Getting In: A College Coach Conversation

Co-hosts Sally Ganga and Ian Fisher and regular guest Shannon Vasconcelos join today's anniversary show celebrating eight years of weekly Getting In podcasts. We'll discuss some of the big changes we've seen in our time hosting the show, and some of the things that have remained the same. Tune in and celebrate with us—we're still sharing helpful tips and information alongside some pretend cake and champagne!

The first half of today's show is all about the Cal State University system. We'll provide an overview of options, updates on new programs, and important things to know related to admissions. Then we'll welcome two alums from the system to share their own experiences at CSUs. In our final segment, we'll cover state teacher loan forgiveness programs—a must listen for anyone working as a teacher.

Ever wonder what a conservatory education is all about? We're welcoming a current conservatory student to the show to share! We'll also hear from BHCC's own Nick Mayernik about the path to his current position as our UX designer. Finally, we'll share tips for education debt management.

Curious about what happens to your app once it's in the hands of the admissions office? One of our former admissions officers, a veteran of four different admissions offices, will share more on the process. New year, new you? Or maybe just a new college savings plan. We have ideas! Finally, most college students have their sights set on a job post-graduation. We're welcoming the former head of global recruitment for Bank of America to the show to share his tips for starting the process while you're still in college.

Hopefully seniors everywhere are breathing a sigh of relief—applications are in! Today's show is entirely focused on next step, whether admissions or finance related or keeping your counselors and teachers updated on your college results and decisions.

College student home for the holidays and already talking about transferring? We'll talk about how to think that through and what the next steps should be. It's never too early to start thinking about summer activities for high school students, so we'll finish off the year discussing those. And in Tuition Tidbits #2, we'll cover the reality of getting in-state tuition as an out-of-state student.

Ever seen info from the Common Data Set or stumbled onto BLS.gov? Whether you've never heard of these information sources or have some passing insight, you'll want to listen to today's show. We'll unpack what the CDS is and share how to best use it, and look into the wonders (our opinion!) of the Occupational Outlook handbook found at BLS.gov.

Early admissions decisions are in—what's next? Whether you were admitted, deferred, or denied, we have information on how to handle each option. We'll also update listeners on the federal student loan repayment options and when we anticipate repayment starting up again. Finally, we'll welcome Anne Corriveau from Boston University to share insight on the BU supplement and what's new at the university.

There are a number of interesting options out there for tuition costs. We're going to cover them in a new college finance series, Tuition Tidbits. Segment one does a deep dive on tuition reciprocity and exchange programs. In the second segment in our Niche Colleges series, we'll welcome Fumio Sugihara from Hampshire College to share what's new with the Amherst, MA-based institution.

Ever wonder about the more unique colleges that are out there, especially why they do what they do and who they're designed to serve? In our new series, Niche Colleges, we're exploring some of the different options available to students. We kick things off with a visit from Ben Baum of St. John's College, which focuses on a Great Books curriculum for all. Tune in to learn more. We'll also answer your admissions and college finance questions.