Episodes

Trends in Merit and Financial Aid Packages; Listener Questions
April 18, 2019

Trends in Merit and Financial Aid Packages; Listener Questions

In previous shows we’ve covered how to negotiate for more merit money and appeal financial aid packages. We thought it might be interesting to look at the trends we’re seeing in this year’s student packaging. In Office Hours,...
No Acceptances?; Financially Smart Lists; Third Culture Kids
April 11, 2019

No Acceptances?; Financially Smart Lists; Third Culture Kids

Students with no acceptances will want to tune in to this week’s show, in which we will help you best handle an admissions season gone awry and offer suggestions for moving forward with your college plans. For those getting s...
Waitlisted? What to do and recent trends; Summer jobs and savings
April 4, 2019

Waitlisted? What to do and recent trends; Summer jobs and savings

In the world of college admissions, nothing may be more frustrating than the waitlist offer. “Thanks so much for applying. I know you were expecting an answer, but we need you to wait for yours just a little bit longer than e...
Applying Out of State. Choosing a College. College and Retirement
March 28, 2019

Applying Out of State. Choosing a College. College and Retirement

Devastated about not getting into your dream school? There’s no doubt this is a tough time, but you can’t abandon college just because your top choice didn’t come through. Tune in for tips on choosing the best colleges from t...
College Admissions Scandal: What Happened and What Can You Do Now?
March 21, 2019

College Admissions Scandal: What Happened and What Can You Do Now?

We interrupted our regularly scheduled programming to focus an entire episode on the scandal rocking the admissions world involving wealthy parents, corrupt coaches and standardized test proctors, and a villain for the ages i...
UC A-G Requirements; How Much to Borrow; Starting a College List
March 14, 2019

UC A-G Requirements; How Much to Borrow; Starting a College List

Last episode we talked about how and when to arrange college financing, and this week we’re tackling the bigger question of how much is too much to borrow. For those about to start researching and visiting colleges, we have t...
Admitted Student Events; College Consultants; College Financing
March 7, 2019

Admitted Student Events; College Consultants; College Financing

Graduating seniors and their families have one more college decision looming: whether or not to spend more money to visit college campuses where the students were accepted for admitted student events. We’ll talk about what to...
How Many APs Do I Need?; Accepted Student Days; Visiting Colleges
Feb. 28, 2019

How Many APs Do I Need?; Accepted Student Days; Visiting Colleges

Ever wonder how many AP courses colleges want to see—or if colleges even do expect to see them? Tune in to our segment on course selection for answers to these questions and insight into how to make the best curriculum choice...
Is Dual Enrollment Always a Good Idea? Plus Listener Questions
Feb. 21, 2019

Is Dual Enrollment Always a Good Idea? Plus Listener Questions

Some high schools and colleges offer a unique way to earn college credit prior to graduation through dual-enrollment coursework. Learn more about this option, how it stacks up against AP and IB programs, and whether or not it...
Negotiating Scholarships; Senioritis; Starting the College Essay
Feb. 14, 2019

Negotiating Scholarships; Senioritis; Starting the College Essay

Last week we talked about appealing your financial aid awards, and this week we’re covering how to negotiate for more scholarship money. If you didn’t even know that was a possibility, you’ll want to tune in to learn more. Yo...
Financial Aid Appeals; Demonstrated Interest; Contacting Colleges
Feb. 7, 2019

Financial Aid Appeals; Demonstrated Interest; Contacting Colleges

It is financial aid award season, and we’re here to guide you through it. First up is how to appeal a financial aid award, from determining whether or not you have grounds for an appeal to how to approach the appeals process....
Exploring D3 Athletics; Summer Planning; Comparing Award Letters
Jan. 31, 2019

Exploring D3 Athletics; Summer Planning; Comparing Award Letters

There’s snow on the ground and more to come, but believe it or not, summer planning starts now! We’ll be talking through some things to think about as you get started. We’re also exploring D3 athletics and how being a recruit...
Avoiding the Starving Artist Scenario; Listener Q and A
Jan. 24, 2019

