College Planning Simplified

Stephanie D'Souza
  • 5.0 (13)
  • HOW TO
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

College planning is stressful! We bring you the latest news on choosing a good fit college, presenting yourself effectively in college applications, writing effective college essays, building a successful high school resume, and navigating the college admission process successfully.

  1. 2D AGO

    How To Choose The Right Common App Personal Statement Prompt

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Jamie Pack, Director of Content at Advantage College Planning helps break down what the Common App personal statement is really for, then she walks prompt by prompt through how students can write an essay that reveals character instead of chasing the “most impressive” story. We focus on voice, tone, and reflection so admissions readers finish your essay feeling like they’ve met a real person they want to know. We also cover: • Why colleges use the essay to understand who you are and how you think  • Building two lists: what the application already shows vs what’s missing  • Avoiding sample-essay pressure and the myth that one essay decides admission  • Prompt 1: choosing one essential thread rather than a full life story  • Prompt 2: picking a healthy topic and using the one-third challenge, two-thirds growth formula  • Prompt 3: handling disagreement with nuance, not arguments  • Prompt 4: keeping gratitude essays focused on the student’s change and actions  • Prompt 5: separating internal growth from external achievement and showing evidence  • Prompt 6: writing curiosity essays that follow a rabbit hole instead of listing interests  • Prompt 7: using topic of choice to reveal values and consistent traits without recycling work  If today's episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this podcast with someone who needs study guidance right now.

    43 min

  2. APR 8

    Test Smarter, Not Harder: How to Choose and Maximize SAT or ACT Scores

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Stephanie sits down with test prep expert Jenny Cochran from ArborBridge to break down what the SAT and ACT really measure and why “easy” depends on the student. We debunk four testing myths and share practical ways to choose a test, plan retakes, and use scores strategically for admissions and merit scholarships.  The topics include: • How SAT and ACT differ in timing, structure, and skills  • Why Algebra 2 is a key readiness marker for both tests  • How Desmos can help boost math scores  • What the ACT Science section actually tests  • Why taking both diagnostics can reveal best fit  • Why there is no magic number of retakes  • How to spot a score plateau and use self-reflection to improve  • How to balance test prep with AP classes and activities  • What score choice and superscoring mean for reporting  • Why test optional still makes strong scores valuable  • How SAT or ACT scores can impact merit scholarship money  If today's episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this podcast with someone who needs study guidance right now!

    42 min

  3. MAR 12

    Why Valedictorians Get Denied

    Send us Fan Mail A big welcome to our new host, Stephanie D’Souza! In this episode, Stephanie shares what she learned reading applications inside multiple admissions offices, including Duke University. She explains why highly selective decisions hinge on mission fit, real impact, and character, not just perfect grades and “checking the boxes.”  • Stephanie’s admissions background across research universities, junior college, and a highly selective office  • What admitted students show beyond stats: mission alignment, impact, authenticity  • The academic baseline and how readers evaluate rigor by high school context and the school profile  • Building extracurricular depth, initiative, and community impact instead of stacking activities  • “Fit to major” and ways to prove academic curiosity through classes, research, and credible exploration  • Helping undecided students find authentic interests by tracking what they choose in free time  • Why pay-to-play summer programs do not move the needle and when they can still be useful  • How character shows up in recommendations, including why “the B class” can reveal grit  • Essays as a “whisper in the ear” that adds reflection and voice beyond the activity list  • Test optional reality, when strong scores help, and when not to submit  • Institutional priorities that students cannot control and how to interpret confusing outcomes  If today's episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this podcast with someone who needs study guidance right now.

    28 min

  4. 07/30/2025

    Are You Ready for College Apps? 4 Things Seniors Should Do Now

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of College Planning Simplified, Arielle breaks down four key tasks every rising senior should tackle before senior year begins. From starting your Common App and building a strong activity list to brainstorming your personal statement and balancing your college list, she'll walk you through how starting early sets you up for a smoother, more confident application season. ✅ Actionable advice you can use today—so you’re not scrambling later.

    7 min

  5. 06/27/2025

    Inside the College Essay: Tips for Writing with Confidence

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of College Planning Simplified, Arielle is joined by Jamie Pack, Director of Content and a college consultant at Advantage College Planning, to discuss the nuances of writing college essays. Jamie highlights the value of an authentic voice in essays and provides practical advice on brainstorming and drafting compelling personal statements. The episode also offers guidance for parents on how to support their children without overshadowing their voice. Listeners receive tips for overcoming writer's block. 00:00 Introduction to College Planning Simplified 01:20 The Role and Importance of Supplemental Essays 02:34 Diving into the Personal Statement 05:35 The Significance of Authenticity in Essays 12:08 Common Mistakes in College Essays 19:04 Parental Support in the Essay Writing Process 23:30 Encouraging Self-Reflection in Students 27:11 Overcoming Writer's Block 28:29 Finding Unique Essay Topics 35:55 Conclusion and Additional Resources

    38 min

  6. 05/29/2025

    What Does a Record Number of Applications Mean for University of Tennessee Admissions?

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of College Planning Simplified, Arielle is joined by Clay Alexander from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, to discuss the evolving admissions landscape at UTK. They cover key topics like what the admissions review process looks like, how students can stand out beyond GPA and test scores, and what out-of-state applicants should know, especially in light of Tennessee’s auto-admit policy for in-state students. You’ll also hear about UTK’s most popular majors and how the university is managing a surge in applications.

    35 min

  7. 04/28/2025

    How Can Students Maximize Their Summer for College Success?

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of College Planning Simplified, host Arielle and Lindsey Roy discuss how students can make the most out of their summer. They emphasize the importance of intentional planning and the value of part-time jobs, authentic personal projects, and volunteer experiences. They also highlight the significance of early application processes, like starting the Common App, creating an activity list, and reflecting on personal interests and achievements. The episode provides practical advice for students and parents on how to use the summer effectively to enhance college applications. 00:00 Introduction and Summer Excitement 00:56 The Importance of Summer Planning 01:57 Valuable Summer Activities for Students 02:38 Personal Stories of Summer Jobs 03:51 Authentic Summer Experiences 05:31 Encouraging Student Independence 14:40 Mistakes in Summer Planning 18:45 Tips for Rising Seniors 22:41 Conclusion and Summer Fun

    24 min

  8. 03/24/2025

    Applying to UNC-Chapel Hill: Insights from the Admissions Office

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of College Planning Simplified, Arielle is joined by Jared Rosenberg, the Interim Director of Admissions at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Jared shares valuable insights on the university's admissions process, including application statistics, acceptance rates, and the importance of extracurricular activities. He clarifies common questions about geographic quotas, intended majors, and the influence of extracurriculars on admissions. Jared also offers advice on writing impactful essays and managing the competitive nature of college admissions. This episode is packed with valuable information for prospective students and families navigating the college application process. 00:00 Introduction  00:36 Early Action Insights 01:21 Application Trends  03:53 County-Specific Admission Trends 06:48 Intended Major and Application Review 13:31 Extracurricular Activities and Their Importance 18:17 The Role of Essays in Applications 25:20 On-Campus Competitiveness and Resources 30:23 Future of Admissions and Final Thoughts

    39 min
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5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

College planning is stressful! We bring you the latest news on choosing a good fit college, presenting yourself effectively in college applications, writing effective college essays, building a successful high school resume, and navigating the college admission process successfully.

Information

  • Creator
    Stephanie D'Souza
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    55
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 College Planning Simplified
  • Show Website
    College Planning Simplified

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