College TNT

Jen Schoen
  • 0.0 (0)
  • HOW TO
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Helping students and families navigate to and through college!

  1. 15/12/2025

    Unlocking Your AI Scholarship Genie: Part 2

    Unlocking Advanced AI Tips for Successful Scholarship Searches - Part 2 Join me, Jen Schoen from College TNT, in the second part of the 'AI Scholarship Search Genie' series as I delve into advanced strategies using AI tools like Magai and Perplexity to uncover perfect scholarship opportunities for you. Learn about three powerful prompts for student leadership, athletic aspirations, and comprehensive profiles that enhance your scholarship search. Jen discusses iterating prompts, verifying legitimate scholarships, and provides action steps. Don't miss out on these tips and tricks to make your scholarship search smarter and more efficient! If you want to see how the prompts work, head on over to my YouTube channel to watch the videos.  00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:16 Advanced Scholarship Search Strategies 02:19 Prompt 1: The Activity Amplifier 03:16 Prompt 2: Athletic Aspirations 04:53 Prompt 3: The Super Combo 06:49 Bonus Tips and Cautions 08:24 Action Steps for Success 11:26 Conclusion and Next Steps For more about my tips and my experience, check out the links below. On Youtube You can reach me at jen@collegetnt.com. College TNT https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenschoen/ https://www.firstgenfm.com/speaker-high-school-educators-students-parents

    13 min

  2. 07/12/2025

    Turn AI into Your Personal Scholarship Genie!

    Unlock Thousands in Scholarships with AI Tools In this episode, Jen Schoen from College TNT reveals how artificial intelligence (AI) can become a powerful tool in your scholarship search. Learn about using Magai and Perplexity AI to find unique scholarship opportunities tailored to your individual needs. Jen shares valuable prompts to kick-start your search and important warnings about the limitations of AI.  Discover how to iterate your search for better results and why crafting your own essays is crucial. Plus, get access to free trial links and exclusive prompts designed to guide you through the process. Tune in to uncover the keys to maximizing your college funding with AI. Get my 5 Free AI Prompts ​My link to Magai  00:00 Introduction to AI for Scholarship Searches 01:24 Overview of Magai and Perplexity AI 02:23 Local Hero Search: Finding Local Scholarships 05:18 Academic Achievement Match: Scholarships for High Achievers 07:53 Words of Caution When Using AI 09:35 Quick Wins and Actionable Steps 11:18 Conclusion and Next Steps For more about my tips and my experience, check out the links below. On Youtube You can reach me at jen@collegetnt.com. College TNT https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenschoen/ https://www.firstgenfm.com/speaker-high-school-educators-students-parents

    13 min

  3. 30/11/2025

    3 Fantastic Places to Look for Scholarships:

    Hey there future college student and Disney fan!  Ever wonder where scholarships that would helo you are hiding? Join me, Jen Schoen from College TNT, as I reveal three secret spots to find your scholarship treasure troves! Just like hidden Mickeys in Disney parks, scholarships can be found in the most surprising places, and I'm here to guide you.  Listen through to the end for 3 action steps you can take to start finding money for college! Ready to embark on this scholarship scavenger hunt? Let’s dive in!  00:00 Introduction: Discover Hidden Scholarships 02:15 Secret Spot #1: Local Business Connections 03:14 Secret Spot #2: Professional Associations 04:02 Secret Spot #3: Special Interest Groups 05:05 Action Steps: Quick Wins and Deep Dives 06:41 Bonus Tips and Consistency 08:28 Conclusion and what's next For more about my tips and my experience, check out the links below. On Youtube You can reach me at jen@collegetnt.com. College TNT https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenschoen/ https://www.firstgenfm.com/speaker-high-school-educators-students-parents

    9 min

  4. 24/11/2025

    3 Detail Disasters: College Essay Mistakes That Haunt Admissions Readers

    Banish These 3 Detailed Disasters from Your College Essay In this episode, Jen from College TNT discusses common mistakes students make in their college essays by including unnecessary details. She highlights three major pitfalls: 'supporting character takeover,' 'timeline tremors,' and 'word graffiti.' Jen provides practical tips and action steps to help students focus their essays on personal growth, passion, and transformation. Stay tuned to the end for a five-minute trick to identify and fix these issues, and learn how to craft a compelling essay that stands out to admissions officers. To get the free worksheet to help with your essay, head here. 00:00 Introduction: Avoiding Essay Disasters 01:07 Supporting Character Takeover 03:16 Timeline Tremors: Avoiding Unnecessary Details 05:01 Word Graffiti: Too Many Details 06:35 Action Steps to Improve Your Essay 08:45 Conclusion and Next Steps For more about my tips and my experience, check out the links below. On Youtube You can reach me at jen@collegetnt.com. College TNT https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenschoen/ https://www.firstgenfm.com/speaker-high-school-educators-students-parents

