The Scholarship GPS Podcast: Your Directions to a Debt-Free College Degree

I recently spoke with Sarah, whose daughter, Madeline, won 18 scholarships at her senior awards event. Sarah describes their scholarship journey and how they achieved such great success. ---------- Families often focus on GPA and test scores when it comes to scholarships—but there’s another powerful lever: your student’s college major. In this free, live panel event, master career coach Lisa Marker-Robbins and scholarship strategist Dave Peterson will explain how students who make intentional, well-informed major choices can unlock more merit-based and private scholarship opportunities—and how to jump-start the process so you don’t leave money on the table. You’ll also hear insights from our moderators, Mike Bergin and Amy Seeley, hosts of the Tests and the Rest podcast, as we discuss: ✅How early career exploration improves both college applications and scholarship outcomes ✅What scholarship committees are really looking for—and how your teen can stand out ✅When and how to begin the process before deadlines sneak up ✅Real stories of students who aligned their goals and earned more aid This is a live, interactive session—we’ll take your questions during the event and offer expert guidance you can act on right away. Whether your teen is unsure about their major or already has a goal in mind, this session will help you uncover new financial opportunities you may be missing. Click here to register: https://courses.flourishcoachingco.com/scholarships-majors ---------- This Week's Featured Scholarships: $100,000 Dr. Pepper Tuition Giveaway $5000 Omega Psi Phi Fraternity International Essay Contest $1500 IvyPanda Video Contest Scholarship $1000 Mediation & Conversations Scholarship $1500 Shout It Out Scholarship $5000 Christian Connector Scholarship $50,000 ScholarshipOwl No-Essay Scholarship ---------- Start Your Scholarship Journey Today I worked with Sarah and Madeline through the Scholarship Navigator Program, a comprehensive program designed to jumpstart your student’s scholarship journey and provide invaluable ongoing support. With this program, your student will gain access to a personalized list of scholarships tailored to their unique profile, ensuring they can apply for opportunities that resonate with their passions and experiences. But we don’t stop there! Your student will receive expert guidance on their scholarship applications and essays, including personalized reviews, constructive feedback, and editing assistance from Dave the Scholarship Coach. Both students and parents can take advantage of direct support for all scholarship-related questions, available through email and exclusive client-only Zoom meetings. We offer Scholarship Navigator programs for college students and high school students in the Class of 2026, Class of 2027, as well as for sophomores and freshmen. Empower your student to seize their future—enroll today!

I recently spoke with Rachel Fusco, an educator and mental health professional dedicated to transforming the way we prepare young people for adulthood. Over the past two decades, Rachel has personally supported over a thousand college-bound students in high schools, college access programs, and private admissions consulting. Rachel has shared her expertise as a presenter and trainer for prestigious colleges, private and public high schools, after-school programs, mental health clinics, statewide conferences, and teaches graduate-level counseling courses in Career Counseling, Child and Adolescent Development, and Adolescent Suicidality. Leveraging her background in college admissions, adolescent development, and education as an independent college coach, Rachel works with teens, parents, and schools to transform the way we prepare young people for college. It’s time to geek out, not stress out, about the future. In our conversation, Rachel and I discuss: The impact of brain development on college prep The need to break down college prep into specific tasks How self-awareness reduces student stress when it comes to the college application process Why college prep is stressful and how to reduce the stress How setting parameters (including financial) in the college search reduces a student’s anxiety And much more.. To connect with Rachel, visit rachelfusco.com. ---------- Families often focus on GPA and test scores when it comes to scholarships—but there’s another powerful lever: your student’s college major. In this free, live panel event, master career coach Lisa Marker-Robbins and scholarship strategist Dave Peterson will explain how students who make intentional, well-informed major choices can unlock more merit-based and private scholarship opportunities—and how to jump-start the process so you don’t leave money on the table. You’ll also hear insights from our moderators, Mike Bergin and Amy Seeley, hosts of the Tests and the Rest podcast, as we discuss: ✅How early career exploration improves both college applications and scholarship outcomes ✅What scholarship committees are really looking for—and how your teen can stand out ✅When and how to begin the process before deadlines sneak up ✅Real stories of students who aligned their goals and earned more aid This is a live, interactive session—we’ll take your questions during the event and offer expert guidance you can act on right away. Whether your teen is unsure about their major or already has a goal in mind, this session will help you uncover new financial opportunities you may be missing. Click here to register: https://courses.flourishcoachingco.com/scholarships-majors ---------- This Week's Featured Scholarships: $25,000 NHS Scholarship $1000 Buckfire Law Disability Scholarship $2500 Home Depot Path to Pro Construction Careers Scholarship $1000 Outstanding Citizen Scholarship $1000 Empowering Others Scholarship $1000 ScholarshipOwl No-Essay Scholarship $2000 Autumn Apple Choice Award No-Essay Scholarship

