine heading off to college with no one to support you—no parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents. That’s what many foster students who make it to college face every year. Join us to learn more about how the Wily Network is stepping up to fill that void. If you’ve received money back from your college, and you’re not sure why, we have answer. We’ll share everything you need to know about financial aid refunds, including why they happen and what you should do with the funds. Finally, one of our own educators shares her story of being a first generation college student.

Exploring the UC App and Apply Texas App; Cal Grant Program Aug 25, 2022

Planning to apply to a University of California institution or a Texas public university? We’re exploring the UC application and the Apply Texas platform in today’s podcast. And in our college finance segment, we’ll share details on the Cal Grant Program.

Starting College Strong; Listener Questions Aug 18, 2022

Attention college freshmen: starting strong is one of the keys to a successful college experience. We have some best practices to help students get off to a good first semester. We’re also answering your college admissions and finance questions.

The Common App & Coalition App are Live!; Credit Reports Aug 11, 2022

It’s that time of year: the Common App and the Coalition application are both live. We’re breaking down each option and offering suggestions on getting started on these application platforms. We will also look at credit reports in terms of both personal and college finance.

Learning a Foreign Language; Working in College Aug 04, 2022

Wondering if working in college is a good idea? We have thoughts! (Because of course we do!) We’re also exploring the benefits of studying a foreign language with our guests from Duolingo, one of the coolest ways to support classroom learning, pick up a new language on your own, or for international students to show proficiency in English.

Becoming a Sportscaster; Athlete To Do Lists; Sharing Aid Details Jul 28, 2022

If you’ve ever dreamed of being a sportscaster, tune in to today’s podcast to learn more about how to make that happen from someone in the field. We also have a list of things athletes should be doing now. And finally, we’ll talk through sharing financial aid package information with others—why you might want to do this, when you might not want to do this, and how to do it.

Sending Your Student Off to College; Listener Q&A Jul 21, 2022

Your student applied, got in, and made their final decision. Now what? We have everything you need to know from the mother of two college students who has gone through the process herself. In Office Hours, we’re answering your college finance and admissions questions.

Advice for Students Going to College Abroad Jul 14, 2022

Today’s show is all about attending college in a place other than your home country. We’ll be offering admissions and college finance advice for international students who plan to attend college in the US and US students who want to go abroad for their studies.

Summer Campus Visits; Meeting Financial Need Jul 07, 2022

What does it mean when a college meets financial need? We’ll take a closer look at the reality of this policy for families and share some colleges that do this. For those planning college visits this summer, we have advice from a Boston College admissions officer and a tour guide about how to make the most of that time even though students aren’t on campus.

Morehead Cain & Selective Scholarships; Buy Now Pay Later Apps Jun 30, 2022

While much of the scholarship dollars available to students comes courtesy of merit aid awarded by colleges to the best applicants in their pools, a handful of selective scholarships require an application process. We’ll explore the requirements for Morehead Cain and talk about other selective scholarships in today’s podcast. On the finance side, we’re talking through the buy now, pay later programs that are seemingly sweeping the world—and getting some college students into trouble.

LGBTQ+ College Search; Listener Q&A Jun 23, 2022

The college search process can be daunting for all students, but LGTBQ+ students may find it particularly challenging as they search for spaces where they will feel comfortable and safe. In honor of Pride month, we’re talking through how these students can best approach this part of applying to college. In Office Hours, we’re answering listeners’ college finance and admissions questions.

Common App Report; Attending a Christian College; College Savings Jun 16, 2022

As you prepare to pay for college, you may be finally tapping your college savings accounts. We have advice about how to best approach this. The Common App recently released a report on the 2021-2022 admissions cycle. We’ve pored over the findings and will share highlights with you. Finally we’re looking at what it’s like to be at a college with a Christian name—and not be Christian.

Application Deadlines; Financing Advice; Common App Activity List Jun 09, 2022

Rising seniors already know that this summer is an important time to get ahead on their application work. One important component of that is finalizing your list and noting important submission deadlines. And understanding those options is key to your success. With that in mind, we’ll discuss early decision one and two, early action, restricted early action, priority, regular decision, and rolling decision. For those with tuition bills due, we have advice for securing financing for the upcoming year. And in Office Hours, we’re all about starting your activity list for the Common Application.

LGBTQ+ Scholarships; Student Research; Using a College Counselor Jun 02, 2022

It’s Pride Month, and we’re covering LGBTQ+ scholarships in celebration. We’re also talking about student research—why you might do this and what it can look like. Finally, in office hours we’re reviewing how to decide if using an independent counselor is the right path for you.

Cutting Back to Improve Teen Mental Health; Listener Q&A May 26, 2022

Students these days are frequently involved in as many activities outside of the classroom as classes they’re taking inside it. A social worker and teen parent joins today’s show to discuss how cutting back can help improve mental health. In Office Hours, we’re answering listeners’ college finance and admissions questions.

Recommendation Letters; Summer Planning; Rising Interest Rates May 19, 2022

No summer plans? No problem! There are so many interesting things students can do with their summers that don’t need to be planned way in advance. Tune in to learn more. Interest rates are rising, and we’re discussing what that might mean for college financing and savings. Finally, we have advice re: asking for letters of recommendation, including who, when, and how to ask.

Regular Decision Results; Living Off Campus May 12, 2022

Now that the dust has settled on regular decision 2022, we’re sharing the results and trends we’re seeing. We’re also exploring things to think about if you’re trying to decide whether to move out of the dorm to an off-campus apartment next year.

Hear from the Deans: Babson, Olin, & Wellesley College Deans Join May 05, 2022

Babson, Olin, and Wellesley Colleges may seem like three very different colleges sharing only a similar location. But they’ve come together for an interesting collaborative program impacting students at each of the schools. Their three admissions deans join today’s podcast to share more about it.

Waitlists; A Senior’s Admissions Story; Tax Season College Saving Apr 28, 2022

Did you receive one of the dreaded “not a no but not a yes” waitlist offers? There are some strategies you can employ, and we’ll share them on the show today. It’s also tax season, and we have some tax-advantaged ways for you to save for college. Finally, one of our own seniors joins the show to share his college search, application, and decision process.

Next Steps for Seniors After Making Deposits; Consortium Schools Apr 21, 2022

It’s late April, and most seniors are getting ready to make their final choice and deposit at the college they’ll attend next fall. We’re covering all the next steps they need to be thinking about. Many students with top choice colleges feel like they should attend a summer program at that college. We’re also talking through the value of attending a college that participates in a consortium of some kind, from the Five Colleges in Massachusetts to the Claremont Schools in California.

Maximizing Naviance; Stories from Our Team; Athletic Scholarships Apr 14, 2022

Student athlete hoping for a scholarship? In honor of National Student Athlete Day on April 6, we have everything you need to know about athletic scholarships for college. In another story from our team, Vanessa Garrido will share her story of applying to college as the first generation daughter of immigrants. And for those students with access to Naviance through their high school, we’re offering tips on how to use it to its fullest potential.

Should You Reapply?; AP & IB Classes; Saving for College Timeline Apr 07, 2022

For all the seniors celebrating their acceptances and making their final selection, there are a few unhappy with their results and contemplating a different path. If you are thinking about taking a gap year and reapplying, we have some suggestions for evaluating your options and deciding how best to move forward with this process. High school students choosing courses for the coming school year may be wondering if they should add AP or IB coursework to their schedules. We have thoughts! And finally, it’s never too late to start saving for college, and we’ll share how to get started.

How to Use LinkedIn for College Admissions; Listener Q&A Mar 31, 2022

Students have been warned about cleaning up their social media presence, but many don’t realize that some sites can be beneficial to high school and college students. Andrew Cohen, senior enterprise account executive for the education vertical at LinkedIn joins the show today to share how high school and college-bound students can best utilize and leverage LinkedIn during the college admissions process. In Office Hours, we’re answering your college finance and admissions questions.

Borrowing for College; Preliminary College List; Sports Academies Mar 24, 2022

Many families will take out loans to help pay for college. We’re exploring the good, bad, and ugly of parents borrowing money to fund this big expense. We’re also discussing sports academies and how to determine if this is the right choice for your student athlete. In Office Hours, we have tips on getting started on a preliminary college list.

Admitted Student Events; Summer Programs; Qualifying for PSLF Mar 17, 2022

Many students with top choice colleges feel like they should attend a summer program at that college. We’ll talk about the pros and cons of that decision and share our bottom line on this. We will also cover admitted student events: why you might want to attend and what to do while you’re there. We’re also unpacking Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF for short) and how to determine if you qualify, how to take advantage of the program, and how to avoid making mistakes that could disqualify you for PSLF.

Regular Decision Results; Women’s Colleges; Listener Q&A Mar 10, 2022

Regular decision results are coming out, and we can help! We have advice about how to decide and what to do if you are waitlisted. In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re discussing what makes a someone a good candidate for a women’s college. In Office Hours, we’re answering your college finance and admissions questions.

The Price You Pay for College Mar 03, 2022

New York Times columnist Ron Lieber published The Price You Pay for College: An Entirely New Road Map for the Biggest Financial Decision Your Family Will Ever Make in early 2021. Our team is sharing their thoughts on the book in this episode.

Starting College Abroad; FinAid Awareness; College Visit Planning Feb 24, 2022

What does it mean when your college of choice accepts you and then asks you to spend your first year in another country? We’ll share more about starting college abroad, from why these programs exist to what to expect to whether or not you can ask for a more traditional start on campus. In our final Financial Aid Awareness Month segment, we’re sharing more about what a financial aid officer actually does and how they can help you. Finally, with spring (and COVID on the wane), it’s college visit season! We have planning tips.

Test Optional and Public Unis; SAT Changes; FinAid Awareness Feb 17, 2022

Test optional policies driven by limited access to testing during the pandemic have made that part of the process more confusing, especially at colleges that rely heavily on grades and testing alone when making admissions decisions. Chris Lucier, former VP at University of Vermont and University of Delaware, joins the show to share his insight into the impact of test optional policies on applicants to public universities. In our second segment for Financial Aid Awareness month, we’re sharing how financial aid eligibility is determined and helping you decipher your financial aid award. We’ll also be discussing recently announced changes to the SAT.

Biz Career Paths; FinAid Awareness; School Counselor Com. Feb 10, 2022

February is Financial Aid Awareness Month, and we’re celebrating by covering the basics of financial aid, from the definition to available options to funding sources. We’re also welcoming a guest to the show to share his journey from music major to SVP at IDW Publishing, offering some proof that you don’t have to study business in college to be successful in the business world. And finally, if you’ve hired a private counselor, we have some insight from a former school counselor on when and how to share that with your high school counselor.

The Nursing Profession; Listener Q&A Feb 03, 2022

We regularly speak to students with an interest in the medical field and the different paths available to them. This week, a working nurse will join the show to discuss his journey to becoming a nurse and offer insight into his work. We’ll also be answering your college finance and admissions questions.

Education Tax Breaks; Reflections from a former Dean of Admission Jan 27, 2022

Today, we are fortunate to have former University of Chicago Dean of Admission, Ted O’Neill, offer a retrospective of his 30+ years serving in admissions. We will wrap up the show focusing on tax season, and we have information on education tax breaks—what they are and how to take advantage of them.

SAT/ACT Myths; Asking for More Merit Money; Good Fit Colleges Jan 20, 2022

Did you know that you can ask for more merit money? Well you can, and we have some information about when and how to do this. We’re also looking at the myths that surround the SAT and ACT, and digging into what we mean when we talk about finding good fit colleges. Hint: my good fit and your good fit are highly unlikely to be one and the same.

2021 Admissions Reflections; Income-Driven Repayment Options Jan 13, 2022

2021 was the year when we were supposed to emerge from beneath the COVID cloud. It didn’t exactly pan out that way, but we did emerge! We’re sharing insight into what went well for our students in the college admissions process and how to think about your own process with those experiences in mind. On the paying for college front, we’re looking at income-driven repayment options and helping you decide if this could be a good path for you.

Summer Programs; Listener Q&A Jan 06, 2022

Is it too early to start thinking about the summer? Of course not! Early winter is the perfect time to think about what you want to do and where you want to do it—we have tips for getting started. We’re also answering college finance and admissions questions in our Office Hours segment.

Now What?; New Year’s Resolutions: Admissions & Finance Dec 30, 2021

Your applications are in. Now what?! We’ll tell you! As the New Year approaches, and with it, resolutions, we’re offering some suggestions for you to consider on both the admissions and personal finance front. Start the New Year with some new goals in place.

Preparing for the CARES Act To End; The Transfer Conversation Dec 23, 2021

Graduates with student loans need to prepare: the CARES Act and loan payment accommodations are scheduled to come to an end early in the new year. We’re sharing what you need to know and do next. Some students will return home from their first semester in college ready to transfer. We have advice on how to handle those conversations, including the questions to ask and the actions to take. Finally, many, many well-meaning family and friends will have questions, thoughts, and advice on your college process. We’re offering tips on how to prevent others from unintentionally ruining this important time in your life.

Next Steps for Students Getting Early Answers Dec 16, 2021

As colleges offering Early Decision and Early Action deadlines start rolling out their decisions, students will soon have to act on those decisions. We have next steps for everyone getting acceptances, deferrals, and denials in early rounds. For those in school already, your spring tuition bill is coming. If you’re not sure how you’re going to pay it, we have advice covering it using tuition payment plans and loans. For those juniors about to embark on the process, we have tips on how to maximize your upcoming winter break.

An AO Shares Her Pandemic Admissions Experience; Listener Q&A Dec 09, 2021

Last year was a whole new world for college admissions, both for admissions officers and for the applicants and their families. One of our educators shares her experiences as an admissions officer that cycle, including how they viewed the impact on coursework and extracurricular activities, and offers tips for approaching applications this year. We’re also answering your college finance and admissions questions in Office Hours.

Stories from Our Team: Internships; Financial Aid Eligibility Dec 02, 2021

Historically, having multiple children in college at the same time has meant more financial aid eligibility. That may change with the new FAFSA changes coming in the next few years. We’ll explain what that means for you. In another in our series on stories from our team, Lauren Randle will share the role internships played in her college career. And in Office Hours, we’re offering guidance on finalizing your list of colleges for regular decision.

Writing Your Best Essay; Gap Years; Student Loan Servicers Nov 18, 2021

If you’ve taken out any student loans, you may recently have received notice that your student loan servicer is changing. We’ll explain what a student loan servicer is and why they’re making changes. If you haven’t yet started your college essay, we have tips to get you writing and editing this in time for regular decisions deadlines. Finally, if your student isn’t interested in applying to college right now, it might be time to consider a gap year. We’ll talk through how to think about that option.

Tips for Seniors Just Getting Started; USC Supplemental Essays Nov 11, 2021

Any seniors out there just getting started on the college process? We have advice on what to do now in terms of applying to college and paying for it. We’re also walking you through the supplemental essays required by USC as part of their application.

Villanova Supplemental Essay Prompts; Listener Q&A Nov 04, 2021

Applying to Villanova? They have two required supplemental essays, one that everyone writes and then a choice from a list of five prompts. We have advice on how to approach each of them. In Office Hours, we’re answering your college admissions and finance questions.

Value and ROI of a Liberal Arts College; Early Round Results Oct 28, 2021

Wondering why you might want to consider a liberal arts college? Tune in this week for our thoughts on the benefits and the potential return on investment you can see from a liberal arts degree. Office Hours this week features early round results and advice for turning to regular decision.

Penn State Honors College Essays; Yale Supplemental Essays Oct 21, 2021

The application for Penn State’s Schreyer Honors College features 10 additional essays. We will walk you through each one. We’re also exploring two calculators essential to understanding how much you will pay for college, the EFC and NPC. No idea what those acronyms stand for? Tune in! Finally, we’re picking apart the supplemental essay requirements at Yale in Office Hours.

Why We Hate the Costco Essay; Early Deadlines; Merit Scholarships Oct 14, 2021

A few years ago, an essay with Costco at its center made the media circuit as an example of a powerful and successful college essay. We don’t like it, and we’re going to share why. The Merit Scholarship program gets a lot of attention for what is essentially a $2k award. But there are some other financial opportunities that can come with the Merit program, and we have information for you on that. Finally, the early deadlines—priority, early decision, and early action—are here, and we’ll help you make sure you’re ready to submit.

State School Essays; Listener Q&A Oct 07, 2021

Ever wonder how important essays are in the process at large state universities? It probably won’t surprise you to learn that it depends! In this week’s first segment, we share our thoughts on when these essays really matter and when they are less important. In Office Hours, we’re answering your college admissions and finance questions.

CSS Profile; Reporting Test Scores; University of Chicago Essays Sep 30, 2021

For most colleges, applying for financial aid is as simple as filling out the FAFSA. But a smaller group of schools also requires the CSS Profile. We’ll share what to expect if you need to complete that form as well. In the era of test optional colleges, students and parents frequently struggle to decide whether they should submit their test scores as part of their applications. We’ll walk you through how to think about that. Finally, we’re reviewing the additional essay prompts for University of Chicago in our fall series on supplemental essays.

Filing the FAFSA; Visual & Fine Arts Programs; Wake Forest Essays Sep 23, 2021

Should you file the FAFSA even if you don’t qualify for financial aid or have no plans to apply for financial aid? These are questions we frequently field, especially during the fall, and we’re going to answer them on today’s show. We also have advice on applying to visual and fine arts programs. Finally, in the first of our fall series on supplemental essays, we’re looking at the supplemental essay prompts for Wake Forest.

AP Capstone Program; College Bills; Balanced College Lists Sep 16, 2021

AP Capstone Program; College Bills; Balanced College Lists For seniors finalizing their college lists, one of the most important things to consider is whether it’s a balanced one. All reaches? Not good. All safeties? Might be overlooking some other options. We’ll talk through how to finalize a balanced list that isn’t too long or too short. In other segments, we’re discussing the AP Capstone program and offering tips for covering the remaining balance on your college bills.

What Does It Mean When Colleges Send You Mail?; Listener Q&A Sep 09, 2021

What does it mean when colleges send you mail? We discuss examples from a few different schools where we worked, and share thoughts on what to do with the mail you receive. We’re also answering your college finance and admissions questions in Office Hours.

UC Essays; Repaying Federal Student Loans; Stories From Our Team Sep 02, 2021

Starting the University of California application and wondering how to tackle those essays? We’ll discuss how to approach them in this week’s podcast. In another in our series on our team’s own college stories, Lisa Albro shares the challenges she faced as a first generation college student and then as a graduate entering the work world during a recession. Finally, we’ll update you on mandatory administrative forbearance and when you’re likely to have to restarting federal loan repayments.

Fall Admissions Timelines for High School Seniors; Using Naviance Aug 26, 2021

School is officially back for most seniors, and it’s time to focus on the application process in earnest. We have timelines for both the admissions and the college finance process, including what needs to get done and when. For those students with access to Naviance, we have suggestions for how to use that through the application process.

Community Service; Mental Health and Financial Aid; the PSAT Aug 19, 2021

A few years ago, we wrote a blog titled, “Colleges Don’t Care About Community Service.” In this week’s show, we’ll share whether or not our opinions on this topic have changed. In other segments, we’ll look at the link between mental health and financial aid, and dig into the PSAT and whether or not students should plan to prep for it.

Researching Colleges; Applying Early; Finance Tips for Graduates Aug 12, 2021

A great college list starts with academics, namely majors. If a college doesn’t have any in your areas of interest, it’s off the list! We have tips for how to go about researching majors. We also have finance advice for recent college graduates, and we’ll discuss the pros and cons of submitting applications in the early decision, early action, and priority rounds.

Stories From Our Team; Listener Q&A Aug 05, 2021

In another in our series on our team’s own college stories, Kyra Tyler joins the show to talk about pursuing a bachelor of arts in flute performance at Northwestern despite having no interest in a musical career. Tune in to learn how she draws on that education in her career. In office hours, we’re answering your college finance and admissions questions.

Demonstrated Need; 3+2 Engineering Programs; Supplemental Essays Jul 29, 2021

What does it mean when a college states that they cover 100 percent of demonstrated financial need? Is that too good to be true? We have thoughts—and facts—and we’ll share them! For those students interested in engineering, we’re digging into 3+2 programs to share more details about how those work. Office Hours is all about supplemental essays: what they are, who requires them, and where to find them.

Financial Fit; Supporting Your Recruited Athlete; UC Myths Jul 22, 2021

We frequently—and strongly—suggest that families discuss what they can afford when it comes to college. But talking money can be challenging. We have advice to make “the talk” a bit easier. Athletic recruitment has many moving parts, and it’s often the parents who are charged with keeping track of everything. We’ll share suggestions for ways parents can help their recruited athletes. Finally, we will address the most common myths we hear regarding the University of California schools.

