College admissions can feel like a stressful, overwhelming, and expensive process, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, I’m joined by Shellee Howard, Founder & CEO of College Ready, Certified Independent College Strategist, two-time best-selling author, and host of Parents: Is Your Teen College Ready?

With over 17 years of experience and more than 3,000 students guided to top-tier schools (including 327 Ivy League acceptances and over $40 million in scholarships), Shellee shares her proven strategies to help families navigate the admissions process, secure scholarships, and find the right college fit without drowning in student loan debt.

We also talk about her inspiring nonprofit, Empower Education, which was born from her life-changing trip to Uganda, and how that experience reshaped her view on education both globally and here at home.

Whether your child is a freshman in high school or already filling out applications, this conversation is packed with encouragement, myth-busting, and practical tips that can make college more manageable and affordable for your family.

✨ What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• The biggest myths about getting into top colleges
• Why passion projects can help your student stand out in applications
• How to graduate debt-free and secure scholarships
• Common mistakes families make in the admissions process (and how to avoid them)
• Lessons Shellee learned while guiding her own kids through Harvard and nursing school—without loans
• The story behind Empower Education and her work with students in Uganda
• Encouragement for parents who feel overwhelmed by the admissions process

Connect with Shellee Howard: 

www.collegereadyplan.info = FREE 30 min. zoom call

www.EmpowerEducation.world = FREE meeting for Middle and High School students.

📺 Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOpw5ui4uxJHx0tLFVtpnfSkpObfc4d-K

You can find Katie at:
website: burntpancakes.com
YouTube: @burnt.pancakes
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Email: katie@burntpancakes.com

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