In this week's episode, you will hear from Talon and his mom, Audria, and Victoria and her mom, Nicole. These students have earned over $300,000 in scholarships (so far)! They share their insights into how they did it, and give inspiration for others to follow in their footsteps. ---------- Check out the Scholarship Navigator Programs: For Current College Students For the High School Class of 2026 For the High School Class of 2027 For High School Freshmen & Sophomores ---------- If your student is unclear on their future plans, my friend Lisa has a free 2-minute quiz to see if it’s the right time to start planning. ..this quiz is your first step toward helping them launch with clarity and purpose. What you'll get: ✔️ A clear understanding of your young person’s current stage of career development ✔️ A personalized next step based on where they are now ✔️ FREE access to our Career Clarity Roadmap to move your family forward So, click here to take the 2-minute career readiness quiz today: https://courses.flourishcoachingco.com/a/2148004629/PLHdxFCx ---------- Save $50 off J&J Test Prep’s SAT Intensive program with code SCHOLARSHIPGPS50 at this link only. ---------- This Week's Featured Scholarships: $10,000 Merit Scholarship Program $2500 Andijar & Levine Community Service Scholarship $3000 Help to Save Scholarship $1000 Building Bridges Scholarship $2000 Autumn Apple Choice Scholarship $2000 Smarter College Scholarship

I recently spoke with Luanne Lee, Owner of Your College Planning Coach. Luanne has undergone extensive licensing and training as a College Financial Planning Specialist and for the past 15+ years has devoted her practice to providing financial education and efficient solutions to families maneuvering through the complex process of planning and funding for college without jeopardizing their retirement goals. In our conversation, Luanne and I discuss: The maximum amount of money a student can borrow without their parents (or another cosigner) Whether the recent changes to student loans will make it easier or harder to get loans Whether the changes to student loans will lower the cost of college The importance of applying for outside scholarships early and often The impact of changes on families with students currently in college The impact of changes on families with college-bound high school students How the changes to student loans can leave students without a source to pay for college years 3 and 4 Changes to the repayment structure of student loans (for both existing and new student loans) And much more… To connect with Luanne and learn more about how she works with students and families, go to ycpcoach.com. ---------- Click here to take the free 2-minute career readiness quiz from Launch Career Clarity ---------- Save $50 off J&J Test Prep’s SAT Intensive program with code SCHOLARSHIPGPS50 at this link only. ---------- This Week's Featured Scholarships:   $25,000 Chick-fil-A Community Scholars Program $1000 Gen and Kelly Tanabe Giving Back Scholarship $1000 Courage to Grow Scholarship $2000 Be The Boss Scholarship Smarter College Scholarship ---------- Scholarship opportunities don't end at high school graduation. Click here to get the FREE Scholarship Guide for Current College Students emailed to you: https://www.scholarshipgps.com/collegescholarships ---------- Subscribe to our free newsletter, Your Daily Scholarship, here: https://nodebtcollege.substack.com/

I recently spoke with Jackie Pollina of J&J Test Prep and No B.S. SAT® Prep. In our conversation, Jackie and I discussed: What the PSAT is, when to take it, and its predictive power for SAT scores The National Merit Scholarship, and how to qualify for it Balancing test prep with school, extracurriculars, and life Recent changes to the SAT and how that affects test prep How reading improves test scores And much more… Jackie has kindly offered my listeners $50 off the Digital SAT® Intensive Course. Use code SCHOLARSHIPGPS50 at checkout at this link: https://www.jjtestprep.com/satintensive-scholarshipgps She is also offer $25 off the PSAT® Intensive Course. Use code PSATSCHOLARSHIPGPS at checkout at this link: https://www.jjtestprep.com/psatintensive-scholarshipgps ---------- Scholarship GPS is on Facebook! Join the group that matches your student’s year in school: Class of 2025 Class of 2026 Class of 2027 Class of 2028 Class of 2029 ---------- To find out more about how Lisa and Flourish Coaching work with students like yours to help them gain clarity on their future college major and career, click here: https://courses.flourishcoachingco.com/a/2148004629/PLHdxFCx ---------- This Week's Featured Scholarships: $2500 Beauty & Wellness Professionals Scholarship $2500 Leaders Save Lives Scholarship $2500 Bright Futures Scholarship $2000 Banks Family Scholarship $8000 Regions Riding Forward Scholarship $5000 Christian College Scholarship $2000 Smarter College A Better Financial Future Scholarship ---------- Scholarship opportunities don't end at high school graduation. Click here to get the FREE Scholarship Guide for Current College Students emailed to you: https://www.scholarshipgps.com/collegescholarships ---------- Subscribe to our free newsletter, Your Daily Scholarship, here: https://nodebtcollege.substack.com/

