The College Prep Podcast

Latest Episodes:

642: Our Last Episode Aug 19, 2026

Show notes

The College Prep Podcast is signing off after 12 great years!!!

Find out how Megan and Erin’s businesses have shifted focus recently and why they are stepping back from the podcast.

Of course, you can still reach out to us. Megan (https://www.collegeprepresults.com) and Erin (https://www.seattlesuccesscoaching.com)

Some of our college prep advice is as good now as the date it originally aired. You might want to check out these episodes:

If you are looking for new podcasts on college admissions, Megan highly recommends Drop In– A Decision Drop Podcast (https://decisiondrop.com/dropinpodcast) with Josh Hudley and Lisa Clay.

For academic and study skill coaching, Erin recommends Crista Hopp of Connected Pathways coaching. (https://www.connectedpathwayscoaching.com/)

If you are an educator, you might want to check out podcast co-founder Gretchen Wegner’s work: https://www.youtube.com/@AntiBoringLab/featured

These last 12 years have been an incredible journey. We’ve loved sharing it with you!

Until we meet again,

Megan & Erin

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640: Summer of Skills: Cleaning/Tidying Aug 03, 2026

Show notes

We are continuing with our shorter summer episodes and with Erin’s series highlighting the ways in which students can learn key skills so they can live independently. Today’s focus is on cleaning.

Now that we have covered decluttering (episode 481) and organization (episode 483), Erin shares some of her cleaning tips and even her special (super basic) room cleaning graphic!

Resource: Clean My Space YouTube channel

The post 640: Summer of Skills: Cleaning/Tidying appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

639: College Essays: What’s Your Passion? Jul 27, 2026

Show notes

This summer Megan will focus on different college application essay topics, pinpointing common pitfalls and offering suggestions for strong responses. Today’s topic: what excites you?

— don’t overthink your response, but do take time to brainstorm the topic and how it fits into your overall set of application responses

— there are BAD answers to this question

— you can write about hobbies

— genuine enthusiasm comes through when you discuss topics about which you are truly passionate.

The post 639: College Essays: What’s Your Passion? appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

638: Summer of Skills: Organization Jul 20, 2026

Show notes

Moving from decluttering (episode 481) to organization, Erin shares her big tips for getting a space organized including what to buy (hint: nothing), where to put things, and the different organizational styles.

Resource: Clutterbug test – Cas Aarssen

The post 638: Summer of Skills: Organization appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

637: College Essays: Discuss a Favorite Book Jul 13, 2026

Show notes

This summer Megan will focus on different college application essay topics, pinpointing common pitfalls and offering suggestions for strong responses. Today’s topic: discuss a “great” book.

— Not all colleges ask about books, but this question appears on a number of school’s supplemental essay lists.

— Don’t overthink your answer; be genuine. There isn’t a right or wrong answer. (Trying to sound impressive isn’t the goal.)

— Brainstorm the “why” part of your answer. Your thought process is a significant part of the essay.

— Look at your application essays as a whole and understand how this response fits into the bigger picture.

The post 637: College Essays: Discuss a Favorite Book appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

636: Summer of Skills: Decluttering Your Bedroom Jul 06, 2026

Show notes

This summer Erin will focus on building skills that will help students in the present and are essential to transition to a functioning adult. Today’s focus is on decluttering.

Did you know that decluttering, organizing, and cleaning are three very separate tasks? Erin tackles the first of these with some of her best tips from her favorite declutterer.

Resource: A Slob Comes Clean – Dana K. White

The post 636: Summer of Skills: Decluttering Your Bedroom appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

635: College Essays: How Have You Impacted Your Community? Jun 29, 2026

Show notes

This summer Megan will focus on different college application essay topics, pinpointing common pitfalls and offering suggestions for strong responses. Today’s topic: “how have your impacted your community?”

— No, you don’t need to cure cancer to impact your community.

— Impact is far more about what you DO than developing an activity with an impressive sounding title.

— There are a lot of misleading rumors every year that try to crack the code on what activities sound good to college.

— Community can be defined very broadly.

— This topic should prompt younger students to start evaluating their own activities.

The post 635: College Essays: How Have You Impacted Your Community? appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

634: Summer of Skills: Self-Care Jun 22, 2026

Show notes

This summer Erin will focus on building skills that will help students in the present and are essential to transition to a functioning adult. Today’s focus: self-care.

We want our students to grow up and develop the skills needed to successfully get themselves through college and live independently. This week we are talking about self-care. What does that mean? It isn’t bubble-baths and me-time. And when does self-care turn into something that isn’t actually helpful at all?

Resource: How to Raise an Adult – Julie Lythcott-Haims

The post 634: Summer of Skills: Self-Care appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

632: Summer of Skills: Habit Loops Jun 08, 2026

Show notes

Megan and Erin kick off their summer with shorter episodes. Listen now or save them up and listen when you get back to school in the fall.

This summer Erin will focus on building skills that will help students in the present and are essential to transition to a functioning adult. Today’s focus: habits.

Learn

How do you make change?
How do you know you are ready?
How do we form habits?

Here are some resources mentioned:

The Power of Habit – Charles Duhigg

Atomic Habits – James Clear

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631: College Essays: Why Do You Want to Apply Here? May 25, 2026

Show notes

Megan and Erin kick off their summer with shorter episodes. Listen now or save them up and listen when you get back to school in the fall.

This summer Megan will focus on different college application essay topics, pinpointing common pitfalls and offering suggestions for strong responses. Today’s essay challenge: “Why do you want to apply HERE?

— Responses should go beyond superficial likes such as location, good weather, or proximity to the beach, mountains, city, etc.

— Before starting this topic, students should take time to dig into the specific reasons they like that particular school. Look into course offerings, specialized programs, and unique features.

— When writing the essay, don’t focus exclusively on the school. (Yes, they know they are amazing!) Make sure to clearly connect your interest in the school with YOU.

The post 631: College Essays: Why Do You Want to Apply Here? appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

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