Getting In: A College Coach Conversation

Latest Episodes:

Is Dual Enrollment Always a Good Idea? Plus Listener Questions Feb 21, 2019

Show notes

Some high schools and colleges offer a unique way to earn college credit prior to graduation through dual-enrollment coursework. Learn more about this option, how it stacks up against AP and IB programs, and whether or not it's the right choice for you or your student. We'll spend the rest of the episode answering your college admissions and finance questions.

Negotiating Scholarships; Senioritis; Starting the College Essay Feb 14, 2019

Show notes

Last week we talked about appealing your financial aid awards, and this week we're covering how to negotiate for more scholarship money. If you didn't even know that was a possibility, you'll want to tune in to learn more. You may have heard about senioritis but don't know much about the impact. Can it truly be harmful to your college acceptances? In a word—yes. Finally, for those juniors eager to get a jump on application season, it might be time to start thinking about your essay. We'll offer suggestions for pre-work and planning that you can do now.

Financial Aid Appeals; Demonstrated Interest; Contacting Colleges Feb 07, 2019

Show notes

It is financial aid award season, and we're here to guide you through it. First up is how to appeal a financial aid award, from determining whether or not you have grounds for an appeal to how to approach the appeals process. We'll also discuss demonstrated interest, including what it is and how you can use it to positively impact your college application process. Finally, we'll talk you through the best ways to communicate with colleges.

Exploring D3 Athletics; Summer Planning; Comparing Award Letters Jan 31, 2019

Show notes

There's snow on the ground and more to come, but believe it or not, summer planning starts now! We'll be talking through some things to think about as you get started. We're also exploring D3 athletics and how being a recruited athlete can impact admissions opportunities. Finally, as financial aid and merit award letters start to come in, you may find it difficult to figure out who is offering the best deal. We have tips for comparing awards in order to make the best decision.

Avoiding the Starving Artist Scenario; Listener Q and A Jan 24, 2019

Show notes

If you or your student are interested in a career in the arts, you might be concerned about your ability to earn a living in such a difficult field. We'll talk about suggestions for students facing long odds in the creative field that will hopefully allow them to pursue their dreams while putting food on the table. We'll also be answering your college finance and admissions questions.

Value and the College List; Tax Breaks; Options Post-January 1 Jan 17, 2019

Show notes

For most families, the ability to pay for college is as important as getting in. We welcome Edmit co-founder Sabrina Manville to the show to discuss how to build a college list with value in mind to help families develop a list that is more affordable while distinguishing when it might make sense to pay a little more. We're also doing part 2 in our Tax Breaks for Higher Education series, discussing options available when you are paying for college. Finally, in Office Hours, we're discussing what to do if you missed the January 1st deadlines but still want to apply to enter college in fall 2019.

The Admissions Waiting Game; Tax Breaks; Scam Honor Societies Jan 10, 2019

Show notes

Seniors are now in what can be the toughest part of the process: waiting to get an answer from colleges. Is there anything you can do now that the applications are in? We have some thoughts that we'll share with you. Paying for higher education can mean tax breaks come April. Part One of a two part series will look at options if you are saving for college and repaying education loans. Finally, you or your student may be receiving invitations to join some honor societies or "nominations" to expensive summer programs. We're giving tips to determine what is real and what is more of a scam.

Roth IRA to Pay for College; Resolutions; Group/Faculty Interview Jan 03, 2019

Show notes

Colleges do not consider retirement savings in their financial aid calculations, but you can use a Roth IRA to pay for college. We'll share more about who can take advantage of this option and factors to consider. If you're faced with a group and/or faculty interview in the admission or scholarship process, we have tips for navigating these trickier conversations. Finally, it's not the new year if you don't make resolutions, and we have some thoughts on how to make some related to college admissions.

Applications: Submitting and Follow Up; How to Pay In-State Tuition Dec 27, 2018

Show notes

If you're about to submit all of your applications or your last few, we'll take you through the nuts and bolts of submitting your applications and necessary follow up. Students recently accepted or considering applications to out-of-state state schools often wonder if there is a way to establish residency and pay in-state tuition rates. Sounds too good to be true: is it? We'll let you know! In Office Hours, we'll offer tips about how to handle updates and changes to applications after submission.

Co-Op Programs; Essay Prompts for Wash U and Barnard College Dec 20, 2018

Show notes

As students and families look to get more work experience while they're in college, co-ops are becoming a more popular option. We'll share more details about co-ops, including what they are, and the financial aspects of the programs that you need to consider before committing to them. In Office Hours, we'll go through the supplements for Washington University in St. Louis and Barnard College.