I recently spoke with Dr. Kellie Coppi of Say Yes to the Ess-ay. With nearly two decades of experience in college application coaching, Dr. Coppi provides expert guidance tailored to each student's unique needs. Dr. Coppi's background in higher education ensures that she understands the nuances of crafting compelling admissions essays. In our conversation, Dr. Coppi and I discussed: Why high-stats students get rejected from colleges Where Class of 2026 students need to be RIGHT NOW in their college admissions process Why “good writers” often struggle with college admissions essays The importance of a college’s culture when deciding where to apply The importance of admissions essays for students with modest academic records To connect with Dr. Coppi, go to https://sayyestotheessaywithdrcoppi.com or connect with her on Facebook. ---------- Scholarship GPS is on Facebook! Join the group that matches your student’s year in school: Class of 2025 Class of 2026 Class of 2027 Class of 2028 Class of 2029 ---------- To find out more about how Lisa and Flourish Coaching work with students like yours to help them gain clarity on their future college major and career, click here: https://courses.flourishcoachingco.com/a/2148004629/PLHdxFCx ---------- This Week's Featured Scholarships: Gates Scholarship QuestBridge Full-Ride Scholarship Be a Friend Project Scholarship Make Me Laugh Scholarship $1000 Appily Easy Money No-Essay Scholarship $35,000 VFW Voice of Democracy Contest ---------- Get one-on-one support for your scholarship applications with the Navigator Program! The Scholarship Navigator Program includes: Review, feedback, and editing of your scholarships essay. Access to the Scholarship GPS video course, which includes a lesson on the Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship. A custom list of scholarships for your student to apply for, based on their unique profile. Online support for your scholarship questions. Click here to learn more and sign up today: Class of 2026 Scholarship Navigator Class of 2027 Scholarship Navigator ---------- Subscribe to our free newsletter, Your Daily Scholarship, here: https://nodebtcollege.substack.com/

I recently spoke with Warren Buck of Future Finders. Warren’s background as a teacher and principal informs his work today, helping students with college and career planning. In our conversation, Warren and I discussed: The proper use of AI in college planning and essays How to build a weighted college list that works for your teen The importance of including your budget in your college planning process How scholarships can open additional college options Why high stats are not enough to secure admissions and scholarships, and how to stand out with your applications Future planning for both college-bound and non-college-bound students To connect with Warren, go to futurefindersllc.com Today's video is also available on YouTube. ---------- To find out more about how Lisa and Flourish Coaching work with students like yours to help them gain clarity on their future college major and career, click here: https://courses.flourishcoachingco.com/a/2148004629/PLHdxFCx ---------- This Week's Featured Scholarships: $20,000 Coca-Cola Scholarship $4000 10x Digital Marketing Scholarship $10,000 Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award Weekender: $1300 CollegeXpress Back-to-School Scholarship ---------- Get one-on-one support for your scholarship applications with the Class of 2026 Scholarship Navigator Program! The Class of 2026 Scholarship Navigator Program includes: Review, feedback, and editing of your scholarships essay. Access to the Scholarship GPS video course, which includes a lesson on the Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship. A custom list of scholarships for your Class of 2026 student to apply for, based on their unique profile. Online support for your scholarship questions. Click here to learn more and sign up today: https://www.scholarshipgps.com/2026navigator ---------- Subscribe to our free newsletter, Your Daily Scholarship, here: https://nodebtcollege.substack.com/

At RISE, they redefine academic excellence by empowering ambitious students through personalized mentorship and transformative educational opportunities. Recognizing that young scholars need more than traditional learning, they connect them with mentors from Oxbridge and Ivy League colleges. Their tailored programs in research, interview preparation, and academic tutoring nurture curiosity, build essential skills, and inspire the next generation of leaders and innovators. Yash Mundada came through the UK’s grammar school system and later cracked India’s toughest engineering entrance exams. Along the way, he kept noticing a pattern: incredibly talented students were missing out on research opportunities simply because they didn’t have the right access. That’s why he and his partner started RISE Research. Click here to learn more about RISE Global Education, and be sure to tell them you heard this interview to get a discount! ---------- To find out more about how Lisa and Flourish Coaching work with students like yours to help them gain clarity on their future college major and career, click here: https://courses.flourishcoachingco.com/a/2148004629/PLHdxFCx ---------- This Week's Featured Scholarships: $3000 Asbestos.com Scholarship $5000 Workamajig’s Creative Impact Scholarship Lumiere Scholars Essay Award $30,000 Elk's Most Valuable Student Scholarship Weekender: $1000 No Essay Scholarship ---------- Get one-on-one support for your scholarship applications with the Class of 2026 Scholarship Navigator Program! The Class of 2026 Scholarship Navigator Program includes: Review, feedback, and editing of your scholarships essay. Access to the Scholarship GPS video course, which includes a lesson on the Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship. A custom list of scholarships for your Class of 2026 student to apply for, based on their unique profile. Online support for your scholarship questions. Click here to learn more and sign up today: https://www.scholarshipgps.com/2026navigator ---------- Subscribe to our free newsletter, Your Daily Scholarship, here: https://nodebtcollege.substack.com/

