Getting In: A College Coach Conversation

Bright Horizons College Coach

Planning for college? Tune into Getting In: A College Coach Conversation to learn what colleges are really looking for and how to highlight your hard-won achievements for the best chance at success. Every week, we gather former admissions and financial aid officers as well as other expert guests for candid, behind-the-scenes talk. New episodes drop every Thursday.

Play

Open in

30 episodes
weekly
Avg 55 min
English

Episodes 30

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.

Thursday · 58 min
A Healthy Dose of Pre-Med Advice
Join host Kyra Tyler for an informative look at the journey to becoming a physician, from identifying as a pre-med student in high school to planning for the significant financial investment required for medical school. First, Kyra sits down with College Coach Mary Sue Youn to discuss Being Pre-Med as an Applicant. Mary Sue explains what it really means to be "pre-med" and dispels some common misconceptions about the term. She explores what colleges look for in applicants interested in pursuing medicine, and why there is no single "correct" undergraduate path to medical school. The conversation also covers academic preparation, extracurricular involvement, and factors students should consider when building a college list with their long-term goals in mind. Next, College Coach Lauren DiProspero takes listeners inside the college experience in Being Pre-Med in College. Lauren discusses the realities of navigating a pre-med path once students arrive on campus, including course selection, maintaining a strong GPA, gaining clinical and research experience, and preparing for the MCAT. She also addresses common challenges pre-med students face, such as balancing rigorous academics with extracurricular commitments. In the final segment, Finance Expert Michelle Smoley examines one of the biggest considerations for future physicians: Planning to Pay for Undergrad and Med School. Michelle discusses how families can think strategically about college costs while keeping an eye on the substantial expense of medical education. She explores financial aid, scholarships, borrowing considerations, and ways students can position themselves to minimize debt throughout their educational journey. Her advice helps families understand the financial tradeoffs involved and develop a plan that supports both undergraduate and medical school goals.
October 15 · 57 min
At Your Service: All About Service Academies
Join host Dina Birmingham for a comprehensive introduction to the U.S. Service Academies. From the unique admissions process to the opportunities these institutions offer, this episode provides valuable insights for students and families considering a military academy education. Along the way, listeners will also meet several guests who are appearing on the podcast for the first time, including some of the newest members of the College Coach team. In the first segment, College Coach Alison Hildenbrand explains the fundamentals of the Service Academies. She discusses what makes these institutions different from traditional colleges and universities, the academic and leadership opportunities they provide, and the service commitments graduates undertake. She also breaks down the unique admissions process prospective students must complete. Next, listeners will be introduced to College Coach Erica Hoff, one of our newer team members, who brings a unique parent perspective to the conversation. With her daughter currently navigating the service academy application process, Erica shares firsthand insights into the excitement, challenges, and emotions families often experience along the way. She discusses strategies for supporting students without adding pressure, balancing encouragement with independence, and maintaining a strong parent-child relationship during what can be a demanding and stressful application journey. Her perspective offers valuable guidance for parents who want to help while allowing their students to take ownership of the process. The episode concludes with finance expert Hailey Barthold, who explores the financial side of attending a service academy. Hailey explains the significant educational benefits these institutions provide, including how tuition, room, board, and other expenses are handled. She also discusses scholarship opportunities available to students interested in military service, potential financial considerations families should understand, and how the overall cost of attendance compares with more traditional college pathways.