Tips for Transitioning to College; The Importance of Saving Money Jul 15, 2021

Congrats to all graduating seniors who successfully applied to college and are preparing to start this fall. Laura Amigone, a college success coach from Rudder Coaching, joins the podcast this week to offer advice to these students to help them make a smooth transition from high school to college. We’ll also discuss why saving is important for everyone in another of our Personal Finance 101 series.

Preparing for College Interviews; Listener Q&A Jul 08, 2021

College interviews aren’t part of the process at many colleges in the US. But interviews are an opportunity for candidates to add a more personal component to their applications at those institutions that offer them. Find out what types of interviews are available, which students should plan to take part, what to expect, and how to prepare. We’re also answering your college admissions ad finance questions in our regular Listener Q&A series.

Early Education Degrees; Common App Essay; Personal Finance 101 Jul 01, 2021

Interested in earning teaching young children as your career? Learn more about the Horizons Teacher Degree Program, a no-cost degree program for all full-time employees in Bright Horizon’s early education centers and preschools. In our Personal Finance 101 series, we’ll talk about how to help your student prepare for financial responsibility in college. Finally, we’re discussing each of the Common App’s seven essay prompts and offering tips on how to approach each of them in Office Hours.

Tips for Transfers; Paying for Advanced Degrees; Physical Therapy Jun 24, 2021

Are you heading off to college pretty sure you want to transfer after year one? We have some thoughts about this approach that we’ll share with our listeners this week. If you’re wondering how students fund graduate and professional degrees, we’ll offer some insight. And finally, we have information for students interested in a career in physical therapy, from the education required to the skills necessary for the job.

A Parent’s Perspective; Summer App Work; Tuition Payment Plans Jun 17, 2021

This year our own Elizabeth Heaton is in our listeners’ shoes as she helps her son navigate the college process. She’s sharing her thoughts with co-host Ian Fisher. We’ll also lay out a suggested schedule of summer work for rising seniors who want to make the most of this time (hint—it includes writing and finalizing the essay!). Finally, we lay out the details of tuition payment plans, which can help some families avoid borrowing altogether.

Med School Residency Matching; Listener Q&A Jun 10, 2021

Many students think the final hurdle to becoming a doctor is graduating from medical school. But in fact there is another one looming: residency matching. If you don’t get a residency, you can not become a doctor. We have some information on what to look for related to residencies as you evaluate medical schools. In our Listener Q&A, we’re answering your college admissions and finance questions.

ROTC, Tuition Reciprocity Programs, Recommendation Letters Jun 03, 2021

Have you heard that you can pay in-state prices for an out-of-state school? One way to make this happen is through tuition reciprocity programs. We’ll discuss how those work in today’s podcast. We also have information about ROTC and will go over the who, what, when, and why of recommendation letters.

Staying Healthy in College; Healthy Finances and Mental Health May 27, 2021

This week’s show is all about health, from remaining healthy while you’re in college to maintaining healthy finances as a way of supporting mental health. Jill and Dave Henry, authors of the newly published College Health Guide will join the show to share what they’ve learned as coaches for young people over the years. And in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we will also look at the correlation of healthy finances and mental health.

Scholarship Searches; Film Majors; Common App Activities List May 20, 2021

As frequent listeners to our program know, the best sources of scholarship money are the colleges themselves. But there is more money out there for students willing to put the time in to look. We’ll offer tips on doing those outside scholarship searches. We’ll also explore what’s involved in film studies majors and what colleges who offer them look for in good candidates. Finally, in Office Hours we’ve got advice for students getting started on the Common App activity list.

SAT VS ACT—What Are the Differences?: Listener Q&A May 13, 2021

Those students who do plan to take standardized tests this year have a choice: ACT or SAT. But how do you make that choice if you don’t know what the differences are? ArborBridge CEO and former tutor and curriculum director Megan Stubbendeck shares her insight in our first segment. In Office Hours, we’re answering your college finance and admissions questions.

College Deposit; Working In College; Pre-Med Application Options May 06, 2021

Congrats to all those seniors who have made their decision and deposited at the college they will attend next fall. Now what? We have what you need to know about what comes next. In our ongoing medical school series, we’re covering all the pre-med application options for high school students, from BS/MD, BS.DO, early assurance, and straight up pre-med. Finally, we’re discussing all the work options for traditional college students, from work study to student employment to internships.

Gap Year Options; Athletic Recruits; Project Management Tips Apr 29, 2021

Wanting a break before starting college or looking for something interesting to do before applying? Rebecca Barr of Education First will join this week’s podcast to discuss gap year options through Education First. We also have advice on what to be doing now if you hope to be recruited athlete and project management tips for parents helping their students apply to college.

Who Gets In and Why: A Conversation with Jeffrey Selingo Apr 22, 2021

Excited to welcome New York Times bestselling author Jeffrey Selingo to the show to discuss his latest, Who Gets In and Why: A Year Inside College Admissions. We discuss everything from the impact of marketing and rankings on college admissions over the past 30+ years to the concept of “buyers” and “sellers” and how those distinctions can and should impact students’ college application decisions. He also shared what he’s hearing from enrollment managers this year and his thoughts on the COVID-dictated changes he thinks might stick.

Applying to Undergraduate Business Schools; Listener Q&A Apr 15, 2021

Interested in majoring in business as an undergraduate? We’ll share information on coursework and activities that might help your application stand out. We’re also answering your college admissions and finance questions in our listener Q&A.

Making a Final College Choice; Applying to Catholic Colleges Apr 08, 2021

If you’re a senior, you are likely in the middle of deciding where you’ll attend college next year. We have thoughts on how to evaluate your choices en route to making a final choice. We also have insight on Catholic colleges, from ascertaining their fit for you to understanding what they look for to learning more about their approach to financial aid.

Summer Planning; Career Counseling for Teens; FAFSA Changes Apr 01, 2021

It’s almost summer (please!)—have you made plans to do something interesting? Tune in to learn more about finding and deciding on summer opportunities, whether in-person or virtual. If you aren’t sure what your career path is yet, we have some counseling advice for you. We’ll also dig into what you need to know about the latest higher education finance legislation.

Discussion with reporter Melissa Korn, co-author of Unacceptable Mar 25, 2021

Join us this week for an in-depth discussion with Wall Street Journal reporter, Melissa Korn, co-author of Unacceptable. We’ll delve into the who, what, where, and why of the Varsity Blues scandal. More importantly, we’ll talk through the behavior that allowed this to happen on a grand scale and discuss how to avoid similar thinking and actions that can lead to similar ethical transgressions. Finally, we’ll offer tips on what to look for in an ethical college counselor.

Preparing for the College Essay; Listener Q&A Mar 18, 2021

For colleges that require it, the college essay can be a key component of a successful application. In no surprise to anyone, writing is hard! We have ideas on how to work on your writing skills in preparation for writing your strongest essay. We’re also answering your college finance and admissions questions.

Demonstrating Interest; RD Results; Parent Financing Options Mar 11, 2021

COVID, COVID, COVID. Are you as tired of it as we are? As you know, COVID has impacted a number of things about the admissions process, especially visiting colleges. Traditionally the gold standard of demonstrating interest to colleges, what do you do when campuses are closed to visitors? We have thoughts, including why the changes wrought by COVID might actually be a good thing in leveling the playing field around demonstrating interest. We’ll also cover parent financing options for paying for college and what to expect from regular decision results.

Veteran/Military Families; Racial Justice & Equity at Whittier Mar 04, 2021

If you are part of a military family or a veteran, you’ll want to tune in to today’s show. We’re looking at veterans going through the college admissions process and financial benefits for veteran and military students and their families. We’ll also welcome Falone Serna from Whittier College to share more details about Whittier’s new racial justice and equity action plan and why it matters.

Military Academy Application; College Lists; Financial Aid Awards Feb 25, 2021

Eager to start the college process but not sure how to begin? We have a framework you can use to build your preliminary list, and we’re sharing details. For those interested in pursuing admission to a military academy, we have a timeline for that application process. And in part two of our two-part series on financial aid award letters, we cover comparing offers, addressing changes in the financial situation since applying, and asking for more.

Standardized Test Policies for 2021/2022; Listener Q&A Feb 18, 2021

When COVID hit in March 2020, it disrupted life for everyone across the globe, including college admissions. Standardized test dates were cancelled, rescheduled, and cancelled again, and ultimately more than 1200 colleges and universities made them an optional part of their admissions process. We’ll update you on test optional policies for the 2021-2022 admissions cycle and share our thoughts on whether or not juniors should still plan to take them. In Office Hours, we’re answering your college admissions and finance questions.

Affirmative Action; Financial Aid Awards; Too Late to Apply? Feb 11, 2021

There have been a few recent court cases related to the use of affirmative action in college admissions. But what is affirmative action in this case, and how is it really used in admissions? Jamiere Abney, Coordinator of Outreach for Opportunity & Inclusion at Colgate University joins us to share more. If you’re worried that it’s too late to apply to college this year, you’re in luck—it’s definitely not! We have advice and information on your options. Finally, in part one of a two-part series, we’re talking all things financial aid award letters, including and especially, how to decipher the information.

Ivy League Admits; Employer-Funded Degrees; In-State Tuition Feb 04, 2021

We often mention the difference between being competitive in a highly selective applicant pool versus being compelling, which is the difference between who gets in and who does not. We’re sharing actual examples of compelling students we’ve worked with recently who have had success at this level. For those finding college too expensive even with scholarships and financial aid or those who want a different college experience, we have information about options to have your degree funded by your employer. We’re also discussing who qualifies for in-state tuition, who doesn’t, and some options for ways in which you might qualify even if you technically live in another state.

Who Gets In and Why: A Year In College Admissions Jan 28, 2021

Have you read Jeff Selingo’s book, Who Gets In and Why: A Year in College Admissions? Well our team has, and we’ll be reviewing the book in this week’s episode. Find out what we think he got right and if we think he missed some nuances—or maybe even got it completely wrong—based on our insights into college admissions as former decision makers.

Scholarship Offers; Med School Gap Years; Associates to Bachelors Jan 21, 2021

As admissions decisions start to come in, you may receive scholarship offers from some of your schools. Did you know you can negotiate for more? Learn more about the dos and don’ts of this process. We also have details on why students planning for medical school might want to build in some time for a gap year or two (or three!). Tune in for another story from our team. Hear about how one of our finance educators started with an associate’s degree before getting his bachelor’s.

Admissions Bloopers; Listener Q&A Jan 14, 2021

We talk a lot about what to do as part of your college admissions process. This week, we have some cautionary tales of mistakes some have made in the hopes that you can avoid making similar bloopers. In Officer Hours, we’re answering your college admissions and finance questions.

Applications Are In: Now What?; Tips for Juniors Getting Started Jan 07, 2021

Seniors: your applications are in. What can you do now? We’ll talk about steps you can take on the admissions and finance side while you wait for your decisions. Juniors: you’re up! We have advice for starting the college process in earnest now that you’re in the second half of junior year.

Admissions Resolutions; Attending & Paying for College as Adults Dec 31, 2020

Just in time for the new year, we have some new year’s resolutions for college admissions. We’re also sharing two team stories this week: attending college as an adult and paying for college as an adult.

Post-Bacc Programs; Spending Resolutions; Regular Decision Lists Dec 24, 2020

In another segment in our Med School Series, we’ll consider post-baccalaureate programs, including what they are and who would benefit. We’ve been giving a lot of attention to early action, early decision, and priority decision admissions plans, but this week we’re all about regular decision lists and planning. Finally, for those of you hoping to establish better financial habits in the new year, we have suggestions on developing a spending plan.

Attending a Women’s College; Listener Q&A Dec 17, 2020

In another story from our team, Jen Simons will share her experience choosing and attending a women’s college. We’ll also answer your questions on college finance and admissions.

Deferrals; Keeping Scholarships & Aid; Elon & UMiami (FL) Essays Dec 10, 2020

Early action, early decision, and priority admissions decisions have already started coming in, and many more will be released throughout December and into January and February. Many students applying under these plans will get a non-response in the form of a deferral, which is neither a denial nor an acceptance. Instead, it’s an invitation to wait a bit longer to find out if they are in or out. We’ll be sharing everything you need to know if you are one of those receiving a deferral decision. We also have advice about what you need to do to maintain your scholarship and financial aid dollars each year of college. And finally, Office Hours covers supplemental essays for Elon and the University of Miami in Florida.

Is Bribery the Only Way In to an Ivy?; Early Round Results; Preparing for Student Loan Payments Dec 03, 2020

With the latest admissions scandal, it might feel like the only way to get into an Ivy or similarly selective university is through bribery. We’re going to discuss the reality of getting into these highly selective institutions. We’ll also help you prepare to start paying off your student loans and discuss how the pandemic might be impacting that process. Finally, as early admissions results start coming in, we’re laying out what students can expect from those decisions.

Supplemental Essays for Notre Dame; Listener Q&A Nov 19, 2020

Working on your Notre Dame application and stumped by the supplemental essays? We’re here to help! We’ll also be answering listener questions on college finance and admissions.

Seniors Starting Now; Transfer Planning; Harvard & Tufts Essays Nov 12, 2020

Thinking about transferring colleges? If costs are a consideration, we have advice on how to start preparing financially for this transition. While many seniors have already submitted some or all of their college applications, many, many more are just getting started. We have tips on getting organized and planning ahead in order to maximize the time left before regular decision applications are due. In Office Hours this week? Supplements for Tufts and Harvard.

Financial Aid Apps In—Now What?; Choosing a Public Honors College; Purdue & UIUC Supplemental Essays Nov 05, 2020

Wondering what to do now that you’ve submitted your financial aid applications? We’ve got you covered. Hear from a College Coach team member about her choice to attend a public honors college. And in Office Hours, we’re reviewing the supplemental essays for Purdue and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

University of Washington and Arizona State Honors and Supplemental Essays; Listener Q&A Oct 29, 2020

In this week’s episode, we have more supplemental essay advice, this time for the University of Washington and Arizona State. We’re also answering your college admissions and finance questions.

Biggest Admissions and College Finance Myths in 2020; When Are You Ready to Submit? Oct 22, 2020

Myths surrounding getting into and paying for college abound, and this year is no different. In fact, the current challenges created by COVID have only increased the misinformation being shared. We’ll counter the biggest admissions and college finance myths we’re hearing with the real story. As early deadlines near, we have advice on evaluating when your application is ready to submit.

Why This College Essays for the Ivies; EFC and the College List; Evaluating Your College List Oct 15, 2020

We’ve covered what colleges are looking for in Why This College essays in a podcast a few weeks ago. But given how many of the Ivies have different versions of this essay, we are dedicating another segment to these supplemental pieces. We also have advice as you finalize your college lists, from determining whether it is balanced to considering it in conjunction with your expected family contribution.

Maximizing Sections of the Common App; CSS Profile; Supplemental Essays for Georgia Tech and UGA Oct 08, 2020

Ever wonder what goes into the additional information section on the Common App—or if you even have to fill it out? How about what to include in the honors section? We have advice on maximizing these and other areas of the application, including the activities lists and the new COVID question. We’re also sharing what you need to know about the CSS Profile as you prepare to complete this financial document for the colleges that require it. Finally, we’ll walk you through the supplemental essays for Georgia Tech and the University of Georgia.

Should I Report My Test Scores? Filing the FAFSA; Missing Out On Your First Choice College Oct 01, 2020

Standardized test date cancellations across the world have led many universities to institute temporary and permanent test optional policies. This week we’ll help you decide whether or not to report your test scores to the colleges on your list who aren’t requiring them. It’s October 1, and the FAFSA is out—we have all the details you need to know to file this important financial document. Finally, host Ian Fisher joins the show to share his story about not getting into his first choice college.

Pre-Med Student Advice; Listener Q&A Sep 24, 2020

For those students interested in pursuing med school post-college, engaging with your pre-med advisor will be an important part of the process. Our resident med school admissions expert, Lauren DiProspero, will offer her suggestions for making the most of this relationship. We’ll also answer as many of your burning college finance and admissions questions as we can.

UC Personal Insight Questions; Early Decision versus Early Action; Financial Impact of ED versus EA Sep 17, 2020

The University of California application differs from other platforms in that it requires students to respond to four out of eight personal insight questions with four essays no longer than 350 words each. This week, we will walk you through each of the options and offer writing tips. We’re also exploring early decision and early action—who are these application programs right for and the financial impact of choosing one of these options.

FAFSA and CSS Profile Preview; Georgetown Essays; Applying to College From Abroad Sep 10, 2020

In another in our series of stories from our team, Sai Samboon will share his decision to apply to and attend college in the United States despite growing up in Thailand. We’re also offering tips for the Georgetown application essays and previewing the FAFSA and CSS Profiles so that you can pull together the information you’ll need to complete these when they become available this fall.

Supplemental Essays & Why This College Prompts; COVID’s Impact on College Finance; Goals for Juniors Sep 03, 2020

In theory, applications like the Common App, The Universal Application, and the Coalition App allow students to write one essay for all colleges. In practice, many colleges also require supplemental essays. We’ll tell you what these are and how to find them, and offer tips on writing the most common prompt—Why This College? We’re also discussing COVID-19’s impact on college finance based on what we are hearing from colleges and families. Finally, we’ll set some goals for juniors returning to high school.

Fall Standardized Testing Update; Listener Q&A Aug 27, 2020

In terms of the college application process, almost nothing has been impacted quite as significantly by COVID-19 as standardized testing. A testing expert joins us to share her insights into what to expect when it comes to these evaluations this fall. In our second and third segments, we’re answering your questions related to college finance and admissions.

Top 5 Series: Advice for Senior Year Admissions and Financial Aid Applications; Senior Timeline Aug 20, 2020

This week is all about applications! Our Top 5 Series is back, and we have two top 5’s for listeners: advice for seniors heading into application season (especially in the age of COVID) and for getting organized and ready for the financial aid application process. We’re also checking in on the rising senior summer schedule we introduced back in June and making suggestions for a fall timeline.

COVID’s Impact on SNHU; Tips for Online Learning; Using College Savings Plans to Pay College Bills Aug 13, 2020

Southern New Hampshire University President Dr. Paul LeBlanc joined the show this week to offer his thoughts on how SNHU is responding to COVID-19, tips for online learning, and what he sees as the overall disruption to higher ed and the potential positive outcomes to that disruption. For those with college savings plans, we’ll discuss how to maximize those plans to pay the college tuition bill when it arrives.

COVID’s Impact on UCLA Admissions; Finance Conversations to Have Before Starting College Aug 06, 2020

UCLA Senior Associate Director, Evaluation and International Admission Ffiona Rees joins the show this week to share information on how the UC-specific changes brought about by COVID-19 are shaping the UCLA admissions process this year. She also offers her advice about how to navigate this challenging year. For those students about to start college, we have thoughts on important financial topics for parents and students to discuss beforehand.

Common App Essay; Tuition Payment Plans; Strengths Coaching Jul 30, 2020

For most people, writing a check for the tuition bill is a frightening prospect. What if you could spread those payments out? We have information on tuition payment plans offering an installment plan. We’ll also take a close look at the Common App essay topics and offer suggestions for approaching those. Finally, Bright Horizons’ director of learning and development services will join us to share data on strengths-based coaching.

Pre-Med Activities; Listener Q&A Jul 23, 2020

Many students enter their undergraduate years with their sights set on medicine. We have suggestions for pre-med activities that can positively impact med school applications. In our second and third segments, we’re answering your questions related to college finance and admissions.

Maximizing Common App Activities Section; Engineering in Liberal Arts College; FERPA Jul 16, 2020

One of the most important parts of the Common App is the section in which students list their activities. Involvement outside the classroom is a major selection component for many universities, and this is the primary opportunity to share the depth and breadth of that involvement. We’ll offer tips for these 10 entries to maximize their impact. In other segments, we’ll go over what you need to know about FERPA and one of our educators will share her experiences studying engineering in a liberal arts college.

Essays on COVID-19; Selecting a College & Studying Abroad; Making the Most of the Summer Financially Jul 09, 2020

COVID-19 looms large for all of us this year, including high school students. For many, it might be tempting to write their essays about their experiences—but should they? We’ll talk through this question and offer our perspective as former admissions officers who have read tens of thousands of admissions essays over the years. In other segments, we’ll go over how students can help themselves financially this summer and hear about one of our expert’s experiences selecting her college and studying abroad in London.

