Getting In: A College Coach Conversation

Latest Episodes:

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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.