Every year, more than half of the students I work with who apply for the Voice of Democracy Scholarship earn prizes through this incredible program. In today's episode, we will hear from VFW Programs Director, Lynn Rolfe, about this fantastic opportunity. Plus, he shares information about their program for middle school students, Patriots' Pen! I would love to work with your student on this and their other scholarship entries. The Scholarship Navigator Program provides personalized assistance with your student’s scholarship essays. I go through as many rounds of review and feedback as needed. Plus, students get a customized list of scholarships that match their unique profile. These are just some of the benefits of the Scholarship Navigator Program. Go to www.ScholarshipGPS.com/services to learn more.  ---------- Is your young person ready to make confident decisions about their college major, training path, or career? Or are they stuck, overwhelmed, or simply unsure what comes next? Click the link to take the 2-minute career readiness quiz to find out if now is the right time for your young person to start exploring their career and college major plans: https://courses.flourishcoachingco.com/a/2148004629/PLHdxFCx ---------- Did you know that when our kids turn 18, we lose the legal ability to help them in medical and financial emergencies? If your child is turning 18, whether they are going away to college or remaining at home, please consider getting a Power of Attorney in place. You can use my discount code, ScholarshipCoach20, to take 20% off the total price at Mama Bear Legal Forms. ---------- This Week's Featured Scholarships: $1000 Entrepreneur Scholarship $1000 RealtyHop Scholarship $1000 Achieve Today Scholarship $1000 Future Educator Scholarship Dream Vacation Scholarship $35,000 Voice of Democracy Scholarship Weekender: $5000 Christian College Scholarship ---------- Unlock your student's potential with the Scholarship Navigator Program, a comprehensive program designed to jumpstart their scholarship journey and provide invaluable ongoing support. With our program, your student will gain access to a personalized list of scholarships tailored to their unique profile, ensuring they can apply for opportunities that resonate with their passions and experiences. But we don’t stop there! Your student will receive expert guidance on their scholarship applications and essays, including personalized reviews, constructive feedback, and editing assistance from Dave the Scholarship Coach. Both students and parents can take advantage of direct support for all scholarship-related questions, available through email and exclusive client-only Zoom meetings. We proudly offer Scholarship Navigator programs for college students and high school students in the Class of 2026, Class of 2027, as well as for sophomores and freshmen. Empower your student to seize their future—enroll today! ---------- Subscribe to our free newsletter, Your Daily Scholarship, here: https://nodebtcollege.substack.com/

Did you know that high school students can do college-level research that may actually be published in academic journals? That’s where Horizon comes in. Horizon Academic Research Program was founded in 2016 to give a platform to the world’s best young researchers. Horizon was founded by Columbia University alums with a strong belief in how early access to research can shape the lives of future leaders. Over the last 8 years, Horizon has worked with 1000+ students and 100+ instructors from over 30 countries. I spoke with Dr. Sarah Carlo, Program Director at Horizon. In our conversation, we discussed: The benefits of doing academic research as a high school student How college-level research differs from most “research” done at the high school level The types of research opportunities open to high school students How a research project can help with college admissions and scholarships And much more… Click here to learn more about Horizon, and be sure to tell them you heard this interview to get a discount! https://horizoninspires.com/ ---------- To find out more about how Lisa and Flourish Coaching work with students like yours to help them gain clarity on their future college major and career, click here: https://courses.flourishcoachingco.com/a/2148004629/PLHdxFCx ---------- This Week's Featured Scholarships: Driver Education Initiative Award Scholarship $1000 GBV Service Scholarship $1000 Care Throughout the Ages Scholarship $1000 Who Inspires You Scholarship $1000 Cyberbullying Awareness Scholarship Weekender: $1000 No Essay Scholarship ---------- Unlock your student's potential with the Scholarship Navigator Program, a comprehensive program designed to jumpstart their scholarship journey and provide invaluable ongoing support. With our program, your student will gain access to a personalized list of scholarships tailored to their unique profile, ensuring they can apply for opportunities that resonate with their passions and experiences. But we don’t stop there! Your student will receive expert guidance on their scholarship applications and essays, including personalized reviews, constructive feedback, and editing assistance from Dave the Scholarship Coach. Both students and parents can take advantage of direct support for all scholarship-related questions, available through email and exclusive client-only Zoom meetings. We proudly offer Scholarship Navigator programs for college students and high school students in the Class of 2026, Class of 2027, as well as for sophomores and freshmen. Empower your student to seize their future—enroll today! ---------- Subscribe to our free newsletter, Your Daily Scholarship, here: https://nodebtcollege.substack.com/