    10 min

  5. 15/11/2025

    Unforgettable College Essays: Secrets from the Haunted Mansion

    Unforgettable Essays: Secrets from the Haunted Mansion In this episode, Jen Schoen from College TNT leverages her three decades of experience in college admissions and scholarship reading to guide you on making your college essay stand out. By adding detailed descriptions, creating memorable characters, and utilizing sensory elements, Jen shows how to bring your essay to life. She provides actionable steps and cautions on avoiding common mistakes, underlining the importance of keeping the essay focused on you. Sprinkling in Disney magic with references to the Haunted Mansion, Jen ensures an engaging and informative session. Stay tuned for part two, focusing on avoiding common essay mistakes. Here's the link from the QR code mentioned in the show for the handout Do's and Don'ts. 00:00 Introduction: Making Your College Essay Unforgettable 01:03 The Power of Details in Your Essay 01:39 Creating Memorable Characters 04:10 Activating Your Senses 05:22 Knowing When to Cut Details 07:16 Three Action Steps to Improve Your Essay 09:39 Conclusion and Next Steps You can find me at CollegeTNT.com and on Youtube at CollegeTNT!  For more about my tips and my experience, check out the links below. On Youtube You can reach me at jen@collegetnt.com. College TNT https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenschoen/ https://www.firstgenfm.com/speaker-high-school-educators-students-parents

    11 min

  6. 10/11/2025

    Let It Go! 5 Essay Topics to Avoid

    Are you working on your college application essay and worried about sounding like everyone else? In this episode of "Let It Go," college admissions expert Jen Schoen reveals the five most overdone essay topics that make admissions officers groan—and shows you how to make your story stand out. Jen draws on decades of experience reading thousands of applications to break down why topics like sports victories, mission trips, personal tragedies, leadership roles, and the COVID-19 pandemic are so common—and how you can transform these clichés into compelling, personal narratives. With vivid examples and practical tips, Jen shares three actionable steps to help you add unique details, evoke emotion, and make your essay truly your own. Whether you’re just starting your draft or polishing your final version, this episode will help you avoid the pitfalls and discover the magic in your own story. Tune in for expert advice, a dash of Disney inspiration, and the confidence to write an essay that only you could tell! For the handout mentioned on 3 Pixar steps to better storytelling in your essay, head here tinyurl.com/collegeTNTpixar. For more about my tips and my experience, check out the links below. On Youtube You can reach me at jen@collegetnt.com. College TNT https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenschoen/ https://www.firstgenfm.com/speaker-high-school-educators-students-parents

    10 min

  7. 02/11/2025

    3 Pixar Secrets for a Great College Essay

    In this podcast, I’ll use my expertise as a seasoned admissions and scholarship advisor, to share how to make your college essay unforgettable using the Pixar storytelling method.  I detail three critical steps: The Setup, The A-ha! Moment, and The Transformation. I emphasize the importance of detailed, personal stories and share insightful examples to illustrate each step.  Additionally, I’ll provide 3 bonus tips on brainstorming, why using 'I' statements is crucial, and why adding sensory details can bring your narrative to life.   You can also find this on Youtube to see this episode.  Download a free Pixar Method Worksheet to help structure your essays by heading here: https://tinyurl.com/collegeTNTpixar. Stay tuned for upcoming videos on essay topics and adding impactful details to your writing.   00:00 Introduction: The Pixar Magic in College Essays 00:36 Why Stories Work in College Essays 01:24 Step 1: The Setup 03:10 Step 2: The Aha Moment 05:09 Step 3: The Transformation 07:26 Buzz Lightyear's Essay Outline 08:21 Bonus Tips for Writing Your Essay 10:19 Conclusion and Next Steps For more about my tips and my experience, check out the links below. On Youtube You can reach me at jen@collegetnt.com. College TNT https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenschoen/ https://www.firstgenfm.com/speaker-high-school-educators-students-parents

    11 min

  8. 21/03/2025

    Navigating College Choices: Place, Selectivity, and Family Conversations

    Choosing the right college involves much more than just academics—it's about finding a place where you'll truly thrive for four transformative years. In this episode, I dive deep into the critical but often overlooked aspect of "place" in college selection and how geography shapes your entire college experience. What's the perfect distance from home? That sweet spot between independence and accessibility matters more than you might think. For some students, being two hours away provides ideal separation while maintaining the option to return for long weekends. For others, proximity to extended family in a completely different region might offer the right balance of adventure and support. We explore how climate preferences, urban versus rural settings, and even state political environments factor into college happiness. Are you energized by bustling city life with public transportation and cultural attractions? Or does a small college town with a tight-knit community feel more authentic to you? From snow sports enthusiasts to year-round swimmers, your lifestyle preferences deserve consideration in this significant decision. The episode concludes with practical guidance on having productive family conversations about college selection. We address potential friction points between student preferences and parental considerations, particularly around affordability and location. By documenting your campus visit impressions and maintaining open dialogue, you can navigate this complex decision together. Whether you're a current high school student or a parent supporting the journey, this episode provides the framework for finding that perfect college fit. Have questions about your specific situation? Reach out directly—I'm here to help you navigate this exciting transition! For more about my tips and my experience, check out the links below. On Youtube You can reach me at jen@collegetnt.com. College TNT https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenschoen/ https://www.firstgenfm.com/speaker-high-school-educators-students-parents

    14 min
See All (22)

About

Helping students and families navigate to and through college!

Information

  • Creator
    Jen Schoen
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 College TNT
  • Show Website
    College TNT