Getting In: A College Coach Conversation

Latest Episodes:

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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.