Essential Executive Function Skills; Summer Plans for Rising Seniors; Finding Scholarships by Major Jul 02, 2020

There are some executive functioning skills that are essential to student success. Michael Delman, founder of Beyond BookSmart, joins us to go over those skills and share tips for how to develop them. We’ll also look at how to find scholarships based on your intended major. In Office Hours, we have a suggested timeline and plan for rising seniors to make the most of their summer by tackling some of the biggest pieces of the college process during this time off from school.

College Level Writing; Listener Q&A Jun 25, 2020

For some students, one of the biggest challenges of transitioning from high school to college is adjusting to the expectations of college level writing. Cassie Hemstrom of the UC Davis University Writing Program joins the show with tips. In our second and third segments, we’re answer listener questions related to college finance and admissions.

Distance Learning; Post-Graduate Years; Borrowing to Pay for College Jun 18, 2020

With the pandemic disrupting in-person classes and raising the question of whether or not students will be on campus this fall, some families are investigating distance learning. Join us to learn more about who might flourish in distance learning and what to look for in the options available. We’ll also go through what parents need to know about borrowing money to pay for college, and a College Coach educator will share his personal experience with a post-graduate year of study between high school and college.

Adjusting Summer Plans; PSAT Scores & Scholarships; Navigating COVID-19 with Help Jun 11, 2020

COVID-19 has disrupted many things in our world this year, including many high school students’ summer plans. We’ll be talking through how to adjust your activities with social distancing and cancellations in mind. For all those juniors who took the PSAT this past fall, we have information on how those scores will relate to scholarships available to students. Finally, if all the changes in admissions this year has you looking for assistance beyond our podcast, we have thoughts about how to evaluate your options.

College for B/C Students & Listener Q&A Jun 04, 2020

News articles, parents, and college themselves can often focus on the importance of earning As in high school classes. But the reality is that many, many of the students applying to college every year are earning Bs and Cs. We’ll discuss considerations and college pathways for those students, who are far more common than those earning straight As. In Office Hours, we’re answering your college admissions questions.

Online Vs On-Campus Costs & Standardized Tests & Computer Science May 28, 2020

With next fall’s plans pretty a giant question mark, many families are trying to understand what online study versus on-campus study will do to their costs. We’ll share what you need to know about funding an online education. In other segments, we’ll offer some standardized testing advice as test dates are cancelled and more colleges opt to go test optional in the coming year. Finally, we’ll revisit computer science, this time with Rich Bischoff of Case Western offering the college perspective.

9th & 10th Grade: Curriculum, Extracurriculars, & Financial Tips May 21, 2020

This week’s show is all for the underclassmen, from mapping out a plan for your high school coursework to understanding the what and why of participating in extracurricular activities throughout your secondary school years. Finally, we have some financial advice for parents of ninth and tenth graders to follow as they prepare to pay for college in a few years.

Pass/Fail & Ideas for Med School Hopefuls & Paying for College May 14, 2020

With schools closing and COVID-19 impacting high school instruction across the country and world, some secondary schools are moving to a pass/fail grading scale for the second half of the year. We will discuss the impact of that change when it comes time to apply to college. We’ll also offer suggestions for activities med school (and other health science) hopefuls can work on while they are stuck at home. Finally, we’ll discuss different ways to fund your college choice beyond the financial aid award.

You've Made Your Choice Now What? Listener Q and A May 07, 2020

While many seniors are still trying to figure out their final college choice for the coming fall, many in this year’s graduating class have committed to their institution. In our first segment, we’ll look what you need to do now. In Office Hours, we’re answering your burning questions about college admissions and finance.

Top 5 College Lists and College Cost Savings Strategies; Deferring Your Enrollnment Apr 30, 2020

Already know that you’d like to defer your enrollment for next year, whether for a specific reason or just to take a break? We have guidance on the who, what, where, and when of requesting a deferral. We’ll continue our Top 5 series with our top five things to keep in mind when putting together a college list and top five college cost savings strategies.

Pursuing ROTC; Biggest Myths: Admissions and College Finance Apr 23, 2020

Interested in participating in Reserve Officer Training Corps—ROTC for short—in college? We’re welcoming Rob Kirkland, author of The Insider’s Guide to the Army ROTC Scholarship for High School Students and Their Parents, to share his thoughts on applying to these programs. In another in our Biggest Myths series, we’ll look at some myths in both admissions and college finance.

Making the Final College Decision; Financial Fit; Don't Like Your College Options? Apr 16, 2020

While some colleges have pushed back their reply date from May 1 to June 1 or even later (we see you, Iowa State!), many students will need to commit to their college of choice within the next few weeks. We have suggestions for how to approach this decision, especially since visiting campus is not an option this year. We will also look into using financial fit as part of the college selection process. In Office Hours, we’ll offer options for students who don’t like any of the colleges that accepted them.

COVID-19 Questions and Impact on College Finance; Listener Q&A Apr 09, 2020

COVID-19 has had a significant impact on high school seniors and underclassmen, and on college finance. In today’s show, we’ll be tackling the question of how to get a feel for a college campus without visiting in person, and answering some of the questions (what if I don’t get any grades for the second half of my freshman, sophomore, or junior year) we’re getting from underclassmen. We’ll also walk you through the impact on every phase of college finance, from saving for college to paying for it to handling the loans once you graduate. Finally, we’re doing a listener Q&A to answer some additional COVID-19 questions and some that are completely unrelated.

Financial Aid Appeals; Finding the Best Program; One Student's Transfer Story Apr 02, 2020

In a world in which everything seems to have changed overnight, what you have available to pay for college may have shifted drastically over the last few weeks. Appealing your financial aid offer may be more important than ever, and we have advice on the best way to go about that. For those students thinking about transferring, we have a personal transfer experience story to share. In Office Hours, we’re offering tips for determining which college program is the “best” one for you.

COVID-19 & the Admissions Process; Comparing Financial Aid Awards Mar 26, 2020

Congrats seniors: admissions season is in the homestretch. But just when you thought you would cross the finish line with no more issues, here comes COVID-19! We’re interviewing a senior who is in the middle of receiving admissions decisions and trying to figure out her next steps when she can’t visit any colleges to help her make her final choice. Another topic that’s top of mind this and all years are financial aid awards. We’ll take a look at how to compare them across different schools. Finally, for those underclassmen who are unexpectedly at home right now, we have thoughts on how to use some of this time to get ahead in the process.

Computer Science Programs; Questions to Ask on Campus Tours Mar 19, 2020

Computer science programs and majors grow in popularity every year. We’ll explain what they are, who they are for, and what they look for in applicants. In Office Hours, we’re talking through questions to ask on campus tours, whether you’re collecting information to determine which schools should end up on your college list or to figure out how you can afford to pay for them.

One Year Post Varsity Blues; ABCs of EFC Mar 12, 2020

The Varsity Blues scandal hit the country on March 12, 2019. One year after the news exploded across this country and the world, we’re taking a look at what has changed, what has stayed the same, and how to avoid making these same mistakes moving forward. In college finance, we review the details of expected family contributions, or EFC for short

BFA vs. BA; Gap Years; Cash for College Expenses Mar 05, 2020

For students with an interest in the arts, whether visual, music, theatre, dance, and more, there are two primary college program options, the bachelor of fine arts, and the bachelor of arts. In this segment, we will take a close look at the benefits and drawbacks of each option and discuss which option might best suit students’ individual goals. In Office Hours, we’re discussing gap years. Including why students might opt for one and things to consider if you plan to pursue a gap year. Finally, we offer tips on identifying cash flow that might help you reduce the amount you need to borrow to pay for college.

State of College Admissions; Spring Break; Maximizing Tax Breaks Feb 27, 2020

Every year, the National Association of College Admissions Counseling releases a report on the state of college admissions. Join us to learn more about the growth in application volume, the national average college acceptance rate, increases in early decision, early action, and waitlist activity, and more. It’s also tax time, and we’re covering what you need to know now to maximize your tax breaks. In Office Hours, we’re talking about planning ahead to make the most of spring break (and that doesn’t include Cancun!).

International Students Applying to US Colleges; Listener Q&A Feb 20, 2020

Applying to US colleges can be complicated. The process can be even more difficult if you are coming from another country. We have advice designed specifically for international students who hope to attend college in the US. In Office Hours, we are answering your college admissions and finance questions.

5 Things Juniors Should Do Now; Free Test Prep Resources Feb 13, 2020

Test prep can be an expensive undertaking, yet we recommend that every student do some prep before they take the ACT or SAT. We’ll be discussing free test prep resources—what’s out there and which options are best. For juniors, we have advice on the top five things you should be doing now to get started on the college search and application process, and the top five things you and your families should know as you prepare to pay for college.

Fifth Anniversary Show! Feb 06, 2020

If you can believe it, we’ve been bringing college finance and admissions information to you every single week since we launched Getting In: A College Coach Conversation on February 5, 2015. Join us for a celebration as we share stories from our time working in admissions and financial aid, along with some cautionary tales and highlights from a few of our favorite students and parents.

High School Counselors; Local Scholarships; The Last Semester Jan 30, 2020

Our country is suffering from a ratio of students to school counselors that averages about 455 to 1. In no surprise to anyone, too few counselors is having a negative impact on students. We welcome Harvard professor Mandy Savitz-Romer to the show to share her insights. For high school seniors looking for scholarship money, we have tips for thinking local. And in Office Hours, we have thoughts for those very same seniors as they head into their last semester of high school.

The Transfer Process; Listener Q&A Jan 23, 2020

You want to transfer. We want to help. Check out this week’s show for insight into the transfer application process, from what’s required to when you need to get those applications submitted. We’re also answering listener questions on college finance and admissions.

College Advice for Twins/Multiples; Plan for Seniors Starting Now Jan 16, 2020

For twins and multiples, the college process is twice (or more) intense than for everyone else, from deciding where to apply, doing college visits, writing essays, and figuring out how to pay for it all. We’re offering insight into how twins and multiples are treated in both the admissions and financial aid processes, and giving some tips for successfully navigating both. In Office Hours, we have a plan for seniors who want to attend college next fall but haven’t yet submitted applications.

Test Optional, MBAs, Don't Take the First College Offer You Get Jan 09, 2020

After spending hours on your applications, filling out financial aid forms, and waiting for what might feel like an eternity to get an answer, it can be tempting to accept the first offer that comes along. They like you, they really, really like you! And you like them—what’s the problem? We’ll tell you on the show. We’re also talking to a former Wharton admissions officer about MBA’s—what it is and whether or not it might be right for you. In Office Hours, we’ll be exploring test optional policies to help listeners better understand how they might work to a student’s advantage.

Applications Are In: Now What?; College Admissions Resolutions Jan 02, 2020

Post-January 1 can be super challenging for seniors. After the crush of finalizing and submitting applications, have nothing left to do but wait—and that can be tough. We have some suggestions for actions you can take once all of your apps are in. Since it’s the new year, we are all about resolutions—and we have thoughts about some good resolutions you can make related to college admissions and finance.

Common Data Set; Listener Questions Dec 26, 2019

In today’s post-holiday show, we’re exploring the Common Data Set, including what it is and why you need to know about it. We’re also answer listener questions on college finance and admissions.

New Landscape Tool; VA Tech & Santa Clara Essays; Winter Savings Dec 19, 2019

The College Board made a splash a few months ago with its new Adversity Score. After some negative backlash and bad press, they scrapped the score and replaced it with their new Landscape tool. Tune in to find out what all the fuss is about and if the name is the only thing that’s really changing. Breaks from college can wind up being quite expensive for students depending on what they choose to do and how far they travel to do it. We have some thoughts on how not to break the bank during the upcoming winter break. Finally, in Office Hours, we’re breaking down the supplements for Virginia Tech and Santa Clara.

Admissions Myths; Paying for College; Colleges That Change Lives Dec 12, 2019

Have you had The Talk with your kids yet? No, not that talk. The one about how much you can afford to pay for college! We have advice for why this talk is important, how to discuss it, and the best time to broach the subject. We’re also doing the second in our series on popular admissions myths that we’re trying to dispel. Our final segment focuses on Colleges That Change Lives, the group of colleges originally identified in Loren Pope’s popular book of the same name. Tune in to learn more about the criteria used to select these CTCL schools and why they might be a great fit for you.

Mental Health Issues & Support in College; Application Countdown Dec 05, 2019

Mental health issues are a significant and growing concern on college campuses throughout the United States. In this week’s show, we welcome Courtney Joly-Lowedermilk, NITEO Manager at the BU Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation to talk about how to support students facing these challenges. In Office Hours, we’re offering suggestions for staying organized and on track in the final countdown to regular decision application submissions.

Coalition Prompts and University of Maryland Essay; Listener Q&A Nov 21, 2019

The Coalition Application is similar to the Common App in that it is one application students can fill out that is accepted at multiple schools. While some of the essay prompts overlap with the Common App in theme and approach, others are quite unique to the application. We will discuss the options and approaches to these topics. In Office Hours, we’re answering listener questions related to college finance and admissions.

Gap Years, What to Do if You Are Deferred, Repaying Student Loan Nov 14, 2019

When college students graduate, they have a grace period of a few months before they need to start repaying their student loans. As that grace period is coming to an end, we have some thoughts on getting started on the repayment portion. In other segments, we’ll discuss who should consider a gap year, and offer suggestions for next steps if you are deferred in the early round from any of your colleges of interest.

Top 5 College Application Mistakes; Too Many Applications Nov 07, 2019

Every year we read about students who apply to far too many schools, topping out at 20, 30, and even 40 or more applications. While we appreciate the temptation to do more given how uncertain the process can feel, our experience shows us time and again that too many applications is a big mistake. In this show, we’ll share some of the negative results we saw from too many applications. We’ll also identify our top five college application mistakes and our top 5 financial aid application mistakes. If you’re wondering what NOT to do in the college process, tune in this week!

UC Personal Insight Essays; Last Minute Tips; College Selection Oct 31, 2019

November 1 marks one of the biggest early application program deadlines of the year, and many students will submit at least one application by that day. But what if you’re a senior and you’re just getting started thinking about your college applications? We have some good advice for you to help kick things off. In other segments, we’ll look at the financial impact of your college list and selection process. And, finally, last week we gave you the low down on the University of California application, and this week we’re tackling the application’s personal insight questions.

University of California Application; Listener Q&A Oct 24, 2019

More than 200,000 students will apply to the University of California system this year using the UC application. That’s bound to generate a lot of questions, and we have a lot of answers for you. We’re also answering your other admissions and college finance questions in our listener Q&A segment.

Merit Scholarships; Early App Deadlines; Mindfulness in Test Prep Oct 17, 2019

People who can write a check for $50,000 or $75,000 to pay for college make up a pretty small group, and not many colleges can or will offer that much aid even to those who qualify for it. If you’re not sure where the money to pay for your or your child’s education is coming from, check out our advice on how to look for and maximize merit scholarship opportunities. As early deadlines—Early Decision, Early Action, Priority, and rolling—approach, we’ll offer some tips on how to approach these deadlines and what to expect from the early process. Finally, we’ll welcome a guest with insight into using mindfulness as part of your test prep process.

Underclassmen Goals; Your School Counselor; Costs of Applying Oct 10, 2019

One of your biggest allies in the college process is your school counselor. Whether writing a letter of recommendation, sending out a transcript or directing you to local scholarship resources, there are many, many ways in which they will support you. We have advice from a former school counselor on how you can be a better partner. We’ll also take a look at the costs associated with applying to college and walk you through some goal setting suggestions for underclassmen.

Bloopers, Early College Programs, Learn to Live Like a Student Oct 03, 2019

Love watching blooper reels for your favorite TV shows? We’re offering our own blooper reel of mistakes we saw students and parents making when we were admissions officers. Don’t be them! We’re also welcoming the associate director of admissions for Bard College at Simon’s Rock to share more information about early college programs, including what they are and who would most benefit from these opportunities. Finally in Learning to Live Like a Student, we’ll focus on how small and large financial choices that students make while they are in college can and will impact their financial future after graduation.

Listener Q&A; Johns Hopkins and UC Boulder Supplemental Essays Sep 26, 2019

If you’ve been staring at a blank computer screen wondering how to craft an answer to the supplemental writing prompts for Johns Hopkins and UC Boulder, you’ve come to the right place! We’ll talk through appropriate approaches to all on today’s show. We’ll follow that by answering all of your burning college finance and admissions questions.

College Admissions Myths; the CSS Profile; Submitting Test Scores Sep 19, 2019

There are many, many myths floating around out there about college admissions, and in this new regular segment, we’re going to try to replace the myth with some facts. Last week we shared everything you need to know about completing the FAFSA, and this week we’re tackling the CSS Profile, which is required by about 400 colleges and universities. Finally, we’ll let you in on the who, what, where, when, and how of submitting standardized test scores.

Recommendations; FAFSA; Swarthmore, Haverford, Bryn Mawr Essays Sep 12, 2019

It is almost October 1, commonly known as FAFSA time around here, and we have guidance for those completing the form this fall. We also have advice for teacher recommendations, from how they are used to who to ask to how to ask for them. In Office Hours, we are working through the supplemental questions for Haverford, Swarthmore, and Bryn Mawr, three colleges on the outskirts of Philadelphia.

Alumni Interviewer Tips; What is FERPA; Common App Activity List Sep 05, 2019

Many of the most selective colleges in the country rely on alumni interviewers to get some additional perspective on applicants. We are excited to welcome one of our regular listeners, who also happens to be an alumni interviewer for her alma mater, to the show to offer some perspective on how the process works and tips for interviewees. We will also discuss FERPA, including what it is and how it impacts students and families. And finally, in Office Hours we have got insight on how to maximize the Common App activities section.

Essays for Vassar and University of Rochester; Listener Q and A Aug 29, 2019

It is application season, and application season means supplemental essays In this weeks show, we will dissect the supplemental questions for Vassar and University of Rochester. We will also answer your college admissions and finance questions in our Listener Q and A segment.

College Financing; Staff Students Should Know; Apply Texas App Aug 22, 2019

When it comes to financing your college education, there are a lot of options. We are going to tell you about them and give you the information you need to make the best choice for your family. Landing on a college campus can be a daunting experience. We have some suggestions about the staff members every college student should get to know. Finally, we will walk you through what you need to know about the Apply Texas application.

Common App Changes, Readying Kids Financially, Wayfinding Academy Aug 15, 2019

Michelle Jones, founder of Wayfinding Academy, joins this weeks show to offer her thoughts on how Wayfinding is approaching college from a different perspective. We will also discuss this years changes to the Common App and talk about how you can prepare your college bound student for the financial challenges ahead.

EA/ED/Priority Admissions; Safety Schools; the College Bill Aug 08, 2019

There are a lot of early admissions deadline options, early action, early decision one and two, priority admissions, restrictive early action, etc. How do you know which, if any, is the right choice for you? We will help you figure that out. We will also help you figure out the college bill that is coming your way, and discuss what makes a college a safety, i.e., a school where you have a better than 90 percentage chance of being admitted.

High School Impact on Admissions; Listener Q and A Aug 01, 2019

Ever wonder if what your high school does not do, like offer many (or any) AP or IB courses or rank students, might actually hurt you or your student in the college admissions process? We will share our thoughts on how this works. We are also answering your college finance and admissions questions in our Office Hours segment.

Changes in Admissions- Work Study vs Part-Time Job- Subject Tests Jul 25, 2019

Now that the dust has settled on the 2018-2019 admissions season, we’re looking at the changes we’re seeing in college admissions that will likely impact the upcoming year. We’ll also explore the differences between federal work study and student employment, and discuss what subject tests are, how to decide which ones to take, and who actually needs to take them.

The Common App: prompts and supplemental essays- student loan debt Jul 18, 2019

Dear Debt’s Melanie Lockert paid off $81 thousand in student debt in just a few years. She’ll join us to talk about how she got to $81 thousand in the first place, what she would do differently if she could do it all again, and what led to the creation of her Dear Debt blog (now also a book). We’re also discussing how to choose your Common App prompt and what Common App supplemental essays are all about.

Enough As She Is- Kindness Matters Financially Too! Jul 11, 2019

Taking a mindful approach to the college application process can help students have a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling high school experience. Rachel Simmons, author of Enough As She Is, which focuses on helping girls move beyond impossible standards of success, joins the show this week to help us take just this approach. In another in our Kindness Matters series, we’ll look at ways in which kindness can have financial benefits to students in the form of merit awards.

Aid for Business Owners; Institutional Priorities; More Tests? Jun 27, 2019

Owning your own business can impact the financial aid process. Tune in to learn more about how that works. We’ll also help rising seniors evaluate where they are in the testing process and determine whether or not they need to take any more of those tests at this point. Finally, we’re taking a closer look at how institutional priorities can impact admissions decisions.