October 8 · 59 min
Let's Talk About It: College Admission Interviews
Join host Sally Ganga for an in-depth look at college admission interviews and video introductions. As colleges continue to offer applicants multiple ways to share their stories beyond the written application, understanding how to present yourself authentically and effectively has never been more important. First, Sally welcomes Gloria Crawford, Co-Founder and COO of InitialView, to discuss Glimpse & InitialView. Gloria explains how third-party interview platforms can help students showcase their personality, communication skills, and interests to colleges around the world. She shares what admissions offices hope to learn from these interviews and why authenticity is often more impactful than having the "perfect" answer. She offers practical guidance on making a strong impression. Next, listeners will meet one of College Coach's newest team members, Nat Feikes, in both a staff introduction and a discussion of Pre-Recorded Admission Videos. Drawing on Nat's experience working in admissions at Brown University, she offers an insider perspective on how colleges use video components to learn more about applicants. She also shares insights into Brown's well-known video portfolio component and what admissions officers look for when reviewing these creative supplements. Finally, College Coach Elyse Krantz joins Sally to discuss In-Person Interviews. Elyse breaks down what students can expect before, during, and after an admissions interview, whether it's conducted by an admissions representative, alumni volunteer, or current student. She shares strategies for preparing thoughtful responses, asking meaningful questions, and demonstrating genuine interest in a college while remaining true to yourself. The conversation also explores how much weight interviews typically carry in the admissions process and how students can approach them with confidence rather than anxiety.
October 1 · 52 min
Good Form: FAFSA & CSS Profile Explained
Join host Ian Fisher for timely conversations celebrating the launch of this year's financial aid application season. First, he welcomes finance expert Jennifer Wilcox for a discussion on FAFSA: Do We or Don't We Complete It? Jennifer provides a practical overview of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and explains its role in determining eligibility for federal, state, and institutional financial aid. She addresses a question many families ask: Is it worth completing the FAFSA if you believe you won't qualify for need-based aid? Jennifer explains why the answer is often yes, noting that many colleges use FAFSA information when awarding institutional aid and that even higher-income families may qualify for certain forms of assistance, particularly at colleges with high costs of attendance. She also discusses how the streamlined form can often be completed in about 15 minutes, making it a worthwhile investment of time for many families. Next, finance expert Laurie Peltier dives into the CSS Profile, the additional financial aid application required by many private colleges and universities. Laurie explains why some institutions ask for more detailed financial information than the FAFSA provides and how colleges use that information when distributing their own institutional funds. She highlights key differences between the two applications, including the CSS Profile's consideration of assets such as home equity, and discusses what families should know before beginning the process. Finally, College Coach Kennon Dick breaks down the National Merit Scholarship Program, one of the most well-known academic recognition programs for high school students. Kennon explains the timeline from the PSAT/NMSQT through semifinalist and finalist consideration, how qualifying scores factor into eligibility, and the steps students must take to advance in the competition. He also explores what National Merit recognition means in the college admissions landscape.
September 24 · 49 min
Celebrating National Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month
Host Sally Ganga welcomes guests to discuss college admissions, campus exploration, and financial opportunities through the lens of Hispanic and Latinx student experiences. In the first segment, Sally is joined by Gerardo Ochoa, a higher education executive, nonprofit founder, and nationally recognized leader focused on access, leadership, and student success. Together, they explore Crafting Narratives in Identity Essays, discussing how students can thoughtfully write about culture, heritage, family, language, and personal experiences in their college applications. Gerardo shares insights on telling authentic stories that highlight growth, resilience, and perspective. Next, College Coach Gabbi Tobias joins the show for a conversation about the value of exploring Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) and discusses what prospective applicants should look for when evaluating whether an institution provides the academic, social, and cultural support they need to thrive. Finally, Finance Expert Alex Gonzalez highlights scholarship programs and financial resources available to help students make college more affordable. He shares tips for identifying opportunities, organizing scholarship applications, and maximizing available aid.
