The College Admissions Edge

College list season is here, and a lot of students are getting it wrong. Too many reaches. Not enough merit aid. No financial safety nets. Sound familiar? In this episode of College Coffee Talk, Andy & Pearl Lockwood review real college lists and talk about how to fix the most common mistakes—before it’s too late. Topics include:  ✔ What a “balanced” list actually looks like  ✔ The reach-target-safety trap students fall into  ✔ Why the “dream school” mindset backfires  ✔ Financial aid landmines families don’t see coming  ✔ Smarter list-building strategies for the Class of 2025   🎙 This is just a clip from College Coffee Talk.  🎧 Catch the full episode on The College Admissions Edge podcast—available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.  📞 Need help with college admissions?  Visit LockwoodCollegePrep.com       #CollegeAdmissions #EducationPolicy #FAFSA #FinancialAid #CollegePlanning #StudentLoans #LoanForgiveness #Scholarships #HigherEducation #Parenting #CollegeBound #ClassOf2025 #ACTPrep #SATPrep #Parenting #2025 #DebtRelief #CollegeEssay#CollegeAdmissions #DoubleDeposit #CollegeAdmissions #CollegeDecision #CollegePlanning #EnrollmentMistakes #StudentAdvice

Too many students build college lists that are unrealistic, unbalanced, and way too expensive. Here’s how to fix that before it's too late. In this episode of College Coffee Talk, Andy Lockwood goes full stream-of-consciousness on how most families mess up their college lists—and how to make sure yours includes real options you can actually afford (and get into). Topics include: ✔ Why most lists are full of “dream school delusions” ✔ How to balance reach, target, and safety realistically ✔ What families get wrong about merit aid and financial safety ✔ Why name brand ≠ best fit ✔ A smarter way to build your final college list   📞 Need help with college admissions? Visit LockwoodCollegePrep.com     #CollegeAdmissions #EducationPolicy #FAFSA #FinancialAid #CollegePlanning #StudentLoans #LoanForgiveness #Scholarships #HigherEducation #Parenting #CollegeBound #ClassOf2025 #ACTPrep #SATPrep #Parenting #2025 #DebtRelief #CollegeEssay#CollegeAdmissions #DoubleDeposit #CollegeAdmissions #CollegeDecision #CollegePlanning #EnrollmentMistakes #StudentAdvice #collegeplanning #collegefinancialaid #collegeadvisor

College admissions myths, prestige pressure, and the truth about what really makes a college “good.” In this episode of College Coffee Talk, Andy and Pearl Lockwood tackle the obsession with “rear window sticker colleges” - elite schools that parents want to brag about, but that might not serve their kids best. It’s time to rethink what “best college” actually means. Topics include:  ✔ Why harder to get into doesn’t mean better  ✔ What’s really behind sticker school obsession  ✔ How families confuse “rankings” with outcomes  ✔ The hidden cost of chasing prestige  ✔ Real talk about Ivy League vs. value schools    📞 Need help with college admissions?  Visit LockwoodCollegePrep.com

Back to school means College Nights, info sessions, and sugar-coated admissions advice. Here’s what they won’t tell you… and what families actually need to hear. In this episode of College Coffee Talk, Andy and Pearl Lockwood pull back the curtain on what really matters in the college admissions and financial aid process. These are the uncomfortable facts your high school probably won’t cover at its “College Night.” Topics include:  ✔ What test-optional really means behind the scenes  ✔ The problem with high school GPA inflation  ✔ Why FAFSA and financial aid advice is often misleading  ✔ How counselors are unintentionally steering families wrong   📞 Need help with college admissions?  Visit LockwoodCollegePrep.com       #CollegeAdmissions #EducationPolicy #FAFSA #FinancialAid #CollegePlanning #StudentLoans #LoanForgiveness #Scholarships #HigherEducation #Parenting #CollegeBound #ClassOf2025 #ACTPrep #SATPrep #Parenting #2025 #DebtRelief #CollegeEssay#CollegeAdmissions #DoubleDeposit #CollegeAdmissions #CollegeDecision #CollegePlanning #EnrollmentMistakes #StudentAdvice #collegeplanning #collegefinancialaid #collegeadvisor