Liberal Arts Degrees; Real Estate and the Financial Aid Process Jun 20, 2019

Contemplating a liberal arts degree but concerned about how that will translate into your career? Convinced that your child must major in a pre-professional area if they’re ever going to make a living? We get it: college—and life—are expensive, and these are important concerns. That’s why we’re exploring the value of a liberal arts degree when it comes time to actually get a job. We’re also talking through the impact of owning real estate on the financial aid process.

Summer Visits; Common App Essays; Finding Costs on College Sites Jun 13, 2019

Its summer! Time for ice cream, blockbuster movies, and college visits and essays! Join us for insight into making the most of your college visits in preparation for writing supplemental essays in the fall. Speaking of essays, we’re taking you through the Common App essay prompts for fall 2019. And finally, we have suggestions for how to research information about paying for college on those institutions’ websites.

Adversity Score; Getting the Most Out of the Summer; Listener Q and A Jun 06, 2019

Heard about The College Board’s new adversity score that will be accompanying test results at a pilot group of colleges this fall? We’ll share our thoughts about the score, including information about what it’s based on, why it was created, and what the impact will be for applicants this year. We’re also offering suggestions for getting the most out of your summer experience, whether a job, internship, course, or something else, and we’re answering your questions in Office Hours.

Service Work; Transitioning to College May 30, 2019

In the second in our Kindness Matters series, we’ll tackle the question of service work: what qualifies, why students might want to do it, and whether or not it’s truly important in the admissions process. We’ll also devote most of today’s show to helping students make a successful transition to college.

Business Majors; Exploring Interests; Paying for Study Abroad May 23, 2019

One of the most popular majors in recent years is business, and more colleges are offering programs in this area. If you’ve ever wondered what students actually study or whether or not you should major in business if you want a career in business, you’ll want to listen to this week’s show. For those looking to spend a semester in another country, we’ll take a closer look at the financial side of study abroad and offer some tools and resources for high school students hoping to discover and explore their interests.

Studying in Ireland, 529 Plans, Creating a High School Resume May 16, 2019

More and more students are considering universities in other countries. Today we’re welcoming a representative from University College in Dublin to discuss studying in Ireland. We’ll also take you through tips for using your 529 or prepaid tuition plan to pay for college. Finally, in Office Hours we’re helping students get started on an activity list (otherwise known as a resume) for their college applications.

Opportunities in Environmental Studies; Listener Q and A May 09, 2019

The environment, from questions around global warming to plastic in our oceans to single-stream recycling, is very much in the news on a seemingly daily basis. Many colleges now offer some form of an environmental studies major, and we’ll offer thoughts on the options available to students pursuing degrees in that area. We’re also answering your college admissions and finance questions.

The Deposit; Not-Rich Students; Do Colleges Care if You're Kind? May 02, 2019

If you would consider yourself “not-rich” and are headed to a campus that could very well be filled with lots of students who are, don’t miss today’s show. We’re welcoming Lauren Schandevel, who encountered this challenge at the University of Michigan and created a guide to help other not-rich students survive and thrive at the university. Perhaps her advice will be useful to you. We’ll also cover next steps for students who have made their final college choice and sent in their deposit. And last but certainly not least, we’ll take a look at the question, “Do colleges care if you are kind?” and try to offer some answers.

Disagreeing on College Choice; Micro Scholarships; AP Exams Apr 25, 2019

Help—it’s almost May 1, and we can’t agree on a college! You won’t be the first student and parent not to be on the same page when it comes to college choice, and we’re pretty sure you won’t be the last. Tune in for our advice on how to navigate what can be a challenging decision. We’ll also look into the latest trends in micro scholarships, and, in Office Hours, we’re discussing AP exams and their role in the college admissions process.

Trends in Merit and Financial Aid Packages; Listener Questions Apr 18, 2019

In previous shows we’ve covered how to negotiate for more merit money and appeal financial aid packages. We thought it might be interesting to look at the trends we’re seeing in this year’s student packaging. In Office Hours, we’re answering your college admissions and finance questions.

No Acceptances?; Financially Smart Lists; Third Culture Kids Apr 11, 2019

Students with no acceptances will want to tune in to this week’s show, in which we will help you best handle an admissions season gone awry and offer suggestions for moving forward with your college plans. For those getting started on their college process, we have advice for creating a college list that takes ability to pay into consideration, since having options that you can’t afford is basically like having no options at all. Finally, we’ll look at the challenges and opportunities facing third culture kids.

Waitlisted? What to do and recent trends; Summer jobs and savings Apr 04, 2019

In the world of college admissions, nothing may be more frustrating than the waitlist offer. “Thanks so much for applying. I know you were expecting an answer, but we need you to wait for yours just a little bit longer than everyone else.” We’ll offer some perspective by reviewing the waitlist trends we saw last year and offering suggestions for how to approach your own waitlist status. On the finance side, we’re talking about summer jobs and establishing some savings goals for that work.

Applying Out of State. Choosing a College. College and Retirement Mar 28, 2019

Devastated about not getting into your dream school? There’s no doubt this is a tough time, but you can’t abandon college just because your top choice didn’t come through. Tune in for tips on choosing the best colleges from those eager to welcome you to campus. Older parents have a unique set of challenges in sending students off to college while contemplating imminent retirement. We have college finance advice for this demographic. Finally, we have advice for students applying to public institutions from out of state.

College Admissions Scandal: What Happened and What Can You Do Now? Mar 21, 2019

We interrupted our regularly scheduled programming to focus an entire episode on the scandal rocking the admissions world involving wealthy parents, corrupt coaches and standardized test proctors, and a villain for the ages in the form of Rick Singer. Singer broke the law and lined his pockets with illicit funds for years before getting caught, at which point he promptly turned around and implicated a whole host of others, including, gasp, some celebrities. It’s been nothing short of a tsunami in terms of media coverage, and we’re, I suppose, not immune to the desire to share our own thoughts about what happened and why. But most importantly we want to help all of our listeners understand how best to move forward.

UC A-G Requirements; How Much to Borrow; Starting a College List Mar 14, 2019

Last episode we talked about how and when to arrange college financing, and this week we’re tackling the bigger question of how much is too much to borrow. For those about to start researching and visiting colleges, we have tips on how to start developing a preliminary college list. Finally, if you’re interested in the University of California system, you’ll want to be up-to-date on the system’s A through G course requirements for high school students—we’ve got everything you need to know.

Admitted Student Events; College Consultants; College Financing Mar 07, 2019

Graduating seniors and their families have one more college decision looming: whether or not to spend more money to visit college campuses where the students were accepted for admitted student events. We’ll talk about what to expect, whether or not it’s worth it to attend, and what to do when you’re there. Those same families also are about to face a big college bill in a few months, one that might require some loans. We’ll cover how and when to arrange that financing and how to determine the best loan for your individual situation. Finally, for those students and families contemplating hiring an independent counselor, we’ll offer tips for what to look for and what to avoid.

How Many APs Do I Need?; Accepted Student Days; Visiting Colleges Feb 28, 2019

Ever wonder how many AP courses colleges want to see—or if colleges even do expect to see them? Tune in to our segment on course selection for answers to these questions and insight into how to make the best curriculum choices for you and your journey to college. If you’ve already been accepted and plan to meet with the financial aid office during an upcoming accepted student day on campus, we have suggestions for the questions you should ask during that meeting. Finally, our experts will share some ideas for getting in college visits during your upcoming spring break.

Is Dual Enrollment Always a Good Idea? Plus Listener Questions Feb 21, 2019

Some high schools and colleges offer a unique way to earn college credit prior to graduation through dual-enrollment coursework. Learn more about this option, how it stacks up against AP and IB programs, and whether or not it’s the right choice for you or your student. We’ll spend the rest of the episode answering your college admissions and finance questions.

Negotiating Scholarships; Senioritis; Starting the College Essay Feb 14, 2019

Last week we talked about appealing your financial aid awards, and this week we’re covering how to negotiate for more scholarship money. If you didn’t even know that was a possibility, you’ll want to tune in to learn more. You may have heard about senioritis but don’t know much about the impact. Can it truly be harmful to your college acceptances? In a word—yes. Finally, for those juniors eager to get a jump on application season, it might be time to start thinking about your essay. We’ll offer suggestions for pre-work and planning that you can do now.

Financial Aid Appeals; Demonstrated Interest; Contacting Colleges Feb 07, 2019

It is financial aid award season, and we’re here to guide you through it. First up is how to appeal a financial aid award, from determining whether or not you have grounds for an appeal to how to approach the appeals process. We’ll also discuss demonstrated interest, including what it is and how you can use it to positively impact your college application process. Finally, we’ll talk you through the best ways to communicate with colleges.

Exploring D3 Athletics; Summer Planning; Comparing Award Letters Jan 31, 2019

There’s snow on the ground and more to come, but believe it or not, summer planning starts now! We’ll be talking through some things to think about as you get started. We’re also exploring D3 athletics and how being a recruited athlete can impact admissions opportunities. Finally, as financial aid and merit award letters start to come in, you may find it difficult to figure out who is offering the best deal. We have tips for comparing awards in order to make the best decision.

Avoiding the Starving Artist Scenario; Listener Q and A Jan 24, 2019

If you or your student are interested in a career in the arts, you might be concerned about your ability to earn a living in such a difficult field. We’ll talk about suggestions for students facing long odds in the creative field that will hopefully allow them to pursue their dreams while putting food on the table. We’ll also be answering your college finance and admissions questions.

Value and the College List; Tax Breaks; Options Post-January 1 Jan 17, 2019

For most families, the ability to pay for college is as important as getting in. We welcome Edmit co-founder Sabrina Manville to the show to discuss how to build a college list with value in mind to help families develop a list that is more affordable while distinguishing when it might make sense to pay a little more. We’re also doing part 2 in our Tax Breaks for Higher Education series, discussing options available when you are paying for college. Finally, in Office Hours, we’re discussing what to do if you missed the January 1st deadlines but still want to apply to enter college in fall 2019.

The Admissions Waiting Game; Tax Breaks; Scam Honor Societies Jan 10, 2019

Seniors are now in what can be the toughest part of the process: waiting to get an answer from colleges. Is there anything you can do now that the applications are in? We have some thoughts that we’ll share with you. Paying for higher education can mean tax breaks come April. Part One of a two part series will look at options if you are saving for college and repaying education loans. Finally, you or your student may be receiving invitations to join some honor societies or “nominations” to expensive summer programs. We’re giving tips to determine what is real and what is more of a scam.

Roth IRA to Pay for College; Resolutions; Group/Faculty Interview Jan 03, 2019

Colleges do not consider retirement savings in their financial aid calculations, but you can use a Roth IRA to pay for college. We’ll share more about who can take advantage of this option and factors to consider. If you’re faced with a group and/or faculty interview in the admission or scholarship process, we have tips for navigating these trickier conversations. Finally, it’s not the new year if you don’t make resolutions, and we have some thoughts on how to make some related to college admissions.

Applications: Submitting and Follow Up; How to Pay In-State Tuition Dec 27, 2018

If you’re about to submit all of your applications or your last few, we’ll take you through the nuts and bolts of submitting your applications and necessary follow up. Students recently accepted or considering applications to out-of-state state schools often wonder if there is a way to establish residency and pay in-state tuition rates. Sounds too good to be true: is it? We’ll let you know! In Office Hours, we’ll offer tips about how to handle updates and changes to applications after submission.

Co-Op Programs; Essay Prompts for Wash U and Barnard College Dec 20, 2018

As students and families look to get more work experience while they’re in college, co-ops are becoming a more popular option. We’ll share more details about co-ops, including what they are, and the financial aspects of the programs that you need to consider before committing to them. In Office Hours, we’ll go through the supplements for Washington University in St. Louis and Barnard College.

What to Do if You re Deferred Admissions and College Finance QandA Dec 13, 2018

You applied early in the hopes that you’d have some decisions before the end of the year, and you got…deferred. What now? We’ll tell you all about how to best handle this non-decision. We’re also answering your questions in a two-segment Q&A featuring your burning concerns.

ED, EA, and Priority Results; Repaying Loans; BC and Colgate Essays Dec 06, 2018

The results from early decision, early action, and priority admissions programs are starting to come in, and we’re here to help! We’ll discuss what to expect, how to prepare, and how to handle whatever comes your way. We’re doing the second segment in our two-part series on getting ready to repay your students loans. And finally, in Office Hours, we’re offering tips for writing the supplement requirements for Boston College and Colgate.

Engineering VS. Math Science Majors; Repay Student Loans Essays Nov 29, 2018

Students who excel in math and science are often pushed to consider engineering. Conversely, students who love science or math might be considering a degree in one of those disciplines, overlooking the possibilities available in engineering. We’ll look at the differences between these majors so that you or your student can determine their best path forward. In part one of a two-part series, we’re offering insight into getting started on repaying student loans. And in Office Hours, we’re taking a closer look at the Loyola Marymount and Occidental supplements.

What if your Student Already Wants to Transfer? Listener Q and A Nov 15, 2018

While most parents will be thrilled to have their college students home for the holiday season, what happens if the main topic of conversation is around transferring? Listen in as we talk through the reasons behind this phenomenon, and how to determine whether or not this is something to act on or wait out a bit longer. In Office Hours, we’re answering your questions.

The UC app, CA Financial Aid; Carnegie Mellon and Syracuse Essays Nov 08, 2018

Come learn more about all things UC application, as one of our resident California experts breaks down what you need to know. We’ll also look at state financial aid programs in California and offer advice about approaching the Carnegie Mellon and Syracuse University supplemental essay questions.

Disciplinary Issues; Life Insurance Savings; Admissions Anxiety Nov 01, 2018

Students who have been suspended, expelled, or been subject to disciplinary action of some kind will likely need to address this infraction in their college applications. Tune in to learn more about the potential consequences and, more importantly, how to handle these in the application. If you have considered using life insurance as a college savings vehicle—or been advised to do so by someone else—join us to get more information about the positives and negatives of this option. Finally, we’ll look at ways to use mindfulness to combat the anxiety that often accompanies the college admissions process.

To Disclose or Not Disclose; When to Press Submit; Student Loans Oct 25, 2018

One of the most frequent questions we get involves disclosing challenges that students have faced while going through high schools. We’ll touch on a few of these, including learning differences, ADD/ADHD, and Autism. In Office Hours, we’re helping you let go by discussing the signs that suggest you are ready to press submit on your applications. And we’ll wrap up with suggestions for how you can keep track of your student loans while you’re in college.

Early Decision Trends; Fast Applications; Listener Questions Oct 18, 2018

Binding Early Decision, ED for short, isn’t for everyone. But it’s important to understand the trends in how colleges are using these programs and what that can mean for your chances at an institution that presents it as an option. We’re also sharing information about fast or priority applications that some colleges offer alongside other, more widely used applications. And in Office Hours, we’re answering your questions.

Choosing a Major, the CSS Profile, Submitting Test Scores Oct 11, 2018

Last week we covered the FAFSA, and this week we’re diving into what you need to know about completing the CSS Profile, required in addition to the FAFSA by a number of colleges. We’re also going to explore what it means to select a specific major on your college applications and how to think about that choice. In Office Hours, we’ll explain some of the nuances involved in reporting and submitting standardized test scores.

Coalition Application; Study Abroad; Completing the FAFSA Oct 04, 2018

The FAFSA is out, and it’s time to get it done! We’re offering insight into the form and tips for completing it. A number of colleges and universities have begun to accept the Coalition Application, sometimes as the only way to apply. We’ll tell you more about it and who should consider using it. Finally, lots of students, colleges, and parents talk about study abroad, but what does that really mean? We’re exploring the options and offering suggestions for researching opportunities.

Early Action; Aid at Northeastern; Emory and Georgia Tech Essays Sep 27, 2018

We’re all about early action on today’s first segment. We’ll tell you what EA is, discuss the pros and cons, and help you figure out if it’s the right choice given your personal situation. A former financial aid officer at Northeastern University also joins the show to share her insights into what goes on behind the scenes. In Office Hours, we’re taking you through the supplemental essay questions for Emory and Georgia Tech.

Top 5 Application Mistakes; Admission and College Finance Questions Sep 20, 2018

As admissions professionals, we’ve seen students make lots of mistakes when it comes to college applications. We’ve selected our top 5 and are sharing them with you this week. In Office Hours, we’re answering your college finance and admissions questions.

Filling Out the FAFSA; Demonstrated Interest; Humanities Degrees Sep 13, 2018

The FAFSA can seem very daunting—where do you go if you have questions? We know, and we’re sharing those resources on today’s show. We’re also welcoming a small business owner and marketing professional who happened to major in art history to discuss how her humanities degree has translated to work in the real world. In Office Hours, we’re explaining what demonstrated interest is, why it matters, and how to actually do it.

Finding the Best College Value; Freshmen Challenges; Aid Refunds Sep 06, 2018

Ever wonder how to determine which colleges will be the best investment? Edmit is a college comparison-shopping resource designed to help families better understand the value of their college investment, with proprietary software that generates a personalized financial-fit score based on a college’s affordability, value, and post-graduation earnings. Learn more about our collaboration with Edmit on the show. We’re also talking to a communications expert about ways to prepare for the challenges of freshman year. And finally, we’re sharing information on financial aid refunds, including what they are and how to best use them.

'Packaging' Yourself; Extracurriculars; Financial Aid Eligibility Aug 30, 2018

While it’s important to use college applications as an opportunity to translate your accomplishments in the most impactful way, too much “packaging” can be problematic. We’ll share more about what the looks like and why it’s an issue. We’re also offering tips for how to best highlight extracurricular activities in supplemental essays that don’t simply regurgitate your resume. Finally, did you know there are rules about making satisfactory academic progress in order to maintain financial aid eligibility? We’ll tell you all about them.

Letting Go: Sending Kids to College; Listener Questions Aug 23, 2018

Our podcast focuses on getting in to college, but what happens when it’s finally time to send your students off to school? A current college parent shares her thoughts on how to let go with grace. We’re also answering your college finance and admissions questions in our Office Hours Q&A segment.

A College Student's Perspective; Early Decision; the College Bill Aug 16, 2018

We’re excited to welcome a current college student to the podcast to share her reflections on her college admissions process—what went well, what went wrong, and how it all ended up. In Office Hours, we’re looking at the pros and cons of early decision to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you. We’ll also offer advice for reviewing your college bill and figuring out what you owe and when it’s due.

When to Take the SAT/ACT; Merit Scholarships; Supplemental Essays Aug 09, 2018

Timing is everything, especially when it comes to the college admissions process. This week we’re providing tips and suggestions on the best time to take standardized tests. We’ll also explain why merit-based scholarship awards will look very different depending on the institution granting them. Finally, Office Hours covers the who, what, where, when, and why of supplemental essays.

Accelerated Degrees; Need-Based Financial Aid; 2018-19 Common App Aug 02, 2018

There are a number of accelerated degree programs offering students the chance to complete advanced degrees in either fewer years than it would normally take or without the hassle of applying to graduate school. Tune in to hear about the pros, cons, and special considerations of these unique programs from a current student. We’re also explaining why need-based financial aid awards can vary so much from school to school. In Office Hours, we’re sharing the changes to this year’s version of the Common Application.

First Year Abroad Programs; College Finance and Admissions Q and A Jul 26, 2018

A handful of colleges have begun offering special programs in which students spend the first year studying abroad. If you’re wondering what they’re all about and whether or not they’re right for you, we’re sharing more about these programs and who would be a good fit. We’ll also be answering your questions about college finance and admissions.

Financial Aid and the Ivies; Choosing Courses; Subject Tests Jul 19, 2018

If you aspire to the most selective colleges in the country and will need financial help to attend, don’t miss our segment on how financial aid works at the Ivies. For those getting ready to head to college in the fall, we’ll be talking through how to choose your courses for the first semester. And in Office Hours, we’re sharing everything you need to know about subject tests, including whether or not you need to take them.

LinkedIn; Community College Financial Aid; Common App Account Jul 12, 2018

We often think of social media as a negative element of the college process, but what if there was a way to use it to your advantage? We’ll discuss this and some specific suggestions for using LinkedIn as part of your college applications. Did you know that financial aid is available at community college? We’re giving you an inside look at one such office and offering tips on how to best leverage what’s available to you there. In Office Hours, we’re helping you get started on the Common App.

Saving on Dorm Supplies; UK Universities; After Freshman Year Jul 05, 2018

College is expensive enough—you don’t want to spend what’s left of your money on books and dorm supplies. We’re offering tips for finding bargains on this new round of expenses. If you’re preparing to welcome your student back home (or worried about that moment in the future), we have some suggestions for what to expect and how to prepare. Finally, if you or your student are considering going abroad for college, we have suggestions on how to find the perfect university in the UK.

