Getting In: A College Coach Conversation

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.

Michaela Acorn, a Senior Counselor Engagement Manager at the Common Application, shares insights on making college applications shine and the new responsibilities question. Dylan Sanchez, a former admissions liaison, discusses NCAA Division III recruitment, emphasizing the community feel and the absence of athletic scholarships. Financial expert Michelle Smoley advises families on initiating early conversations about college costs and comparing aid offers, stressing the importance of aligning plans among stakeholders. Tune in for valuable strategies and wisdom!

In this engaging conversation, college finance expert Russell Seidelmann shares efficient strategies for finding scholarships, including local searches and reusing essays. College counselor Christine Kenyon discusses the pros and cons of applying undecided about a major, while also highlighting when declaring is important. Admissions adviser Kimberly Asselta offers practical New Year's resolutions for families, such as creating testing and application plans, and encourages students to embrace challenges and pursue their interests. Tune in for valuable insights and advice!

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. Learn More About Bright Horizons College Coach

In this entertaining discussion, Tova Javetz, a former college admissions officer, shares hilarious insights about unusual college mascots like Banana Slugs and the Poet, highlighting their significance in campus culture. Jenni Gargano, a former Associate Director of Admission at Dartmouth, advises students on navigating post-Early Decision outcomes, including steps for the admitted and deferred. Beth Feinburg-Keenan, a financial aid expert, breaks down the financial implications of Early Decision, guiding families on budgeting and managing aid offers.

Guests Jen Simons, a former college admissions officer, Lauren Savage, a former Carnegie Mellon admissions officer, and Zachery Gries, a financial aid expert, provide invaluable insights. Jen explains the advantages of honors programs, such as small classes and enhanced faculty access, while cautioning about application effort. Lauren discusses the varying focuses of computer science programs, from theoretical to practical, highlighting specific niches like AI and computational biology. Zachery guides listeners through student loan repayment steps, emphasizing servicer awareness and repayment plan options.

Michelle Smoley, a college coach specializing in finance, shares the benefits of working during holiday breaks. She emphasizes how part-time jobs can enhance financial literacy and build valuable workplace skills while also improving time management and grades. Mary Sue Youn, an expert in engineering guidance, discusses the various fields within engineering and the academic preparation needed. She highlights the importance of math and core disciplines and clarifies misconceptions about engineering careers, preparing students for future success.

Blair Dixon, a former senior assistant director of admissions at Brandeis, and Aysha Wong, ex-assistant director at the University of Florida, join finance expert Chrissy Foran from Bright Horizons College Coach. They unpack the myths in college admissions, discussing the realities behind D1 athletics and the importance of matching colleges to student strengths. Chrissy delves into merit aid, explaining how schools offer it and why negotiation can be key. The team emphasizes the importance of planning and the need to alleviate parental fears in the college search.

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. Learn More About Bright Horizons College Coach

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. Learn More About Bright Horizons College Coach