Getting In: A College Coach Conversation

Host Kyra Tyler kicks off this episode with College Coach Brian Swann, who introduces listeners to the Classical Learning Test (CLT). Brian explains what the CLT covers, who it's designed for, how it assesses students—and why its flexible format (including the option to take it at home) makes it an appealing alternative for some families. In our second segment, Kyra welcomes College Coach Michael Yager for Transfer Admissions 101. Michael walks through how to decide whether transferring is the right move, from realizing your current school doesn't offer the major you want to navigating family changes that make being closer to home a priority. He also cautions against chasing a "better" option without fully understanding what you might be giving up. Finally, finance expert Dina Birmingham joins the show to break down the cost considerations of transferring colleges. Dina explains how financial aid forms are reviewed differently by each institution, what to know about merit awards for transfer students, and the limitations that sometimes come with them.

Host Sally Ganga wraps up another pivotal admissions cycle with a two-part Year in Review episode, tackling the questions and trends families cared most about over the past year. In Segment 1, Sally is joined by finance expert Michelle Smoley to revisit the most common financial planning questions families asked throughout the admissions process. They break down whether applying Early Action or Early Decision has a financial impact, clarify when and why students should complete both the FAFSA and CSS Profile, and share practical strategies for finding and securing scholarships and grants—along with other key insights to help families plan wisely for college costs. In Segment 2, college coaches Zaragoza Guerra and Mary Sue Youn reflect on the admissions landscape and the biggest shifts they observed this year. The conversation explores why more students are submitting standardized test scores even as roughly 90% of colleges remain test-optional (or don't consider scores at all), what happens when decision season brings multiple denials due to a top‑heavy college list, and the growing popularity of Southern universities, especially SEC schools.

Kristine Sawicki, former admissions officer and college coach, explains why schools flood students with mail and how they gather contact info. Maya Gee, former admissions officer turned coach, guides deciding among admit lists by focusing on fit, academics, and priorities. Pati Pineiro‑Goodenberger, education finance expert, breaks down California residency rules, WUE limits, and how UC aid and merit awards work.

Lauren DiProspero, admissions expert with med school experience at Columbia and Stanford, explains BS/MD programs and clears up myths. Sara Calvert-Kubrom, admissions strategist from Lewis & Clark, offers practical advice on waitlists, grade slips, and communication. Zachery Gries, former financial aid officer at Loras College, breaks down comparing aid offers, loan records, and deposit timing. Short, focused answers to common admissions and finance questions.

Host Ian Fisher kicks off this episode with BH finance expert Marina Zaretskiy, who shares what financial aid offices wish rising senior families understood before application season begins. From emphasizing that they are accessible to families with questions or who have updates to their financial situations to the differences between the applications, she offers a helpful behind‑the‑scenes look at how it all works. In our second segment, Ian welcomes BH College Coach Robin Khadduri to dig into what colleges wish rising seniors knew. She talks through how to ask thoughtful questions, how demonstrated interest works, the importance of students sharing their authentic voice, and more. Finally, BH College Coach Nicole Doyle and her son, high school senior Jack Doyle, join the show to share what students wish colleges knew. Jack also shares what it's like to navigate this process when your parent is an expert in the field and what types of discussions seniors have about the application process.

Jennifer Wilcox, education finance expert who explains federal loan rule changes. Kennon Dick, former admissions officer advising on AP vs IB and curriculum rigor. Carrie Lewis, college coach guiding late applications and rolling admissions. They discuss which colleges still accept apps, how many APs reflect rigor in context, and recent federal student loan updates.

Caroline Damon, former Middlebury admissions leader who runs midyear programs; Lisa Albro, ex-college and high school counselor expert on campus visits; Lori Peltier, veteran financial aid director advising on FAFSA/CSS and special circumstances. They discuss February admit/midyear start programs. They cover how to show interest when tours are full. They outline key financial aid questions to ask on visits.

Russell Seidelman, a financial-aid expert, breaks down award letters, net-price tools, and scholarship strategy. Karen Spencer, a former admissions pro, urges seniors to protect grades, manage portals, and plan payments. Cesar Contreras, ex-UCLA admissions officer, tells juniors to keep rigor, plan testing, and pursue direct-admit opportunities. Short, practical advice for the spring semester and financial planning.

Are you one of the 99% concerned about how to pay for college? If so, the great news is that this episode of Getting In is devoted entirely to that topic. Host Shannon Vasconcelos will be joined by College Coach finance colleagues Michelle Smoley and Chrissy Foran to discuss financial aid methodologies, appeals, and, in honor of February: Financial Aid Awareness Month, do a broad and deep dive into financial aid.

Nial Rele, a college-list strategist and former admissions officer, explains how to build a balanced list of reach, target, and safety schools. Christine Kenyon, a college coach with admissions experience, outlines productive summer plans like job-shadowing, internships, and program timing. Zachary Gries, a former financial aid professional, covers financial aid basics, timelines, and how scholarships interact with need-based aid.