Getting In: A College Coach Conversation

Latest Episodes:

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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.