Getting In: A College Coach Conversation

Are you a high-achieving, low-income student? Listen in as our host Ian Fisher discusses the Questbridge Scholarship with College Coach Finance expert Alex Gonzalez. Have you heard that all college admission essays must have a "hook"? Confused about what the colleges want in these essays? New College Coach educator Shayla Bezjak-Martinez, formerly of Harvey Mudd and Worcester Polytechnic Institute, is here to clarify what colleges are really looking for in the admission essay "genre." Last, did you know that some colleges give you the option of submitting a virtual interview or video? While students can find that intimidating, it doesn't have to be! Colleague Sara Calvert-Kubrom will be taking about what approach to take. Learn More About Bright Horizons College Coach

Working frantically to finish up your Early Decision application? Host Shannon Vasconcelos will be joined by College Coach colleague Karen Spencer to discuss putting the final touches on your Common Application. Are you still trying to decide whether you should apply Early Action to a school? Listen in, as College Coach colleague Brittany Preston will tell you what to consider in making the decision. And last, Finance colleague Laurie Peltier will be there to tell you that you don't need to get spooked by financial aid application mistakes. Learn More About Bright Horizons College Coach

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