Macayla is a first-year college student who has earned multiple scholarships. She jumpstarted her scholarship journey as one of my Class of 2024 scholarship coaching students. Macayla and her mom, Leslie, share their thoughts on how having success with scholarships is a process, the benefits of scholarships beyond the money for college, and much more. Listen to my interview with Macayla and her mom, Leslie, to hear their tips and suggestions for students on their own scholarship journey. ---------- Did you know that when our kids turn 18, we lose the legal ability to help them in medical and financial emergencies? If your child is turning 18, whether they are going away to college or remaining at home, please consider getting a Power of Attorney in place. You can use my discount code, ScholarshipCoach20, to take 20% off the total price at Mama Bear Legal Forms. ---------- This Week's Featured Scholarships: Underdog Scholarship $2,000 No Essay Scholarship Capital Auto Auction STEM Scholarship $2500 SoFi Scholarship Giveaway CollegeXpress Scholarship Sweepstakes ---------- Unlock your student's potential with the Scholarship Navigator Program, a comprehensive program designed to jumpstart their scholarship journey and provide invaluable ongoing support. With our program, your student will gain access to a personalized list of scholarships tailored to their unique profile, ensuring they can apply for opportunities that resonate with their passions and experiences. But we don’t stop there! Your student will receive expert guidance on their scholarship applications and essays, including personalized reviews, constructive feedback, and editing assistance from Dave the Scholarship Coach. Both students and parents can take advantage of direct support for all scholarship-related questions, available through email and exclusive client-only Zoom meetings. We proudly offer Scholarship Navigator programs for college students and high school students in the Class of 2026, Class of 2027, as well as for sophomores and freshmen. Empower your student to seize their future—enroll today! ---------- Subscribe to our free newsletter, Your Daily Scholarship, here: https://nodebtcollege.substack.com/

I recently spoke with Katie Azevedo of School Habits. Having taught in both public and private school systems, Katie has seen firsthand how our students are expected to learn, but they are rarely given the tools or strategies to do so. Since 2006, she has personally coached thousands of students, one-on-one, on standardized tests (SAT/ACT, SSAT, GRE), application essays, study skills, executive functions, and writing and reading instruction. Katie works with students in grade 6 through graduate school, as well as adults looking to further their work productivity habits. In our conversation, Katie explains what studying IS and what studying IS NOT. She provides ideas to help students improve their study habits and also discusses how studying in college often differs from the study skills that may have worked in high school. Katie also talks about some of the systems that students need in place to support their study habits. And Katie even tells us about the most overlooked skill that students need for success - and that skill may surprise you! You can access her free training, How to Help Your Student Handle School Like a Pro Without Study Frustration, Assignment Overwhelm, or All the Drama, here: https://www.schoolhabitsuniversity.com/freetraining Finally, please check out Katie’s fantastic podcast, Learn and Work Smarter. ---------- Did you know that when our kids turn 18, we lose the legal ability to help them in medical and financial emergencies? If your child is turning 18, whether they are going away to college or remaining at home, please consider getting a Power of Attorney in place. You can use my discount code, ScholarshipCoach20, to take 20% off the total price at Mama Bear Legal Forms. ---------- This Week's Featured Scholarships: $1000 Strong Work Ethic Scholarship $1500 Flavor of the Month Scholarship $1000 MoolahSPOT Scholarship $1000 Courage to Grow Scholarship $2000 Bachus & Schanker Scholarship $1000 Appily Easy Money Scholarship ---------- Unlock your student's potential with the Scholarship Navigator Program, a comprehensive program designed to jumpstart their scholarship journey and provide invaluable ongoing support. With our program, your student will gain access to a personalized list of scholarships tailored to their unique profile, ensuring they can apply for opportunities that resonate with their passions and experiences. But we don’t stop there! Your student will receive expert guidance on their scholarship applications and essays, including personalized reviews, constructive feedback, and editing assistance from Dave the Scholarship Coach. Both students and parents can take advantage of direct support for all scholarship-related questions, available through email and exclusive client-only Zoom meetings. We proudly offer Scholarship Navigator programs for college students and high school students in the Class of 2026, Class of 2027, as well as for sophomores and freshmen. Empower your student to seize their future—enroll today!   ---------- Subscribe to our free newsletter, Your Daily Scholarship, here: https://nodebtcollege.substack.com/  

I recently spoke with Vida John of Vida John Tutoring. Vida is dedicated to helping motivated students excel in math problem-solving and competition math. She uses the Art of Problem Solving curriculum to help students understand, develop, and use their problem-solving techniques for math success! In our conversation, Vida and I discussed: Some of the  not-so-obvious benefits of participating in math competitions Similar competitions or organizations for students interested in things besides math, like history, writing, or other academic pursuits How participating in these types of organizations or competitions helps when it comes to college admissions A unique scholarship opportunity To connect with Vida, go to vidajohntutoring.com ---------- Did you know that when our kids turn 18, we lose the legal ability to help them in medical and financial emergencies? If your child is turning 18, whether they are going away to college or remaining at home, please consider getting a Power of Attorney in place. You can use my discount code, ScholarshipCoach20, to take 20% off the total price at Mama Bear Legal Forms. ---------- This Week's Featured Scholarships: Gen and Kelly Tanabe Think About Your Future Scholarship (You can order the Tanabe's fantastic scholarship book here) $2500 Build a Better Future Scholarship $1500 “First Step” to Distraction-Free Driving Scholarship World's Only Minecraft Scholarship $1000 Conflict Conquerer Scholarship CollegeXpress No Essay Scholarship ---------- It’s not too late to join the Scholarship Summer Camp. Click here to get started today: https://www.scholarshipgps.com/summercamp ---------- Subscribe to our free newsletter, Your Daily Scholarship, here: https://nodebtcollege.substack.com/  

