Welcome to another episode of the Stepmom Wisdom Circle! If you're a stepparent or parent with teens looking to go to college, you're likely wondering how to afford one of the biggest milestones in their lives. In today's episode, we dive into the recent changes in the FAFSA application process and how they impact potential college students, especially those in stepfamilies. We'll explore common mistakes people make when completing the FAFSA and how to avoid them. Plus, we'll discuss what qualities colleges are looking for in prospective students and share specific steps families and students can take during their freshman and sophomore years of high school to prepare. Given the significant financial and emotional investment in the college application process, we'll also talk about how families can manage these pressures to avoid overwhelming their high school students. Today, I'm thrilled to welcome two experts in college applications and scholarship strategies. First, we have Denise Thomas, a TEDx speaker, international bestselling author, and mentor to parents of college-bound teenagers. Denise inspires, educates, and equips parents to actively support their children in achieving financial freedom. From bankruptcy to finding a way for her two homeschooled children to attend college and 17 scholarships totaling more than 199, 000, she's on a mission to help other families do the same, change lives, leave legacies, and flip the student debt statistics in the U. S. Our next guest is Mindi Trimble, known as the 'bubble wrap' of college prep. Mindi mentors students on how to intentionally POP out from the application crowd without POPPING under pressure on the way to their best-fit college. Besides increasing acceptance rates, Mindi's Acceptance Academy program has helped students win scholarship and financial aid offers ranging from 5 to 30 times what they invest in her guidance. When not singing her students' praises, Mindi's flexing her Phi Beta Kappa from UC_Berkely skills at trivia nights, hiking with her family and German Sheagle, and using her formal opera training to make up silly versions of soprano arias. Stay tuned until the end to get all the links to the special programs Mindy and Denise are offering. Now, let's dive in!" Here are some of the topics we addressed: Discovering affordable college options, overturning common myths. FAFSA is crucial for university aid - denouncing myths and urging application. FAFSA process improved to avoid errors. Parents need help with college scholarship process. Scholarship's importance for future success and help. Start early for better writing, scholarships and college applications. Waiting until junior year is a myth. "Myth of the 'spike' for college admissions" Focus on intentional, impactful involvement, not superficial interest. Be well-rounded and make uncommon connections to inform your activities. LInks to the speaker's websites and programs: Denise Thomas: Website: https://www.getaheadoftheclass.com/ Application call to see if one of my programs is a good fit for your family https://www.getaheadoftheclass.com/apply Programs: - Cracking the Code to College or Private Client Services ( For families of middle school through high school juniors. Requires application and consult) - Cracking the Code to College- Digital Video Course (6-Month Access) https://www.getaheadoftheclass.com/digital-access-cracking-the-code-to-college-1 - Cracking the Code-College Success Edition https://www.getaheadoftheclass.com/CCFC-college-edition - Advanced College Scholarships https://www.getaheadoftheclass.com/Find-Scholarships-Course Mindi Trimble: Mindi Trimble Mentoring site: www.minditrimble.com/mentoring Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/minditrimblementoring FB: https://www.facebook.com/minditrimblementoring If you know an 11th grader who needs college application help this summer, learn more about Mindi's mastermind/1:1 hybrid program #WinningCollege (first session starts May 19): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KZcnIuQurUnIEgwbcn1LxuX9czO_kq1kcl5FXcZxG14/edit?usp=sharing And BONUSES just for Stepmom Coach listeners: www.minditrimble.com/podcast. Snag my Bubble-Wrapped College Planning Timeline Resource for 8th-12th graders AND book a FREE YouScience Aptitude & Career Discovery Test & 1:1 Review Session ($350 value). YouScience is a robust data-gathering tool, not a test. No stress because you literally cannot fail. It's measuring a student's natural strengths and abilities—and we are going to celebrate them together and figure out what they mean for your child's future! BONUS: "And don't miss Denise Thomas or Mindi Trimble (and over 100 other speakers) on May 15 as part of the Family Matters MEGA Summit which raises funds for UNICEF and hosting talks on important family topics including health, relationships, parenting, finance, child development, education, and more! Register for free NOW!" #FAFSA, #CollegeApplicationProcess, #FAFSAapplicationIssues, #CollegeScholarships, #FinancialAid, #ScholarshipApplications,