Colleges are stripping out DEI and race‑based preferences—and it’s shaking up admissions and aid strategy for everyone. In this episode of College Coffee Talk, Andy & Pearl Lockwood unpack how the end of affirmative action and shrinking DEI efforts are changing who gets in—and how much support students receive. Topics include: ✔ New admissions signals to use ✔ Scholarships that may vanish ✔ How to adapt your strategy in 2025 📞 Need help with college admissions? Visit LockwoodCollegePrep.com #CollegeAdmissions #EducationPolicy #FAFSA #FinancialAid #CollegePlanning #StudentLoans #LoanForgiveness #Scholarships #HigherEducation #Parenting #CollegeBound #ClassOf2025 #ACTPrep #SATPrep #Parenting #2025 #DebtRelief #CollegeEssay#CollegeAdmissions #DoubleDeposit #CollegeAdmissions #CollegeDecision #CollegePlanning #EnrollmentMistakes #StudentAdvice #collegeplanning #collegefinancialaid #collegeadvisor

In this episode of College Coffee Talk, Andy and Pearl Lockwood break down a real case study from one of their clients whose financial aid package from Columbia was completely off. This behind-the-scenes look reveals how even Ivy League schools get it wrong—and what you need to know to protect yourself. Topics include: ✔ How Columbia’s aid offer miscalculated expected contribution ✔ The appeal strategy Andy used to push back ✔ Why even elite colleges make basic aid mistakes ✔ Common red flags families miss in their award letters ✔ What to do if your financial aid package seems wrong 🎧 Catch the full episode on The College Admissions Edge podcast—available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. 📞 Need help with college admissions? Visit LockwoodCollegePrep.com #CollegeAdmissions #EducationPolicy #FAFSA #FinancialAid #CollegePlanning #StudentLoans #LoanForgiveness #Scholarships #HigherEducation #Parenting #CollegeBound #ClassOf2025 #ACTPrep #SATPrep #Parenting #2025 #DebtRelief #CollegeEssay#CollegeAdmissions #DoubleDeposit #CollegeAdmissions #CollegeDecision #CollegePlanning #EnrollmentMistakes #StudentAdvice #collegeplanning #collegefinancialaid #collegeadvisor

In this episode of College Coffee Talk, Andy Lockwood shares a raw, unfiltered account of a real conversation with a Class of 2026 student. Everything was going smoothly—until a single comment changed the tone of the meeting. What happened next says a lot about how students approach the admissions process. Topics include: ✔ The moment students lose admissions officers ✔ What “polish” sounds like vs. what’s authentic ✔ Mistakes families don’t realize they’re making ✔ How advisors handle students who push back ✔ Why even strong students can self-sabotage 🎧 Catch the full episode on The College Admissions Edge podcast—available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. 📞 Need help with college admissions? Visit LockwoodCollegePrep.com   #CollegeAdmissions #EducationPolicy #FAFSA #FinancialAid #CollegePlanning #StudentLoans #LoanForgiveness #Scholarships #HigherEducation #Parenting #CollegeBound #ClassOf2025 #ACTPrep #SATPrep #Parenting #2025 #DebtRelief #CollegeEssay#CollegeAdmissions #DoubleDeposit #CollegeAdmissions #CollegeDecision #CollegePlanning #EnrollmentMistakes #StudentAdvice

FAFSA for high-income families, CSS Profile pros and cons, and financial aid tips for families who think they make too much to qualify. Here’s what you need to know.In this episode of College Coffee Talk, Andy and Pearl Lockwood discuss whether families who don’t qualify for need-based financial aid should still file the FAFSA or CSS Profile—and why skipping it could cost you in other ways.   Topics include: ✔ Why some merit aid requires FAFSA or CSS Profile submission ✔ How the FAFSA protects you in financial aid negotiations ✔ Why colleges might assume you can pay full price if you don’t file ✔ The private school trap for high-income earners ✔ Real examples from Lockwood College Prep clients🎙 This is just a clip from College Coffee Talk.   📞 Need help with college admissions? Visit LockwoodCollegePrep.com   #CollegeAdmissions #EducationPolicy #FAFSA #FinancialAid #CollegePlanning #StudentLoans #LoanForgiveness #Scholarships #HigherEducation #Parenting #CollegeBound #ClassOf2025 #ACTPrep #SATPrep #Parenting #2025 #DebtRelief #CollegeEssay#CollegeAdmissions #DoubleDeposit #CollegeAdmissions #CollegeDecision #CollegePlanning #EnrollmentMistakes #StudentAdvice