Avoiding the Starving Artist Scenario; Listener Q and A

If you or your student are interested in a career in the arts, you might be concerned about your ability to earn a living in such a difficult field. We’ll talk about suggestions for students facing long odds in the creative f...
Value and the College List; Tax Breaks; Options Post-January 1
Jan. 17, 2019

Value and the College List; Tax Breaks; Options Post-January 1

For most families, the ability to pay for college is as important as getting in. We welcome Edmit co-founder Sabrina Manville to the show to discuss how to build a college list with value in mind to help families develop a li...
The Admissions Waiting Game; Tax Breaks; Scam Honor Societies
Jan. 10, 2019

The Admissions Waiting Game; Tax Breaks; Scam Honor Societies

Seniors are now in what can be the toughest part of the process: waiting to get an answer from colleges. Is there anything you can do now that the applications are in? We have some thoughts that we’ll share with you. Paying f...
Roth IRA to Pay for College; Resolutions; Group/Faculty Interview
Jan. 3, 2019

Roth IRA to Pay for College; Resolutions; Group/Faculty Interview

Colleges do not consider retirement savings in their financial aid calculations, but you can use a Roth IRA to pay for college. We’ll share more about who can take advantage of this option and factors to consider. If you’re f...
Applications: Submitting and Follow Up; How to Pay In-State Tuition
Dec. 27, 2018

Applications: Submitting and Follow Up; How to Pay In-State Tuition

If you’re about to submit all of your applications or your last few, we’ll take you through the nuts and bolts of submitting your applications and necessary follow up. Students recently accepted or considering applications to...
Co-Op Programs; Essay Prompts for Wash U and Barnard  College
Dec. 20, 2018

Co-Op Programs; Essay Prompts for Wash U and Barnard College

As students and families look to get more work experience while they’re in college, co-ops are becoming a more popular option. We’ll share more details about co-ops, including what they are, and the financial aspects of the p...
What to Do if You re Deferred Admissions and College Finance QandA
Dec. 13, 2018

What to Do if You re Deferred Admissions and College Finance QandA

You applied early in the hopes that you’d have some decisions before the end of the year, and you got…deferred. What now? We’ll tell you all about how to best handle this non-decision. We’re also answering your questions in a...
ED, EA, and Priority Results; Repaying Loans; BC and Colgate Essays
Dec. 6, 2018

ED, EA, and Priority Results; Repaying Loans; BC and Colgate Essays

The results from early decision, early action, and priority admissions programs are starting to come in, and we’re here to help! We’ll discuss what to expect, how to prepare, and how to handle whatever comes your way. We’re d...
Engineering VS. Math Science Majors; Repay Student Loans Essays
Nov. 29, 2018

Engineering VS. Math Science Majors; Repay Student Loans Essays

Students who excel in math and science are often pushed to consider engineering. Conversely, students who love science or math might be considering a degree in one of those disciplines, overlooking the possibilities available...
What if your Student Already Wants to Transfer?  Listener Q and A
Nov. 15, 2018

What if your Student Already Wants to Transfer? Listener Q and A

While most parents will be thrilled to have their college students home for the holiday season, what happens if the main topic of conversation is around transferring? Listen in as we talk through the reasons behind this pheno...
The UC app, CA Financial Aid; Carnegie Mellon and Syracuse Essays
Nov. 8, 2018

The UC app, CA Financial Aid; Carnegie Mellon and Syracuse Essays

Come learn more about all things UC application, as one of our resident California experts breaks down what you need to know. We’ll also look at state financial aid programs in California and offer advice about approaching th...
Disciplinary Issues; Life Insurance Savings; Admissions Anxiety
Nov. 1, 2018

Disciplinary Issues; Life Insurance Savings; Admissions Anxiety

Students who have been suspended, expelled, or been subject to disciplinary action of some kind will likely need to address this infraction in their college applications. Tune in to learn more about the potential consequences...