College in Canada; Office Hours: Listener Questions Jun 28, 2018

If you’re considering traveling outside of the United States for college (or even if you’re not), you might want to include Canada in your college process. We’ll walk you through why Canada might be a good choice and offer resources to help you search for the best fit options. In Office Hours, we’re answering your college finance and admissions questions.

STEAM; Preparing for College; Starting at a Two-Year College Jun 21, 2018

STEAM is a new acronym that has been tossed around quite a bit recently. In this week’s show, we’ll explain what it is and which colleges offer programs in this area. Sending a teenager off to college can be scary for many reasons. Preparing your teen financially for this transition can help to reduce fear and make for a smoother entry into this new environment. In Office Hours, we’ll debate the pros and cons of starting the higher education path at a two-year college.

Summer Test Prep; Loan Forbearance; Year in Review and Goal Setting Jun 14, 2018

One of the most important elements of the college process is making a plan and setting goals. This is the time of the year to review what was accomplished and write down some goals for the current year, and we’ll be discussing suggestions for how to do this and what to focus on. Summer is also a great time to get in standardized test prep, and we’ll offer ideas for that. Finally, if you’ve ever wondered what loan forbearance is and how it works, wonder no more—we’re going to tell you all about it.

Summer College Visits; School Refund Policies; Common App Essay Jun 07, 2018

Summer is a very important time in the college process. Two very important items to focus on: planning and making the most of college visits, and getting started on your main essay. We’ll talk about both in this week’s episode. We’ll also explain how refund policies work, which is important to understand if you find yourself unable to attend for a semester for some reason.

College Finance and Admissions Q and A; ROTC May 31, 2018

If you’re considering Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC for short), don’t miss this week. We welcome a recent program graduate and her mom to discuss how she decided this was the right program for her, how mom felt about the decision then and now, and things to consider from both the application and finance perspective. In Office Hours, we’re answering your questions on college admissions and finance.

Distinguishing Excellence on the App; Activity Resumes May 24, 2018

In last week’s Getting In, we discussed the importance of a distinguishing excellence for those students hoping to be admitted to the most selective schools in the country. This week, we walk you through the best way to present that DE in your applications. In Office Hours, we’re talking about starting the activity section of the application and creating an application resume if necessary. For all those work study students out there or those that simply hope to get a job, we’re offering advice on applying for on-campus jobs.

Distinguishing Excellence and the Ivy League; Transition to College May 17, 2018

If you aspire to one of the most selective colleges in the country, you must have something that takes you from competitive to compelling. We discuss the concept of a “distinguishing excellence”—what it is and how you can get one. For graduating high school seniors and their parents, we go over the required steps and offer some tips for making a successful transition to college.

Benefits and Drawbacks to Homeschooling; NY State Excelsior Program May 10, 2018

One year ago, NY State established the Excelsior Program offering free tuition to qualifying state residents at state institutions. As the program heads into its second year, we’ll revisit how the program works and share information about how students can take advantage of it. For students and families who have made the decision to pursue homeschooling as an alternative to a traditional school setting, the college admissions process can be a bit more challenging. We’ll discuss what you need to know to present the best possible college applications. Finally, in Office Hours we’ll go over the potential impact of the senior slide (i.e., poor grades!) on your college acceptance and suggest steps for minimizing the impact.

Ivy League Admissions and Athletic Recruitment; Repayment Plans May 03, 2018

Teenagers who are both talented athletes and strong students might be able to leverage those abilities in the Ivy League admissions process. We’ll investigate how that process works from the perspective of someone who was both an Ivy League recruited athlete and admissions officer. We’ll also explain how income-driven repayment plans work and talk through how to select a college major in Office Hours.

'Best' School Options:How to Choose; Finance and Admissions Q and A Apr 26, 2018

It’s down to the wire for this year’s seniors, with deposits due to the college of their choice by May 1. For those struggling with this decision, we’ll offer tips for evaluating your acceptances and choosing the best option. We’ll also answer listener college finance and admissions questions in Office Hours.

Payment Plans; Myths: re UK Universities; Standardized Tests Apr 19, 2018

As the world becomes more global and a greater number of students look for college options farther from home, we’re seeing lots of interest in the UK university system. We’re going to explore some common myths related to applying to and attending university in the UK, and hopefully offer a better understanding of the reality. We’ll also talk about the beauty of payment plans in helping families better budget for and pay for college. And in Office Hours, we’ll cover some common questions related to standardized testing, including when to get started, whether or not you have to take subject tests, and others.

Creating a College List; Waitlists from the College Perspective Apr 12, 2018

There are two important parts of every college lists: finding the best fit colleges where the student can get in and pay for. We’ll devote two segments to those ideas this week, focusing on how to get started on the list and how to incorporate the paying angle into the search process. We’re doing another segment on waitlists in Office Hours, this time from the perspective of the colleges. We’ll share how they use waitlists and what that means for students who currently have waitlist decisions from one or more colleges.

High School Resources; Babson Financial Aid: Goucher Admissions Apr 05, 2018

We’re tapping our colleagues’ experience this week to offer insight into Goucher College and how they approach admissions and Babson’s financial aid process. In Office Hours, we’re offering advice about how to make the most of resources available at your high school to support you in preparing for and successfully applying to college.

NACAC State of Admissions Report; How Much to Borrow; Waitlisted? Mar 29, 2018

Every year the National Association of College Admissions Counselors studies the state of college admissions and issues a report. We have the results of this year’s report, and we’re going to share some highlights. If you’re planning to get loans to help pay for college, don’t miss our segment on how much is too much too borrow when it comes to money for higher education. We’ll also offer tips for students on the waitlist in Office Hours.

Small Fish in Big Pond or Big Fish in Small Pond?; Listener Q and A Mar 22, 2018

Is it better to be a small fish in a big pond or a big fish in a small pond? And what does aquatic life have to do with college anyway? Tune in for our take. We’ll also answer your college finance and admissions questions in Office Hours.

College Visit Pitfalls; Preparing for Results; More Finance Myths Mar 15, 2018

We’re big fans of college visits, because there’s no substitute for getting a firsthand view of the institution. But not all visits are created equal, so in this week’s episode we’ll be helping you avoid some common campus visit mistakes. We’ll also wrap up our two part series on common college finance myths and help you prepare for regular decision results in Office Hours.

Overnight Visits; Urban Vs. Rural Vs. Suburban; Finance Myths Mar 08, 2018

For students in the final stages of deciding which school to apply to or attend, overnight visits can really make a difference. Tune in to learn more about the value of the overnight visit. We’ll also talk about the pros and cons of urban, rural, and suburban campuses and tackle the most college finance myths in part one of a two part series.

Conversion Charts and the New SAT; Tax Refunds for Loans; Visits Mar 01, 2018

Whenever major changes are made to a standardized test, there’s a transition period during which colleges are receiving scores from both the old and new tests. If you’re wondering how colleges handle that, tune in this week for a discussion of conversion charts—why they exist and how they’re used. ArborBridge test prep’s senior director of instruction, Megan Stubbendeck is our expert guest. In Office Hours, we’ll look at the nuts and bolts of college visits. And finally we’ll talk through using your tax refund to make a dent in your student loans.

How Important Is Your Major to Your Career?; Listener Questions Feb 22, 2018

If you assume that all future doctors should major in biology, future PR practioners should major in communications, and future business leaders should major in business, you don’t want to miss this week’s segment exploring the connection between major and career. Guest Michael Sherman of Graduate to Employment will share his expertise on what truly makes someone a good candidate for a position. In Office Hours, we’re answering listener questions on college finance and admissions.

Summer Series: Arts; Tax Breaks; Senior Year Transitions Feb 15, 2018

Ever think that being the parent of a student in college should come with a tax break? You’re in luck—it does, and we’re going to tell you all about them in this week’s show. In our Summer Program series we’re looking at opportunities in the arts. Finally, Office Hours will cover everything you need to think about related to senior year transitions.

Summer Series: Volunteer; Early Trends; Scholarship Negotiation Feb 08, 2018

This week’s Summer Program series segment is all about the wide variety of options available in volunteering. Doing good for free is easier than you think! We’ll also walk through negotiating scholarships and explore trends and statistics from the early action, early decision, and priority decision rounds.

Summer Series: Sports; Aid Appeals; Understanding EA Decisions Feb 01, 2018

The latest segment in our Getting In series on summer programs focuses in on all the options available to students interested in sports, whether playing, refereeing, managing, etc. We’ll also help families understand how to best appeal a financial aid award. Office Hours is all about early action decisions—why certain colleges might make the decisions they do, what a deferral can mean for regular decision, and more.

Summer Series: Internships; Your Finance and Admissions Questions Jan 25, 2018

This week in the Summer Program series: internships. These can be a great way to investigate a variety of careers, and we’ll talk through how to find them! We’ll also answer your college finance and admissions questions.

Summer Series: Writing; Fordham Admissions; 529 vs Prepaid Plans Jan 18, 2018

If you’re trying to decide between saving for college in a 529 plan or a prepaid tuition plan, this is the show for you. We’ll look at the differences between them and offer suggestions for deciding which is the right one for you. We’ll also take you inside the admissions office at Fordham University to explore how their process works and learn more about what might resonate in an applicant. The latest in the Summer Program series will investigate formal programs and ideas for spending a summer developing or refining writing skills.

Summer Series: STEM; Helping Students Manage Money; Office Hours Jan 11, 2018

Introducing a new Getting In series: Summer Programs! We’re kicking off the inaugural episode with a focus on summer programs for students interested in STEM. Tune in to learn more about what to look for and how to find math, science, and engineering summer opportunities. We also have the latest apps and resources to help college students better manage their money. Office Hours is covering all bases for seniors—tips on what to do if you’ve submitted all your applications or haven’t even started applying yet.

Early Action Results; What's An Award Letter; 2018 Resolutions Jan 04, 2018

Early action results are coming in, and we have some insight into the trends we seeing at places like Stanford, Harvard, and other highly selective schools, as well as some of the publics like Michigan. Wondering what is in a financial aid award letter, or even what that is? We’ll tell you all about it. Finally, we’re discussing the New Year’s Resolutions we’d like to make—or see you make—for the coming year.

Improving Chances via Gap Years; Office Hours: Listener Questions Dec 28, 2017

Students who are turned down by their first choice college sometimes hatch a plan to take a gap year and reapply in the hopes of a different decision. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of this approach. In Office Hours, we’ll be answering your college finance and admissions questions.

Deferral Next Steps; Summer Programs; Controlling College Costs Dec 21, 2017

You were deferred. Wondering what to do next? We’ve got you covered in this week’s Office Hours, when we discuss next steps for deferred students. We’ll also be talking about summer programs to consider, and how you can actually use good on-campus advising as a method to help control your college costs.

MBA Expectations; Saving Tips for Late Starters; Columbia Essays Dec 14, 2017

If you have aspirations of earning an MBA, you know that leadership is important. But do you know what constitutes good leadership experience from a business school admissions perspective? A former Wharton graduation admissions officer will join us to share her thoughts. Most saving for college segments focus on what parents should be doing when their kids are young, but we have some advice for parents of high school students who haven’t yet started to save. And in Office Hours we’ll talk through Columbia’s supplemental essay questions.

Colleges That Change Lives; St. Olaf Financial Aid; Early Results Dec 07, 2017

If there was a group of colleges focused on a personalized, student-focused college experience, would you be interested? Well Colleges That Change Lives is that group, and executive director Maria Furtado joins us to share more about their mission. We’ll also go inside the St. Olaf financial aid office and help students and families prep for early round results in Office Hours.

Regular Decision College Lists; Finance and Admissions Questions Nov 30, 2017

Regular decision deadlines are approaching. This next set of deadlines is important for both students getting a later start—it’s certainly not too late!—and for students who submitted one or more applications in the early round. Tune in to get tips for thinking through the regular decision college list. In Office Hours, we’ll be answering your college finance and admissions questions.

Senior Year Grades; Net Price Calculators; USC Essays Nov 16, 2017

Net price calculators are an important part of figuring out if a college is a good fit—it doesn’t make sense to consider a school if you can’t afford it without going into debt. We’ll help you understand how net price calculators work so that you can best use this important tool. Wondering if senior year grades matter as part of the college process? Wonder no more—we have the answer! And we’ll look at the University of Southern California’s supplemental essay questions in Office Hours.

FAFSA and CSS Profile: After You Submit; Honors Colleges; UVA Essay Nov 09, 2017

Curious about what happens to your FAFSA and/or CSS Profile once you press submit? We’ll take you behind the scenes in this week’s show and offer some insight into what goes on once your application has been received. We’ll also talk about honors colleges, including what they are, what to expect as a student, and who should plan to apply. Office Hours will take on the supplemental essays for the University of Virginia.

Standing Out: Major; Lehigh and Lafayette Essays; the CSS Profile Nov 02, 2017

Over the past few weeks, we’ve been going through the different ways in which students can stand out in competitive college applicant pools. In our latest installment of the Standing Out series, we cover the impact of college major choice. While not as widely known as the FAFSA, the CSS Profile is an important financial aid document required by some colleges and universities. We’ll discuss how to fill it out in this week’s show. And finally, we’ll go over the supplemental essays for Lehigh and Lafayette in Office Hours.

Standing Out: Where to Apply; Office Hours: Listener Questions Oct 26, 2017

Our latest in the Standing Out series looks at how the choice of where to apply to college can be a big factor in helping students stand out in the applicant pool. We’re relying on you for this week’s Office Hours—it’s all about listener college finance and admissions questions.

Standing Out: Extracurriculars; FAFSA; Submitting Applications Oct 19, 2017

You’re working on the FAFSA and you have questions. You’re in luck, because we have answers! Tune in to this week’s show for information on completing the FAFSA. In the second in our Standing Out series, we’ll tackle extracurricular activities and how they can help students stand out. Finally, in Office Hours we’ll discuss how to know when you’re ready to press send on your college applications.

How to Stand Out; Should I File the FAFSA?; Standardized Tests Oct 12, 2017

One of the most common listener questions we receive is, “How can my son/daughter stand out in the application process?” This week, we’re introducing the Standing Out series to try to get at some answers to this elusive question. The FAFSA became available to families a few weeks ago on October 1. If you’re wondering whether or not to complete it as part of your child’s applications, tune in to this segment for our thoughts. Finally, we’ll discuss standardized tests and college applications in Office Hours, namely what to send, where to send, and when to send.

Office Hours: UC Essays; Scholarships with Fall Deadlines Oct 05, 2017

The University of California system has its own application that takes a slightly different approach than the Common Application. Instead of one primary essay, the UC app offers eight prompts for students to choose from when writing the four shorter required essays. In this week’s Office Hours, we’ll go through all eight prompts and talk through suggestions for approaching each of them. The general rule of thumb with scholarship searches is to start early! For those of you who didn’t take that advice, we have suggestions for scholarships with deadlines through the end of the year.

Bad Essay Ideas; Princeton Supplemental Essays; Finance Questions Sep 28, 2017

Working on an essay and wondering if your idea is a good one? Take a listen to an all-new segment on terrible college essay ideas that we’ve encountered in our years of reading tens of thousands of these. We’ll answer your college finance questions in our Q&A segment and offer advice for tackling Princeton’s supplemental essays in Office Hours.

Harvard Admissions; Health Professions Degrees; ApplyTexas Essays Sep 21, 2017

Struggling with your Apply Texas application essays? Look no further—we’ve got tips and suggestions for approaching these in this week’s Office Hours segment. We’ll also go inside the Harvard admissions office with a College Coach expert who used to be an admissions officer there, and we’ll discuss the things you need to know about financing a health professions degree.

Admissions Myths; Office Hours; Inside BU's Financial Aid Office Sep 14, 2017

There are few phrases more common in college admissions than, “I heard that…”Most of what follows will be half-truths, innuendo, or information that is flat out wrong. In this week’s show, we’ll talk through the myths and realities of as many of those phrases as possible. We’ll also go inside BU’s financial aid office with a current College Coach finance expert who used to work there, and discuss which supporting documents will be required as part of the college admissions process and who is responsible for submitting them in Office Hours.

Office Hours: Writing the Why This College Essay; Tools to Do You Sep 07, 2017

The Why This College Essay is one of the most important elements of any application that requires it. Tune in for tips on how to craft the best version possible. Paying for college is almost always as important as getting in, and it’s important to do your research on whether or not you can afford it before you even apply. We’ll offer suggestions on the best tools to use for that. Finally, in part two of our segments on the challenges of first generation students, we’ll take a look at the obstacles facing them when they set foot on campus as freshmen.

Office Hours: The University of California Application; Aug 31, 2017

In this week’s Office Hours segment, we’ll be exploring the University of California application. In another installment of Inside the Admissions Office, we’ll look at how admissions are done at American University. Finally, we’ll be answering your college finance questions.

Cost of Applying to College; Exploring the Apply Texas Application Aug 24, 2017

We often focus on the cost of college, but rarely do we think about the costs associated with applying to college. This week’s episode takes listeners through what to expect and budget for as they prepare to submit applications. We’ll also take a close look at the Apply Texas application, a common application accepted by many Texas-based colleges, and offer tips for getting started on applications in Office Hours.

Things to Know About the 2017-2018 Common Application; Office Hours Aug 17, 2017

The new Common Application was released on August 1, and we’ve got information you need to know about this new version. While we’re sure you’ve spent lots of time focusing on the big spends related to college, like tuition and room and board, you may not have thought to budget for all the incidental expenses likely to come up. We’ll give you details on what other charges you should anticipate and build into your master spreadsheet. In Office Hours, we will talk you through activity resumes—including who needs them, what to add in and what to leave out, and other tips for crafting a successful record of your extracurricular achievements.

Office Hours: Starting the College Essay; Inside the Admissions Office Aug 10, 2017

Students about to start senior year will want to catch this week’s Office Hours, in which we discuss getting started on the college essay. We know it’s weighing on your mind, so stop thinking about it and start writing it! In other segments, we’ll take you behind the scenes of the admissions process at both Swarthmore College and Drexel University in the latest in this series. Finally, we’ll talk through the things you need to know if your grandparents are going to help pay for college.

Applying to College as an International Student; How Students Can Aug 03, 2017

If you’re curious about the challenges of applying to and attending college in the US as an international student, don’t miss this week’s episode. Karen Karidoyanes, director of international admissions at Bentley University will join us to discuss the application process, while Christine Lookner, director of the Center for International Students and Scholars will offer advice for international students arriving on campus in the fall. Finally, Christine Ng will talk us through how students can save money while they’re in college.

Office Hours: Summer College Visits; Evaluating College Career Services Offices; Your College Finance Questions Jul 27, 2017

In this week’s Office Hours segment, we’ll be offering tips for making the most of your college visits this summer. While you’re visiting schools, you might consider a stop at the Career Services office. Michael Sherman of Graduate to Employment will offer tips to best evaluate how much support a college will offer in terms of finding a job. Finally, we’ll be answering your college finance questions.

Admissions Trends; Making the Most of College Fairs; College Loans with Bad Credit Jul 20, 2017

Whether you’re getting ready to attend your first college fair or already have walked through a few, we have tips for making the most of that time. We’ll also be reviewing some of the trends we saw this past admissions cycle and thinking about how that might impact the 2017-2018 admissions cycle. Finally, we’ll look into where people with bad credit can go to find college loans.

Office Hours: Getting Started on a College List; College Payment Plans; Inside the Admissions Office of the University of San Francisco Jul 13, 2017

Calling all rising seniors: join us this summer for Office Hours segments covering the college process. We’ll be helping you get a jump start on application work, from essay writing to presenting your extracurricular activities to visiting colleges. In this week’s segment, we’ll be helping you get started on your college list. In other segments, we’ll discuss college payment plans and take you inside the admissions office and practices at the University of San Francisco.

Applying to College as an LGBTQ Student; Office Hours: Your College Finance Questions Jul 06, 2017

In this week’s episode, we welcome Point Foundation program manager Jonathan Rosales and student scholar Bryce Celotto to the show to discuss applying to college as a LGBTQ student. In Office Hours, we’ll be answering listener questions regarding college finance.

Scholarships with Summer Deadlines; Inside the Admissions Office at Georgetown University; Value of Summer Reading in the Admissions Process Jun 29, 2017

Faced with the first tuition bill and wondering how you’re going to pay it? Don’t miss our segment on scholarships with deadlines in July, August, and September—it may not be too late to get some more money. Office Hours will take a look at summer reading and its long-term value in the admissions process. Finally, our latest installment looking at the admissions practices at the institutions where College Coach educators previously worked takes us inside the admissions office at Georgetown University.

