Getting In: A College Coach Conversation

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.

Host Sally Ganga is joined by College Coach counselors Joy Biscornet and Robin Khadduri, along with finance expert Aimee Yorsaner, for a discussion of The Anxious Generation by social psychologist Jonathan Haidt. In his bestselling book, Haidt explores how the rise of smartphones, social media, and a shift away from real-world experiences have contributed to increasing levels of anxiety and mental health challenges.
 
The panel examines how the themes of the book intersect with today's college admissions process. From the pressures of building a resume and maintaining a social media presence to navigating academic expectations, extracurricular involvement, and the cost of college, students face a unique set of challenges that contribute to stress.
 
Whether you're a parent, student, or educator, this episode offers practical strategies for fostering resilience, maintaining perspective, and supporting students as they navigate one of the most important transitions of their lives. Tune in for an engaging conversation about mental health, technology, and how to help students thrive during the college admissions journey.

Host Kyra Tyler takes a deep dive into two of the largest and most popular public university systems in the country, providing essential updates for students applying to California colleges this year. From application requirements and recent changes to financial aid considerations, this episode offers a helpful guide for families navigating the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) application processes.
 
In the first segment, Kyra is joined by College Coach Cesar Contreras for a UC Application Refresher & Updates. Cesar reviews the key components of the application and highlights recent updates that applicants should be aware of while sharing strategies for effectively presenting their achievements and experiences.
 
Next, College Coach Gabbi Tobias joins Kyra for a Cal State Application Refresher & Updates. Gabbi breaks down the CSU application process, explaining what students need to know about eligibility requirements, academic reporting, impacted majors, and campus-specific considerations. She also discusses recent updates to the application and offers practical advice to help students avoid common mistakes.
 
The episode concludes with finance expert Patricia Pineiro-Goodenberger, who provides a Cal State & UC Financial Application Overview & Update. Patricia explains the financial aid processes that students and families should understand when applying to California public universities, including key forms, timelines, and considerations for maximizing aid eligibility. She also reviews recent developments related to financial aid and shares tips for staying organized throughout the process.