Major changes are coming to New York’s college financial aid system in 2025. In this episode of College Coffee Talk, Pearl and Andy Lockwood break down two critical developments:1. The Universal FAFSA mandate for all NY high school seniors 2. The new $65,000 lifetime cap on Parent PLUS loans Topics Covered:-How the FAFSA Simplification Act impacts your ability to get aid -Why skipping the FAFSA could cost you merit money -What the new loan cap means for families paying for elite schools -Why guidance counselors may not be prepared to help -The truth behind so-called “unclaimed aid” in New York This affects every New York family with a college-bound student in 2025 or beyond. If you live in New York and plan to send your child to college, this information is crucial.   🎙 This is just a clip from College Coffee Talk. 🎧 Catch the full episode on The College Admissions Edge podcast, available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. #CollegeAdmissions #EducationPolicy #FAFSA #FinancialAid #CollegePlanning #StudentLoans #LoanForgiveness #Scholarships #HigherEducation #Parenting #CollegeBound #ClassOf2025 #ACTPrep #SATPrep #Parenting #2025 #DebtRelief #CollegeEssay#CollegeAdmissions #DoubleDeposit #CollegeEssay #CollegeAdmissions #CollegeDecision #CollegePlanning #EnrollmentMistakes #StudentAdvice #collegeplanning #collegefinancialaid #collegeadvisor  

ACT tutoring case study, how to raise your ACT score fast, and proven test prep strategies from real students. Learn how one teen jumped from 17 to 31, and how your kid can too. Andy Lockwood interviews ACT tutor Marissa U about one of her most dramatic student turnarounds: a 17 ACT score transformed into a 31 (and counting). They break down exactly what changed, what worked, and how the student's mindset, strategy, and schedule made all the difference. 🎯 Topics Covered: ✔ The biggest problems with traditional test prep ✔ The mindset shift that unlocked better scores ✔ How pacing and section timing were reworked ✔ What most students do wrong when they study ✔ Tips for parents who don’t know where to start       📞 Need help with college admissions? Visit LockwoodCollegePrep.com   #CollegeAdmissions #EducationPolicy #FAFSA #FinancialAid #CollegePlanning #StudentLoans #LoanForgiveness #Scholarships #HigherEducation #Parenting #CollegeBound #ClassOf2025 #ACTPrep #SATPrep #Parenting #2025 #DebtRelief #CollegeEssay#CollegeAdmissions #DoubleDeposit #CollegeAdmissions #CollegeDecision #CollegePlanning #EnrollmentMistakes #StudentAdvice #collegeplanning #collegefinancialaid #collegeadvisor

College essay mistakes, Common App essay fails, and admissions tips, all based on real examples from our weekend bootcamp. These writing errors can sink even great students. In this episode of College Coffee Talk, Andy & Pearl Lockwood share real case studies from their latest in-office essay bootcamp. You'll see the most common college essay mistakes students make, and how to fix them fast. Topics include: ✔ 3 real essay mistakes from high-achieving students ✔ The problem with generic hardship stories ✔ What colleges really want to see in your essay ✔ Live financial aid appeal breakdown from the Lockwood office     📞 Need help with college admissions? Visit LockwoodCollegePrep.com   #CollegeAdmissions #EducationPolicy #FAFSA #FinancialAid #CollegePlanning #StudentLoans #LoanForgiveness #Scholarships #HigherEducation #Parenting #CollegeBound #ClassOf2025 #ACTPrep #SATPrep #Parenting #2025 #DebtRelief #CollegeEssay#CollegeAdmissions #DoubleDeposit #CollegeAdmissions #CollegeDecision #CollegePlanning #EnrollmentMistakes #StudentAdvice #collegeplanning #collegefinancialaid #collegeadvisor

Lying on college applications, Common App essays, race/ethnicity, fake extracurriculars: and how the NYC mayor candidate got away with it. What does this mean for you in 2025? Today on College Coffee Talk, Andy Lockwood dives into the bizarre and very real story of a NYC mayoral candidate who allegedly lied on his college application: race, background, extracurriculars, all of it. ✔ What admissions officers actually check for ✔ Whether you can really lie and get away with it ✔ Why this isn’t just about ethics—it’s about strategy ✔ What the scandal reveals about college essay “myths” ✔ The line between storytelling and fraud 📞 Need help with college admissions? Visit LockwoodCollegePrep.com #CollegeAdmissions #EducationPolicy #FAFSA #FinancialAid #CollegePlanning #StudentLoans #LoanForgiveness #Scholarships #HigherEducation #Parenting #CollegeBound #ClassOf2025 #ACTPrep #SATPrep #Parenting #2025 #DebtRelief #CollegeEssay#CollegeAdmissions #DoubleDeposit #CollegeAdmissions #CollegeDecision #CollegePlanning #EnrollmentMistakes #StudentAdvice #collegeplanning #collegefinancialaid #collegeadvisor