How to Choose the Best 529 Plan; Planning Ahead for Acceptance to a Top MBA Program; How Does Your Undergraduate College Choice Affect Getting Into Medical School? Jun 22, 2017

A lot of our listeners have graduate school on their minds, concerned about how their undergraduate choices will affect their chances of acceptance to MBA programs and medical school. This week we welcome experts in both fields to discuss how important where you go your undergraduate work is to medical school acceptance, including how that decision is factored into the med school admissions process. We’ll also cover the steps students should be taking during their undergraduate years if the ultimate goal is to earn an MBA. For those focused on saving for the undergraduate program, we’ll offer advice on choosing the best 529 plan.

Inside the Admissions Office of Tufts University; Preparing Financially for a Semester Abroad; Office Hours Jun 15, 2017

Can your social media presence affect your offers of acceptance? On the heels of Harvard’s decision to rescind 10 offers of admission over the students’ unsavory social media activities, we’re talking about how what you do online can negatively impact your college plans. In another of our series looking at admissions practices at a variety of institutions, we’ll be walking through the admissions process at Tufts University with two former Tufts admissions officers who now work at College Coach. Finally, for all students and families hoping to spend a semester or year studying abroad, we’ll be discussing how to financially prepare for this goal.

Inside the Admissions Office of Reed College: Listener Questions on College Finance and Admissions Jun 08, 2017

Ever wonder how a college like Reed goes about making admission decisions? This week we have two former Reed admissions officers taking us through Reed’s process as part of our ongoing series Inside the Admissions Office. We’re also answer listener questions on college finance and admissions.

Questions You Should Never Ask an Admissions Officer: How Much Should I Save for College, General Services for Students with Learning Differences Jun 01, 2017

Every college in the US is happy to answer your questions, and we frequently encourage students to approach colleges to get more information and address their concerns. But have you ever wondered if there are questions that you shouldn’t ask? We’ll give you our thoughts. Last week we tackled the question of whether or not you should save for college. This week we’ll discuss how much you should save. Finally, we’ll explore general services on college campuses for students with learning differences.

Inside the University of Southern California Admissions Office: Why Should I Save for College? First Generation Students and Applying to College May 25, 2017

You may have heard people talking about college savings interfering with financial aid eligibility. Maybe you’re wondering if it even makes sense to save for college, or if it would be better to simply rely on financial aid and loans. We’re going to try to clear up any confusion around the question of saving for college in this week’s show. In another in our series taking listeners inside the admissions process at colleges across the country, this week offers a peek at University of Southern California. And finally, we’ll look at the challenges (and advantages) of applying to college as a first generation student.

Inside the Admissions Offices of Holy Cross and Babson: Spending Your College Savings, Office Hours: Last Minute Summer Planning May 18, 2017

Ever wonder what happens after you submit your application to college? The answer (as it often is in college admissions!) is: it depends. That’s why we’re taking you the process at some of the colleges where we worked in admissions. This week, we’re looking at Holy Cross and Babson. Those of you who have been saving for college may be surprised to learn that there are some important things to think about as you prepare to finally spend that money. Tune in for our tips. And finally, Office Hours tackles the question of what to do if you have nothing planned for your summer yet—we’re here with suggestions!

Alternative Path to Accelerated Medicine Programs: Bachelor of Science/Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Office Hours: College Finance and Admissions Listener Questions May 11, 2017

Lots of high school students aspire to careers in medicine, and they hope to get on the fast track to being a doctor by applying to BS/MD programs. But many aren’t aware there is another option that is slightly less selective, and therefore often a bit easier to attain: BS/DO. We’ll tell you all about it on this week’s show. We’re also answering your college finance and admissions questions in Office Hours.

What Is a Liberal Arts Education?, After the May 1 Deposit and Office Hours: College Visit Follow Up May 04, 2017

There has been a lot of conversation in the traditional media and social media around the type of education students pursue in college. Should students pursue more pre-professional degrees such as business or physical therapy? Are STEM majors truly the best path to success after graduation? Can you even get a job with a liberal arts education? And what the heck is a liberal arts education anyway? As usual, we have answers to these questions! In other segments, we’ll be looking at what needs to be done on the college finance side once you’ve deposited at your college of choice, and Office Hours will take on what to think about and discuss after those college visits.

Inside the MIT and Caltech Admissions Offices, Paying for College with a Summer Job and College Admissions for Students on the Spectrum Apr 27, 2017

In our ongoing series taking you inside the admissions processes at a variety of schools, College Coach educator and former MIT and Caltech admissions officer Zaragoza Guerra will take us through the differences in those two schools’ application evaluations. We’ll also tackle some key tips and considerations for students on the Autism spectrum who are applying to college. We’ll also look at utilizing summer jobs to help pay for college.

Does Applying to More Highly Selective Schools Increase the Odds of Acceptance: Office Hours, Perils of Gaming the System: Understanding Loan Options Apr 20, 2017

Every year we read a handful of stories about students who are accepted to all eight Ivies and a few other highly selective schools AND hear about students who apply to all of the Ivies and get into none. Regardless of the fact that the latter is much more prevalent than the former, families seem to come away with the idea that applying to more of these selective schools will somehow increase the odds of acceptance. We’re going to look at the statistics behind that assumption. In Office Hours, we’ll explore another common—but highly flawed—strategy: attempting to game the system to gain an advantage. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, we’re taking a look at education loans and helping families understand their options.

Inside the University of Pennsylvania Admissions Office - Office Hours: College Finance and Admissions Listener Questions Apr 13, 2017

Curious about what holistic admissions means and how it’s practiced at different colleges and universities? In the second in our series on this topic, two former Penn admissions officers will offer some insight into how it worked at their institution. We’re also answering your college finance and admissions questions in Office Hours.

Office Hours: Making a Final College Choice Based on Finances, Research Resources for College Admissions Questions, Impact of Sports on Campus Culture Apr 06, 2017

Many students come to us looking for a “rah rah” environment in their college—or convinced that a sports culture will negatively impact their college experience. We’ll be discussing the impact of sports on campus culture, including how to determine if a school has it. In other segments, it’s time for this year’s group of seniors to make some final decisions about the college they will attend next year. For many (most?), one major factor in this process will be cost. In this week’s Office Hours, we’re looking at how to include finances in your decision making process. Your future self will thank you! Finally, we’ll recommend some resources for researching answers to your college admissions questions.

Evaluating Campus Safety - Office Hours: Waitlists and Appealing a Denial, Finding Scholarships in Spring of Senior Year Mar 30, 2017

Waitlisted? Curious about what this means and why this happened? Tune in to the show as we use our Office Hours segment to discuss this and offer a little advice around whether or not you can appeal a denial. We’re also talking to campus safety advocate Jordan Draper about how to review statistics and ask questions to determine the safety of a given campus. Finally, if you’ve waited until now or just realized that you need more money, we have some tops for finding scholarships in the spring of senior year.

Making Your Final College Choice - State System Spotlight: Texas, Education Tax Breaks Mar 23, 2017

Acceptances are in, and perhaps you are one of many students (or the parent of one) who has a few options to consider. If so, don’t miss our segment on how to make your final college choice by May 1. We’ll do another in our state spotlight series, this time taking a closer look at the different schools that make up Texas’ state system. Finally, we’ll be talking about education tax breaks that families can take advantage of this year.

State System Spotlight: State University of New York, Answering Listener Questions Mar 16, 2017

In the second segment of our State System Spotlight, we’re exploring the different campuses of the SUNY system, including the differing levels of selectivity, specific strengths and focuses, and the culture and feel of the schools. We’ll also be answering your college finance and admissions questions.

New Common App Essay Prompts, Scholarship and Financial Aid Renewability: Office Hours: Starting Your Common App Essay Mar 09, 2017

One of the most important things you need to understand about your financial aid and/or scholarship packages is whether or not they are renewable for all four years. Tune in to this week’s episode for more information about how to determine the terms of your offer from this perspective. In other segments, we’ll be walking you through the Common App essay prompts for the 2017/2018 application season, which were recently released. And in our Office Hours segment, we’ll offer some thoughts on starting the essay process.

A Day in the Life of an Admissions Officer; How to Financially Plan for all Four Years Mar 02, 2017

Ever wonder what life is like as an admissions officer? Understanding what they’re doing on a daily basis can be especially valuable in understanding who will be reading your application. This segment will specifically focus on reading season, which is what we call that time of year when pretty much all you do as an AO is read files. In our other segment, we’ll talk about the importance of crafting a plan for paying for all four years of college and offer suggestions about how to best do that.

How to Negotiate a -Better- Scholarship: State System Spotlight: University of California Feb 23, 2017

Maybe you got some merit-based money from one college, but not from the one you most want to attend. Or perhaps you got a scholarship to one of your top choices but were hoping for more. In this week’s episode of Getting In, we’re going to walk you through how to best approach the negotiation process with the schools to which you have been accepted. We’ll also explore the University of California system, explaining the different campuses in terms of strengths, “vibe”, and selectivity.

Everything You Need to Know About the National Merit Scholarship Process and Awards: Applying to College: How Can Parents Help? Feb 16, 2017

It’s that time of year again: National Merit Scholarship finalists have been announced, and students are scrambling to update schools with their new status. How did those students qualify? Does it even matter in the admissions process? And how much money can you win anyway? We’re going to answer all of these questions and more in this week’s episode of Getting In. Applying to college can be very stressful for students and parents, and parental involvement can play a large part in ratcheting up the stress—or dialing it down. We’re going to talk through some ways in which parents can be appropriately helpful in the process.

Financial Aid Appeals: What If College is Not the Right Next Step? Office Hours Feb 09, 2017

As financial aid awards start to come in, families can be thrilled and disappointed at the results. If your award isn’t what you expected or, more importantly, isn’t enough to allow you or your child to attend their chosen school, you may want to appeal. Tune in to learn more about how and when to do that. If you’re listening to our show, you are focused on college as an important part of your or your child’s life. But what if college is not the immediate right next step? We’ll talk about some other options to consider.

The Ivy League Admissions Interview, Comparing Financial Aid Offers: Women's Leadership and Mentoring Programs Feb 02, 2017

Preparing for your interview at an Ivy or similarly selective institution and wondering what it’s all about? We’ll share information on why these are offered, what to expect, and the role your interview will likely play in the review process at these schools. Financial aid offers will also be coming in over the next few months, and we’re going to help you compare them and evaluate which is the best for your needs. Finally, we’ll be looking at some of the unique leadership and mentoring programs for women available at a variety of colleges in the US.

Scholarships with February and March Deadlines: Community College to Four Year Institution: Office Hours Jan 26, 2017

You may have heard that if you want to apply for scholarships to help pay for college, the key is to start early. But if you procrastinated, you’re in luck, because in this week’s show we’re going to share information about scholarships with February and March deadlines. For those who are investigating community college as an entry point to a four year institution, we’ll be speaking with John Fink, research associate at the Columbia University’s Community College Research Center.

Office Hours: Answering Listeners' Admissions and College Finance Questions: High School Plan: Pre-Vet Students Jan 19, 2017

Have an aspiring veterinarian in your household? In another segment in our High School Plan series, we’ll review the best courses and extracurricular activities for potential pre-vet students. We’re also answering your listener questions on both admissions and college finance.

Steps to Take Now if You Want to Get Your MBA: Applying to Medical School, Financial Aid for Mid-Year Transfers Jan 12, 2017

Lots of students head to college with a goal of earning a million dollars—or finding a cure for cancer—before age 30. If you anticipate applying to business or medical school, you’ll want to tune in this week, when we’ll talk about steps to take now if you want to get your MBA and applying to medical school. If you’re planning a mid-year transfer and worried about financial aid, well we’re going to cover that too.

Can an Average Student Get Into a Top-Tier School? Options if You Can't Pay the Spring College Bill- Office Hours: Avoiding the Rumor Mill: Our 100th Show! Jan 05, 2017

We answer a lot of listener questions on the show, and one that we get asked fairly frequently is “Can an average student get into a top-tier school?” Tune in to find out. We’re also looking at options for families who find themselves without the money to pay for their spring college bills. And in Office Hours, we’ll discuss the rumor mill, including how to recognize a rumor and separate fact from fiction.

School's In Application Workshop: My Applications are Submitted-Now What? Listener Questions Dec 29, 2016

It can be tempting to take an extended break once you finally submit your last application. Guess what? Not a great idea! We’ll offer some advice about what not to do now that apps are in, and how to best approach the remainder of senior year. We’ll also be answering your college admissions and finance questions.

School's In Application Workshop - What to Do About Those Early Decision and Early Action Decisions; Trends in College Pricing Dec 22, 2016

Most colleges have released their decisions for the early round, whether that is Early Decision or Early Action. We’ll be discussing how to handle all possible outcomes in terms of what to do if you were admitted, deferred, or denied, including whether or not you should add additional schools to your list at this point. We’re also going to look at recent trends in college pricing per a recent College Board report.

School's In! Application Workshop: Countdown to January 1 and Listener Questions on College Finance and Admissions Dec 15, 2016

The last big deadline is approaching and we’ll be offering tips and suggestions for making sure applications are ready to go. We’ll also take another shot at answering your college finance and admissions questions.

School's In! Application Workshop: Princeton, Yale, and Dartmouth Supplements: To Transfer or Not to Transfer Dec 08, 2016

To transfer or not to transfer—that is the question! Meet Brooke, who came home from college after a few months determined to transfer. She’s going to share why, what her research uncovered, and whether or not she ultimately decided to stay put or move on. In our weekly School’s In! Application Workshop, we’ll complete our tour of Ivy supplements with a deeper dive into Yale, Princeton, and Dartmouth’s supplemental requirements.

School's In Application Workshop: Supplements for Penn, Brown, Columbia, Harvard, and Cornell: Keeping Track of Your Student Loans Dec 01, 2016

If you’ve taken out a new student loan every year or even every semester, keeping track of them can be a herculean task. Tune in for tips on how to best do this. In this week’s School’s In Application Workshop session, we’re going to talk through the supplements for Penn, Brown, Columbia, Harvard, and Cornell. With the January 1 deadlines approaching, you don’t want to miss this!

School's In! Application Workshop: Countdown to January 1 and Listener Questions on College Finance and Admissions Nov 17, 2016

With Thanksgiving only a week away, New Year’s Day is fast approaching. The holidays may mean gifts and family gatherings, but here at College Coach ‘tis the season for regular decision application deadlines. We’ll spend a little time on planning now so that you’re not writing at midnight instead of ringing in the new year. We’ll also do our best to work our way through more of your college finance and admissions questions.

The Pros and Cons of Not Applying for Financial Aid When Applying to College, School's In! Application Workshop: New University of California Essay Prompts Nov 10, 2016

One of our most frequent questions revolves around whether or not to apply for financial aid when applying for acceptance. There are many factors to consider here, and we’ll try to cover as many as possible during today’s show. Twenty days from our airdate of Nov. 10 marks the final deadline for the University of California, which started accepting applications for all its campuses on Nov. 1. If you’re working on those essays, you don’t want to miss this week’s show, when we’ll go through all eight of the new prompts as part of our School’s In Application Workshop.

School's In Application Workshop: What to Do After the Nov. 1 ED and EA Deadlines; Religion in Essays and Essays for Religious Colleges, The Benefits of a Part-Time Job Nov 03, 2016

It’s November 3, and that can only mean one thing: all of the ED and EA applications with November 1 deadlines have been submitted. In this week’s show, we’re going to discuss what to think about and do next. We’re also going to talk about religion in essays, both in terms of personal statements and supplemental pieces for religious schools. Finally, many students and parents think primarily about college prep coursework as the ideal groundwork for college. But there are benefits to working part-time that we’ll share in this episode.

'School's In' Application Workshop: Listener Questions Oct 27, 2016

As we get closer to the fall and winter deadlines, we know you have lots of questions. We have lots of answers, and we’ll devote this week’s show to sharing them with you!

The Danger of Missing a Deadline, School's In! Application Workshop: Submitting Test Scores, University of Michigan and University of Wisconsin, Madison Supplemental Essay Prompts Oct 20, 2016

What are the consequences of missing a financial aid deadline? Does that mean you definitely won’t receive any money? Or is it not really a big deal? In this week’s show, we’ll answer these questions and more in our segment on the importance of financial aid deadlines. Our School’s In!: Application Workshop segment will cover test score submission—what to submit and when to submit, including what score choice means and how to decide when to submit scores to a test optional school. We’ll also talk through the supplemental essays for Michigan and Wisconsin.

Filling out the CSS Profile, School's In! Application Workshop: Should You Disclose a Learning Difference? Oct 13, 2016

Two weeks ago we focused an entire show around completing the FAFSA. In this week’s show, we’ll go through the CSS Profile, another financial aid document required by about 200 colleges and universities. In our weekly School’s In! Application Workshop series, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of disclosing a learning difference on your college applications.

School's In Application Workshop: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Completing the Common App Oct 06, 2016

The Common App is accepted at close to 700 public and private colleges in the US, making it one of the most popular choices for one-stop-shopping in the admissions process. Every year, College Coach puts out a multi-part series with tips for filling it out. The author of our yearly blog, Elyse Krantz, will join us to share her insights on this year’s version.

School's In! Completing the FAFSA : Public Health Majors and Pre-Med Students Sep 29, 2016

Ever wonder what public health majors are all about? Catherine Ettman, director of strategic initiatives at Boston University’s School of Public Health will join us to share more, including what the major entails, which schools offer it, why students interested in pre-med should consider it, and what a career in public health looks like. In this week’s School's In! Application Workshop, we will be discussing everything you ever wanted to know about filling out the FAFSA -starting with the fact that it’s due on October 1 this year!-.

School's In Application Workshop : Listener Admissions and College Finance Questions Sep 22, 2016

A few weeks ago, we ran a Facebook contest asking for your most pressing college admissions and finance questions. Today, we’re going to answer as many of them as we can during our hour-long session.

Paying Off Student Loans: One Student's Story: Schools In! Application Workshop: Drafting the Why This College Essay, including Penn, Brown, Pitt and Others Sep 15, 2016

You may have read a recent article in Business Insider chronicling one graduate’s story about finishing school 113,000 dollars in debt back in 2009, and paying it off by November of 2016. We’re thrilled to welcome that graduate, Jessica Elberfeld, to the show to tell us a bit more about how she wound up in debt, what prompted her to pay it off in record time, and how she did that. In this week’s School's In! Application Workshop, Kara Courtois will join me to discuss how to approach the Why This College essay, a common prompt presented in different ways on many applications. We’ll offer some general tips and review questions at some institutions, including Penn, Carnegie Mellon, Wellesley, Brown, Delaware, Pitt, and others.

School's In Application Workshop: Putting Together a College List at the Last Minute: Cambridge Program Sep 08, 2016

Back to school and still don’t have a college list? You’re in luck! In this week’s School's In! Application Workshop segment, Ian, Julia Jones, and Laurie Peltier will discuss how to craft a college list if you’re getting a late start, including where to start and making sure that finances are part of the process. In our ongoing series on international education systems, Zaragoza Guerra will offer his insight into the Cambridge Program—what it is and how the results are evaluated as part of the admissions process.

School's In! International Baccalaureate- Divorce and Paying for College Sep 01, 2016

It’s September, and school is officially back in session. With that in mind, we’re shifting our summer application workshop series to the fall and relaunching it under the School’s In Application Workshop banner. But despite the name change, our focus remains the same: helping students to master their applications in a timely and more methodical manner. Divorce can be challenging under the best of circumstances, but it gets even more complicated when it comes to applying for financial aid and-or paying for college. We’ll offer some tips on how to navigate this issue. We’ll also introduce a new series on international programs starting with the International Baccalaureate.

School's Out Application Workshop; Paying for Multiple Kids in College: First Generation Students on College Campuses Aug 25, 2016

One of the scariest things about having more than one child close together is paying for all those diapers, but what happens when diapers turn into college tuition? We have some advice for those of you who will be in this situation shortly. We’ll also explore predictors for success and discuss resources for first generation students heading off to college. And we’ll feature another of our School’s Out Application Workshop sessions.

Athletic Recruitment and College Admissions, School's Out Application Workshop, Making the Financial Transition to College Aug 18, 2016

Ever wonder how being an athlete can impact your chances of admission? In our next episode, we’ll take a look at athletic recruitment and college admission, and the ways in which the two processes will affect each other. We’ll also go over tips for making a strong financial transition to college. Finally, don’t miss our weekly School’s Out Application Workshop session.

School's Out Application Workshop: Applying for Scholarships, Learning to Live Like a College Student, Office Hours: Listener Questions Aug 11, 2016

Enjoy sushi on the weekends, a pricey gym membership, and shopping at the mall at least once or twice a week? Wondering how this will all fit into your budget when you get to college? You may want to tune in for this week’s segment on learning to live like a college student. Hint: you may have to forgo a few things… If you’re hoping to maintain a similar lifestyle, then you’ll definitely want to tune in for the School’s Out Application Workshop series, since applying for scholarships are on the docket this week. And we’ll try to get to more of your listener questions in Office Hours.