September 17 · 57 min
There's An Art To It: National Art in Education Week
In celebration of National Arts in Education Week, host Kyra Tyler explores the unique opportunities and challenges facing students pursuing college pathways in the performing and visual arts. From preparing competitive portfolios and auditions to understanding scholarships and budgeting for application expenses, this episode offers valuable guidance for aspiring artists and their families. In the first segment, Kyra is joined by Alaire Naedele, Director of Recruitment and Enrollment for the School of Drama at Carnegie Mellon University, for a discussion on Drama Portfolios. Alaire shares insights into what selective theater and drama programs look for in applicants. She also offers an inside look at the structure of Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) programs. In addition, Alaire highlights Carnegie Mellon's often-overlooked Dramaturgy program, discussing how students interested in storytelling, literary analysis, research, and collaboration can find exciting opportunities beyond performance-focused tracks. Next, College Coach Kurt Isaacson takes listeners through the world of Music Portfolios. Kurt explains the different requirements students may encounter when applying to music programs, including recordings, pre-screens, performance résumés, repertoire lists, and auditions. He offers practical tips for selecting pieces, highlighting strengths, and organizing materials in a way that helps students present themselves effectively to admissions and faculty reviewers. Kurt also reflects on his own experience as a student at Oberlin Conservatory of Music, sharing insights from attending one of the nation's premier conservatories. His firsthand perspective helps students better understand what life is like in a conservatory environment and what prospective music majors should consider as they explore their college options. The episode concludes with finance expert Pati Pineiro-Goodenberger, who discusses Art Scholarships & the Costs of Auditioning and Submitting Portfolios. Pati examines the financial realities of applying to arts programs, including audition travel, recording expenses, and portfolio preparation costs. She also highlights scholarship opportunities available to talented student artists and shares strategies for families to budget wisely while navigating the arts admissions process.
September 10 · 1 hr 2 min
Fair Questions: Navigating College Fairs
Dina welcomes College Coach Ian Fisher, a familiar voice to podcast listeners, for Tales from the Road: A Day in the Life of an Admissions Counselor in the Fall. He pulls back the curtain on what life is really like for college admission counselors during travel season and shares how students can make a positive impression and keep admission representatives engaged in productive conversations by asking questions that go beyond the surface level to help them determine whether a college is truly the right fit. Next, College Coach Craig Brauner makes his podcast debut in Tips for College Fairs & School Visits. Craig shares a bit about his professional background, his experience thus far at Bright Horizons College Coach, and some of his personal interests before diving into strategies for maximizing college fairs and campus visits. He discusses how students can create a plan for navigating what can often feel like an overwhelming event and take advantage of the valuable expertise available at these programs. Finally, Finance Expert Beth Feinberg-Keenan joins Dina to focus on the financial side of the college search process. In What to Ask and Bring with You to College Fairs to Maximize Financial Aid and Merit, Beth explains how students and families can use college fairs and admission events to better understand scholarship opportunities, financial aid policies, and merit award criteria. She highlights important questions to ask representatives, documents and information families should have on hand, and strategies for gathering the details needed to make informed college affordability decisions down the road.
September 3 · 53 min
Get It Together: Organizing Your College Apps
Host Ian Fisher welcomes three experts for a practical conversation designed to help students and families get organized and make informed decisions about their college application process. In Segment 1, longtime College Coach counselor Marj Southworth breaks down the various early rounds of college admissions, including Early Decision, Early Action, and Rolling Admission. Marj explains the strategic considerations behind each option, discusses the benefits and limitations of applying early, and explores situations where students may be better served by waiting rather than rushing to meet an Early Action "soft" deadline. Next, first-time guest Shaniqua Marlowe joins the show to share her professional background and discuss Getting Organized: Coordinating the Application Process. Shaniqua walks listeners through the many moving pieces involved in submitting college applications, including transcripts, recommendations, test scores, essays, and other application requirements. She offers practical advice for creating timelines, tracking deadlines, and managing responsibilities so students can stay on top of the process without feeling overwhelmed. Finally, Finance Expert Chrissy Foran focuses on Getting Organized Financially for the Admissions and College Payment Process. From understanding financial aid forms and scholarship opportunities to keeping track of important financial deadlines, Chrissy outlines the steps families should take to prepare for college costs. She also discusses the financial implications of Early Decision.
