Getting In: A College Coach Conversation

Latest Episodes:

BS/MD Programs; Answering Admission & Finance Listener Questions Mar 19, 2026

Show notes

Host Shannon Vasconcelos kicks off this episode with College Coach Lauren DiProspero, who pulls from her experience in both undergraduate admissions as well as her work with Columbia and Stanford's medical schools. Lauren breaks down BS/MD programs (accelerated pathways where students are admitted to both a Bachelor of Science program and medical school simultaneously) and explains why they're so appealing while clearing up some common misconceptions families often have about these highly selective options.

In our second segment, Shannon is joined by College Coach Sara Calvert-Kubrom and Finance Expert Zachery Gries to answer listener questions. Together, they tackle timely topics such as how to navigate a waitlist, what to do if you earn a lower grade fall of senior year after being admitted Early Action, and how to compare financial offers from different colleges.

If you have a listener question, please submit them so we can answer them on a future episode!

What Financial Aid Offices Wish Families Knew; What Admission Offices Wish Students Knew; What Students Wish College Knew - Featuring a Current High School Senior Mar 12, 2026

Show notes

Host Ian Fisher kicks off this episode with BH finance expert Marina Zaretskiy, who shares what financial aid offices wish rising senior families understood before application season begins. From emphasizing that they are accessible to families with questions or who have updates to their financial situations to the differences between the applications, she offers a helpful behind‑the‑scenes look at how it all works.

In our second segment, Ian welcomes BH College Coach Robin Khadduri to dig into what colleges wish rising seniors knew. She talks through how to ask thoughtful questions, how demonstrated interest works, the importance of students sharing their authentic voice, and more.

Finally, BH College Coach Nicole Doyle and her son, high school senior Jack Doyle, join the show to share what students wish colleges knew. Jack also shares what it's like to navigate this process when your parent is an expert in the field and what types of discussions seniors have about the application process.

Are Colleges Still Accepting Applications?; How Many APs Do I Need To Take?; Federal Student Loan Update Mar 05, 2026

Show notes

Host Ian Fisher kicks off this episode with BH College Coach Carrie Lewis, who answers a question many families have this time of year: Are colleges still accepting applications? Carrie walks listeners through the process of applying outside the traditional fall and early‑spring deadlines, which usually involves rolling admission.

In our second segment, Ian welcomes colleague Kennon Dick for a conversation about one of the most common academic questions students ask: How many APs do I need to take to get into college? Kennon breaks down what curriculum rigor really means, how to find balance, and how colleges evaluate a student's choices within their specific context.

Finally, finance expert Jennifer Wilcox joins the show to offer a Federal Student Loan update, outlining what has (and hasn't) changed for 2026.

February Admit Programs; How to Demonstrate Interest if Tours aren't Available; Finance Questions to Ask on College Tours Feb 26, 2026

Show notes

Host Kyra Tyler kicks off this episode with BH College Coach Caroline Damon, who breaks down February admit programs—those special events colleges host for admitted students to help them dig deeper into academics, campus life, and overall fit as they make their final decision about where to enroll.

In our second segment, Kyra welcomes colleague Lisa Albro to tackle a question many families are asking this spring: "How are all the college tours already booked, and how can I still demonstrate interest?" Lisa offers practical strategies for staying engaged even when campus calendars are full.

To close out Financial Aid Awareness Month, finance expert Laurie Peltier joins the show to discuss key questions families should ask the financial aid office—and others—when they're on a college tour.

Advice to Juniors for their Spring Semester; Advice to Seniors for their Spring Semester; Financial Aid Notifications & Award Letters Feb 19, 2026

Show notes

Host Ian Fisher kicks off this episode with BH College Coach Cesar Contreras, who talks about what juniors should be doing right now in the spring semester to stay on track. Spoiler alert: It's definitely not the time to slack off.

In our second segment, Ian welcomes colleague Karen Spencer for a similar discussion, but this time focused on seniors in their last semester. You may have guessed it, but they also shouldn't slack off.

Finally, College Coach finance expert Russell Seidelman joins the show in recognition of February as Financial Aid Awareness Month. He offers guidance to families on how to interpret and compare financial aid notifications and award letters.

Paying for College; Financial Aid Methods; February's Financial Aid Awareness Deep Dive Feb 12, 2026

Show notes

Are you one of the 99% concerned about how to pay for college? If so, the great news is that this episode of Getting In is devoted entirely to that topic. Host Shannon Vasconcelos will be joined by College Coach finance colleagues Michelle Smoley and Chrissy Foran to discuss financial aid methodologies, appeals, and, in honor of February: Financial Aid Awareness Month, do a broad and deep dive into financial aid.

Building a Smart College List; Summer Planning Starts Now; Financial Aid Basics for February Feb 05, 2026

Show notes

Here at College Coach we have a resident college list expert, Nial Rele, who is joining our host, Kyra Tyler, to discuss how to create your list of colleges. This is more complicated than you may anticipate, as it should include colleges that are reach schools, target schools, and safety schools, and figuring out which is which can be challenging. In addition, colleague Christine Kenyon will be there to discuss what students should be thinking about doing over the summer, and why it's important to discuss it already in February. Last, College Coach finance colleague Zachary Gries will be talking about February as financial aid awareness month. He'll use this excellent opportunity to discuss financial aid basics and timelines.

Considering an HBCU in D.C.? Admissions, Student Life, and Merit Aid Explained Jan 29, 2026

Show notes

If you are interested in attending an HBCU (historically black college or university) or being in Washington, D.C. for your college years, be sure to tune in to this show when host Sally Ganga will be interviewing Associate Director of Undergraduate Admission Rahsaan Ellis and student Aniyah Gaffney from the University of the District of Columbia. In addition, Sally will be welcoming College Coach finance expert Beth Feinberg-Keenan about what negotiation for merit scholarships really means.

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Direct Admissions Demystified: Insights from Pacific Lutheran University Jan 22, 2026

Show notes

Today's podcast is very exciting because host Ian Fisher will be interviewing Hillary Powell, Director of Admissions at Pacific Lutheran University, to discuss both Pac Lu and explain what direct admissions is. Direct admissions is increasingly being used by colleges as a process by which applicants are essentially pre-admitted to colleges without even having to apply, thus greatly reducing the stress of the admissions process. In addition, College Coach finance expert, Michelle Clifton, will be on to discuss next steps for federal loan borrowers enrolled in the SAVE plan.

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Applying Abroad? Your Essential Guide to Studying in the UK Jan 15, 2026

Show notes

Are you considering applying to schools in the United Kingdom? If so, definitely listen in on this episode when Host Ian Fisher interviews Mubarik Ibrahim of University of York, Amanda Lunberg of University of Roehampton London and Haley Drogus from The University of Sheffield, all schools within the UK. Our guests will be discussing completing the UK application and other important information about attending college in the UK. Also, listen in to learn more about some excellent schools that are not as well known in the US but still provide a wonderful education. In addition, College Coach finance colleague Patricia Pineiro-Goodenberger will be discussing how to pay for college abroad.

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