Getting In: A College Coach Conversation

Latest Episodes:

Steps to Stay Safe on Campus, Homeschooling and Interpreting Financial Aid Package Jan 08, 2026

Show notes

While college campuses are, by and large, very safe places, we know that crime can happen anywhere. Host Sally Ganga will be joined by Jessica Mertz of the Clery Center, an organization dedicated to helping colleges create the safest possible environment on campus and to advising families on campus safety. Jessica will be giving Sally some tips about students should be concerned about. Hint: it isn't what most people think about! Have you been homeschooled? Nicole Doyle, College Coach colleague, will be jumping on to discuss what homeschooled applicants and their parents need to know, not just during the application process but while they are planning their high school curriculum and extra-curricular activities. And, College Coach Finance expert Beth Feinberg-Keenan will be starting the podcast with a discussion of how to interpret your financial aid package.

Common App; D3 Athletic Recruitment; Paying for College: Let's Talk Jan 01, 2026

Show notes

Join us for an in-depth conversation on navigating the college admissions process and financial planning. In this episode:

Common App Deep Dive with Michaela Acorn from Common App – Learn tips and strategies to make your application stand out.
D3 Athletic Recruitment: The Ins and Outs with Dylan Sanchez – Understand what it takes to succeed in Division III recruitment.
Having "The Talk" on Who Pays for College with Michelle Smoley – Practical advice for families on discussing and planning college costs.

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Setting Your 2026 Goals; Undecided About Your Major?; Scholarships Without the Stress Dec 25, 2025

Show notes

Merry Christmas! As soon as you're done opening presents, consider your New Year's Resolutions with host Sally Ganga and College Coach colleague Kimberly Asselta, who will be addressing 2026 goals for high school students.

Also, are you undecided? Or, have you picked a major because you think you need to but you aren't sure it's right for you? College Coach colleague Christine Kenyon will be there to discuss when it is and isn't okay to be undecided.

And last, if you are still looking for scholarships but concerned about having to write even more essays, listen in on this segment as College Coach finance expert Russell Seidelman will help you figure out the most efficient and effective way to approach the process.

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EF Language Abroad Programs; National Merit Scholarship Program Dec 18, 2025

Show notes

Are you interested in experiential, educational travel? Listen in, as host Kyra Tyler will be talking with Durban Rose Ripley of EF Language Abroad programs about their philosophy and offerings, which include trips all over the world, inclusive of both service and culture focused tours. In addition, College Coach finance expert Laurie Peltier will be discussing the National Merit Scholarship program and what that does for students.

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Unusual College Mascots; Early Decision Results—What's Next?; The Financial Side of Early Decision Dec 11, 2025

Show notes

Did you know there is a college whose mascot is the Banana Slugs? And another whose mascot is the Poet? Listen in to the December 11th show when host Shannon Vasconcelos discusses college mascots with College Coach colleague Tova Javetz. They aren't all eagles, lions, and wolves.

Early Decision round one results are out. New College Coach colleague Jenni Gargano, former Associate Director of Admission at Dartmouth College, will be on the show to discuss what students can do now whether they were admitted or not.

And finally, guest and College Coach finance expert Beth Feinburg-Keenan will be there to discuss the financial side of being admitted to your Early Decision college.

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Honors Programs; Computer Science Majors; Student Loan Grace Period: Now What? Dec 04, 2025

Show notes

Are you looking for a big university with of lots of school spirit but also small class sizes and lots of research opportunities? An honors college at a large university may be your best bet. Listen in as host Shannon Vasconcelos, herself a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Honors College, talks about what honors colleges are and their benefits with colleague Jen Simons.

Then, new colleague who came to us straight from the Carnegie Mellon admission office Lauren Savage with be here to discuss the difference between various computer science majors.

And last, if you were given grace on your student loan payments and wonder what happens now, college finance expert Zachery Gries will join Shannon to discuss next steps.

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Earning & Learning During Holiday Breaks; The Engineer's Guide: Finding Your Perfect Fit Nov 20, 2025

Show notes

Many students are interested in an engineering career, but some don't know what studying to be an engineer requires or about the different kinds of engineering, from traditional ones like mechanical to newer fields like biomedical. Host Sally Ganga will be joined by colleague Mary Sue Youn, who has been advising aspiring engineers professionally on their college applications for years. But first, Sally will be joined by finance colleague Michelle Smoley who will expound on the virtues of working during holiday breaks from colleges to both earn and learn!

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College Admissions In The Media; Putting Merit In Your College List Nov 13, 2025

Show notes

Hopefully you caught our first edition of College Admissions in the Media, which went live on June 12th of 2025. Today host Kyra Tyler is continuing that conversation with colleagues Blair Dixon and Aysha Wong. In addition, College Coach finance colleague Chrissy Foran will be joining Kyra to discuss choosing colleges which offer merit aid for your college list.

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Questbridge Scholarships; Glimpse Videos; Does Your College Essay Need a Hook? Nov 06, 2025

Show notes

Are you a high-achieving, low-income student? Listen in as our host Ian Fisher discusses the Questbridge Scholarship with College Coach Finance expert Alex Gonzalez.

Have you heard that all college admission essays must have a "hook"? Confused about what the colleges want in these essays? New College Coach educator Shayla Bezjak-Martinez, formerly of Harvey Mudd and Worcester Polytechnic Institute, is here to clarify what colleges are really looking for in the admission essay "genre."

Last, did you know that some colleges give you the option of submitting a virtual interview or video? While students can find that intimidating, it doesn't have to be! Colleague Sara Calvert-Kubrom will be taking about what approach to take.

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Don't Be Scared To Hit Submit On Early Apps; Making The Bone-Chilling Decision To Apply Early Action; Financial Aid Frights: Avoiding The Ghoulish Mistakes Oct 30, 2025

Show notes

Working frantically to finish up your Early Decision application? Host Shannon Vasconcelos will be joined by College Coach colleague Karen Spencer to discuss putting the final touches on your Common Application.

Are you still trying to decide whether you should apply Early Action to a school? Listen in, as College Coach colleague Brittany Preston will tell you what to consider in making the decision.

And last, Finance colleague Laurie Peltier will be there to tell you that you don't need to get spooked by financial aid application mistakes.

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