August 27 · 55 min
The Anxious Generation
Host Sally Ganga is joined by College Coach counselors Joy Biscornet and Robin Khadduri, along with finance expert Aimee Yorsaner, for a discussion of The Anxious Generation by social psychologist Jonathan Haidt. In his bestselling book, Haidt explores how the rise of smartphones, social media, and a shift away from real-world experiences have contributed to increasing levels of anxiety and mental health challenges. The panel examines how the themes of the book intersect with today's college admissions process. From the pressures of building a resume and maintaining a social media presence to navigating academic expectations, extracurricular involvement, and the cost of college, students face a unique set of challenges that contribute to stress. Whether you're a parent, student, or educator, this episode offers practical strategies for fostering resilience, maintaining perspective, and supporting students as they navigate one of the most important transitions of their lives. Tune in for an engaging conversation about mental health, technology, and how to help students thrive during the college admissions journey.
August 20 · 56 min
The University of California & California State University Application Systems
Host Kyra Tyler takes a deep dive into two of the largest and most popular public university systems in the country, providing essential updates for students applying to California colleges this year. From application requirements and recent changes to financial aid considerations, this episode offers a helpful guide for families navigating the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) application processes. In the first segment, Kyra is joined by College Coach Cesar Contreras for a UC Application Refresher & Updates. Cesar reviews the key components of the application and highlights recent updates that applicants should be aware of while sharing strategies for effectively presenting their achievements and experiences. Next, College Coach Gabbi Tobias joins Kyra for a Cal State Application Refresher & Updates. Gabbi breaks down the CSU application process, explaining what students need to know about eligibility requirements, academic reporting, impacted majors, and campus-specific considerations. She also discusses recent updates to the application and offers practical advice to help students avoid common mistakes. The episode concludes with finance expert Patricia Pineiro-Goodenberger, who provides a Cal State & UC Financial Application Overview & Update. Patricia explains the financial aid processes that students and families should understand when applying to California public universities, including key forms, timelines, and considerations for maximizing aid eligibility. She also reviews recent developments related to financial aid and shares tips for staying organized throughout the process.
August 13 · 59 min
Common Application Updates
The college application season is underway, and with each new cycle come updates that students and families need to know. On this episode of Getting In: A College Coach Conversation, host Dina Birmingham sits down with several College Coach colleagues to break down some of the most important application changes for the year ahead. First, College Coach Mikhail Filarski joins the show to discuss updates to the Common Application, which mainly occurred in the Activities & Experiences List and making which colleges accept fee waivers more transparent. Next, College Coach Landis Fryer tackles supplemental essays in a segment called "What's Supp?" Landis reviews key supplemental essay updates and trends emerging this admissions cycle. While future episodes will take a deeper look at the essay requirements for specific colleges, this conversation provides a broad overview of the changes students should be aware of. Finally, Finance Expert Russell Seidelmann addresses merit scholarships. Are separate applications required? When do students need to apply? He shares what families should know about the process and how to maximize opportunities for scholarship consideration.
August 6 · 53 min
The Ivy + Schools
Host Ian Fisher examines the realities of admission and affordability at the nation's most selective colleges, separating headlines and misconceptions from the facts families need to know. From admission trends and testing policies to financial aid and paying the bill, this episode takes a practical look at the institutions often referred to as the "Ivy Plus" colleges. In the first segment, Ian is joined by College Coach Scott Alexander to discuss admission trends among the Ivies and other highly selective institutions. Together, they cut through the noise surrounding elite college admission and focus on what the data actually shows. Scott explains what colleges are typically included in the "Ivy Plus" category, explores recent admission trends, and discusses the growing movement among many highly selective institutions to return to standardized testing requirements. The conversation also tackles one of the most talked-about topics in higher education: the U.S. News & World Report rankings. Scott breaks down what these rankings do and do not measure, helping families understand how much weight they should really give to rankings when building a college list. In the second segment, finance expert Parisa Salavitabar addresses a question many families ask after seeing attention-grabbing headlines: Can you really get free tuition at an Ivy? Parisa takes a closer look at the increasingly generous financial aid announcements coming from Ivy League and other highly selective institutions, helping listeners understand the fine print behind the press releases. She explains who typically qualifies for these programs, how colleges define family income and assets, and why "free tuition" does not always mean "free college." The episode concludes with finance expert Michelle Smoley, who examines how families pay for an Ivy League education when they do not qualify for the most generous financial aid programs. Michelle reviews the range of options available, including savings, current income, payment plans, student and parent loans, and other funding strategies. She also explains why private scholarships, while valuable, are often not the most effective strategy for covering the full cost of attendance at highly selective colleges.
