Getting In: A College Coach Conversation

Host Ian Fisher opens this episode with College Coach Lisa Albro to tackle what students should (and shouldn't) ask their high school college counselor. Lisa shares the questions counselors wish students would ask more often, those that spark meaningful exploration and help students better understand their goals, while also addressing the questions that are difficult to answer or ultimately don't provide much value. It's a practical guide to making the most of this important relationship during the college planning process.
 
In the second segment, Ian is joined by College Coach Jonathan Wickremasinghe‑Kuhn for a new installment of the "Major Interest" series. Using a recent news story about a Hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship, they break down how one headline can connect to a wide range of academic interests and career paths, from immunology and public health to communications and marketing. The conversation encourages students to think more deeply about what aspects of real-world issues capture their attention and how those interests might translate into a college major.
 
The episode wraps up with finance expert Laurie Peltier, who shares practical financial tips for college-bound high school seniors and their parents. Laurie outlines the key expenses families should plan for and important steps to take now to set students up for financial success as they transition to campus life.

Host Sally Ganga kicks off this episode with members of the Bright Horizons College Coach High School Planning Team—Lauren Randle, Caroline Damon, and Robin Khadduri—for a conversation focused on how students and families can make the most of the middle school years. They discuss how to strike the right balance between early preparation for potentially competitive college paths and avoiding unnecessary pressure too soon. The team emphasizes an important takeaway: what students do in middle school has little direct impact on college admissions, making this an ideal time for exploration, skill-building, and simply enjoying being a kid.
In the second segment, Sally is joined by finance expert Patricia Pineiro‑Goodenberger for a closer look at California-based financial aid opportunities, including the Cal Grant and the Middle Class Scholarship Program. Patricia explains who may qualify for Cal Grants, how much aid they can provide, and key timelines to maximize eligibility. She also breaks down the Middle Class Scholarship, including who qualifies and where it can be used, helping families better understand how these programs can make college more affordable.

Host Shannon Vasconcelos dedicates this special, all‑finance episode to National College Savings Day (5/29, 529 - get it?), beginning with Jonathan Hughes, Associate Director of College Planning and Content Creation at the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA). Jonathan explains how MEFA, a not‑for‑profit state‑chartered organization founded in 1982, helps families plan and pay for college through savings programs and loans, as well as its expanding focus on postsecondary pathways beyond college. The conversation dives deep into 529 plans—their history, purpose, how they work, and why they remain a cornerstone of college savings strategies.
 
In the second segment, Shannon welcomes Finance Expert Beth Feinberg‑Keenan to explore alternatives to 529 plans. Beth outlines other ways families can save and invest for education, including Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, taxable investment accounts (in either a parent or student's name), Roth IRAs, and even real estate strategies. She highlights the pros, cons, and flexibility of each option to help families determine the best fit for their financial goals.

Host Kyra Tyler explores the world of college consortiums in this episode, starting with College Coaches Shayla Bezjak‑Martinez and Geraldine Castaneda. Drawing from their experience with the Five College Consortium and the Claremont Colleges, they break down how these models compare: from campus proximity and walkability to differences in institutional style. They highlight the many benefits consortiums offer, including access to shared academic, social, and extracurricular resources that can give students a true "best of both worlds" experience. They also explain how the admission process works within consortium systems and what students should understand before applying.
 
In the second segment, Kyra is joined by Andrea Breen, Senior Associate Director of Admission at Emmanuel College, for a closer look at the Colleges of the Fenway Consortium. Andrea discusses what makes Emmanuel distinct within the group and how students take advantage of cross-campus opportunities, from intramural sports to performance groups that bring together students from across the consortium.

Host Ian Fisher begins this episode with Josh Tobias, former professional baseball player and current scout, for an inside look at the path to competing at the highest levels of college and professional sports. Josh describes the work it took to reach his goals and what it was like playing at the University of Florida while balancing the demands of athletics and academics. He also discusses the increasing pressure college athletes face due to the rising business side of college sports and highlights the wide range of career opportunities within athletic organizations.
 
In the second segment, Ian is joined by finance expert Russell Seidelman as part of the May‑day series with a focus on finding scholarships beyond the first year of college. Russell explains why students need to carve out time to continue applying for scholarships even while managing college responsibilities, and how to identify opportunities for current students on financial aid websites.