Many students want to pursue an internship, but struggle to find one that aligns with their interests. That’s where Ladder Internships comes in. I recently spoke with Rachel Berkower of Ladder Internships. In our conversation, we discussed: What kind of students are the best fit for Ladder Internships The types of internships that are available How Ladder Internships help students in their college application and beyond And much more… To learn more about Ladder Internships, click here: https://www.ladderinternships.com/ Be sure to tell them you heard this interview to save 10%! ---------- Did you know that when our kids turn 18, we lose the legal ability to help them in medical and financial emergencies? If your child is turning 18, whether they are going away to college or remaining at home, please consider getting a Power of Attorney in place. You can use my discount code, ScholarshipCoach20, to take 20% off the total price at Mama Bear Legal Forms. ---------- This Week's Featured Scholarships: $1000 KB Delta College Scholarship $1500 Financial Empowerment Scholarship $2000 GeneTex Scholarship $2000 Office Chairs Unlimited Scholarship $2000 HireAHelper Skilled Trade & Technology Scholarship $5000 Christian College Scholarship ---------- Subscribe to our free newsletter, Your Daily Scholarship, here: https://nodebtcollege.substack.com/  

I recently spoke with Maggie Finn and Jacklyn Angell of Summit Academic Support. In our conversation, we discussed: The biggest mistake students make when writing their college essays—and how they can avoid it. How students can make their college essay stand out, even if they don’t have a “dramatic” story to tell Common myth about college essays. How students can find their unique voice when writing their essays. Some of Maggie and Jacklyn’s favorite transformation stories of working with students. What should families look for when choosing someone to help with college essays. To connect with Maggie and Jacklyn, go to https://www.summitacademicsupport.com/ ---------- I have long said that scholarships give students and parents freedom. But, scholarships also give them power. It’s never too early to begin a student’s scholarship journey, and it’s only too late if the student has graduated from college. If you would like to begin your scholarship journey, check out the Scholarship Navigator Program for the Class of 2026, or for the Class of 2027, or for the Class of 2028. Go to www.ScholarshipGPS.com/services to find the right program for your student. ---------- This Week's Featured Scholarships: $1000 DRS Gabe Jenks Memorial Scholarship $2500 Mesothelioma Cancer Victims Memorial Scholarship $1000 Footsteps to Your Future Fall Scholarship $1000 Law Office of Philip R. Nathe Scholarship Weekender: $1000 No Essay Scholarship ---------- Subscribe to our free newsletter, Your Daily Scholarship, here: https://nodebtcollege.substack.com/  

I recently spoke with Steve Tapper of Tapper College Counseling. In our conversation, we discussed: The workflow that Steve uses to help students through the entire college admissions process. College list-building strategies and considerations Types of college fit: academic, social, and financial Resources for building a college list To connect with Steve, go to tappercollegecounseling.com. Steve offers 30-minute complimentary meeting and works with families across the US. Steve is sharing his college planning chart for grades 9-12. You can download the chart for free here: https://www.tappercollegecounseling.com/home#chart Steve is so in demand that his Class of 2026 cohort is filled. However, Steve is taking new students for the Class of 2027 and after. ---------- Click here to read "Good Friends Don’t Necessarily Make Good Roommates" by Karen Dentler ---------- Scholarships for the Classes of 2028 and 2029! Starting your scholarship journey as a high school freshman or sophomore provides your student with many advantages, including: Getting a head start with scholarships compared to their peers - I’ve had freshmen win $2500 scholarships and sophomores win $5000 scholarships! More opportunities to earn scholarships Resume enhancement (a scholarship win on a resume looks great!) Improved writing skills (needed to do well in college!) Preparation for the huge scholarships open during senior year Great practice for the college admissions process The opportunity to build a set of re-usable essays for future scholarship applications And much more However, most families struggle with the scholarship process, which is why we are proud to introduce… The Scholarship Navigator Program for High School Freshmen and Sophomores This program includes: Monthly webinars: A new topic or scholarship will be covered in depth during these live webinars. Plus, time will be allotted for Q&A. Online Support: You'll have direct email access to Dave The Scholarship Coach, a seasoned expert in the field. Dave is here to help you navigate the complex world of scholarships and get your questions answered! A custom list of scholarships for which your Class of 2028 or Class of 2029 grad is eligible. Your student’s custom list will include a minimum of 20 scholarships, including national and local scholarships (if local scholarships are available) and a mix of small and large scholarships. Personalized help with up to three scholarship applications & essays each month. These can be any scholarships of your choice, not just scholarships from your custom list. (Please allow three business days for feedback on your scholarship essays, projects, and applications.) Access to the Scholarship GPS Course, where students can learn best practices for scholarship success. Lessons include: How/Where to find scholarships, application and essay best practices, sample scholarship-winning essays, and much more. To learn more, go to https://www.scholarshipgps.com/scholarship-navigator-for-high-school-freshmen-sophomores ---------- This Week's Featured Scholarships: $1000 Crowder Law Firm Scholarship $5000 Hearts for Community Scholarship $1000 Elite Lawyer Scholarship $1000 Video Scholarship Appily Easy Money No-Essay Scholarship ---------- Subscribe to our free newsletter, Your Daily Scholarship, here: https://nodebtcollege.substack.com/  