July 30 · 51 min
What Does The Common App "Roll-over" Mean?
Host Sally Ganga explores financial aid and college applications before launching an exciting new series that celebrates the traditions that make campuses unique. In the first segment, Sally is joined by finance expert Beth Feinberg-Keenan for a look at the history and current state of the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Beth traces the evolution of this critical financial aid form, explaining how it became the gateway to federal, state, and institutional aid for millions of students. She also discusses recent changes to the FAFSA process, the challenges and improvements that families have experienced in recent years, and why completing the application remains one of the most important steps in making college affordable. In the second segment, Sally welcomes College Coach Brittany Preston to discuss the annual Common Application rollover and why August 1 is such an important date. Brittany explains what happens when the application system transitions from one admission cycle to the next, what information carries over for students who have already created accounts, and which sections may need to be updated or completed again. She also highlights changes for the new application season. The episode concludes with the debut of a new series, "Traditions," which highlights some of the memorable experiences that define college communities. Sally is joined by College Coaches Kimberly Ortiz and Carrie Lewis, who share stories from institutions that have played important roles in their lives. Kimberly discusses some of her favorite traditions from Harvey Mudd College, reflecting on the creativity, camaraderie, and distinctive culture that characterize the campus. Carrie then turns the spotlight on Drake University, sharing traditions and campus experiences that foster school spirit and lasting connections among students and alumni. Together, they illustrate how college traditions can help create a sense of belonging and become some of the most cherished memories of the undergraduate experience.
July 23 · 51 min
What Do I Need to Do this Summer If I'm Starting College in the Fall?
Host Sally Ganga brings together admission and finance perspectives for a timely conversation about preparing to start college this fall, followed by another installment of our "Meet an Educator" series featuring one of the newer members of the Bright Horizons College Coach team. In the first segment, Sally is joined by College Coach Tova Javetz and finance expert Alex Gonzalez to discuss what students and families should be doing during their senior summer. Tova and Alex walk through the key tasks to tackle, from completing required paperwork to using college-provided checklists to stay organized and on track. They also discuss the financial side of the transition, including understanding the full cost of attendance and ensuring a solid plan is in place to cover expenses. The conversation also explores the legal realities of students turning 18, including situations where families may want to consult an attorney to better understand issues such as privacy rights, medical decision-making, and state-specific regulations that could affect their student once they arrive on campus. In the second segment, Sally continues the "Meet an Educator" series with College Coach Katie Phung. Katie shares her path from working in admission most recently at Boston College to joining Bright Horizons College Coach. Sally highlights the value that new team members bring when they arrive directly from college admission offices, offering fresh perspectives on current trends and practices while benefiting from the collective experience of longtime College Coach colleagues. Katie also looks back on her own college search process and her decision to attend Bryant University, where she took advantage of the network she built to explore the administrative side of higher education after graduation during what she describes as a "professional gap year." The conversation provides insight into both the admission profession and the experiences that shaped Katie's career helping students navigate their own college journeys.
