Getting In: A College Coach Conversation

Latest Episodes:

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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.