Start your scholarship journey this summer with the Scholarship Summer Camp. Your student will learn the skills needed for scholarship success by applying for real scholarships, including a $35,000 scholarship capstone project! Every Monday through Thursday, a new, pre-recorded lesson will be released. On Thursday evenings, we will be live (but recorded for future viewing), discussing the week's lessons and taking Q&A. This online program provides both on-demand and live learning opportunities. Best of all your student will apply for real scholarships during the course of the camp! In fact, your student will apply for scholarships offering more than $40,000 in potential winnings! The Scholarship Summer Camp starts June 2, 2025, and runs for 6 weeks. Here’s an overview of what will be covered each week: Week 1: The Basics: The tools, documents, and resources you need for scholarship success. Week 2: Your Personal Narrative: Learn how to build your Personal Narrative, a key component for scholarship success. Week 3: Finding The Right Scholarships For You: Learn where to look and how to determine which scholarships are the best ones to apply for. Week 4: Why Do You Deserve To Win This Scholarship? (Apply for a Real Scholarship This Week!) Week 5: Topical Scholarships (Apply for Another Real Scholarship This Week!) Week 6: $35,000 Capstone Scholarship Project! The Scholarship Summer Camp is for high school students in the Classes of 2026, 2027, 2028, and 2029. Click here to register today: https://www.scholarshipgps.com/summercamp ---------- This Week's Featured Scholarships: $1000 MyBioSource Inc. Scholarship for STEM Majors $1000 Supporting STEM Scholarship $1500 SAR Youth Video Contest (For Grades 6-12) $1000 Educational Scholarship $2000 Zac Zolin Scholarship $1000 Double A Solutions Scholarship ---------- Subscribe to our free newsletter, Your Daily Scholarship, here: https://nodebtcollege.substack.com/

I recently spoke with Sam Bernstein, co-founder of Loper, a free mobile app designed to help students explore and discover their best educational opportunities after high school. The inspiration for Loper came out of the pandemic, where “life on pause” led to two college friends (Sam and his co-founder Eric) spending long nights discussing their shared passion: education. Fast forward two years and they quit their jobs to launch Loper, which has now helped nearly 200,000 students find best-fit opportunities after high school. Since founding Loper Sam has spoken at nearly a dozen industry conferences, and he always loves the opportunity to present to both students and parents on college and career readiness. Sam lives in Chicago, loves to bike, and (so far) has kept up with his 2025 resolution to read more fiction. In our conversation, Sam and I discussed: How students can use the Loper app to discover their best fit college How parents can use the app to help their student better manage the college planning process How counselors can use Loper to help their students with the college process And much more… To learn more about Loper, go to getloper.com or download the app for free. ---------- Start your scholarship journey this summer with the Scholarship Summer Camp. Your student will learn the skills needed for scholarship success by applying for real scholarships, including a $35,000 scholarship capstone project! Every Monday through Thursday, a new, pre-recorded lesson will be released. On Thursday evenings, we will be live (but recorded for future viewing), discussing the week's lessons and taking Q&A. This online program provides both on-demand and live learning opportunities. Best of all your student will apply for real scholarships during the course of the camp! In fact, your student will apply for scholarships offering more than $40,000 in potential winnings! The Scholarship Summer Camp starts June 2, 2025, and runs for 6 weeks. Here’s an overview of what will be covered each week: Week 1: The Basics: The tools, documents, and resources you need for scholarship success. Week 2: Your Personal Narrative: Learn how to build your Personal Narrative, a key component for scholarship success. Week 3: Finding The Right Scholarships For You: Learn where to look and how to determine which scholarships are the best ones to apply for. Week 4: Why Do You Deserve To Win This Scholarship? (Apply for a Real Scholarship This Week!) Week 5: Topical Scholarships (Apply for Another Real Scholarship This Week!) Week 6: $35,000 Capstone Scholarship Project! The Scholarship Summer Camp is for high school students in the Classes of 2026, 2027, 2028, and 2029. Click here to register today: https://www.scholarshipgps.com/summercamp ---------- This Week's Featured Scholarships: $1000 Safe Driving Scholarship $1000 Impact on the Community Scholarship $1000 Altruism + All Good Deeds Scholarship $1000 MyBioSource Inc. Scholarship for All Majors $2000 TikTok vs. Instagram Scholarship ---------- Subscribe to our free newsletter, Your Daily Scholarship, here: https://nodebtcollege.substack.com/