Student loans, parent loans, FAFSA changes, college financial aid, and federal loan limits are all about to change—big time. In this episode of College Coffee Talk, college advisors Andy and Pearl Lockwood break down the hidden student loan changes buried in the federal “Big Beautiful Bill” that could affect millions of families starting with the Class of 2026. ✔ Subsidized loans ending in 2026 ✔ New $50K loan caps for students and parents ✔ Why many families will face $70K+ per year in uncovered college costs ✔ The impact on FAFSA, Pell Grants, and the CSS Profile ✔ Why private lending may explode—and what you can do now ✔ Key deadlines and planning strategies for rising juniors and seniors 📞 Need help with college admissions? Visit LockwoodCollegePrep.com #CollegeAdmissions #EducationPolicy #FAFSA #FinancialAid #CollegePlanning #StudentLoans #LoanForgiveness #Scholarships #HigherEducation #Parenting #CollegeBound #ClassOf2025 #ACTPrep #SATPrep #Parenting #2025 #DebtRelief #CollegeEssay#CollegeAdmissions #DoubleDeposit #CollegeAdmissions #CollegeDecision #CollegePlanning #EnrollmentMistakes #StudentAdvice #collegeplanning #collegefinancialaid #collegeadvisor

College supplemental essays are one of the most overlooked and important parts of the college application. Learn how to write essays that stand out and avoid the mistakes that get students rejected. In this clip from College Coffee Talk, Andy Lockwood explains: ✔ What admissions officers actually want to read ✔ Why vague, generic essays backfire ✔ How to show real interest in a school ✔ The importance of specificity and authenticity ✔ Smart strategies to boost your essay impact ✔ Why these essays matter even more post–affirmative action 🎙 This is just a clip from College Coffee Talk. 🎧 Catch the full episode on The College Admissions Edge podcast—available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. 📞 Need help with college admissions? Visit LockwoodCollegePrep.com #CollegeAdmissions #EducationPolicy #FAFSA #FinancialAid #CollegePlanning #StudentLoans #LoanForgiveness #Scholarships #HigherEducation #Parenting #CollegeBound #ClassOf2025 #ACTPrep #SATPrep #Parenting #2025 #DebtRelief #CollegeEssay#CollegeAdmissions #DoubleDeposit #CollegeEssay #CollegeAdmissions #CollegeDecision #CollegePlanning #EnrollmentMistakes #StudentAdvice #collegeplanning #collegefinancialaid #collegeadvisor

In this episode, Andy Lockwood recounts a recent client meeting that got real—fast. A high-achieving 10th grader wanted to apply to a Top 12 college. But when Andy reviewed her junior year course load, he gave her the advice no one else had the guts to say: You’re not competitive yet. ✔ Why skipping an AP could cost you an Ivy ✔ What “rigor” actually means to admissions officers ✔ The 60/40 formula elite schools use to evaluate applicants ✔ The extracurricular bar you really need to clear ✔ Why your GPA is just the beginning 📞 Need help with college admissions? Visit LockwoodCollegePrep.com #CollegeAdmissions #EducationPolicy #FAFSA #FinancialAid #CollegePlanning #StudentLoans #LoanForgiveness #Scholarships #HigherEducation #Parenting #CollegeBound #ClassOf2025 #ACTPrep #SATPrep #Parenting #2025 #DebtRelief #CollegeEssay#CollegeAdmissions #DoubleDeposit #CollegeAdmissions #CollegeDecision #CollegePlanning #EnrollmentMistakes #StudentAdvice #collegeplanning #collegefinancialaid #collegeadvisor

FAFSA changes, Department of Education cuts, student loan limits, financial aid mistakes—these updates could affect every college-bound family in 2025 and beyond. In this clip from College Coffee Talk, college advisors Pearl and Andy Lockwood explain how proposed congressional reforms might drastically limit student and parent borrowing. Plus, what you can do now to boost your chances of receiving merit or need-based aid. 🎓 You’ll learn: ✔ What the new $50,000 lifetime loan cap could mean for your family ✔ Why many middle- and high-income families still qualify for aid ✔ FAFSA vs. CSS Profile: What each school really wants ✔ The #1 mistake that could disqualify you from merit aid ✔ How to pick the right financial aid strategy for your school list ✔ What upcoming Department of Education changes signal for Class of 2026 and beyond 📞 Need help with college admissions? Visit LockwoodCollegePrep.com #CollegeAdmissions #EducationPolicy #FAFSA #FinancialAid #CollegePlanning #StudentLoans #LoanForgiveness #Scholarships #HigherEducation #Parenting #CollegeBound #ClassOf2025 #ACTPrep #SATPrep #Parenting #2025 #DebtRelief #CollegeEssay#CollegeAdmissions #DoubleDeposit #CollegeAdmissions #CollegeDecision #CollegePlanning #EnrollmentMistakes #StudentAdvice #collegeplanning #collegefinancialaid #collegeadvisor

