Getting In: A College Coach Conversation

Are you unsure of your major? Or, have you picked your major based solely on what you want as your future career? Listen in, as the connection between majors and careers is not always linear and direct. Host Ian Fisher will interview College Coach colleagues Taryn, Andrea, former high school counselor and advisor at Boston University, and Leigh Pinkston, former Assistant Director of Career Development at Smith College, about how students can make themselves career ready from a broad variety of majors. In addition, if you haven't yet applied to college for the fall of 2025, our colleague Gabbi Tobias will be here to let you know about institutions still taking applications. Last, finance Expert Chrissy Foran will answer the question of whether it's too late to ask colleges for more financial support.

Seniors, after those admit letters roll in, you'll also start receiving invitations to admitted student programs. College Coach colleague Sara Calvert-Kubrom is joining host Shannon Vasconcelos to discuss why you should attend and what questions you should ask. College Finance expert Jan Combs will also be there to suggest what to ask about finances at those events. Last, College Coach colleague Sara Calvert-Kubrom will be there to answer listener questions.

Right around now, juniors are trying to figure out where they will be applying to college. But how? Is it all about the nicest dorm and best food? College Coach colleague Nial Rele will be joining host Ian Fisher to discuss what is important in choosing a college and why. In many cases, cost will be a very big factor, so College Finance Expert Aimee Yorsaner will be discussing how to use your college list to get the best bang for your buck. In addition, some juniors might be wanting to get started on their college essay! If that's you, listen in as Brittany Preston gives tips for brainstorming a great topic.

Is your student looking for a research opportunity? Our host Ian Fisher will be joined by Jun Yun Chow, co-founder of Polygence, a research mentorship program for teens. Next, in honor of March Madness, Ian will interview College Coach colleague Michael Yager about tips for being an athletic recruit, and also talk with College Coach Finance Expert Alex Gonzalez about athletic scholarships.

Have you heard that there are changes to the ACT? Not sure how that will impact you or your student? Host Sally Ganga will be joined by Dr. Megan Stubbendeck, Senior Director of Instruction at Arborbridge, a test prep company that is one of College Coach's trusted partners. She will then be joined by College Coach colleague Lisa Albro to discuss why your major matters less than you think, and finally, by colleague and finance expert Alex Bickford to discuss changes to the 529 plan which allows rollovers to Roth IRAs. All the more reason to save for your child's education!

It's safe to say that 90% or more of us are concerned about college costs, and today's show is all about paying for college, whether through merit scholarships, appealing financial aid awards, and comparing awards from different colleges and universities. Our host Shannon Vasconcelos will be joined by College Coach Finance Expert and colleague Michelle Smoley for the discussion.

Are you interested in starting your own business? Learning the pluses and the possible pitfalls? Host Sally Ganga has the great fortune to interview three different people who have followed non-traditional paths. She'll be interviewing Steve "Nookie" Postal, a Chef and cookbook author, Jess McDaniel, a professional photographer who has her own business, and Kevin Heald, owner and head beer and cheese monger at the restaurant Malt & Mold on the Lower East Side of New York.

If you're a long time listener of the Getting In podcast, or, just curious about how college admissions has evolved over the last ten years, this episode should be of interest. Hosts Sally Ganga, Shannon Vasconcelos, and ian fisher join Elizabeth Heaton, Getting In's original host, to say goodbye and reflect on the podcast and admissions trends since its inception almost exactly ten year ago. Beth will also be introducing Kyra Tyler, another College Coach colleague and frequent guest on the pod who will be joining us as a host now that Beth is leaving.

Have you heard of Curious Cardinals? Host ian fisher of Bright Horizons College Coach will be chatting with Audrey Wisch, Co-founder and President, about CC's mission to help high school students find their passion through mentorships. Are you concerned about financial aid and trying to understand what the SAI is? College Coach finance expert Dina Birmingham will be discussing how it is used in financial aid award notifications. In addition, while most of the discussions around colleges are focused around very highly selective ones, Carrie Lewis, College Coach colleague and former admission reader for Case Western and Chapman Universities, will be there to chat about how less selective colleges can give you remarkable opportunities and even a better bang for your buck.

Do you want to hear from our newest team members here at College Coach? Listen in for a very fun episode with our panel of three college admission experts: Karin Sherer and Mikhail Filarski, who both came to us from Lewis & Clark University admissions, and Kimberly Ortiz, formerly of Harvey Mudd and Caltech admissions. In addition, host Shannon Vasconcelos will be talking with our new finance team member Jess Mosley, who came to us after working in the financial aid offices of Reed College and the University of Chicago.