Avery is a first-year college student who has earned multiple scholarships. She started her scholarship journey when she participated in the Scholarship Summer Camp a few summers ago. This week, Avery shares her tips and suggestions for students on their own scholarship journey. ---------- Start your scholarship journey this summer with the Scholarship Summer Camp. Your student will learn the skills needed for scholarship success by applying for real scholarships, including a $35,000 scholarship capstone project! Every Monday through Thursday, a new, pre-recorded lesson will be released. On Thursday evenings, we will be live (but recorded for future viewing), discussing the week's lessons and taking Q&A. This online program provides both on-demand and live learning opportunities. Best of all your student will apply for real scholarships during the course of the camp! In fact, your student will apply for scholarships offering more than $40,000 in potential winnings! The Scholarship Summer Camp starts June 2, 2025, and runs for 6 weeks. Here’s an overview of what will be covered each week: Week 1: The Basics: The tools, documents, and resources you need for scholarship success. Week 2: Your Personal Narrative: Learn how to build your Personal Narrative, a key component for scholarship success. Week 3: Finding The Right Scholarships For You: Learn where to look and how to determine which scholarships are the best ones to apply for. Week 4: Why Do You Deserve To Win This Scholarship? (Apply for a Real Scholarship This Week!) Week 5: Topical Scholarships (Apply for Another Real Scholarship This Week!) Week 6: $35,000 Capstone Scholarship Project! The Scholarship Summer Camp is for high school students in the Classes of 2026, 2027, 2028, and 2029. Click here to register today: https://www.scholarshipgps.com/summercamp ---------- This Week's Featured Scholarships: $2500 What Will Be Your Trademark? Scholarship $1000 Abbott & Fenner Scholarship $2500 How I Make My Community Great Scholarship $2500 Marcus W. Viles Community Growth Scholarship Big Sun Scholarship for Athletes Weekender: $5000 Christian College Scholarship ---------- Subscribe to our free newsletter, Your Daily Scholarship, here: https://nodebtcollege.substack.com/  

I recently spoke with Brian Eufinger of Edison Prep. Brian graduated with honors from Washington University in St. Louis in May 2004 and a Healthcare MBA in 2006. He serves as a founding board member of the National Test Prep Association and is an Associate member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association. More recently, he represents Edison Prep in a consortium of four tutoring companies that created Assessiv, an online digital SAT practice platform that Edison Prep students and students nationwide use. In our conversation, Brian and I discussed: Why, in many situations, “Test-Optional” is a lie How test scores can result in tens of thousands of dollars in merit aid How Brian supplemented merit aid with private scholarships The opportunity cost of failing to prepare for standardized tests and applying for scholarships Why GPA is ‘sacred’ Merit Aid Grids - the easy-to-use, free website to find out how much your student can receive in scholarships based on their GPA and test score And much more… To connect with Brian and learn about their approach to SAT and ACT Prep, and to get a special discount, click here: https://edisonprep.com/scholarshipgps/ ---------- If your child is turning 18, whether they are going away to college or remaining at home, please consider getting a Power of Attorney in place. You can use my discount code, ScholarshipCoach, to take 20% off the total price at Mama Bear Legal Forms: https://www.mamabearlegalforms.com/youngadult?oid=1&affid=44 ---------- Start your scholarship journey this summer with the Scholarship Summer Camp. Your student will learn the skills needed for scholarship success by applying for real scholarships, including a $35,000 scholarship capstone project! Every Monday through Thursday, a new, pre-recorded lesson will be released. On Thursday evenings, we will be live (but recorded for future viewing), discussing the week's lessons and taking Q&A. This online program provides both on-demand and live learning opportunities. Best of all your student will apply for real scholarships during the course of the camp! In fact, your student will apply for scholarships offering more than $40,000 in potential winnings! The Scholarship Summer Camp starts June 2, 2025, and runs for 6 weeks. Here’s an overview of what will be covered each week: Week 1: The Basics: The tools, documents, and resources you need for scholarship success. Week 2: Your Personal Narrative: Learn how to build your Personal Narrative, a key component for scholarship success. Week 3: Finding The Right Scholarships For You: Learn where to look and how to determine which scholarships are the best ones to apply for. Week 4: Why Do You Deserve To Win This Scholarship? (Apply for a Real Scholarship This Week!) Week 5: Topical Scholarships (Apply for Another Real Scholarship This Week!) Week 6: $35,000 Capstone Scholarship Project! The Scholarship Summer Camp is for high school students in the Classes of 2026, 2027, 2028, and 2029. Click here to register today: https://www.scholarshipgps.com/summercamp ---------- This Week's Featured Scholarships: Jane Austen Society of North America Essay Contests $10,000 Maude and Alexander Hadden Scholarship Scholarship $1000 Stand Up to Distracted Driving Scholarship $1000 Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest Weekender: $1000 No Essay Scholarship ---------- Subscribe to our free newsletter, Your Daily Scholarship, here: https://nodebtcollege.substack.com/