July 16 · 58 min
How to Become a College President
Host Dina Birmingham makes her debut as a podcast host with a special episode featuring a guest who has played an important role in her own life: her older brother, Roger J. Thompson, the 31st President of Saint Mary's College of California. Together, they explore educational leadership, student support, and the many resources available to help students succeed on campus. In the first segment, Dina continues our "How to Become" series with a conversation about how to become a college president. Roger reflects on his journey from high school and college through a career in higher education that included working in the registrar's office at the University of Southern California and holding a variety of administrative leadership roles before becoming president of Saint Mary's College. Along the way, he shares the experiences and mentors that shaped his path, discusses the challenges and rewards of higher education leadership, and explains what he enjoys most about helping students from the administrative side of the institution. His story offers a fascinating look at the many career paths available within higher education and the impact that dedicated professionals can have on students' lives. In the second segment, Dina is joined by finance expert Parisa Salavitabar for a practical discussion on campus offices: who to go to for what. College campuses can be filled with unfamiliar offices, titles, and jargon, leaving many students unsure where to turn when they need help. Dina and Parisa break down some of the most important resources available to students, including academic advising offices, financial aid departments, registrars, student support services, and the bursar's office—yes, the same term that gained newfound popularity thanks to Hamilton. They explain the role each office plays and offer guidance on how students can quickly find the right support when questions or challenges arise during their college experience.
July 9 · 53 min
Changes to Student Loan Repayments
Host Ian Fisher welcomes listeners for an episode featuring two familiar faces and one new voice. In the first segment, Ian continues the "Meet an Educator" series with College Coach Stacey Badger. Stacey reflects on her career in admission at the University of Southern California, where she worked with applicants across multiple academic divisions, including both Viterbi Engineering and the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. She shares insights into how applications are reviewed for different academic programs, what students often misunderstand about the admission process, and how her experiences as an admission professional shape the guidance she provides today. Stacey also discusses her own undergraduate journey and what she enjoys most about helping students and families navigate the college process as part of the Bright Horizons College Coach team. Next, Ian sits down with finance expert and longtime member of our Finance Team Dina Birmingham who will be the podcast's newest host starting next week. Dina shares about why she is excited to take on a hosting role and the unique perspective she hopes to bring to future episodes, helping families better understand how financial planning and admission decisions intersect throughout the college journey. The episode concludes with finance expert Michelle Clifton, who provides an update on the latest developments in federal student loan repayment. Michelle explains recent changes affecting borrowers, including the end of the SAVE plan forbearance, and discusses practical steps families and graduates can take to understand their repayment options, such as using available loan repayment calculators and planning tools to evaluate payment strategies and make informed decisions as the student loan landscape continues to evolve.
July 2 · 51 min
Rollins College: "Won't You Be Their Neighbor?"
Host Sally Ganga continues our "Deep Dive" series with a closer look at Rollins College, a private liberal arts institution located in Winter Park, Florida, just outside Orlando. With approximately 3,000 undergraduate students, Rollins combines the personalized attention of a small college with the opportunities and resources of a vibrant metropolitan area. Sally is joined by Dr. Faye Tydlaska, Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing; Dr. Anne Stone, Interim Associate Dean, Cornell Chair of Social Impact, and Professor of Communications; Joseph Pool '26, a Public Policy and Political Economy major, Alfond Scholar, Ginsburg-Phoenix Fellow, and founder of Breaking Bread; and Valerie Mandel, Executive Director of the Center for Career and Life Planning. Together, they explore what makes Rollins unique, from its distinction as the oldest college in Florida to its student-centered approach and strong sense of community. The conversation highlights the close relationships students build with faculty (not quite to the level of texting back and forth… but close!), the individualized support available both inside and outside the classroom, and the ways the college encourages intellectual curiosity, leadership, and engagement. Along the way, listeners will learn about one of Rollins' most famous alumni—Mr. Rogers (yes, that Mr. Rogers)—and how his legacy of connection and care continues to reflect many of the institution's values. The guests also discuss how Rollins prepares students for life after graduation. Valerie shares how the Center for Career and Life Planning helps students connect their academic interests to meaningful careers through internships, employer partnerships, and career exploration opportunities. Joseph offers a student perspective on taking advantage of the college's resources, while Drs. Tydlaska and Stone discuss the balance Rollins strikes between academic rigor, close faculty mentorship, and real-world preparation.