Office Hours, including Schools Out: Application Workshop - What to do with that Additional Information Section?, and Listener Admissions and College Finance Questions Aug 04, 2016

The office is open this week, as we do an all Office Hours show. We’ll continue our work on the application process, and one of our focuses will be what students should include as part of the “additional information” section of the application. Hint: it could be nothing at all!. We’ll also answer listener questions related to both admissions and financial aid.

Scholarship and Student Loan Scams, Schools Out Summer Application Workshop, Tips for Travelling to College Jul 28, 2016

There are a lot of companies and organizations out there making big promises when it comes to scholarships and student loans. If something sounds too good to be true, guess what? It probably is. Join us as we take a closer look at scholarship and loan scams. We’ll also have another segment in our School’s Out Summer Application Workshop. We’ll talk some more about presenting extracurricular activity accomplishments and other elements of the application. Make sure you listen in for the homework! Finally, we’ll welcome Danielle Dougan from Student Universe, who will offer some tips on making travel arrangements to get to and from college.

School's Out Application Workshop; College Access Series: Massachusetts Education and Career Opportunities; How Debt Affects Financial Aid Eligibility Jul 21, 2016

Worried that family debt might affect financial aid eligibility? Don’t miss our session discussing this very issue. Wondering how to present your extracurricular activities in the most impactful way on your college applications? Join us for our weekly School’s Out Application Workshop. Curious about other organizations supporting college access? We’ll talk to Donna Connolly, director of youth access at Massachusetts Education and Career Opportunities organization as part of our College Access series.

Do I Have a Chance of Getting into an Ivy League College?, School's Out Application Workshop, Quirky Scholarships Jul 14, 2016

One of the questions we get very frequently is some form of, “Do I have a shot at getting into an Ivy League or highly selective college.” In this week’s show, we offer tips for students and families to help them evaluate their chances using the colleges’ own primary criteria. We’ll also discuss more about putting together a college list, including how to factor finances into that process, as part of our ongoing School’s Out Application Workshop series, and explore the world of quirky scholarships.

School's Out Application Workshop, How Much is Too Much to Borrow to Pay for College, and Office Hours Addressing Listeners' College Admissions Questions Jul 07, 2016

Join us for segment two in our ongoing summer program, School’s Out Application Workshop. We’ll follow up on last week’s homework and talk a bit about getting started with putting together a college list. A college finance expert will join to discuss how much is too much to borrow when it comes to paying for college, and we’ll wrap up with office hours answering listeners’ college admissions questions.

Inside the Yale Admissions Office, Help Choosing a Student Loan, and Introducing School's Out: Application Workshop Jun 30, 2016

Ever wonder how highly selective schools evaluate and make final decisions on applications? If so, take a trip with us inside the Yale admissions office with Amy Alexander, former admissions officer for the university. School’s Out: College Application Workshop, our special summer program taking students and families through the college application and finance process step-by-step makes its big debut as well as we discuss how to get started on the college essay. Finally, we’ll look at how to best choose a student loan.

Myth Busting ACT Versus SAT, and Office Hours Addressing Listeners' College Finance Questions Jun 23, 2016

When it comes to standardized testing, students have two primary options: the ACT and the SAT. Sean Quinn of ArborBridge test prep will join us to help bust the myths, address the rumors, and correct the misinformation that seem to follow these tests. We’ll also hold office hours to answer listener’s college finance questions.

College Access Programs, Including Row NY, and Finance Options for Low Income Students Jun 16, 2016

For many low income students, accessing college and paying for it can be a real issue. Join us as we discuss college access programs in general, interview Amanda Kraus, executive director of Row NY in the first segment in a series focusing on individual access programs, and learn more about college finance options for low income students.

Inside Admissions at Connecticut College, Using Retirement Savings to Pay for College, and Listener Questions Jun 09, 2016

We’re thrilled to welcome Bridget Moore, associate director of admissions and coordinator of international admissions at Connecticut College, to this week’s show. She’ll be telling us more about Conn College and how the selection process works there. We’ll also discuss the option of using retirement savings to pay for college. Can you do it? Should you? Finally, we’ll be answering college admissions questions sent in by our listeners.

Community College Education Outcomes, Using a 529 Plan to Pay for College, Greek Life Jun 02, 2016

Much has been written lately about the amount of debt incurred by students pursuing bachelor’s degrees at four year institutions. But what about community college? We’ll welcome Jessica Braithwaite, a postdoctoral research associate at the Community College Research Center at Columbia University’s Teachers College, to the show to discuss whether or not this is a viable option for many students. We’ll also take a closer look at the role Greek life, i.e., fraternities and sororities, can play on campus and discuss the things you need to consider when using funds from a 529 plan to pay for college.

Study Abroad: Why You Should Do It and How to Pay for It, Plus Coalition App Opinions May 26, 2016

A semester in Paris. A year in Johannesburg, South Africa. A summer in Melbourne, Australia. Lots of colleges tout their multiple study abroad programs as reasons to attend. Maybe you’ve wanted to study abroad ever since your first day in Spanish class, or maybe it’s the last thing you’re considering. In this episode we’ll discuss the benefits of study abroad and how to pay for it if you decide it’s a good option for you. We’ll also welcome Marie Bingham, former Wash U admissions officer, current private school college counselor, and outspoken advocate of higher education access, to the show to discuss the new Coalition App.

Did You Know that the UC System Welcomes Community College Students? Also, Paying for College Expenses Out of Pocket and Listener Questions May 19, 2016

Thousands of students hope to study in the University of California system but either don’t have the money for four years of study or don’t have the grades and test scores to get in right out of college. The UC system actually has a specific pathway to the UC via community college, which can offer a solution to both the cost and selectivity issues. We’ll tell you all about it. We’ll also look into opportunities to pay for college expenses out of pocket and answer your questions on admissions-related issues.

What to Consider if You're Considering a Gap Year. Also, Applying from Abroad, Listener Questions on College Finance May 12, 2016

Last week we welcomed an international student studying in the US to our show. This week, we’re going to be discussing the ins and outs of applying if you are an international student interested in attending college in the US. With Malia Obama’s recent announcement that she’ll defer freshman year for a year, gap years are all over the news. We’re going to investigate the options and take a closer look at what you should consider before you decide to take a year off. Finally, we’ll be answering listener questions related to college finance.

What Happens After You Deposit? Also International Student Experiences in the US, and PG Years May 05, 2016

It may seem that all you need to do after you deposit is buy some extra-long sheets for your dorm room bed and show up in time for the first day of classes. In reality, there are lots of different deadlines and forms, particularly as they relate to the financial side of college, that require your attention after you select your school. We’re going to walk you through some things to think about in this area. In other segments, we’ll welcome an international student who chose to pursue undergraduate studies in the US and discuss her experiences here. And finally, we’ll be taking a look at post-graduate years after high school: what they are, why you would do one, and where you can find out more about them.

Sending In the Deposit: How Do You Make the Final Choice? Apr 28, 2016

One of the best parts of the college process should be the moment when the tables are turned and students get to decide which school they will attend out of all those who made them offers. But this process can sometimes be as fraught with issues as putting together the initial list. If you’re struggling to make a decision, we’ll be offering tips to help. We’ll also be discussing the Academic Common Market, also known as the regional tuition reciprocity program in the South, in part four of our series. And we’ll wrap it all up by answering your college admissions questions.

What If You Didn't Get In Anywhere? Apr 21, 2016

It’s every college going student and parent’s nightmare: decisions from colleges arrive, and there isn’t a yes in the bunch. Does this mean that the college dream is over? Definitely not, since there are actually many institutions still accepting applications even at this late date. Join us to learn more about how to find them and what to do. On the flip side, what if the student has choices, but the family—namely mom and dad and student—disagrees on the best option? We’ll discuss some tips for sorting through the different considerations leading up to a final decision. Finally, we’re running part three in our tuition reciprocity series, this time focusing on the Western Undergraduate Exchange.

You Don't Like Any of Your College Choices: Now What? Apr 14, 2016

What happens if you got into most of the colleges on your list, but now you’re realizing you don’t really like any of them? We’ll be looking at what you can do if you find yourself in this situation. We’ll also talk to a student about her decision to attend the University of Michigan and the path she took to get there in another segment on students’ college choices. We’ll wrap it all up by answering your college finance questions.

The College Visit: What Questions Should I Be Asking? Apr 07, 2016

College visits can be an incredibly valuable part of the college process—or they can be a big waste of time and money. Students and families can make these worth their while by thinking ahead about the kinds of questions they want to ask and of whom, and we’ll be offering guidance around both in this week’s show. In another of our ongoing segments on students’ college choices, this week we’ll hear from a student who chose the University of South Carolina after originally setting her sights on small liberal arts colleges. And finally, we’re running part two in our series on tuition reciprocity agreements with a focus on the New England Regional Student Program.

Turning the Tide Part Two: What Does this Mean for You? Mar 31, 2016

In our first segment on Turning the Tide, Ian Fisher, Elyse Krantz, and Beth Heaton discussed the relative merits of the report and plan but only had time to cover the basics. In this week’s show, they’ll return to dig a bit deeper and uncover what this means for students. Should they change their approach to course selection? Opt for fewer APs? Move community service to the top of the list of extracurriculars? Worry less about all of those in general? Tune in and find out! In this week’s college finance segment, we’ll be talking about taxes and their impact on college students.

Asking for More Money, Part 2: Scholarship Negotiations Mar 24, 2016

You might think a scholarship offer is firm and final—either you get it, or you don’t, and the amount is fixed. In reality, colleges often have leeway in not only who they offer money to, but how much money they offer. In this segment, we’ll explore how to negotiate a better deal. We’re also excited to welcome a parent to the show to discuss how finances played a significant role in her child’s college process. We’re also answering your college admissions questions.

Asking for More Money, Part 1: How to Appeal a Financial Aid Award Mar 17, 2016

The initial financial aid award you receive from a college doesn’t necessarily have to be the best and final offer—it’s actually okay to ask for more if you think you need it. Our college finance experts, who also happen to be former financial aid officers, will help listeners understand what kinds of information they can present to make the case for more money. We’ll also present a current Brown student’s college selection story and dig into Harvard’s Turning the Tide Report and what it all means for future college applicants.

Why I Chose the University of Southern California: One Student's Story Mar 10, 2016

We’re excited to welcome another student to the show to tell her college selection story. In this case, she had to make a difficult decision between USC and Carnegie Mellon, and she’s going to tell us how she did this. A recent article outlined some suggestions for how to raise a creative child, and they didn’t involve overscheduling or—gasp—over-parenting. We’re going to discuss our thoughts on the article, encouraging creativity in students, and how that creativity can play a role in the college admissions process. We’re also going to answer listener questions about college finance.

Comparing Financial Aid Offers Mar 03, 2016

It should be an easy thing to compare financial aid offers from different schools. But between loans, grants, merit scholarships, work study, and other different components, it can often feel like comparing apples to oranges. In this week’s show, we’ll take listeners through the best way to compare offers and decide which one is actually the best. In another segment in our High School Plan series, we’ll explore different course selections and extracurricular ideas for potential pre-dental students. For those students looking to get some hands-on experience while they’re in college, we’ll look more closely at co-op programs.

Can I Pay In-State Tuition in Another State?: Tuition Reciprocity Agreements Part 1 Feb 25, 2016

It seems that every other day we get asked about the possibility of paying in-state tuition at an out-of-state college. There are so many myths surrounding this concept that it can start to feel like the whole thing is made up, but it is a real option. In part one of a multipart series that will explain these options in the US, we’ll take a closer look at the Midwestern Higher Education Compact. Other segments will cover tips and tricks for using Naviance to navigate the college application process and answer listener questions on college admissions.

How Do They Decide?: Admissions at Large State Schools Feb 18, 2016

Ever wonder how the admissions process works at large state universities? We’ll give you a hint—it’s not exactly the same as at the Ivies. Kelly Bird, senior assistant director of admission at the University of Georgia will join us to explain how their process works. We’re also going to fill you in on financial aid verification, including what it is and how it works. Finally, we’ll shed some light on how colleges evaluate the high school that your child attends.

The Student Perspective and Responses to Listener Questions Feb 11, 2016

As decisions start to come in next month, many students will be embarking on one of the biggest challenges of the college admissions process: where to actually go! In the first two segments on our new series offering student perspectives, we're excited to welcome two students to the show to discuss the process that led them to their final college choices and what they think about those choices now that they're enrolled. We're also going to be answering listener questions on financial aid and other college finance issues.

Parents: Please Don't Be More Memorable than your Students! Feb 04, 2016

Standing out in the college admissions process is a great thing. Unless you're the parent, and not the student. Listen is as we share horror stories of parents who are more memorable than their students and get a better understanding for just how much this can hurt applicants in the process. In our second segment, we'll discuss financial aid for transfer students, and then wrap up the show with advice about what to do--and not to do--while students wait for their final round of decisions.

Finding Money for College After You've Filed the FAFSA Jan 28, 2016

Once you file the FAFSA, it may feel like all you can do is sit and wait to find out how much money the colleges on your list will offer in their packages. But there are actually things that students and parents can be doing during the next few months, and we're going to tell you all about that. For those of you with students in middle school, we'll be discussing the things that you and your students can be working on now that will positively impact their college process later on. Finally, getting ready to invest a lot of money in going on college visits? We'll be sharing tips on how to make the most of that time and money.

Researching Colleges and Listener Questions Jan 21, 2016

Over the past few months, we’ve been asking you to send us your thoughts on the things you’d like to hear more about, along with your specific questions. In today’s show, we’re going to answer as many of those admissions and college finance questions as we can get to. In addition, while many seniors are wrapping up their admissions process, there’s a whole new group of students who are embarking on theirs. The first step for most is figuring out where to apply. We’ve done a few shows on how to put together a good list, and today we’re going to tackle what happens once you have that list in hand--i.e., the best way to research your colleges.

Not a Joiner?: Extracurricular Activity Ideas for the Kid Who Hates Clubs Jan 14, 2016

Extracurricular activities are important. After course selection, grades, and test scores, applicants' activities outside of the classroom can be a significant factor in admissions process at many colleges. So what do you do if your child isn't interested in doing much of anything? In another segment in our extracurricular activities series, we have some ideas to help that kid who isn't a joiner get more involved. Financial aid policies can change from state to state. With that in mind, we'll be helping you understand college financial aid in your state. Finally, homeschooled students face extra challenges in college admissions, and we'll be offering tips for how those applicants can best prepare for this process.

The Coalition App: What You Need to Know Now Jan 07, 2016

In the fall of 2015, a coalition of US colleges and universities, including all of the Ivies and a number of other highly selective public and private institutions announced the creation of a new application. Their stated goals for the new form are to offer an alternative to the Common and Universal applications and increase access. You may be wondering what this all means for you, and we're going to tell you. We're also going to answer the most frequently asked questions about the FAFSA. Finally, we're featuring ideas for students interested in writing and English in the next segment in our Extracurricular Activities series.

High School Plan for Undergraduate Business Majors Dec 31, 2015

New Year's Resolution: make a plan for your admissions process and another one for how you’re going to pay for college. Today's episode is all about planning ahead, from preparing to complete the FAFSA to making sure you have the right courses and activities to put you in the best position to get into an undergraduate business program to extracurricular activity ideas for students who are really into video games.

Deferred in ED or EA? Here's What to Do Dec 24, 2015

Most of those students who applied via early action or early decision programs have received their answer by now. Unfortunately, some got a definitive no and are on the regular decision. Others got a yes--very exciting!--and we'll be going over what those students need to do now. We have great advice for those who received a deferral, including tips and suggestions to better their chances in regular decision. Curious about how assets are treated in the expected family contribution—or EFC—calculation? We'll be discussing that as well.

High School Plan for Future Doctors: Preparing to be Pre-Med Dec 17, 2015

Many of the students we meet with are already set on pursuing a pre-med track when they get to college, with the ultimate goal of attending med school. In this week's show, we'll be doing another high school plan session focusing on the best preparation inside and outside the classroom for those students. We'll also discuss how income is treated in the Expected Family Contribution calculation, and talk pharmacy program options and admissions. Don't miss it!

You Didn't Get In Early: Now What? Dec 10, 2015

So you sent in a few early applications and figured you were done. Now you've gotten the results and they're not good: no acceptances and mostly denials. Don't panic--Kara Courtois is here to help! Join us for advice about finding some safer options and triaging the application process so that you can get some more applications out within the next few weeks and get better news in the spring. Future doctors may be investigating BS/MD programs that allow them to combine undergrad and grad admissions into one process. Mary Sue Youn will drop by to discuss how that works. Finally, Jeanne Mahan will walk us through some additional things to consider as you enter the education loan payment phase.

College You Can Afford: Finding a Financial Safety Dec 03, 2015

Much of the college process seems to focus on either getting into college or paying for it, as if these two things are mutually exclusive. In this episode, we'll be addressing how to think about how to craft a list with an eye towards both admissions and finance at the same time. We're also introducing a new series called the High School Plan, in which we'll discuss the ideal high school preparation for a variety of college majors. This week, we're focusing on the best groundwork for engineering admissions. Finally, for students interested in studying in the UK, we'll be walking you through the UCAS application, their version of the Common App

Should Wealthy People Apply for Financial Aid? Nov 19, 2015

You've run the numbers on the net price calculators and it's pretty clear--you're not going to qualify for any financial aid. Should you apply anyway? We'll tackle that question in this week's show. We're also going to ponder the pros and cons of befriending your admissions officer, including how much contact is too much contact and whether or not you should even try. If you or your student hasn't gotten very involved in extracurricular activities yet, we have some last minute ideas for seniors (and maybe even juniors) to jumpstart that resume.

I've Applied EA and/or ED: Now What? Nov 12, 2015

With the November 1 Early Action and Early Decision application deadlines behind them, many students and parents are wondering what they should do now that the applications are in. Sit back and relax? Get really stressed out while waiting for an answer? Pepper the admissions offices with emails and phone calls to determine if your applications have been received and to restate your interest? On this week's show, we'll offer suggestions for the best use of families' time now that some apps are in. We'll also discuss what happens on the college finance front after the EA and ED deadlines. Finally, for those of you who haven't done one thing related to your college applications, you're in luck (if a little short on time)--we're going to be running through the steps you can take now through the end of the year to get on track and get those applications in.

Submitting Test Scores: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know, And More! Nov 05, 2015

You may have thought that the most challenging thing about standardized testing was taking the actual tests. Many families are discovering that submitting the scores can be even tougher. On this week's episode, we'll take listeners through all the details of score submission, including how to do it, when to do it, which scores to send where, when or if to rush scores, what to do if there is a screw up on the testing organizations' side. It's also the season for college interviews. While fewer and fewer schools are offering them to applicants, interviews are still part of the process at many schools. We’re going to help listeners prepare. Finally, the FAFSA recently announced major changes for the 2017/2018 season, including what information you’ll be including and when the form will be available. It's a must-listen if you'll be applying for financial aid next year.

Will My Child Even Get Into College?: Admissions for B Students Oct 29, 2015

If you follow admissions in the news, you might be under the assumption that all students earn As and get rejected from every college to which they apply. Hopefully you have realized that this can't possibly be the case--why would we be racking up so much college debt if no one is getting in? On this week's show, we're going to be talking about college admissions and the average student--you know, the ones earning mostly B's. If you're wondering how to use those net price calculators you'll find on every college's website, we'll be looking into those as well. Finally, in another segment in our series on college supplements, this week we're diving into Stanford and University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Performing and Visual Arts Program Admissions Oct 22, 2015

How much does the audition matter? Do grades even count? What role does the portfolio play? If you are wondering exactly how admissions works at performing and visual arts programs, College Coach expert Kyra Tyler is here to share her insight gained from years assisting students going through the process and her own experience as a flute performance major. Jonathan Fink, Vice President for Research and Strategic Partnerships and Professor of Geology at Portland State University, will also join the show to discuss undergraduate research opportunities at colleges and universities. We'll also welcome college finance expert Shannon Vasconcelos back to the show to talk about student loan forgiveness for students in public service.

Need Blind and Need Aware: Financial Aid and Admissions Oct 15, 2015

Ever wondered what colleges mean when they say they are need blind or need aware? Or, more importantly, how those terms affect admissions chances? We'll discuss what the true definition of these terms and investigate the links between financial aid policies and admissions. We'll also look into the practice of gapping in financial aid packages and continue our series on Common App supplemental essays with a deeper dive into the prompts for Boston College.

