Getting In: A College Coach Conversation

Steve Fernandez-Brennan, a seasoned college counselor and former admissions officer, shares essential tips for the Cal State application process, highlighting its key differences from UC applications. Cesar Contreras, a former UCLA admissions officer, dives into the University of California's Personal Insight Questions, stressing their importance in showcasing resilience. Meanwhile, Jennifer Wilcox, a higher-education finance expert, explains the nuances of federal versus private education loans, including recent policy changes affecting borrowing strategies. This discussion is packed with invaluable insights for prospective students!

Mary Sue Youn, a former Barnard admissions officer, shares insights about application supplements for Barnard and Columbia. She highlights specific prompts that encourage constructive disagreement and personal reflection. Joining her, Chrissy Foran demystifies financial aid terms like FAFSA, SAI, and CSS Profile, emphasizing the importance of early filing and understanding aid options. Together, they offer valuable strategies for applicants to enhance their essays and navigate the financial aid process with confidence.

Jay Bonham, a former admissions professional and college coach, shares his insights on selecting study abroad programs, covering essential topics like visas and budgeting. Jen Simons, with experience at top universities, offers creative strategies for tackling challenging college supplements, emphasizing specificity and personal interests. Meanwhile, finance expert Zach Gries provides crucial advice on saving for college, how to navigate FAFSA timing, and the implications of student summer earnings on financial aid. Tune in for valuable guidance from experienced voices!

Here it is, thanks! Interested in Cal Tech and Harvey Mudd, but not sure how to approach their supplemental essays? Host Shannon Vasconcelos will be joined by Kimberly Ortiz, a College Coach colleague who is also a former admission officer at both institutions. Also, if you are looking for updates on the ever-changing world of standardized testing for college admissions, in addition to some tips and tricks, friend of the pod Meghan Stubbendeck of Arborbridge will be there to fill us all in. Last but not least, if you're applying for financial aid at an institution that requires the CSS Profile, you'll want to listen in on finance colleague Beth Feinberg-Keenan's explanation of the methodology used by the College Board for that form. Learn More About Bright Horizons College Coach

Students, are you beginning high school and trying to think ahead about your extracurricular activities? Concerned that you have to choose all your activities now? Colleague Tova Javetz is happy to let Host Ian Fisher know that the early years of high school is the perfect time to experiment with a variety of pursuits in order to find out which you find most fulfilling. Once you've established your preferences, it's okay to drop some of them! Ian will also be chatting with colleague Serena Frisena about how to use, and not use, social media in the admission process. It has a place, but caution is advised. Last, finance colleague Aimee Yorsaner will be there to provide five facts about the FAFSA. Learn More About Bright Horizons College Coach

We're very excited for the return of Taryn Andrea, College Coach's career expert. She'll be talking with host Ian Fisher about alternatives to saturated and very popular majors in fields like healthcare, engineering, law, and computer science, some of which will not require a full four year or Bachelor's degree. In addition, College Coach finance expert Michelle Smoley will join Ian to talk about financial resources for career, trade, and apprenticeship programs. Learn More About Bright Horizons College Coach

Today we go over some frequently asked questions about admissions. Ever wonder what colleges mean when they say they track demonstrated interest? Think that maybe sending weekly emails to the college admissions representative at your favorite college is a good idea? Host Sally Ganga is welcoming colleague Gabbi Tobias, who will not only define "demonstrated Interest," she'll tell you how much "interest" is too much and how much is just right. In addition, she'll cover colleges that do not track interest. (Hint: Stanford and Harvard are two of them.) Sally will also be talking with colleague Jen Simons about the purpose and some of the different kinds of supplemental essay topics, and Michelle Clifton, college finance expert, will be giving updates regarding the One Big Beautiful Bill's impact on student loans. Learn More About Bright Horizons College Coach

Do you know that college admission officers value part-time jobs on a students resume? Host Shannon Vasconcelos will be joined by new College Coach colleague Shayla Bezjak-Martinez to talk about how part-time jobs can set you up for success in many ways, not just for college. In addition, Shannon will be talking with colleague Jonathan Wickremasinghe-Kuhn about admission interviews. Are they required? How do you prepare? Last, finance colleague Laurie Peltier will be there to discuss finance updates from the federal One Big Beautiful Bill. Learn More About Bright Horizons College Coach

Host Ian Fisher has the remarkable good fortune to welcome guest Jenny West Anderson, author of The Disengaged Teen. If you're a parent, this episode is a must-listen, especially if you've seen any indication that your student is losing their excitement for learning or is in danger of academic burnout. Our guest will help you identify your student's attitudes towards learning and give strategies to help them find their spark. In addition, College Coach Finance Consultant Chrissy Foran will join Ian to clarify the difference between the sticker price versus the net price of a college education. Learn More About Bright Horizons College Coach

For this episode, Host Sally Ganga is so honored to have guest Dr. Robert K. McMahan, here to tell us about the institute where he is president, Kettering University in Michigan. Formerly General Motors Institute, Kettering continues to focus on engineering, computer science, and business and is known for it's coop program in which students get two and a half years of paid work experience before graduating. Perhaps there's no surprise, then, that it's also recognized for student innovation. Next, for the high school juniors and seniors listening, College Coach colleague Elyse Krantz is joining Sally to discuss how to get organized before starting your school year. Elyse is an organizational marvel, so listen in! And last, College Finance Consultant Dina Birmingham will be here to talk about getting the best bang for your buck at your college orientation. How do you chose the best bank? What about in-network ATMs? And all the other seemingly little decisions that can add up. Learn More About Bright Horizons College Coach