June 25 · 53 min
How to Become a CEO
Host Kyra Tyler celebrates the 40th anniversary of Bright Horizons with an in-depth conversation with CEO Stephen Kramer and a look back at the company's remarkable journey. In the first segment, Kyra continues the "Becoming" series with How to Become a CEO, sitting down with Stephen to trace his path from student to leader. He reflects on what he was like growing up and during his college search, including his focus on strong business programs and the early connection he made with a future business partner. Stephen also shares what life looked like immediately after graduation (including plenty of job rejection letters) and how attending business school helped open doors and shape his trajectory. The conversation follows his career through to leadership at Bright Horizons, including navigating one of the company's greatest challenges: the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on a business centered around child care and in-person services. In the second segment, Stephen is joined by Stacy Raddock, Vice President of Educational Counseling at Bright Horizons, to reflect on Bright Horizons at 40. Together with Kyra, they discuss the company's growth, evolution, and impact over four decades. Stacy shares insights into her role and the unique challenges the College Coach team faced during COVID, when students were no longer able to access support in their school counseling offices. The conversation also highlights a defining strength of Bright Horizons: a workplace culture that fosters long-term commitment and connection, with Kyra, Stacy, and Stephen each having spent more than 20 years with the organization and what keeps them motivated in their work and their life.
June 18 · 51 min
Can I Reuse Essays For My College Applications?
Shannon Vasconcelos takes the mic for her final episode as host. Don't worry though, she'll be back as a guest at some point! In the first segment, Shannon is joined by College Coach Kara Courtois to share essential tips for the senior summer. From managing logistics like dorm room shopping and campus prep to pausing and reflecting on the emotional transition ahead, Kara highlights how students can stay organized without letting this meaningful summer slip by. Next, College Coach Julia Jones introduces "Reuse & Recycle," a helpful guide to navigating college essays. Julia breaks down the different types of essays students may encounter and explains when it's appropriate to repurpose or adapt existing content and when it's better to start fresh. It's a practical look at how to work smarter while still crafting thoughtful, authentic responses. The episode concludes with finance expert Michelle Smoley, who unpacks "Trump accounts" and their potential role in college savings. She explains how these investment accounts work, along with their benefits and drawbacks, and helps families understand when they might make sense compared to more traditional savings tools. (Note: The $1,000 seed money is available for any child born January 1st, 2025 or later, not July 1st, 2025 as stated in the segment.)
June 11 · 54 min
Financial Tips for Collegebound HS Seniors & Their Parents
Host Ian Fisher opens this episode with College Coach Lisa Albro to tackle what students should (and shouldn't) ask their high school college counselor. Lisa shares the questions counselors wish students would ask more often, those that spark meaningful exploration and help students better understand their goals, while also addressing the questions that are difficult to answer or ultimately don't provide much value. It's a practical guide to making the most of this important relationship during the college planning process. In the second segment, Ian is joined by College Coach Jonathan Wickremasinghe‑Kuhn for a new installment of the "Major Interest" series. Using a recent news story about a Hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship, they break down how one headline can connect to a wide range of academic interests and career paths, from immunology and public health to communications and marketing. The conversation encourages students to think more deeply about what aspects of real-world issues capture their attention and how those interests might translate into a college major. The episode wraps up with finance expert Laurie Peltier, who shares practical financial tips for college-bound high school seniors and their parents. Laurie outlines the key expenses families should plan for and important steps to take now to set students up for financial success as they transition to campus life.

Showing 1–20 of 30 episodes