FAFSA Vs. CSS Profile: What's the Difference? Why Should You Care? Oct 08, 2015

It's peak admissions season here at Getting In! If financial aid is in your future, you need to know the difference between the FAFSA and the CSS Profile. This week's show will take us through why there are two forms, how they're different, and what that means for you. We'll also continue our series on different schools' Common Application supplemental essay prompts with segments on Tufts, Lehigh, and Syracuse. This week's show will take us through why there are two forms, how they're different, and what that means for you. We'll also continue our series on different schools' Common Application supplemental essay prompts with segments on Tufts, Lehigh, and Syracuse.

One Student's Story: What Happens When You DON'T Get Into Your First Choice College Oct 01, 2015

You may have heard about how important it is to have a balanced list of colleges that includes some reaches, some matches, and some safeties. We're welcoming a student to the show today who ended up with different choices than she envisioned--and ended up at a college that was perfect for her. In another segment in our series on popular applications, we'll be going through the Apply Texas app. Finally, if you've ever wondered what financial aid questions you should be asking when you visit colleges, our finance experts have some suggestions for you!

Holistic Admissions Process: A Behind-the-Scenes Look Sep 24, 2015

Ever wonder what colleges mean by the phrase: holistic admissions process? Curious about what really happens around the selection committee table in a college admissions office? In this week's episode, Ian Fisher, Becky Leichtling, and Laurie Peltier are going to take listeners through a mock admissions session. Using case studies we’ve put together, they'll offer insight into some of the ins and outs of the process at the more selective level, looking at admissions and the role that financial aid can play in the selection process. This is a rare opportunity to peek behind the curtain!

Oh Canada!: Attending and Paying for College North of the Border Sep 17, 2015

While most of our content focuses on the almost 3,000 four year colleges and universities in the United States, there are lots of options for advanced study in Canada as well. In this week’s show we’re going to talk about the Canadian university system from both the admissions and finance side of things. We’ll talk about the differences in our systems in terms of the admissions process, what to expect as a student and how much more—or less—expensive the universities really are. We’re also going to continue our series on supplemental essays with a segment on prompts from the University of Notre Dame and the University of Michigan.

The New PSAT: What's Changing and Why It Matters Sep 10, 2015

Did you know that the College Board will give students a preview of the new SAT this October when they sit for the PSAT? Designed as a practice for the real thing, the PSAT will roll out a shorter version of the test that will debut in March 2016. Jake Neuberg of Revolution Prep will join us to go through the changes and what they mean for students taking the test this fall. If you're already in college, we'll be talking about looking for scholarships while you're an enrolled student. And in the next in a series on the supplementary essay prompts required by a number of colleges, we'll take a look at Wake Forest's five additional required essays.

College for C/D Students: Are There Even Options? Sep 03, 2015

Much of what we see, read, and hear about college admissions seems to imply that even the very best students will struggle finding an institution to accept them. Once you step back from the craziness that surrounds admissions, you realize there are lots of options for many students. But is that true for students routinely earning C's or even D's? On this week's episode, we'll explore the college process for those students who are less than high achievers. We're also going to take a closer look at the National Merit Scholarship process, and round out the show with a in-depth analysis of how to approach MIT's essay questions for the 2015-2016 application.

Applying to the UCs: Tips and Expert Advice Aug 27, 2015

Did you know that the University of California system will start accepting applications on November 1 and stop accepting them on November 30? If so, congratulations--you have at least one of the basics covered. But if you haven't sat down to fill out the actual UC application, you may not be aware that it generates a lot of student (and parent!) questions. In this week's episode, my California-based colleague, Steve Brennan, is going to answer as many of them as he can in the first two show segments. In addition, College Coach finance expert (and ROTC mom) Laurie Peltier will join us to talk all things ROTC.

Public Honors Colleges: Excellent Alternative to the Ivies? Aug 20, 2015

As many of you may be aware, there are some great alternatives to highly selective private colleges and universities for very bright students, Those are the honors programs and colleges at some public universities. We’re going to be discussing the benefits of those programs. We're also going to discuss another type of offering that might appeal to some students—same sex colleges. What are the positives of an all women's or all men's college? Finally, we’ll cover how college students can best manage the money they spent all summer earning.

Is A Suspension the Kiss of Death in College Admissions? Aug 13, 2015

Have you or your student ever had a disciplinary issue that led to a suspension, an expulsion, or even a visit to court? Former Swarthmore senior admissions officer Kennon Dick will join us to share his thoughts about how to best address disciplinary issues in the college process. For those of you getting ready to apply for financial aid, college finance expert Beth Feinberg Keenan will walk us through understanding colleges’ financial aid policies. Finally, former Babson senior admissions officer Christine Kenyon will discuss undergraduate business programs, including what is typically covered, which students might be most interested in the programs, and what graduates go on to do with their degrees.

Common App 2015-16: Part Two of Everything You Need to Know Aug 06, 2015

The Common App for the 2015-2016 application season made it's official debut this past weekend on August 1. Before you rush to start filling it out, tune in to Getting In as Elyse Krantz and I walk through it and offer information and advice section by section. College finance expert Shannon Vasconcelos will also return to talk to us about what NOT to do when paying for college.

Common App 20015: Everything You Need to Know Jul 30, 2015

The Common Application is the application of choice for more than 500 colleges and universities in the US and abroad, which makes it fairly common for many students applying to college to use it. Each year the application goes live on August 1, and each year there are a few minor and sometimes major changes. Elyse Krantz, who writes a fabulous series of blogs each year the cover everything you need to know about the Common App, will share her practical insight and great tips on completing this year's application. On the college finance side, we're doing to dig a bit deeper into loan repayment, as Shannon Vasconcelos stops by to discuss income driven repayment plans.

Presenting Extracurricular Activities for Maximum Application Impact Jul 23, 2015

It's hard to read any account of the college admissions process these days without hearing about how important extracurricular activities are. What is less widely discussed is that the ways in which you present those activities is almost as important as doing them in the first place. On this week's show, we'll answer your questions about how to make the most of those activities on your applications. We're also excited to have a representative from the Common App join the show to discuss changes to the application for 2015. And finally, we'll talk about what do do if it's time to start paying off all of those student loans you took out a few years ago.

Can You Apply Early Decision and Still Get Financial Aid? Jul 16, 2015

Early decision is a way for students to show commitment to their top choice college and get an early answer at the same time. But you may not be aware that there can be significant financial implications to this binding option. We'll dig into what applying under this program can mean for financial aid and scholarships. We’re also going to wrap up our four-part segment on the high school years with a final piece on what to focus on senior year. Finally, we’re going to cover the impact of learning differences on the college process and offer tips on how to manage those challenges.

Is Junior Year Really the Most Important for College Admissions? Jul 09, 2015

Ever heard that junior year is the most important of all when it comes to college admissions? In part three of our four-part series on what to be thinking about each year of high school, we'll tackle this question and offer insight into what is important to accomplish in this third year of high school. We'll also cover establishing a budget as a teenager, something that will come in very handy in the transition to college (and life!). We'll also delve into majors and the college process, including how the selection of a particular major can impact admissions and what majors really mean in terms of a student's ultimate career.

Why This College? What Do I Say in That Essay?? Jul 02, 2015

Many colleges require a personal essay in which applicants share something important about themselves. But did you know that some also ask for an essay that, in essence, asks Why this college? It's incredibly important to get this one right, and on today's show we'll walk students through this essay--what it's about, why colleges ask for it, and how to best approach it. We'll also discuss ways to establish credit as a college student--and tips for avoiding credit mishaps during those four years. Finally, we'll feature part two in a four-part series on what to be doing in terms of academics, extracurricular activities, and college planning each year of high school. Up today: sophomore year.

Getting an Early Start: College Admissions and Finance Jun 25, 2015

This week's show is all about getting an early start. For starters, we’re introducing the first segment in a four-week series covering everything you need to be thinking about relating to college admissions for each year of high school. We’ll start where you start—with ninth grade. We’re also going to discuss getting an early start on college finance, including looking for scholarships and whether or not it's a good idea to move assets around to increase financial aid. We'll finish off our series on the new Common App essay prompts for 2015-2016 by exploring prompts three through five.

Answers to Your College Admissions and Finance Questions Jun 18, 2015

Do you have college admissions and finance questions? We have answers! Join us on June 18, when we invite our listeners to call in and talk to us live on air. Have a question about whether or not to drop French after sophomore year? We can answer that. Curious about whether or not to cash in your entire 529 plan in the first year? We can answer that. Wondering if you should write your college essay about your once-a-year visit to the soup kitchen? We can answer that. Give my guests Sally Ganga and Beth Feinberg Keenan and me a call at 866-472-5788, and we will get you on the air!

Getting Started on College Essays: 2015-2016 Common App Essay Prompts, Part 1 Jun 11, 2015

For all those rising seniors out there, summer is a great time to start work on your college applications! If you're currently stuck staring at the Common App prompts and wondering where to go from there, don't miss this episode! In part one of a two part series, Ian Fisher will be offering tips and suggestions for approaching the first two prompts on the Common App. We'll also welcome Fordham's Monica Esser to offer her perspective on international admissions to US colleges. Stacey MacPhetres will also walk us through the pros and cons of consolidating college loans.

Using a Roth IRA to Save for College Jun 04, 2015

While 529 savings plans and pre-paid tuition options get a great deal of coverage in the media, there are actually quite a few different ways to save for college. In this week's episode, we'll explore using a Roth IRA for just this purpose. We'll also explain the science behind all of those college marketing materials currently flooding your mailbox and inbox and help you understand what it all means to you. And for the artists in the audience, we'll be welcoming photographer and artist Lisa Sorensen to walk students through using an art portfolio to augment a college application.

Successful College Applications: The Importance of Presenting Your Authentic Self May 28, 2015

Ever wonder if it makes sense to select different majors at each school to improve the odds of acceptance? Maybe you heard that admissions officers really like essays that focus on an example of doing good in the community? On this week’s show we’re going to address the issue of tailoring the applicant to the college in a segment on presenting your authentic self in those applications with former Reed admissions officer Ian Fisher. If you or anyone you know is suffering from a severe case of senioritis, former Georgetown admissions officer Karen Spencer will discuss how to understand and handle the potential fallout, including a rescinded offer of admission. Finally, former Ana Maria College financial aid officer Laurie Peltier will walk us through the first college tuition bill.

Congrats on Getting In! Now About That Transition to College... May 21, 2015

While applying to college can be long and arduous and figuring out the financial piece is often just as challenging, it's really just a precursor to the biggest hurdle of all: going to college. In this week's show, we're talking about making a successful transition. Kennon Dick and Laurie Peltier, College Coach experts who also went through this process themselves just last year, will share tips for both parents and students about how to transition to college as painlessly and successfully as possible. We’ll also welcome Jeanne Mahan back to the show to talk about using parent financing to pay for college—whether that is the ideal situation for you and how to go about doing it.

Dreaming of Top Gun? What You Need to Know About Service Academy Admissions May 14, 2015

Securing a nomination. Passing the physical fitness test. Taking the appropriate coursework. If the idea of attending West Point, Annapolis, or another service academy in preparation for serving your country appeals to you, then tune in to hear College Coach expert Lisa Albro's tips on when and how to go about this often confusing application process. Alex Bickford will discuss how to best use your college savings when it's time to pay for college. All set with your summer plans? If not, don't miss Mary Sue Youn and her last minute summer plan suggestions for high school students.

Admissions Stress and the High School Student May 07, 2015

Ask any high school junior how they're feeling, and the almost inevitable reply will be, Stressed. The root of much of that stress these days is college. Whether students are overloading themselves with coursework, overbooking themselves with extracurricular commmittments or simply worrying about it, the looming spectre of college is what can push them over the edge on a regular basis. Former teacher and Barnard admissions rep Kara Courtois will be with us to talk about some things students and parents can do to try to ease that pressure. Sally Ganga will be back to discuss gap years, including what they are, why students might consider them, and how they might impact college options. Former financial aid officer Laurie Peltier will offer thoughts on making a successful financial transition to college

College Admissions by the Numbers: Learn How to Put Together a College List Based on Your Numbers Apr 30, 2015

There are a lot of numbers involved in the admissions process: GPAs, standardized test scores, admit rates, class rankings, etc. Although in general numbers are a fairly black and white matter, the fact is that there is a lot of gray area when it comes to numbers and college admissions. Julia Jones, former senior admissions officer at Brandeis University and College Coach's list guru, will explain how students can evaluate their numbers and use them to help craft a college list. College finance expert Alex Bickford also joins us to go over the basics of saving for college. In our final segment, former University of Chicago admissions officer Sally Ganga will stop by to trade funny essay stories--the bad, the ugly, and the unbelievable. If you've ever wondered what not to do in your essay, this will serve as a great primer!

Ivy League Admissions: How to Stand Out Apr 23, 2015

Ever wonder how you or your child can stand out in the ultra-competitive Ivy League admissions process? The answer is developing a distinguishing excellence. In a continuation of a discussion begun in our last episode of Getting In, we will be answering your questions about what a distinguishing excellence is, and how students can both identify and work towards developing one. For those students aspiring to a professional field of study such as veterinary medicine, pharmacy, or physical therapy, former Cornell senior admissions officer Marj Southworth will be sharing her advice on high school curriculum and extracurricular activity choices. Finally, Kathy Ruby is back to discuss the important question of whether or not a student should work while in college

Admission to the Ivy League: Cracking the Code Apr 16, 2015

Do you or your child aspire to the Ivy League or similarly highly selective colleges? Don't miss this episode of Getting In, when former Yale admissions officer Amy Alexander will join us to discuss the basics of admission to the Ivies, including curriculum choices, extracurricular activities, standardized test scores, and more. We'll also welcome Lisa Albro to the show to go over the importance of demonstrated interest in the admissions process and how to most effectively, well, demonstrate interest! Finally, Jeanne Mahan will share her thoughts on assessing the value of a particular college, something top of mind of most parents and students looking at college costs in the tens of thousands of dollars.

New Common App Prompts for 2015-2016: What You Need to Know Apr 09, 2015

Worried about the college admissions essay? Unclear about how to use the prompts provided on the Common App? Wondering what changed about the Common App prompts this year? We've got answers! Elyse Krantz, former senior admissions officer and Common App expert, will share information about the new prompts and how to best use them in the essay process. If you're concerned about college loans, you won't want to miss college finance expert Beth Feinberg Keenan's tips on how much debt parents and students should consider taking on. If early decision, priority admissions, restricted early action, and all the other early options make your head spin, Tova Tolman will be here to help you make sense of your choices. Send us your questions to gettingin.voiceamerica@gmail.com and join us this Thursday!

Understanding Financial Aid Packages and Avoiding Award Traps Apr 02, 2015

College decisions are in, and with them, financial aid packages have arrived as well. Wondering how to fully understand the financial implications of those awards for your family? Former senior financial aid officer Laurie Peltier will be here to walk you through tips for evaluating those packages and avoiding award traps. Speaking of those decisions, we'll be talking about them all--admit, deny, waitlist, whether or not you can appeal a deny and how to go about the process of choosing your final school with former Georgetown admissions officer Karen Spencer. And while manyare in the final stages of the application process, some of you are just getting started. With that in mind, Former MIT and Caltech admissions officer Zaragoza Guerra will stop by to discuss what to do when, whether you or your child is a freshman, sophomore, or junior. We'll also be answering your questions live on air, so give us a call at 866-472-5788.

Waitlisted: The New Rejection Letter? Mar 26, 2015

Wondering what it means to be waitlisted and, more importantly, what the likelihood is that your application will actually get switched from waitlist to admit? We'll get some answers from former Swarthmore senior admissions officer Kennon Dick, who will also discuss what students can do to improve--or decrease--those odds. Greg Grauman, assistant vice provost of undergraduate admissions at American University, will join us to share what test optional really means at the institutions that practice it. College finance expert Jeanne Mahan offers tips for reducing college costs once you are enrolled, including some tax breaks you may not know about. In our final segment, we'll take your questions, so send them to us at gettingin.voiceamerica@gmail.com. Even better--call us during the show at 866-472-5788.

The Financial Aid Family: Understanding How Divorce and Remarriage Can Affect Financial Aid Mar 19, 2015

What happens when the modern family--divorced, remarried, stepparents, stepchildren and all--applies for financial aid? What do you do if your ex doesn't want to be involved? Will your new spouse be expected to pay tuition for your child from a previous marriage? Join us for the March 19 episode of Getting In, when we'll discuss these issues and more with financial aid expert Beth Feinberg Keenan. We'll also talk through the potential impact of Facebook, Twitter, and other social media outlets on students' college applications with admissions expert Ian Brook Fisher. And if acceptances are starting to roll in and you're wondering about all of those invites to admitted student receptions, admissions expert Becky Leichtling will stop by to talk about whether or not to attend and how to get the most out of your time there if you do. Finally, we'll be answering your questions on air at the end of the show, so send them to us at gettingin.voiceamerica@gmail.com.

Making the Most of the College Visit Mar 12, 2015

Visiting colleges can be time consuming and expensive. On this episode, we'll welcome college visit expert Bill Ruben to talk about getting the most out of those visits, from when to go to what to see and do while you're there. We'll also dig into searching for private scholarships with Stacey MacPhetres, former financial aid offices at Emerson College and Elms College. Got a budding athlete in your house?Alex Santiago, a college athlete and former senior admissions officer at the University of Pennsylvania, will join us to discuss starting the athletic recruitment process. As always, we'll finish up by answering your questions on air, so send them to us at gettingin.voiceamerica@gmail.com.

Financial Aid Advice That's Too Good To Be True: Separating the Myths from the Truth Mar 05, 2015

Can you really reposition family assets to create more financial aid eligibility? Are there ways to hide assets and lower your expected family contribution? Is it possible to get colleges to consider your child financially independent of you? Former Tufts and Boston University senior financial aid officer Shannon Vasconcelos will stop by to address college finance myths and offer real, ethical tips that everyone can use to maximize financial aid eligibility. Kathy Ventura, who heads up the guidance department for Wallington High School in NJ, will join us to discuss how to get the most out of your relationship with your or your child's guidance counselor. Former Tufts University senior admissions officer Becky Leichtling and I will also talk through how the high school that students attend impacts their college applications. Don't forget to send us your admissions and college finance questions at gettingin.voiceamerica@gmail.com. We'll answer as many as we can in our final segment.

Choosing A College Essay Topic: How to Get Started Feb 26, 2015

Standardized tests are a key component of most college applications. But when should students start taking the SAT or ACT, and how far in advance should they begin to prepare for the tests? We'll talk through these questions with Jake Neuberg, CEO of Revolution Prep. We'll also welcome College Coach finance expert Kathy Ruby to discuss putting together a college list that factors finances and the ability to pay into the equation. For those students and parents who are starting to think about the college essay, College Coach admissions expert Ian Fisher will join us to talk through the first big step: choosing an appropriate topic. As always, we'll wrap up the episode by answering your admissions and finance questions.

Extracurricular Activities and College Admissions: What Every Student Should Know Feb 19, 2015

Ever wondered what activities colleges most want to see on a student's application? Curious about whether or not community service or sports are required or if a job counts? Former Georgetown admissions officer Karen Spencer will join me to talk about whether or not there are right or wrong things for students to get involved in. In our second segment, Kyra Tyler, former admissions officer at Brandeis, will offer some great suggestions about the nuts and bolts of researching colleges and putting together a list. College finance expert Shannon Vasconcelos will provide her insight on negotiating a better financial aid award. Finally, we'll wrap up the episode by answering your admissions and college finance questions.

Who Qualifies for Financial Aid Anyway? Feb 12, 2015

In this week's Getting In: A College Coach Conversation, host Elizabeth Heaton will talk to college finance expert Laurie Peltier to cut through all the misinformation floating around and find out more about who actually qualifies for financial aid.The answer may surprise you! She'll also welcome former admissions officer and current College Coach colleague Steve Brennan to discuss getting started on the college list, and dig into making the most of summer break. The episode will wrap up with a Q&A session covering your admissions and college finance questions.

What's Better: An A in College Prep or a B in Honors? Feb 05, 2015

Join us for the inaugural episode of Getting In: A College Coach Conversation, where Elizabeth Heaton and colleague Sally Ganga will discuss high school curriculum choices and attempt to answer the eternal question of whether it is better to get an A in the college prep course or a B in the honors level. Beth and guests Jake Neuberg of Revolution Prep and Mary Sue Youn of College Coach will also examine the new SAT, including what's changed, when it will debut, and how it might impact admissions for the class of 2017. Finally, Beth will answer all of your most pressing college admissions questions in Getting In’s weekly question and answer segment.

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