Getting In: A College Coach Conversation

In this episode, host Kyra Tyler welcomes new voices and familiar experts to explore what happens both before and after students hit "submit" on their college applications.   First, finance expert Gina Valerius makes her podcast debut and shares her background before diving into one of the most important aspects of the college search: financial fit. Gina discusses why students should evaluate colleges not only for academic and social fit, but also for affordability. She explains the difference between a college's sticker price and its net price, highlights how financial aid policies can vary dramatically from one institution to another, and encourages families not to assume they won't qualify for aid.   Next, college coaches Jay Bonham and Serena Frisina pull back the curtain on the application review process. They break down common admission evaluation models, including territory management versus committee-based review, and answer questions many applicants have: How many people actually read an application? How are applications assigned to admission officers? And how do colleges arrive at final decisions? Their discussion provides valuable insight into what happens behind the scenes after students click submit.   To close the episode, college coach Karin Sherer joins the podcast for the first time to share her professional background and discuss a question many seniors face after early application deadlines: "Now what?" Karin offers advice on taking a well-deserved break while staying engaged in the process, explains why students should regularly monitor the email address used on their applications, and emphasizes the importance of accessing and checking each college's applicant portal for updates, missing materials, and important next steps.

Join host Dina Birmingham for an episode focused on life after your undergraduate career by thinking about preparing for graduate school and understanding the financial realities of advanced degrees.   In the first segment, Dina welcomes Career Counselor Ari Emanuel-Wright for her first appearance on the podcast. Ari shares her professional background and the experiences that led her to join Bright Horizons College Coach before diving into the topic of exploring and preparing for graduate school as an undergraduate. She discusses how students can determine whether graduate school is the right next step, when to begin researching programs, and what factors to consider when evaluating options. Ari also compares the graduate admission process to undergraduate admissions, highlighting key similarities and important differences. In addition, she explains the critical role that letters of recommendation can play in an application and offers advice on how students can build meaningful relationships with professors, supervisors, and mentors who may ultimately serve as references.   Next, finance expert Jennifer Willcox breaks down the often-complicated process of paying for graduate and professional school. Jennifer explains how the FAFSA remains an important part of the financial aid process, but notes that graduate and professional students are generally considered independent for federal aid purposes and therefore do not report parent financial information. She also discusses why some highly selective programs may still request family financial information through their own institutional forms. The conversation explores strategies for building and maintaining strong credit before borrowing for graduate education, as well as the funding realities across different fields of study.   The episode concludes with the latest installment of the podcast's "Traditions" series, featuring College Coaches Jacci Yin and Christine Kenyon. In her first appearance on the podcast, Jacci shares her background before joining Bright Horizons College Coach, including her experience as both a student and an employee at Scripps College. Christine reflects on her time working at Babson College, and together they explore the traditions, campus culture, and distinctive characteristics that help shape the student experience at their respective institutions. Their stories offer listeners a fun and insightful look at how college communities create lasting memories for students.

Join host Ian Fisher for a special episode devoted entirely to insights from the recent NACAC Conference in Minneapolis. Ian is joined by College Coaches Kyra Tyler and Abigail Anderson as they reflect on thought-provoking discussions from one of the most influential gatherings in college admissions.   A central theme throughout the episode is authenticity, a word that appears frequently in college admissions advice but is often misunderstood. Ian, Kyra, and Abigail discuss what admissions professionals actually mean when they encourage students to be authentic, and why some families mistakenly interpret authenticity as a strategy rather than a genuine reflection of who a student is. The conversation examines how students can present themselves honestly and effectively without feeling pressured to fit a particular mold or create a version of themselves they think colleges want to see.   Whether you're preparing college applications, supporting a student through the admissions process, or simply curious about the latest conversations shaping higher education, this special NACAC recap offers valuable perspectives from experienced admissions professionals on some of today's most important application topics.

Join host Kyra Tyler for an informative look at the journey to becoming a physician, from identifying as a pre-med student in high school to planning for the significant financial investment required for medical school.   First, Kyra sits down with College Coach Mary Sue Youn to discuss Being Pre-Med as an Applicant. Mary Sue explains what it really means to be "pre-med" and dispels some common misconceptions about the term. She explores what colleges look for in applicants interested in pursuing medicine, and why there is no single "correct" undergraduate path to medical school. The conversation also covers academic preparation, extracurricular involvement, and factors students should consider when building a college list with their long-term goals in mind.   Next, College Coach Lauren DiProspero takes listeners inside the college experience in Being Pre-Med in College. Lauren discusses the realities of navigating a pre-med path once students arrive on campus, including course selection, maintaining a strong GPA, gaining clinical and research experience, and preparing for the MCAT. She also addresses common challenges pre-med students face, such as balancing rigorous academics with extracurricular commitments.   In the final segment, Finance Expert Michelle Smoley examines one of the biggest considerations for future physicians: Planning to Pay for Undergrad and Med School. Michelle discusses how families can think strategically about college costs while keeping an eye on the substantial expense of medical education. She explores financial aid, scholarships, borrowing considerations, and ways students can position themselves to minimize debt throughout their educational journey. Her advice helps families understand the financial tradeoffs involved and develop a plan that supports both undergraduate and medical school goals.

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 Academies. 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.