Getting In: A College Coach Conversation

Join host Ian Fisher for timely conversations celebrating the launch of this year's financial aid application season.
 
First, he welcomes finance expert Jennifer Wilcox for a discussion on FAFSA: Do We or Don't We Complete It? Jennifer provides a practical overview of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and explains its role in determining eligibility for federal, state, and institutional financial aid. She addresses a question many families ask: Is it worth completing the FAFSA if you believe you won't qualify for need-based aid? Jennifer explains why the answer is often yes, noting that many colleges use FAFSA information when awarding institutional aid and that even higher-income families may qualify for certain forms of assistance, particularly at colleges with high costs of attendance. She also discusses how the streamlined form can often be completed in about 15 minutes, making it a worthwhile investment of time for many families.
 
Next, finance expert Laurie Peltier dives into the CSS Profile, the additional financial aid application required by many private colleges and universities. Laurie explains why some institutions ask for more detailed financial information than the FAFSA provides and how colleges use that information when distributing their own institutional funds. She highlights key differences between the two applications, including the CSS Profile's consideration of assets such as home equity, and discusses what families should know before beginning the process.
 
Finally, College Coach Kennon Dick breaks down the National Merit Scholarship Program, one of the most well-known academic recognition programs for high school students. Kennon explains the timeline from the PSAT/NMSQT through semifinalist and finalist consideration, how qualifying scores factor into eligibility, and the steps students must take to advance in the competition. He also explores what National Merit recognition means in the college admissions landscape.

Host Sally Ganga welcomes guests to discuss college admissions, campus exploration, and financial opportunities through the lens of Hispanic and Latinx student experiences.
 
In the first segment, Sally is joined by Gerardo Ochoa, a higher education executive, nonprofit founder, and nationally recognized leader focused on access, leadership, and student success. Together, they explore Crafting Narratives in Identity Essays, discussing how students can thoughtfully write about culture, heritage, family, language, and personal experiences in their college applications. Gerardo shares insights on telling authentic stories that highlight growth, resilience, and perspective.
 
Next, College Coach Gabbi Tobias joins the show for a conversation about the value of exploring Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) and discusses what prospective applicants should look for when evaluating whether an institution provides the academic, social, and cultural support they need to thrive.
 
Finally, Finance Expert Alex Gonzalez highlights scholarship programs and financial resources available to help students make college more affordable. He shares tips for identifying opportunities, organizing scholarship applications, and maximizing available aid.

In celebration of National Arts in Education Week, host Kyra Tyler explores the unique opportunities and challenges facing students pursuing college pathways in the performing and visual arts. From preparing competitive portfolios and auditions to understanding scholarships and budgeting for application expenses, this episode offers valuable guidance for aspiring artists and their families.
 
In the first segment, Kyra is joined by Alaire Naedele, Director of Recruitment and Enrollment for the School of Drama at Carnegie Mellon University, for a discussion on Drama Portfolios. Alaire shares insights into what selective theater and drama programs look for in applicants. She also offers an inside look at the structure of Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) programs. In addition, Alaire highlights Carnegie Mellon's often-overlooked Dramaturgy program, discussing how students interested in storytelling, literary analysis, research, and collaboration can find exciting opportunities beyond performance-focused tracks.
 
Next, College Coach Kurt Isaacson takes listeners through the world of Music Portfolios. Kurt explains the different requirements students may encounter when applying to music programs, including recordings, pre-screens, performance résumés, repertoire lists, and auditions. He offers practical tips for selecting pieces, highlighting strengths, and organizing materials in a way that helps students present themselves effectively to admissions and faculty reviewers. Kurt also reflects on his own experience as a student at Oberlin Conservatory of Music, sharing insights from attending one of the nation's premier conservatories. His firsthand perspective helps students better understand what life is like in a conservatory environment and what prospective music majors should consider as they explore their college options.
 
The episode concludes with finance expert Pati Pineiro-Goodenberger, who discusses Art Scholarships & the Costs of Auditioning and Submitting Portfolios. Pati examines the financial realities of applying to arts programs, including audition travel, recording expenses, and portfolio preparation costs. She also highlights scholarship opportunities available to talented student artists and shares strategies for families to budget wisely while navigating the arts admissions process.

Dina welcomes College Coach Ian Fisher, a familiar voice to podcast listeners, for Tales from the Road: A Day in the Life of an Admissions Counselor in the Fall. He pulls back the curtain on what life is really like for college admission counselors during travel season and shares how students can make a positive impression and keep admission representatives engaged in productive conversations by asking questions that go beyond the surface level to help them determine whether a college is truly the right fit.
 
Next, College Coach Craig Brauner makes his podcast debut in Tips for College Fairs & School Visits. Craig shares a bit about his professional background, his experience thus far at Bright Horizons College Coach, and some of his personal interests before diving into strategies for maximizing college fairs and campus visits. He discusses how students can create a plan for navigating what can often feel like an overwhelming event and take advantage of the valuable expertise available at these programs.
 
Finally, Finance Expert Beth Feinberg-Keenan joins Dina to focus on the financial side of the college search process. In What to Ask and Bring with You to College Fairs to Maximize Financial Aid and Merit, Beth explains how students and families can use college fairs and admission events to better understand scholarship opportunities, financial aid policies, and merit award criteria. She highlights important questions to ask representatives, documents and information families should have on hand, and strategies for gathering the details needed to make informed college affordability decisions down the road.

Host Ian Fisher welcomes three experts for a practical conversation designed to help students and families get organized and make informed decisions about their college application process.
 
In Segment 1, longtime College Coach counselor Marj Southworth breaks down the various early rounds of college admissions, including Early Decision, Early Action, and Rolling Admission. Marj explains the strategic considerations behind each option, discusses the benefits and limitations of applying early, and explores situations where students may be better served by waiting rather than rushing to meet an Early Action "soft" deadline.
 
Next, first-time guest Shaniqua Marlowe joins the show to share her professional background and discuss Getting Organized: Coordinating the Application Process. Shaniqua walks listeners through the many moving pieces involved in submitting college applications, including transcripts, recommendations, test scores, essays, and other application requirements. She offers practical advice for creating timelines, tracking deadlines, and managing responsibilities so students can stay on top of the process without feeling overwhelmed.
 
Finally, Finance Expert Chrissy Foran focuses on Getting Organized Financially for the Admissions and College Payment Process. From understanding financial aid forms and scholarship opportunities to keeping track of important financial deadlines, Chrissy outlines the steps families should take to prepare for college costs. She also discusses the financial implications of Early Decision.