Think you make too much to qualify for college financial aid? Think again. In this episode, college advisor Andy Lockwood interviews CPA Rick Darvis to reveal powerful, little-known tax strategies that high-income business owners—especially lawyers, doctors, and entrepreneurs—can use to potentially unlock tens of thousands in financial aid. ✔ The #1 mistake high-income families make on the FAFSA ✔ Why most accountants miss these college tax strategies ✔ Legal ways to reposition assets and income ✔ How business owners can still qualify for need-based aid ✔ What to do now if you have kids heading to college 📞 Need help with college admissions? Visit LockwoodCollegePrep.com

College admissions officers don’t just want perfect GPAs or test scores—they want authenticity, consistency, and leadership. Here’s what really matters in 2025 applications. In this episode, Pearl and Andy Lockwood unpack: ✔ The “60/40” formula behind Ivy League admissions ✔ How GPA inflation is hurting students ✔ What colleges look for beyond stats ✔ Why fake passion projects hurt more than help ✔ How parents unintentionally sabotage applications 📞 Need help with college admissions? Visit LockwoodCollegePrep.com #CollegeApplications #CollegeAdmissions #EducationPolicy #FAFSA #FinancialAid #CollegePlanning #StudentLoans #LoanForgiveness #Scholarships #HigherEducation #Parenting #CollegeBound #ClassOf2025 #ACTPrep #SATPrep #Parenting #2025 #DebtRelief #IvyDay #IvyLeague #CollegeRejection #Accepted #CollegeEssay #CollegeApps #FAFSA #CollegeDecisions #comedyshorts #collegebound #WaitlistTips #StudentSuccess #CollegeEssay #collegelife #collegebound2025

FAFSA changes, federal aid reforms, financial aid bills in Congress—families need to understand what these radical proposals mean for college affordability and student loan eligibility. In this episode of College Coffee Talk, college advisors Pearl and Andy Lockwood explain what’s being proposed in Washington—and why it could completely shift how families plan and pay for college. 🎓 You’ll learn: ✔ What’s changing in the FAFSA formula and Pell Grant eligibility ✔ Why these policies may help some families—and hurt others ✔ What parents of Class of 2025+ need to prepare for ✔ How to stay ahead of the financial aid curve 📞 Need help with college admissions? Visit LockwoodCollegePrep.com   #CollegeApplications #CollegeAdmissions #EducationPolicy #FAFSA #FinancialAid #CollegePlanning #StudentLoans #LoanForgiveness #Scholarships #HigherEducation #Parenting #CollegeBound #ClassOf2025 #ACTPrep #SATPrep #Parenting #2025 #DebtRelief #IvyDay #IvyLeague #CollegeRejection #Accepted #CollegeEssay #CollegeApps #FAFSA #CollegeDecisions #comedyshorts #collegebound #WaitlistTips #StudentSuccess #CollegeEssay #collegelife #collegebound2025

Double deposits, college decisions, admissions policies, financial aid penalties—families need to know what really happens when students commit to two colleges. Pearl and Andy Lockwood break down the legal, ethical, and financial dangers of double depositing—and why it could backfire for Class of 2025 students and families navigating college admissions. In this episode: ✔ What double depositing is and why families consider it ✔ Real consequences from colleges if they find out ✔ How it impacts financial aid, enrollment, and credibility ✔ Better decision strategies for uncertain students 📞 Need help with college admissions? Visit LockwoodCollegePrep.com   #CollegeApplications #CollegeAdmissions #EducationPolicy #FAFSA #FinancialAid #CollegePlanning #StudentLoans #LoanForgiveness #Scholarships #HigherEducation #Parenting #CollegeBound #ClassOf2025 #ACTPrep #SATPrep #Parenting #2025 #DebtRelief #IvyDay #IvyLeague #CollegeRejection #Accepted #CollegeEssay #CollegeApps #FAFSA #CollegeDecisions #comedyshorts #collegebound #WaitlistTips #StudentSuccess #CollegeEssay #collegelife #collegebound2025