Getting In: A College Coach Conversation

Join host Dina Birmingham for a comprehensive introduction to the U.S. Service Academies. From the unique admissions process to the opportunities these institutions offer, this episode provides valuable insights for students and families considering a military academy education. Along the way, listeners will also meet several guests who are appearing on the podcast for the first time, including some of the newest members of the College Coach team.
 
In the first segment, College Coach Alison Hildenbrand explains the fundamentals of the Service Academiesy. She discusses what makes these institutions different from traditional colleges and universities, the academic and leadership opportunities they provide, and the service commitments graduates undertake. She also breaks down the unique admissions process prospective students must complete.
 
Next, listeners will be introduced to College Coach Erica Hoff, one of our newer team members, who brings a unique parent perspective to the conversation. With her daughter currently navigating the service academy application process, Erica shares firsthand insights into the excitement, challenges, and emotions families often experience along the way. She discusses strategies for supporting students without adding pressure, balancing encouragement with independence, and maintaining a strong parent-child relationship during what can be a demanding and stressful application journey. Her perspective offers valuable guidance for parents who want to help while allowing their students to take ownership of the process.
 
The episode concludes with finance expert Hailey Barthold, who explores the financial side of attending a service academy. Hailey explains the significant educational benefits these institutions provide, including how tuition, room, board, and other expenses are handled. She also discusses scholarship opportunities available to students interested in military service, potential financial considerations families should understand, and how the overall cost of attendance compares with more traditional college pathways.

Join host Sally Ganga for an in-depth look at college admission interviews and video introductions. As colleges continue to offer applicants multiple ways to share their stories beyond the written application, understanding how to present yourself authentically and effectively has never been more important.
 
First, Sally welcomes Gloria Crawford, Co-Founder and COO of InitialView, to discuss Glimpse & InitialView. Gloria explains how third-party interview platforms can help students showcase their personality, communication skills, and interests to colleges around the world. She shares what admissions offices hope to learn from these interviews and why authenticity is often more impactful than having the "perfect" answer. She offers practical guidance on making a strong impression.
 
Next, listeners will meet one of College Coach's newest team members, Nat Feikes, in both a staff introduction and a discussion of Pre-Recorded Admission Videos. Drawing on Nat's experience working in admissions at Brown University, she offers an insider perspective on how colleges use video components to learn more about applicants. She also shares insights into Brown's well-known video portfolio component and what admissions officers look for when reviewing these creative supplements.
 
Finally, College Coach Elyse Krantz joins Sally to discuss In-Person Interviews. Elyse breaks down what students can expect before, during, and after an admissions interview, whether it's conducted by an admissions representative, alumni volunteer, or current student. She shares strategies for preparing thoughtful responses, asking meaningful questions, and demonstrating genuine interest in a college while remaining true to yourself. The conversation also explores how much weight interviews typically carry in the admissions process and how students can approach them with confidence rather than anxiety.

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.